Brave

Andrews (In Feast or Famine) creates a rich backstory for King David’s little-known first wife in this captivating historical. Seven years ago, Ahinoam and her father Toren, members of the Kenite clan, fled King Saul’s imminent attack on their Amalekite city for Jezreel, where they have lived ever since, supplying weapons to the city’s warriors. King Saul failed to wipe out the Amalekites, who now seek revenge on the Kenites for “colluding” with the Israelites. When an Amalekite raid strikes Jezreel, Ahinoam and her father flee, and Toren decides they should join up with fugitive future king David, who’s hiding in the Judean hills. Ahinoam is far from enchanted with David—she even hurls a dagger at him during a tense exchange with one of his generals—though her feelings start to shift when his sister Zeruiah shares how God has chosen him as the Israelites’ future leader. Ahinoam proves a dynamic and irresistible lead as she faces the resentment of David’s generals, fends off assassins, and gathers intel that saves the clan. Most affecting of all are her strength and self-possession, which come through as she falls for the brave yet flawed David. Propulsive and finely detailed, this promises more good things to come from Andrews. (Oct.)