I think I’ve mentioned this several times, but 2021 is the year I branched out my reading horizons. I have read a handful of books that are not the usual genre that I would consider reading in the past. This is the case with Mesu Andrews Isaiah’s Daughter, which happens to be a Biblical/Christian Fiction book. I found this book at my local library when browsing the Christian Fiction section. I was intrigued by it since it’s the story of Ishma, Isaiah, and King Hezekiah. I’m glad I found this book because now I found another genre I want to read and a new author’s book to add to my reading list.
Storyline/My Thoughts: I enjoyed Isaiah’s Daughter and reading the story of Ishma (later named Hephzibah), King Hezekiah, Isaiah, and several other biblical characters. This book may be considered fiction, but the author researched the biblical characters before writing their story, and I loved that most about this book. This book follows Ishma when she was younger as a child and then as an Israelite captive. She ends up underneath the Prophet Isaiah’s household, and he adopts her as his own daughter. Ishma ends up meeting King Hezekiah when he is younger before he becomes King, and they become close right away. I enjoyed reading Ishma’s POV with everything she went through as a child to an adult. I felt so many times for her character, especially after she married King Hezekiah and tried several times to give him an heir. It was heartbreaking what she continued to go through, but she was a fighter. She grew in her faith, and she also helped others that would give up at times. This included her husband, King Hezekiah, and when he became frustrated with Isaiah’s prophecies.
The story also is told in Hezekiah’s and Isaiah’s POV, which I enjoyed getting to read their perspective of what was going on around them. It was not easy with so many people worshiping false gods and doing things that were not found favorable to Yahweh. One of them was King Hezekiah’s father, a ruthless ruler who sacrificed his own children to false gods and did awful things. I could understand why King Hezekiah was determined not to be like his father, especially when it came to being a husband to Ishma. There were times though King Hezekiah strayed away from the prophecies shared to him by Isaiah, and his actions would later cause issues.
There are so many life lessons in this story that can be taken away, and the main one is to put your complete trust in God. Ishma, King Hezekiah, and Isaiah learn why they have to put their complete trust in God after enduring so much. I needed this reminder to always trust God, especially in today’s world. The more I let go and let God, the more I realize it’s better for me, especially when it comes to my health.
I enjoyed getting to read and know these characters. This story has several things in it that will be heartbreaking and devastating. I felt for the characters and what they endured during this time in the world. I’m glad I gave this book a chance, and I can’t wait to read more books from this author. I’ve already borrowed the next book in the Prophets and Kings series.
Overall, I give this book four stars and look forward to reading more of this genre. Thanks to my local library for introducing me to this fantastic author, Mesu Andrews, and her books.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the Prophets and Kings series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you are a reader of Biblical/Christian Fiction, then I would recommend this book.