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 … 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?
Mesu Andrews expertly weaves the words of the Song of Solomon into this touching story of the power of love. Readers will be transported from the glowing fields of Shunem to the gleaming city of Jerusalem as they experience this rich and textured novel from a master storyteller.
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The Song of Solomon definitely portrays a special relationship and we know Solomon wrote it. How it came about is debated, but Mesu, as usual, does a stellar job of bringing this story to life in as accurate a manner as possible, with creativity and heart. You will never reread Solomon’s Song without recalling this sacred relationship – one that would have transcended all his others.
Another great book by Mesu Andrews. I learn so much from her stories. She does a great deal of research to make it as historically accurate as possible.
The book begins with a list of all the characters in the book, which helps us to easily trace the characters and the connection between them. In addition, each chapter begins with a biblical reference from the Books of Kings, Chronicles and Song of Songs. The novel gives us a human perspective on the feelings of those involved, without deviating from the theme and without spiritualizing more than necessary.
I really liked this book because it helped me to understand Solomon first as a man, then as a king. I saw Solomon, the man to whom God showed mercy and blessed him wisely so that he could lead Israel in peace. Then I saw an imperfect Solomon who is driven in love matters by desires and lusts and for whom the heart is of little value.
But all this until he meets the Shunammite and the process of his transformation begins. It is a difficult road. But learn slowly and surely that a king is first and foremost a human being, that the heart teaches you most of the time to really love him, if not to protect him.
I appreciated the approach of this biblical book, which is often too spiritualized, and I also appreciated the way the author made it into a story that everyone could read. Love can be understood more easily through the prism of this book since it contains the biblical verses from the Song of Songs and translates them into the normal life story of the protagonists.
And also considering the world we live in, I can say that after years of writing this Bible book, love has lost most of its meaning again. It is seen as something that involves physical action and too little heart. Listen to your heart. Love your partner, not because your physical needs require it, but because you cannot live without him or her. Know the needs of the other, seek the good of the other above your needs and desires. If we all do this, the world will be less selfish and love will regain its rights.
I recommend this book to all who like to read Christian literature, but also to all who like historical books because it contains a part of the history of the people of Israel.
I love All of Mesu’s books. She does a tremendous amount of research. Her writings lead me to the scriptures for myself.
This is a brilliantly conceived take on the Song of Solomon. I recommend it highly.