Treasures of the Nile: Miriam : A Treasures of the Nile Novel (Series #2) (Paperback)

It’s common to read reviews in which the reviewer boasts of how quickly they’ve read the book or how impossible it was to put down. However, I believe some books are meant to be read slowly so the gravity of the events and the significance of the author’s message can penetrate our thoughts — such was the case with Miriam. Over the course of her previous 5 novels, Mesu Andrews has built a reputation of letting her love for teaching God’s Word spill over into her works of biblical fiction. Therefore, when I sat down to read Miriam I was prepared with post-it flags and a copy of the Bible. Call me a book nerd or bible geek, but in doing so, I’ve gained rich satisfaction from this novel and many points to ponder for days to come. I’ll begin my praise by focusing on the main character of the story, Miriam. If you’ve read The Pharaoh’s Daughter, and I hope you have, you’ll recognize how Mesu maintains a consistent characterization of Miriam as a gentle and caring woman who places the needs of others before her own. We learn that in the time period between the first and second books, Miriam (who is now eighty-six years old) has become a trusted midwife/healer as well as a prophetess for Israel. My heart warmed to this elderly protagonist because her story brought to mind the many seasons of ministry we will experience. I found her reactions to change and her twinge of jealousy towards God’s call on others to be very… human. With Miriam, I perceived subtle changes in Mesu’s writing as compared to her previous novels. Her scenes, which have always been ladened with rich historical details, felt even warmer — as if I’d been invited into Miriam’s actual longhouse versus simply picturing it in my mind. Additionally, she has ramped up the level of suspense! Even knowing that Mesu would not depart from scripture, I remained on the edge of my seat as Pharoah’s army came bearing down on the Hebrews. Finally, it seemed to me that love (familial and romantic) took a more central role in this story. I could go on and on, but I fear I may give away too much. Read this book and remember my advice — some books are meant to be read slowly. Let the message seep in as you enjoy another fabulous biblical fiction novel by Mesu Andrews! I received this book from the author for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Another moving and very powerful story from one of the best names in Biblical fiction. Miriam opens up the world of the Exodus and helps you dig deep down into yourself and, even more so, into the Bible. Mesu Andrews paints such vivid word pictures that all five senses are engaged through the imagination. Her depictions of life in ancient times, Egypt in this book, are just so real. And let me tell you, the plaques were described to well and so colorfully that, not only did I mentally visualize them, but I also just about smelled the dead fish and frogs. Speaking of the plagues, I really liked how she handled them, some science but the miraculousness of them is not hidden or denied. One of the things I love best about Mesu Andrews writing is that she takes these Biblical heroes off the pedestals we've put them on. They are people, just like us, they made the same mistakes people do today. In Miriam the title character has several struggles, one of which is that she feels replaced and unimportant when God chooses to reveal His salvation of the Hebrews through her little brother, Moses, instead of her. She has been El Shaddai's prophetess for decades, when quite suddenly He has a new name and nothing is the same, so she feels and she feels angry. Gosh, has that ever happened to any of us? Yeah, totally a rhetorical question there. On the whole, I was totally impressed by Miriam and can't recommend Mesu Andrews' new Treasurer's Of The Nile series enough. (I received a copy of this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.)