Noble

Author: Mesu Andrews
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Series: King David's Brides #2
Pages: 400
Release Date: August 19, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Princess Maakah of Geshur is duty-bound to create a political alliance for her father through marriage. The cancellation by King Saul of her betrothal to his fourth-born son compels Maakah's father to send her to the rebel David ben Jesse, a shepherd-warrior anointed years earlier as Israel's future king, to propose a marriage between them. Taken aback by stories of David's ferocity and lowly birth, Maakah considers the match a degrading fate but obeys her father's wishes out of duty as her nation's only heir.

To her relief, David rejects the offer of marriage, but circumstances make it impossible for Maakah to return home, and she must stay with David's people until it is safe for her to travel again. Facing prejudice and suspicion from the Israelites, Maakah navigates the delicate balance between her noble heritage and her growing respect for David's faith and leadership. In a land torn by war and divided loyalties, she must choose where her allegiance lies: with her Geshurite people, or with an extraordinary destiny alongside David that beckons her from within.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“Princess Maakah of Geshur is duty-bound to create a political alliance for her father through marriage,” the online description states in Mesu Andrew’s novel, Brave: The Story of Maakah.

The second book in the King David’s Brides series, this 400-page paperback, targets those who enjoy Biblical historical fiction involving King David and his wives. Containing no profanity or explicit sexual situations, its worshipping of foreign gods, physical abuse, war, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. A map, list of characters, note to the reader, and prologue are at the beginning, while the ending includes an epilogue, author’s note, ten discussion questions, a teaser of the next book in the series, and advertisements. Corresponding Bible verses are written out at the beginning of each chapter with references.

With chapters written in first person by King David and Maakah, this story, based loosely on Biblical content, covers how the iconic figure met and married his third wife, who was the princess of Geshur. With two incomplete betrothals, Princess Maakah is sent to Gibeah with her long-time maid to marry the upcoming king of Israel. When she meets David, the shepherd warrior, she must not only rethink if she wants to marry the next king of Israel, but also she questions the true reasons her father has arranged the marriage. When Ziklag is destroyed, David must comfort his two current wives and decide what Yahweh has planned for him, his wives, his army, and his potentially third bride. By seeking God’s direction, both David and Maakah must submit themselves to Him before they can join as one.

I love Old Testament stories of David and how he relied on God as a shepherd, warrior, and king. I found the fictional account interesting and how his marriage to his third wife could have been arranged. Learning how royalty believed “kingdom first–always” showed the period’s traditions and legends. I appreciated the list of documented and fictional characters at the beginning of the book as well as the note to the reader on how the writer chose to convey a loving relationship between his wives.

Those who do not have a personal relationship with God may not appreciate the beliefs and prayers to Him for help, support, and peace. Others may not care for the ample liberties taken to enhance the storyline, but they are well written and researched. Several scenes are not in Scripture, so they seem unreliable, especially when they involve the fictional characters.

Although I enjoy this author’s writing style and in-depth research, I struggled with the feasibility of David’s wives being “sister wives” who loved each other, as I do not think it is documented in the Bible.

If you love an Old Testament historical fiction series about King David and his many wives as they nobly learn to trust Yahweh, this second book is intriguing, but it may not be completely accurate according to Scripture.

Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

Biblical stories such as this one really are my favorite to read. The way this story is described, I feel like I’m right there with these wonderful characters.

What a beautiful and brave woman Maakah was! I loved that she hung in there and held her own. Here’s a quote that matches her perfectly:

“Maakah is more noble than any king I’ve met and worthy of truth, Lord.”

Noble is definitely the right word for Maakah. I feel blessed by reading this courageous woman’s story. I’m still thinking about her and the way she made friends easily. I feel like I’ve gotten to know her so much better. 

I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. I finished it at 2:00 am.

I love a good story about David. He is my favorite King.

I’m so glad that Andrews gave us more in depth to David’s life so that we might see how they lived from day to day. Five stars from me for a job well done! I loved every minute of this book and I hated to see it end.

My thanks for a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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