Love Amid the Ashes is the debut novel of Mesu Andrews. From the beginning, it is obvious that Mesu has steeped herself in the study of the biblical text, and has done careful research in order to bring a fresh perspective on the sufferings of Job.
At first, I wondered about a love story which takes place in the midst of Job's incredible pain and suffering. But Mesu has done justice to this story, parts of which are well-known, and others, little known. She has carefully woven together a story from details in the Bible, together with possible scenarios. Readers will be wanting to re-read the Book of Job as well as the relevant chapters from Genesis to see how the storyline flows.
Love Amid the Ashes is a story for all time, as it deals with the ageless themes of forgiveness, shame, love and romance, family dynamics, and suffering. Faith shines brilliantly through words and actions. Characters come to learn of El Shaddai, and this knowledge deepens throughout the story. As the reader, I was caught up in the dilemmas of the characters, and felt their mounting tension. I found the hope-filled ending satisfying.
Mesu adds the story of the hoopoe bird, now Israel's national bird, to tie the story line together. She also includes the relevant biblical text at the beginning of each chapter. Author's notes explain how the book came to be written.
This is one of the first historical fiction books set in biblical times which I have read. I am very impressed with this debut novel, and look forward to what is yet to come from Mesu Andrews!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mesu Andrews is a speaker who has devoted herself to passionate and intense study of Scripture. Harnessing her deep understanding and love for God's Word. Andrews brings the biblical world alive for her readers. She lives in Washington.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".Visit Mesu at http://www.mesuandrews.com/ and http://www.loveamidtheashes.com/. You may also want to follow her on Facebook or Twitter
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