Brave: The Story of Ahinoam By Mesu Andrews + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Brave: The Story of Ahinoam by Mesu Andrews hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I recently finished reading this story! You can find my review HERE! This was such an interesting read.

About the Book

Title: Brave: The Story of Ahinoam 

Series: King David's Brides #1 

Author: Mesu Andrews 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: October 1, 2024 

Genre: Biblical Fiction

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a dagger-wielding Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.

Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel's next king?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

Also Available:

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Story Excerpt:

“Get to the house, Ahinoam!”

My fingers fumbled to dislodge the climbing rope that held me captive to the tree. Finally releasing

it from my belt, I caught up with Abba and matched his gait stride for stride. Jezreel’s watchmen

finally sounded the t’ruah, warning of attack with nine short blasts. We reached our courtyard gate,

heard faraway screams. Like a long-­forgotten nightmare come to life.

“Hide! Now!” Abba pushed me through our curtained doorway. Tools thudded onto a goatskin on

the packed dirt floor while I hurried to the far corner of our single room and skidded to my knees.

Metal clanged behind me as Abba added our irreplaceable forge hammers, small anvil, and best

whetstones to the goatskin bundle. My fingers shook as I removed the two sideboards beneath his

elevated mattress and heard Abba’s hurried footsteps behind me.

“Get in, girl!” He nudged me into the small, dark space and then shoved our smithing supplies

toward my feet. His eyes met mine. “Not a word,” he said. “No matter what you see or hear. Now

hold the boards in place so I can close you in.”

“Abba, I—”

“The boards!”

I replaced the sideboards over the opening, and Abba pounded them into place with his fist. With

one hand I covered a sob, and with the other I clutched the dagger in my belt. Should the Amalekites

discover me, they’d receive an unwelcome greeting.

About the Author

Mesu Andrews is a Christy Award-winning, bestselling author of biblical novels and devotional studies, whose deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the Bible alive for readers. Her heritage as a "spiritual mutt" has given her a strong yearning to both understand and communicate biblical truths in powerful stories that touch the heart, challenge the mind, and transform lives. Mesu lives in Indiana with her husband, Roy, where she stays connected with her readers through newsy emails, blog posts, and social media.

Connect with Mesu by visiting mesuandrews.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Brave: The Story of Ahinoam and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 9, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 16, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Brave: The Story Of Ahinoam By Mesu Andrews

Brave: The Story of Ahinoam

by Mesu Andrews

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: King David's Brides

ISBN: 9780764242618

I'm a huge fan of historical fiction set in Biblical times! I've enjoyed Mesu's stories in the past and when I saw the cover and heard about the series, I was intrigued. As part of Mesu's launch team, I was sent her book for review.

Summary:

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a dagger-wielding Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.

Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel's next king?

My Review:

I had a feeling going into Brave: The Story Of Ahinoam that it might be more difficult to read than I anticipated. Until the end, I would say it wasn't difficult at all.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Ahinoam (Nomy) and David as fictional characters. I think it's important that while in the Bible they truly were living, breathing people, this story is fictional, but with Biblical events and people.

Nomy wasn't a woman to be trifled with. She could hold her own and she proved it time and time again throughout the story. She was strong, yet also struggled in finding her place, especially as a woman. The author portrays her as a type of fighter, but David's men had a hard time accepting any woman in their midst, but Nomy wasn't your typical woman. The women a part of David's tribe weren't very accepting of her, but Zerry, David's sister was such a balm.

David... I really enjoyed the author's portrayal of him. Just thinking of everything he constantly had to deal with. The familial relations especially had me frustrated. It certainly makes me want to go back and read Scripture to see if I see those same "feelings" from those around him. One of the elements I loved was "watching" David create his psalms. In this way, it really brought them to life for me. The way David had to live as a chosen kind of Israel while yet running for his life must've been overwhelming, and it showed on the pages of this story.

Their constant running from Saul or from those who were trying to kill them was exhausting to read. I couldn't imagine having to have lived through it for years. Hopeful that Saul would stop his pursuit, yet knowing that was never going to happen. The author really brought all of their travel, escapes, and hiding in caves to life for me.

I also really appreciated many of the secondary characters the author wrote about. The story was so much more than just about David and his wives. It brought to life those who were traveling with the future king. How they might've felt about his choices, and even their own choices. It was easy to like the men who stuck close and defended David. It was also easy to dislike those who treated David poorly. In some ways it gave me more compassion for him.

Because of the Biblical account, we know David had multiple wives, as did many men and kings in those times. I don't know believe that there is any Scripture that points to it being God's will for any reason. I think this part of the story will get the most discussion. Many people who read this part of the story will struggle with it because we're created to be married to one person. I absolutely understood Nomy's hurt & rejection even though David tried to reassure her of his love. But, it's in Scripture and we know that there was generational consequences with his multiple wives and their children.

I'm definitely interested in reading the next book in the series. I'm honestly more interested in seeing how the people continue to try to live in these trying conditions than to read more about David's wives, but it'll certainly be an interesting part of it.

About the Author:

Mesu Andrews is a Christy Award-winning, bestselling author of biblical novels and devotional studies, whose deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the Bible alive for readers. Her heritage as a "spiritual mutt" has given her a strong yearning to both understand and communicate biblical truths in powerful stories that touch the heart, challenge the mind, and transform lives. Mesu lives in Indiana with her husband, Roy, where she stays connected with her readers through newsy emails, blog posts, and social media. Visit her at MesuAndrews.com.

Home Is Right Where You Are By Ruth Chou Simons

Home is Right Where You Are

by Ruth Chou Simons

Publisher: Tommy Nelson

ISBN: 978-1400244393

I had wanted to get my hands on this children's book as soon as I heard about it. When I saw it online, I knew it would be in my home eventually. When FrontGate offered the book for review, I didn't hesitate to request it! They sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons shares a message of comfort and peace inspired by Psalm 23: when you are with God, home is always right where you are.

Ruth shares from her heart the words she's spoken over her own six children, from their very young days into adulthood. Ruth's lyrical text and whimsical art take children and families on a journey that reminds all of us that no matter where we go, no matter what comes our way in life, the Lord keeps us close to Him.

This book is perfect for parents and families who want to:

• reassure their children with the comforting truth that God is always with them, that He will guide them, and that He will provide for all their needs;
• teach their children that God is the source of joy, overflowing blessings, and wonderful adventure;
• be delighted with captivating illustrations and beautiful art; and
• soothe anxious minds with the comfort of God's provision and presence.

My Review:

When I saw glimpses of Home is Right Where You Are on social media, I knew it was going to be added to my bookshelves. Having stories for my grandchildren that point them back to the Savior is incredibly important to me!

Ruth's artwork is so stunning, that was a huge draw to this book in particular. You can see and hear Ruth's heart for her boys when she talks about them, but more than that, her passion for the Lord is palpable. There was no doubt in my mind that story would be precious to me and my grands.

I couldn't help but think of the Simons family as I write this post. How timely these words are that Ruth penned reminding readers that God's love has no end. "Look up, my darling, in the dark of the night. The Lord guides your steps -- and keeps you in sight." With their son in a mountain bike accident right before the release of this new book, it was such an important reminder that God is walking through this with them. "The Lord is your keeper wherever you go."

HAVE I cried each time I've read through the story? Yep. Remember when Karen Kingsbury's book Let Me Hold You Longer came out? Cried like a baby. Home is Right Where You Are hits along the same note, but in a very different way. This story is all about how no matter what our children are going through, God is with them! A truth they need to have tucked into their hearts.

So thankful for this sweet book that I get to share with my grand babies for years to come!

About the Author:

Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to sow the Word of God into people's hearts. Through her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her social media community, Simons shares her journey of God's grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

The Christmas Catch By Toni Shiloh

The Christmas Catch

by Toni Shiloh

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764244698

'Tis the season... or almost! Toni writes such fun, poignant Christmas novellas. I HAD to sign up to be on her launch team for her newest release (Sept 24, 2024). She sent me her book for my review.

Summary:

When two high school sweethearts reunite, will they take another chance at love or let life sideline them at Christmas?

Benched with a career-ending injury, NFL wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia, during the holidays to heal, despite his rocky relationship with his father. Nothing shocks him more than running into Lucille "Bebe" Gordon.

Bebe Gordon came home to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter. When Jahleel returns--for the first time in eight years--all the memories of the past come rushing back. The connection between them is still strong, but Jahleel has no plans to stay in Peachwood Bay, and Bebe won't risk him leaving her again. As their hometown's Christmas festivities bring them together, Jahleel must decide if he's only home for the holidays or if the Christmas spirit that brought them together will last all through the year.

My Review:

Kudos to the author for getting me into the Christmas spirit when it's only September with The Christmas Catch. While I like Christmas stories, it's not very often I feel like decorating and listening to Christmas music in Sept. In fact, I typically refuse to acknowledge it... but Toni!

She's so great at full length novels as well as novellas! They can pack a punch in a short amount of time.

We start off meeting Jahleel when he gets injured during an NFL game. He ends up back at his parents home to recuperate, but it's the last place he wants to be. Let me tell you, his dad will have you wanting to try some illegal tackles!

Then we meet his high school girlfriend, Bebe. Just so happens to be neighbors with his parents. Bebe is just living life with her sweet daughter, Hope. Then Jahleel shows up. Unfortunately, her history with Jay causes her heart to betray her while her head tries to keep her in check.

I really enjoyed how they struggled with their pasts while trying to find footing as friends. Their past helps them to have the strong base of already knowing each other, while trying to learn who they are now as adults. There are so many facets to the story. Some that warmed my cookie loving heart and others that made me want to reach into the story and wring some necks!

I appreciated how the author wove the thread of faith into the story (the good and the hard). She gave us hope, forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust. It was all such an integral part of the story.

Now, we also meet May and Ryan, and y'all, we need to bombard Toni with wanting their story! Read this book and tell me you don't agree! hahaha

About the Author:

Toni Shiloh is a wife, a mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a Prince won the first ever Christy Amplify Award. It has also been praised by Oprah Daily, POPSUGAR, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a Parable bestseller. A Run at Love was included in Booklist's Top 10 Romance Fiction of 2024. Her books have won the Selah Award and have been finalists for the Carol Award and the HOLT Medallion. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Toni loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. Learn more at ToniShiloh.com.

What's the Story, Morning Glory? By Julie Lessen + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for What's the Story, Morning Glory? by Julie Lessman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! So fun to have this new book from Julie! I'm sure it'll be as delightful as she is since it's a memoir devotional!

About the Book

Title: What's the Story, Morning Glory?
Author: Julie Lessman
Publisher: Julie Lessman LLC
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Memoir Devotional (half fiction/half nonfiction)

“DEAR LORD, JULIE ... OUR WHOLE LIFE IS IN THIS BOOK!" 

My heart went out to my sweet husband as he walked into our kitchen one day with a noticeable gulp, ashen-faced after reading my latest novel.“Yes, I know, babe,” I said with a repentant smile and a conciliatory hug, “but nobody really knows that.” 
Ahem. Until now ... 

Trust me, "What’s the Story, Morning Glory? A Memoir Devotional with a 'Novel' Approach to Practical Christianity" is not a book I wanted to write. As a novelist, I have never been partial to nonfiction, either reading it or writing it, but I had little choice when God convinced me otherwise through a number of point-blank arm-twistings I couldn’t deny and not-so-gentle proddings from family and friends. 

Despite all the encouragement, I wasn’t really sure where to begin. “It will be fiction and nonfiction combined,” the Holy Spirit whispered within, and just like that, the idea for this book took flight. First, I would tell my “real” and very personal story behind the life-lesson stories in my novels, then I would follow it up with the excerpt from my books where I teach that same life lesson to my characters, finally culminating in corresponding Scriptures, a bulleted “Takeaway” list, and a related prayer. 

Thus, What’s the Story, Morning Glory: A Memoir Devotional with a “Novel” Approach to Practical Christianity was born. A memoir devotional that when combined with scenes from my novels, becomes a “novotional” where I relate the life lessons God personally taught me through His Word. I am simply a child of God who applied these lessons and Biblical precepts to every situation in my life and consequently, saw nonstop answers to prayer and blessings galore. It is my profound hope and prayer that through my own very simple and personal stories and examples, I can do the same for others. Therefore, the format for each chapter of this book will be as

1. The Real Story (How I learned and applied the spiritual lesson in my own life)
2. The Novel Story (The scene where I teach the spiritual lesson to my characters)
3. The Scripture Story (Scriptures applicable to the spiritual lesson)
4. The Takeaway Story (Bulletized points for spiritual lesson in easy-to-read/apply format)
5. The Prayer Story (Specific prayer related to the spiritual lesson)

I pray this bottom-line, albeit somewhat quirky, 1-2-3 devotional blesses you as much as God's spiritual life lessons have blessed me! 

Hugs,
Julie Lessman  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Also Available

     

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Book Excerpt

“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,

but who can stand before jealousy?”

Proverbs 27:4 NIV

Chapter Fourteen

My Career: Slaying the Dragons of Rejection,

Bitterness, Jealousy, and Idol Worship in Our Dreams and Desires

1.) The Real Story:

“Come in and make yourself comfortable.”

I blinked. Comfortable? With sweat on my palms and an eye twitching to the beat of my

pulse?? Dear God, why had I switched deodorants???

She closed the door with an ominous click and extended her hand. “I’m Zsa Zsa Gabor (name changed to protect the innocent), Acquisitions Editor for Steeple Mountain. And you are …”

A basket case … on her first conference pitch ever. I swallowed hard. “Lessman, Julie Lessman.

She nodded and settled in on a worn paisley couch with all the grace and dignity of a queen on her throne. “Tell me about your manuscript,” she said.

I sucked in a deep breath, genuflected in my mind, and let it fly … “Well, you see, it’s a story about an Irish-Catholic family in pre-World War I—”

She extended her hand in the air, palm facing me, and for a moment I thought she was going to do the princess wave. The air fused in my throat when I realized she was halting my spiel. “I’m sorry, but we can’t have stories with specified denominations …”

And there you have it. My maiden pitch to an editor … a glorious seven seconds long! I went back to my hotel room and did what I’d been doing all conference long—cried my heart out and wanted to quit. God help me, the room maid had to think I was pilfering Kleenex!

Nobody ever told me what a bumpy ride it would be on the road to publication. No one ever mentioned that it’s truly an exercise in humility and perseverance that few have the stomach for. That it takes a unique individual to even try.

All you know at the time is that you have this story burning a hole in your heart and you want to get it out. You want to pour your passion—for God and for writing—onto paper and … well, yeah, get paid for it.

So you buckle up and grit your teeth, and keep your eyes riveted to the road as you embark on a journey that has more pit stops (as in “in the pits”) than the Indy 500. And, regrettably, the bumpy ride doesn’t end when you are finally published, at least not for me.

But with God’s voice on my GPS (“Turn right at the next 1-star review and pray till you get to Forgiveness Lane …”), you plot out a route for publication that hopefully won’t have you driving in circles.

About the Author

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, Silver Lining Ranch, and The Cousins O’Connor series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2014, Best of 2015, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-20, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. Her independent novel A Light in the Window was an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. 

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets.

Connect with Julie by visiting julielessman.com to follow her on social media, read both romantic and spiritual excerpts from her books, or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a character named after you in Julie's next book & a signed paperback copy of that book, plus a signed paperback copy of What's the Story, Morning Glory!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 24, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 1, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print copies. Gift card open to all locales. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!