Shadow of Jezebel cover

NEW COVER for In The Shadow Of Jezebel

Mesu AndrewsFeatured Articles 9 Comments

In the Shadow of JezebelTotally Different Look and Title

If you’ve seen any of my other novels, you know this cover is a totally different look. The other covers are bi-panel with both the hero and heroine on the cover. And the other novels begin with some form of the word, Love:

So Why the Change?

My publisher (Revell, A Division of Baker Publishing) received marketing feedback that those similar covers gave readers the impression my first three books were a series–that they should be read in order. Not true!

Each of my first three biblical novels stands alone and can be read in any order.

  1. Love Amid the Ashes: Job, his wife, & Dinah
  2. Love’s Sacred Song: (Song of) Solomon & his shepherdess
  3. Love in a Broken Vessel: Hosea & Gomer

Because of this misperception, however, Revell’s marvelous marketing team suggested we try something new. And I’m thrilled with the results!

Changing Title

Some of you might have noticed the small change in title from when I first announced The Shadow of Jezebel a few months ago. When the first cover came back with that title, we were concerned readers might think the girl on the cover was a youthful Jezebel. Again…not true!

The girl on the cover is Jehosheba, wife of Yahweh’s high priest, Jehoiada. The plot describes Judah’s struggle under the evil influence of Jezebel’s daughter, wicked Queen Athaliah.

In order to clarify that the cover model isn’t Jezebel, but lives IN the shadow of evil cast by Jezebel and her wicked daughter–we added one, simple word.  Who’da thunk “in” could make such a difference?

Where Is This Story In Scripture?

You can read about the main characters in 2 Kings 8:25-29 and 2 Kings 11:1-3. But the main story is a direct result of a good man who tried to please too many people–generations before. The reigns of King Ahab, King Jehoshaphat, and the prophets Elijah and Elisha provide the rich backstory upon which In the Shadow of Jezebel is built:

Though Judah’s King Jehoshaphat remained true to Yahweh, he couldn’t afford to make Israel his enemy, so the good king agreed to his son’s treaty marriage with Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah—a decision that shrouded two generations In the Shadow of Jezebel… 

Stay Tuned For More News!

In the Shadow of Jezebel is scheduled for a March 2014 release. I’ll keep you posted with more fun details as we get closer.

Tweet-A-Licious!

Do You Have Questions?

  • Is there anything YOU’RE curious about the cover design process?
  • Anything you’d like to know about the story itself? (of course, without spoiling details)

Comments 9

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    I LOVE that you even know WHO Jehoiada IS!!! Most people I meet barely recall the story of Athaliah, and get glassy-eyed by the time I start talking about the high priest and his wife. I’m so pumped you’re familiar with the story!! Woot! 😉

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      Of course, I’m a little biased toward Revell, but I think they have THE most beautiful covers in the business. I’m so thankful for Cheryl VanAndel and her creative team. They never disappoint!

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