Brave
The Story of Ahinoam
-
- $11.99
Publisher Description
"The Old Testament stories of David come to vibrant life in Brave. . . . Wonderful!"--Angela Hunt, Christy Award-winning author of The Emissaries
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?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Andrews (In Feast or Famine) creates a rich backstory for King David's little-known first wife in this captivating historical. Seven years ago, Ahinoam and her father Toren, members of the Kenite clan, fled King Saul's imminent attack on their Amalekite city for Jezreel, where they have lived ever since, supplying weapons to the city's warriors. King Saul failed to wipe out the Amalekites, who now seek revenge on the Kenites for "colluding" with the Israelites. When an Amalekite raid strikes Jezreel, Ahinoam and her father flee, and Toren decides they should join up with fugitive future king David, who's hiding in the Judean hills. Ahinoam is far from enchanted with David—she even hurls a dagger at him during a tense exchange with one of his generals—though her feelings start to shift when his sister Zeruiah shares how God has chosen him as the Israelites' future leader. Ahinoam proves a dynamic and irresistible lead as she faces the resentment of David's generals, fends off assassins, and gathers intel that saves the clan. Most affecting of all are her strength and self-possession, which come through as she falls for the brave yet flawed David. Propulsive and finely detailed, this promises more good things to come from Andrews.