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The Nameless Ones: Short Story Collection
Mesu Andrews has made her niche in biblical storytelling by developing characters in the Bible who are oftentimes obscure, almost forgotten, or perhaps unnamed. The Nameless Ones carries on the tradition by introducing us, in short story form, to fictional, yet believable characters who intersect with such famous Biblical people/incidents King Solomon’s writing of Ecclesiastes, Elijah battling the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, and the Assyrian siege on Jerusalem during King Hezekiah’s reign.
Why weren’t 699 wives enough for King Solomon? Did God have some great purpose for The 700th Wife ? Could she make an impact on this wise, handsome, and aging king? In this story, you’ll discover the legacy of wisdom, love, and comfort her words may have been to the one called Jedidiah—beloved of the Lord.
Someone had to bring the water to douse Elijah’s sacrifice…why not The Water Girl who serves in the pagan temple of Baal? The three year drought has developed more than her thirst for water. When Yahweh shows His power, will she continue to waver between two opinions or will she find truth, freedom, and life in Him?
He is Judah’s Mole—a digger—and like all moles he’s most comfortable in the dark, away from people. As the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, marches on Jerusalem, only the Mole can save them by tunneling through a mountain to connect a spring outside the city’s wall to an internal cistern. But who will deliver the Mole from his own insecurities—perhaps The Mole’s Wife ? Discover how her gift of faith matches her husband’s skill with a shovel, and together they save not only her husband’s dignity but also Hezekiah’s kingdom.
Why weren’t 699 wives enough for King Solomon? Did God have some great purpose for The 700th Wife ? Could she make an impact on this wise, handsome, and aging king? In this story, you’ll discover the legacy of wisdom, love, and comfort her words may have been to the one called Jedidiah—beloved of the Lord.
Someone had to bring the water to douse Elijah’s sacrifice…why not The Water Girl who serves in the pagan temple of Baal? The three year drought has developed more than her thirst for water. When Yahweh shows His power, will she continue to waver between two opinions or will she find truth, freedom, and life in Him?
He is Judah’s Mole—a digger—and like all moles he’s most comfortable in the dark, away from people. As the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, marches on Jerusalem, only the Mole can save them by tunneling through a mountain to connect a spring outside the city’s wall to an internal cistern. But who will deliver the Mole from his own insecurities—perhaps The Mole’s Wife ? Discover how her gift of faith matches her husband’s skill with a shovel, and together they save not only her husband’s dignity but also Hezekiah’s kingdom.
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Published May 7, 2024
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About the author
Mesu Andrews
36 books1,928 followersMESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter whose deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Andrews lives in North Carolina with her husband Roy. She stays connected with readers through newsie emails, fun blog posts, and frequent short stories. For more information, visitMesuAndrews.com.
Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011, the story of Job) won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author. Love’s Sacred Song (Revell, 2012) relates the poetic Song of Solomon in story form, and Love in a Broken Vessel(Revell, 2013) sets the story of Hosea and Gomer in biblical Israel. In the Shadow of Jezebel (Revell, 2014) displays God's sovereignty over Jezebel's daughter, Queen Athaliah. The Pharaoh's Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2015), unveils Moses' early years, and Miriam (2016) introduces Yahweh's prophetess during the ten plagues and the Exodus. Isaiah’s Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2018) introduces readers to the prophet Isaiah's captivating daughter, and its sequel, Isaiah's Legacy (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2020) , provides the redemptive end to her life and her son Manasseh's reign. To follow Yahweh's progression toward the Messiah, By the Waters of Babylon (August 2018) continues the story of the prophets and kings through the exile, and Of Fire and Lions (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2019) tells Daniel's compelling story. And The Reluctant Rival: Leah's Story tells of Leah, Jacob's neglected wife, and how God used her to change the course of history. And when Joseph's brothers sell him into a life of slavery in Egypt, Jacob's favorite son encounters one of the Bible's most infamous bad girls in, Potiphar's Wife (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2022).
Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011, the story of Job) won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author. Love’s Sacred Song (Revell, 2012) relates the poetic Song of Solomon in story form, and Love in a Broken Vessel(Revell, 2013) sets the story of Hosea and Gomer in biblical Israel. In the Shadow of Jezebel (Revell, 2014) displays God's sovereignty over Jezebel's daughter, Queen Athaliah. The Pharaoh's Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2015), unveils Moses' early years, and Miriam (2016) introduces Yahweh's prophetess during the ten plagues and the Exodus. Isaiah’s Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2018) introduces readers to the prophet Isaiah's captivating daughter, and its sequel, Isaiah's Legacy (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2020) , provides the redemptive end to her life and her son Manasseh's reign. To follow Yahweh's progression toward the Messiah, By the Waters of Babylon (August 2018) continues the story of the prophets and kings through the exile, and Of Fire and Lions (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2019) tells Daniel's compelling story. And The Reluctant Rival: Leah's Story tells of Leah, Jacob's neglected wife, and how God used her to change the course of history. And when Joseph's brothers sell him into a life of slavery in Egypt, Jacob's favorite son encounters one of the Bible's most infamous bad girls in, Potiphar's Wife (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2022).
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 12, 2024
Really great look into background Biblical characters!
May 22, 2024
"The Nameless Ones" is a lovely collection of three of Mesu Andrews' short stories covering the events of Elijah's battle on Mt. Carmel, the writing of the book of Ecclesiastes, and the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Hezekiah. We meet the water girl, a servant tasked with bringing water for the pagan offerings, but secretly wants to worship Yahweh. We see what it's like to become Solomon's 700th wife. We experience the tension of the digging the tunnel under the city of Jerusalem before the Assyrian's arrive and cut off the city's water supply. Andrews immerses us in each time period, making us consider the possible thoughts and feelings of the people as they struggled to remain faithful to Yahweh. It is a wonderful addition to Andrews' writing collection.
May 21, 2024
Three great short stories of some of the nameless people in the Bible. All 3 of these stories work in conjunction with the author's other works, but can still be read on a stand-alone basis. All 3 stories have an author's note following that explains how the stories tie into her other books and what is fact vs fiction (which I always appreciate in Biblical fiction!)
The 700th wife is about King Solomon (who was also written about in Love's Sacred Song, which covered the beginning of his reign) and answers why the king whose heart was turned away by idols came back to God at the end of Ecclesiastes. Having read the other book as well, it was interesting to see both the beginning and the end of his reign and get a fuller picture of his life, wisdom, marriages and relationship with God. Knowing that he had 700 wives and 300 concubines, Andrews puts to paper what it may have been like to have been the 700ths wife.
The Water Girl was probably my favorite of the 3, focusing on one of the people who fetched water for Elijah on Mt. Carmel. In this story, Miriam was a water girl for the temple of Baal and was therefore on site for the contest between God and Baal on Mt. Carmel and became a water carrier for Elijah instead. I enjoyed her fledgling faith and how God answered her prayer. I also enjoyed how several other passages were woven into this short story. This tale ties in (is a prequel to) the author's In the Shadow of Jezebel (which was one of my absolute favorites!).
The Mole's Wife speaks to the development of Hezekiah's tunnel during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. This story tied in to Isaiah's Daughter, but focused more on that brief timeline of the siege. Daniel, known as "Judah's mole" was both the main digger of the tunnel and friend to Eliakim, the palace administrator. I enjoyed how the author used this fictional character to tie together the events during this time in Judah's history, and how he and his wife grew in their faith during the hardships as well.
This was a pretty quick read as all 3 stories were relatively short, but they were all complete in their own right as well. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable short story collection and one I'd recommend to fans of Biblical fiction. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this collection. I was under no obligation to provide review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
The 700th wife is about King Solomon (who was also written about in Love's Sacred Song, which covered the beginning of his reign) and answers why the king whose heart was turned away by idols came back to God at the end of Ecclesiastes. Having read the other book as well, it was interesting to see both the beginning and the end of his reign and get a fuller picture of his life, wisdom, marriages and relationship with God. Knowing that he had 700 wives and 300 concubines, Andrews puts to paper what it may have been like to have been the 700ths wife.
The Water Girl was probably my favorite of the 3, focusing on one of the people who fetched water for Elijah on Mt. Carmel. In this story, Miriam was a water girl for the temple of Baal and was therefore on site for the contest between God and Baal on Mt. Carmel and became a water carrier for Elijah instead. I enjoyed her fledgling faith and how God answered her prayer. I also enjoyed how several other passages were woven into this short story. This tale ties in (is a prequel to) the author's In the Shadow of Jezebel (which was one of my absolute favorites!).
The Mole's Wife speaks to the development of Hezekiah's tunnel during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. This story tied in to Isaiah's Daughter, but focused more on that brief timeline of the siege. Daniel, known as "Judah's mole" was both the main digger of the tunnel and friend to Eliakim, the palace administrator. I enjoyed how the author used this fictional character to tie together the events during this time in Judah's history, and how he and his wife grew in their faith during the hardships as well.
This was a pretty quick read as all 3 stories were relatively short, but they were all complete in their own right as well. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable short story collection and one I'd recommend to fans of Biblical fiction. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this collection. I was under no obligation to provide review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
May 31, 2024
Author Mesu Andrews draws upon historical research to develop creative fictional plot lines that put a face and a name on women with essential roles in Old Testament history.
The Nameless Ones features three short stories set in three different eras of Israelite kings showcasing a fictional woman who could have played a role in a crucial biblical event. The author is careful to include notes at the beginning of each story to introduce the context and then at the end to explain fact vs. fiction.
The first story, “The 700th Wife,” tells the story of King Solomon’s last love and offers an interesting origin story for the “under the sun” phrase.
The second story, “The Water Girl,” showcases the challenge between Elijah and the priests of Baal during King Ahab’s rule. It’s a powerful story even before adding a young girl into the mix.
The third story, “The Mole’s Wife,” focuses on events during the reign of King Hezekiah and the tunnel that helped Jerusalem against the Assyrian army. It’s an interesting look into the tunnel’s construction and the men (plus their wives) who risked their lives in the process.
The short story collection, as a whole, highlights the contributions of women who were often regulated to the sidelines during this time period.
The Nameless Ones delivers a creative approach to bring historical events to light within the Old Testament framework. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
The Nameless Ones features three short stories set in three different eras of Israelite kings showcasing a fictional woman who could have played a role in a crucial biblical event. The author is careful to include notes at the beginning of each story to introduce the context and then at the end to explain fact vs. fiction.
The first story, “The 700th Wife,” tells the story of King Solomon’s last love and offers an interesting origin story for the “under the sun” phrase.
The second story, “The Water Girl,” showcases the challenge between Elijah and the priests of Baal during King Ahab’s rule. It’s a powerful story even before adding a young girl into the mix.
The third story, “The Mole’s Wife,” focuses on events during the reign of King Hezekiah and the tunnel that helped Jerusalem against the Assyrian army. It’s an interesting look into the tunnel’s construction and the men (plus their wives) who risked their lives in the process.
The short story collection, as a whole, highlights the contributions of women who were often regulated to the sidelines during this time period.
The Nameless Ones delivers a creative approach to bring historical events to light within the Old Testament framework. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
May 28, 2024
In The Nameless Ones, Mesu Andrews has once again given us a look at ancient Biblical history and people who populate the Old Testament. She has given three obscure women a name and a story. With her impeccable research and talent for weaving fascinating stories we meet Solomon’s 700th wife, Eliada. Hers is a tender love story and gives the reader hope, that no matter how far we wander from God, He never is far away.
Miriam’s story is fascinating as it deals with the three-year drought, King Ahab and Jezebel, the Baal priests and Elijah and the trench around his altar for sacrifice. It gives us a glimpse into the lives of the priestesses and priests of the pagan temples. 00 story of the power, mystery, and love of the Lord God.
Jerusha is another tender love story of Judah’s Mole and his wife. Who were the men who built the tunnel that was built Hezekiah’s Tunnel? Who was the wife of the Mole and what is her story? Her strength and faith when she no longer feel Yahweh’s presence is a lesson to us all when we feel abandoned and unsure of His promises.
Another 5 star book by Mesu Andrews and a must read for her fans. Her author notes explain how these stories tie into her works of Biblical fiction and what is fact and what is fiction. I always appreciate this about her books.
Miriam’s story is fascinating as it deals with the three-year drought, King Ahab and Jezebel, the Baal priests and Elijah and the trench around his altar for sacrifice. It gives us a glimpse into the lives of the priestesses and priests of the pagan temples. 00 story of the power, mystery, and love of the Lord God.
Jerusha is another tender love story of Judah’s Mole and his wife. Who were the men who built the tunnel that was built Hezekiah’s Tunnel? Who was the wife of the Mole and what is her story? Her strength and faith when she no longer feel Yahweh’s presence is a lesson to us all when we feel abandoned and unsure of His promises.
Another 5 star book by Mesu Andrews and a must read for her fans. Her author notes explain how these stories tie into her works of Biblical fiction and what is fact and what is fiction. I always appreciate this about her books.
June 3, 2024
You can't go wrong with Mesu Andrews. I loved the idea of this three-story collection--a glimpse into who served a role in the Bible but are not mentioned in scripture. These include King Solomon's 700th wife, one of the girls who fetched water for Elijah when he challenged Queen Jezebel's priests of Baal, and a man responsible for helping bring King Hezekiah's tunnel under Jerusalem to completion.
As always, the author engages the reader through emotional connections to the characters and their faith in, or discovery of, Yahweh. Of all the stories, I enjoyed "The Water Girl" the most, especially as young Miriam comes to embrace faith in the God of her people. Judah's Mole, the last story, was also engaging, though I felt the end was a bit abrupt.
This is a quick read but a touching one, flavored with the author's usual meticulous research, vivid imagination, and love for the God of the universe!
As always, the author engages the reader through emotional connections to the characters and their faith in, or discovery of, Yahweh. Of all the stories, I enjoyed "The Water Girl" the most, especially as young Miriam comes to embrace faith in the God of her people. Judah's Mole, the last story, was also engaging, though I felt the end was a bit abrupt.
This is a quick read but a touching one, flavored with the author's usual meticulous research, vivid imagination, and love for the God of the universe!
September 2, 2024
Though fictional, the stories in this book hold immense truths.
The author's skill and knowledge crafted these stories with so much grace that you cannot help but see the truths and how it pertain to you as a believer.
Through these fictional characters, you get a glimpse of their struggles and how they were touched by the prophetic word of the prophets. The hardships of all the wars they faced, which many of us find boring in the Bible, are made real and give you a unique perspective of what they faced during these hard times.
The one that touched me the most was the story of the water girl and what it really means to make up your mind about God and where you stand in your relationship with Him.
The story of the mole woman also gave me a glimpse of those hard times and what these men endured as they carved the tunnel through the hard rock.
It's well worth reading.
The author's skill and knowledge crafted these stories with so much grace that you cannot help but see the truths and how it pertain to you as a believer.
Through these fictional characters, you get a glimpse of their struggles and how they were touched by the prophetic word of the prophets. The hardships of all the wars they faced, which many of us find boring in the Bible, are made real and give you a unique perspective of what they faced during these hard times.
The one that touched me the most was the story of the water girl and what it really means to make up your mind about God and where you stand in your relationship with Him.
The story of the mole woman also gave me a glimpse of those hard times and what these men endured as they carved the tunnel through the hard rock.
It's well worth reading.
June 17, 2024
I love everything Mesu writes! This collection of short stories left me feeling LOVED by God! The stories of these women unnamed in the Bible does not make them in any way unimportant or unloved by God. The creative way Mesu gave these women a story is somehow validating. Each of us has a story because God has a plan and purpose for each of us! I especially love that Mesu always gives insight to her research and is clear about what is fiction and what is biblical! The only thing I didn't like was that I want to know more about each one of these women! 😂 I need 400 more pages of each story!
June 1, 2024
When I read the blurb for this short story collection, I instantly knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint. Honestly, what really got me was imagining what it might be like to be a man's 700th wife. I had to read the experience from her perspective. What I didn't expect was to come away looking at Ecclesiastes from a completely different perspective. I promise you'll enjoy this collection and in the process learn history and experience some Bible stories in a unique ways.
June 20, 2024
I love the stories this author writes because they make you think more about the fact that the stories in the Bible aren't just stories--they're accounts of real people. It's so easy to forget that. Even though many of these stories aren't fully true, or are even fully imagined, they help us think about what might have been going on around the main stories, to help it all seem more real and personable.
August 21, 2024
The Nameless Ones, by Mesu Andrews, contains three short stories of people who may have played a role in well-known Old Testament accounts. Andrews uses imagination, research, and biblical truth to fill in details to make Bible stories come alive. Her thoughtful research and study, and care for God’s Word always focuses readers on Yahweh alone as the one true God. Recommended reading for all who love biblical fiction.
May 10, 2024
Favorite out of three , The Moles Wife !
Jerusha was a real person to me , Daniel her husband ! was so sweet I cried . Love Like that is Really Rare . In my mind they had a Son & later had three more children. I wish it told more about there life. Very good book ! I just love Mesa Andrew !!!!
Jerusha was a real person to me , Daniel her husband ! was so sweet I cried . Love Like that is Really Rare . In my mind they had a Son & later had three more children. I wish it told more about there life. Very good book ! I just love Mesa Andrew !!!!
June 6, 2024
With great respect for Biblical truth, insight into the culture, and creativity to fill in the gaps between what we know and what we don’t, Mesu Andrews delivers three eloquent short story explorations of three fictional characters who are witness to some of the astounding events of biblical history.
June 22, 2024
Brilliantly written short stories where each story is complete.
My favorite was the 700th wife
Love the Bible verses to ground me in the story
Love the depths of research mesu always gives. Love her creative mind and how the characters are real
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. This in no way affected my review. my thoughts are my own
My favorite was the 700th wife
Love the Bible verses to ground me in the story
Love the depths of research mesu always gives. Love her creative mind and how the characters are real
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. This in no way affected my review. my thoughts are my own
October 9, 2025
Such beautiful stories
These are the most beautiful short stories, although I wished they were longer but nevertheless they are so so beautiful. Mesu Andrews has truly stayed close to the very heart of each story. Thank you Mesu I look so much forward to reading more of your books.
These are the most beautiful short stories, although I wished they were longer but nevertheless they are so so beautiful. Mesu Andrews has truly stayed close to the very heart of each story. Thank you Mesu I look so much forward to reading more of your books.
June 22, 2024
This is a beautiful blend of stories, and another of Mesu Andrews I won’t forget. As all of her other novels, it’s well-researched, well-written, and engaging. I didn’t want to put it down.
I highly recommend reading her other novels to immerse in these story lines as well!
I highly recommend reading her other novels to immerse in these story lines as well!
April 24, 2025
I have enjoyed reading these short stories from Mesu.
The Nameless Ones spoke to my heart. Reminding me of the goodness, faithfulness, and power of our God!
Thank you for bringing these stories to life Mesu.
5⭐️❤️
The Nameless Ones spoke to my heart. Reminding me of the goodness, faithfulness, and power of our God!
Thank you for bringing these stories to life Mesu.
5⭐️❤️
August 30, 2025
This is not my favorite Mesu Andrews book, yet like all of her books, the stories take me back to ancient times. I really like the first story and found the 2nd and third stories to be so-so.
I would recommend reading.
I would recommend reading.
June 14, 2024
fantastic
I absolutely loved these short stories. It submerged you in the story. Per usual Mesu Andrews never disappoints ❤️ she is a fantastic storyteller.
I absolutely loved these short stories. It submerged you in the story. Per usual Mesu Andrews never disappoints ❤️ she is a fantastic storyteller.
June 26, 2024
Mesu Andrew books and stories never disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews