The First Stone, Diary of Mary Magdalene by Bodie and Brock Thoene, Book review

• Series: A.D. Scrolls (Book 1)
• Hardcover: 335 pages
• Publisher: Center Point Large Print; Lrg edition (August 1, 2011)
• ISBN-13: 978-1611731576

SYNOPSIS:

The voices inside her whisper, Forgiveness?
Yes, for them, but never for you€!

The story of Mary Magdalene, in her own words

As the harsh Jerusalem winter of 1948 wears on Rachel Sachar, beautiful holocaust survivor, prays for some word from her husband Moshe who vanished in the secret tunnels beneath Jerusalem. Then one night a stranger named Eben Golah arrives with a message from Moshe and the translation of the ancient diary of Mary Magdalene. 

Like Rachel, Mary was a beautiful child. Everyone said so. Tragedy struck, everything changed in Mary's family. Her dreams of love and children of her own abruptly ended. 

No amount of wealth or male companionship can bring Mary what she really longs for, nor can they stop the voices calling, €œFinish it! You have no reason to live. No hope! But might there be a second chance even for someone like her? Secretly, she wonders€¦

2,000 years separate the tragic stories of Mary Magdalene and Rachel Sachar, and yet their lives lead to Yeshua of Nazareth in Old Jerusalem. Will these women find freedom and forgiveness? Or will Yeshua cast the first stone? 

This is Mary Magdalene's story, from her own diary, as translated by Jewish Haganah fighter and scholar Moshe Sachar in 1948, as he prepares to emerge from his hiding place in the secret library under besieged Jerusalem.

My thoughts:


Books by Bodie and Brock Thoene are always appreciated in this family (Along the years I have collected The Zion Covenant series and The Zion Chronicles whilst hubby gathered 'the Scrolls' series).

Combined with their faith, a trademark reflected in each of their novels, the Thoene have a knack for bringing to life historical events of long ago, their lucrative team work resulting in giving the feeling you have just stepped out of the past as you close the last page.

The first Stone: Diary of Magdalene is yet again an excellent literary example of their combined efforts. Retracing historical facts about Mary Magdalene, blending it with just enough fiction to give readers an exciting read about the repentant harlot. 

Reprising their celebrated Zion Chronicles characters of Rachel and Moshe Sachar, one a Holocaust survivor not unlike Mary Magdalene, the other a Haganah fighter now hiding under the Old Jerusalem, 'The First Stone' begins with the visit of a stranger delivering Moshe's translation of a 2000 year old diary, a gift to his beloved. This manuscript dramatically links the charismatic period of Jesus preaching as prophecies comes to life and their own struggle for survival in the 1948 besieged State of Israel. 
The connecting element is forgiveness, which both Marys must experience before their heart can be freed from their past.

Richly enhanced by historical facts and superb storytelling, this is a tale you might well find speaking to your heart as well as each of us come to accept His gift of love and redemption.

5 Stars!


About the Authors:

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced "Tay-nee") have written over 45 works of historical fiction. That these best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won 8 ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirms what millions of readers have already discovered--the Thoenes are not only master stylists but also experts at capturing readers' minds and hearts.

Visit their website (HERE) for more information.

NOTE: This was a library loan and all opinions are mine only!