Love's Sacred Song by Mesu Andrews, Book Review

Synopsis:

Standing in the massive shadow of his famous father, young king Solomon wavers between fear and bravado, wisdom and folly. In the uncertain world of alliances and treachery, Solomon longs for peace and a love that is true and pure--a love that can be his cornerstone.

A shepherdess in the northern city of Shunem, Arielah remembers the first time she laid eyes on Solomon in Jerusalem when she was just seven years old. Since then she has known that it was her destiny to become his bride. When her father, a leader of their tribe, secures a promise from King Solomon to marry Arielah as a treaty bride to help unite the kingdom, it seems her dreams may come true.

But how can this simple shepherdess live as part of Solomon's harem? Can Solomon set aside his distractions to give himself completely to just one woman? Or will he let duty, deception, and the daily routine divide his heart?

My personal thoughts:

For generations the 'Song of Solomon' with its eight distinctive chapters has captivated Christians and non Christians. Its flowing and sensual descriptions of the love of one king for his queen mesmerized the senses of countless lovers .

Mesu Andrews is however the first storyteller who gave me a vivid  sense of what this beautiful love story might have been. Such was the attraction I can only say I will have to read this one more than once!

Since I am much more a New Testament student than of the Old Testament I was immediately gratified to notice the Character List. Here was a chance for me to understand and place each of the supporting cast in this wondrous tale. 

Having read others works of fiction of the same period I was also happy to note the author did not 'drown' readers with her knowledge of the Old Testament. Rather she penned her story with clear rich details giving the opportunity for the reader to 'see' each tableau.

'Love's Sacred Song' is first of all of course the story of King Solomon's love for his Shunemite Queen but for me, it has been also a magnificent tapestry of intrigues and into historical and biblical facts. With its rich colours and exquisite details, this story becomes alive in a unforgettable way. Mesu Andrews is the sort of storyteller who will captivate her audience with her writing!

As a treaty bride the 'Lamb Of Israel' or Ariel-ah captured the love of a King but also the loyalty of Israel. Her humble beginnings as shepherdess, the love of her family as well as her faith in God enabled her to reach out to a man who clearly was divided betwixt his duty and hopes for his country's future and his loyalty to Jehovah. Saying nothing of keeping 60 wives happy...

With 12 years of research behind 'Love's Scared Song' storyteller Mesu Andrews paints a much more interesting picture of the wise Solomon and his beautiful Queen, life at court with its many deceptions and a magnificent love which still captivates to this date!

Excellent story and worth every one of its 5 stars!

About the author:

Mesu Andrews is as colourful as her stories and I found her site to be most entertaining! Starting with her unusual name (read here) you will enjoy reading more about this storyteller on her website (here).

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.