The Pharaoh's Daughter - Fiction, Biblical

The Pharaoh’s Daughter

by Mesu Andrews

Anippe lives in the shadow of the fickle gods of Egypt.  She saw her mother taken in the pangs of childbirth by Anubis and has always know he might require her life at any moment.  Terrified to face the afterlife, Anippe swears to never bear children for the husband her father has chosen for her.  So, when she finds a condemned Hebrew boy floating in a basket in the Nile river, Anippe decides that the gods have given her a child to call her own.  She plans to deceive her husband who is away fighting the Hittities, and claim the boy – Mehy - as her own.  Can she find peace with the gods who have always ruled her life, or will they require more of her than she could ever supply?

Wow!  I LOVED this book!  What a great look at the story of Moses from the eyes of the Egyptian princess who adopted him as her own.  I loved the extensive research the author put into this book as she showed a new perspective on the period of the slavery of the Hebrews in Egypt.  The ruthlessness of the Pharaohs – worshiped as gods by the people - even toward ones they claimed to love was startling.  However, we see that El Shaddai – God of the Hebrews – can work for the good and He loves even those who don’t know Him for the purpose of drawing them to Himself.  I am excited to see this story continue in the next book as we discover how God will shape the life of the one whom He has chosen to rescue His people from their slavery.  Overall, I give this book an A+: and excellent Biblical fiction read!

I receive a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Press in exchange for my honest review.

After a Fashion - Fiction, Historical

 

After a Fashion

By Jen Turano

Harriet Peabody is comfortable creating hats for her employer, staying out of the way of the society ladies, and dreaming of opening her own re-fashioned dress shop someday.  But, when a delivery for her employer goes terribly wrong, Harriet finds herself unemployed and the target of wrath for a very unhappy society lady.  Oliver Addleshaw, wealthy society bachelor, witnessed the whole charade, and tries to help Harriet by offering her a position instead as his paid companion as he attempts to close an important business deal.  What neither person expects is the growing affection between a “hat girl” and a society gentleman.  But, troubles from Harriet’s past are never far away, and could endanger Oliver’s reputation and standing, and even Harriet’s life.  Can these two close the deal Oliver is working for, and can they find love despite the lofty rules of a society in which Harriet does not belong?

This book had me from the very first chapter – 1 eccentric spoiled society diva, meets that “hat girl” that won’t back down – action!  Harriet is charming, beautiful, and determined to follow God’s plan for her life, despite the difficulties of her upbringing.  I love that faith is so much a part of who Harriet is.  Dashing and somewhat arrogant, Oliver struggles to find the peace and orderliness he desires for his life apart from God.  The author did a great job of depicting that though life can be complicated with or without God, those who hope in Him find great peace and firm guidance when navigating the troublesome paths laid before them.  I thought the storyline of this book was action-packed, solid, and very entertaining.   I’ve read a lot of boorish historical Christian fiction that have the same old line – boy meets girl, falls in love, perfect ending.  I was so glad to find this book was not those other books!!  Overall, I give this book an A: very entertaining and filled with exciting twists!

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for my honest review.