Daughter Of Jerusalem by Joan Wolf, Book review and GIVEAWAY

Publisher: Worthy Book Publishers (April 16, 2013)

 ISBN-13: 978-1936034673

Synopsis:

In her lifetime, she knew murder, prejudice, and faith. She transformed from a Jewish girl longing for family to one of the closest friends of Jesus of Nazareth -- the Son of God.

HER NAME WAS MARY MAGDALENE.

In this fictionalized story of one of the Bible's most compelling women, New York Times best-selling author Joan Wolf beautifully recreates the history, romance, and tradition of Mary's world. Daughter of Jerusalem follows Mary's life from her first love through her loveless marriage, to the moment she heard of a miracle worker in her own town.


 

As this inspiring chronicle reminds us, Mary was the first to witness history's greatest moment. She was a woman who sought forgiveness for her sins, and a follower of God who yearned for a deeper faith. She was Jesus' beloved disciple. Read Mary Magdalene's story and find yourself in this remarkable woman's journey to discover the Kingdom of God.

Here are my thoughts:


The young Jewish girl Mary of Magdala became during her lifetime a widow, an adulteress, a businesswoman and a follower of the Messiah. To date she is one of the best known women of the Scriptures but despite much speculation there is so much we do not know about her.

With her usual sensible approach Joan Wolf depicts a most tantalizing fictional story in 'Daughter of Jerusalem' about this beautiful woman who saw much hardship throughout her life including murder and much prejudice. 
Unusually learned for the period, Mary of Magdala also witnessed the charismatic man called Messiah preaching and soon discovered her new faith. In fact, she became one of His most ardent followers!

This is my second novel by Joan Wolf and by far the best of the two (see review of 'A Reluctant Queen' HERE). Carefully depicting the cultural and religious differences betwixt the Romans and the Jews, Wolf paints an almost modern woman in Mary, and does a great job of showing where Mary's distrust of the world of men comes from. There is pain but also joy in her plot line and she painstakingly portrays a pivotal era for Christians.

Some critics might deplore the liberties taken by the author but as a student of the Word, I found this fictional work plausible and entertaining.

For older teens and mature readers due to adult thematic contents.

4 stars!


About the Author:

Joan Wolf is a USA TODAY bestselling American writer, whose acclaimed Regency romances have earned her national recognition as a master of the genre. Her many historical and contemporary romances, some of which have been chosen as Literary Guild selections, have been highly praised by reviewers and authors alike.

Joan was born in 1951 and she grew up in the Bronx, New York. A former English teacher, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Mercy College and Master in English and Comparative Literature at Hunter College.
She is also an avid rider and horse owner!

I have some very good news for readers! 
Would you like to have your own copy of this inspiring story? 

Thanks to the generosity of both the author and WORTHY PUBLISHING I have a very sweet deal for you!
On my desk is an extra copy of 'Daughter of Jerusalem' for one reader!
Just place a comment on this post before the 29th of July and using Random.org I will chose and post the name of the winner on this blog!

Be sure to include an email add in the following format for i.e. 123Mercy[at] yahoo[period]com for contact!

All the best,

I received a paperback copy of this title from WORTHY PUBLISHING as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.