Well-researched Biblical fiction

Isaiah’s Daughter by Mesu Andrews

Little Ishma sees the devastation of Old Testament war first hand when her family is destroyed by Israel’s invading army.  She is taken captive and travels to Jerusalem where she is taken in by the prophet Isaiah’s family.  Because of Isaiah’s position as royal tutor, she grows up with Hezekiah, the crown prince of Judah.  After many years, she marries him, her life-long best friend and sweetheart.  She learns more and more to trust her God as she navigates the tension between being married to the king and being the daughter of God’s prophet.

This is a beautifully written love story based on the biblical facts of Hezekiah and Isaiah’s life from the Old Testament.  The author has carefully researched the culture and history of the time.  She uses the facts to flesh out the story of Hezekiah, Isaiah and Ishma or Hepzibah.

 Even though they live in a different time, they face the same struggles as God’s people today.  Hepzibah grows in her faith and learns to trust God for his timing.  Hezekiah learns to lean on God for wisdom to rule his kingdom in difficult times.  Through their lives they come to love others—even difficult people.

As a reader, it was interesting to peek into the marriages of some biblical heroes.  Although the Bible doesn’t tell us much about these relationships, the author demonstrates enough knowledge of human nature to be able to present very realistic challenges that Hepzibah, Hezekiah, and Isaiah would have faced.  One of my biggest disappointments in reading this book was finding out that Manasseh, the long-awaited son of Hezekiah and Hepzibah, was one of Judah’s most evil kings.  Because of this book, I will read portions of the Old Testament with a different insight.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.  I regret that having read it on my ipad, I have no paper copy to share.  I received a free copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.