Noble: The Story of Maakah

By Mesu Andrews

Book Overview

"I am such a fan of Mesu Andrews and so grateful for each story she so artfully and masterfully brings to vivid life."--TOSCA LEE, New York Times bestselling author

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.

This gripping second installment of Mesu Andrews' Old Testament biblical series of ancient Israel and King David's brides will appeal to fans of The Chosen, Francine Rivers, Connilyn Cossette, Jill Eileen Smith, and Tessa Afshar.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764242628
• ISBN13: 9780764242625
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Compelling!

Promised as a bride to a rebel king, Princess Maakah of the Geshurites, finds herself drawn to David and his strange God. Maakah is a princess who was taught how to rule and raised to sit on a throne. When she meets David's family, she witnesses the power of Yaweh, and finds herself drawn in despite everything in her upbringing bring contradicted. She is young, knowledgeable about things beyond her years and experience, yet still untried and open to learn about David's God. I liked how the book shows David as a young warrior, building his renown, a man close to God, but still very much a human man prone to human failures. He is devoted to his people, and I liked also seeing flashes of his shepherd past in his style of leadership. An engaging read that asks many deep questions and finds Maakah and David grappling with their callings and how God provides through unconventional ways with blessing despite our shortfalls. This novel explores David's time in Hebron, and the making of a king. Rich in historical as well as cultural context, it was compelling to see Maakah encounter God through the lens of her pagan roots. Overall, a gripping read that deals well with difficult topics and shows God's great power and mercy to those who would call on His name. It also tackles the rise of King David and the shaping of his legacy, in a manner that makes you think about things in a new way. Engaging, and compelling Biblical fiction! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

splendid Biblical fiction

"If we prayed only for the possible, how would we experience Yahweh's steadfast love?" Mesu Andrews has brought to life another well-researched, enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable Biblical fiction. David's years between being given Ziklag by Achish of Gath and being hailed King of Judah in Hebron are vividly portrayed; you will be able to see God's awesome miracles, taste and smell the cuisine of the Israelites, hear the resounding praise of God by His people, and touch the wilderness David travels. I had not given much thought to David's six wives who gave him sons in Hebron nor that he married many women but this series has given me much insight. The author postulates that David married his wives because God brought these women into David's life to help him be a worthy king and a king after God's own heart. I loved Maakah's spunky and royal first person voice. David's first person voice was not what I was expecting as a seasoned warrior and shrewd politician but it was engaging, warm, tender, and often unsure. How David loved his wives equally and how his wives became like sisters are still mysteries to me but this didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book at all. The Author's Note at the end of the book held nuggets of treasure for a Biblical history lover like myself. I am totally looking forward to the next book in the series! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.