Review and Giveaway of Daughter Of Jerusalem By Joan Wolf

I received this book from Worthy Publishing free in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

She was a widow, a businesswoman, an adulteress.

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 -- and ultimately to the moment she saw Him risen from the dead.

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.

 

My Thoughts:

 

Daughter of Jerusalem is the first book by Joan Wolf that I have had the opportunity to read.  Daughter of Jerusalem is a fictional story of Mary Magdalene's life from childhood until Jesus' death.  Joan Wolf writes a wonderful story of Mary Magdalene and her life.  From her childhood, Mary's life was a rough one. She was sent to live with her deceased Mother's sister and her family because of conflict with her stepmother. Mary had to leave her step siblings Martha and Lazarus.  Mary falls in love and is set to wed one of the men in her home until her Uncle decides to marry her off to a rich Jewish Man because of money.  Mary moves to live with him in Sepphoris, a place more Roman than Jewish.  Mary finds herself becoming Roman and very popular in the Roman circles. She becomes educated and finds herself in making decisions against her beliefs.  When tragedy strikes, Mary finds herself  heading back home to Bethany, to her step siblings. From there Mary finds her calling.

 

I really enjoyed this book. The story of Mary,Martha and Lazarus in the Bible have always been my favorite.  Joan Wolf writes this beautiful story that gives Mary this life that takes many twists and turns.  I found myself unable to put this book down once I started it.  I found myself filled with much emotion as I read this story.  The story Joan Wolf tells truly had me spellbound.  As I read this story I felt like I was right there watching everything unfold including Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection. As I read the story from the point of his arrest it reminded me of The Stations of The Cross. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction! You will not be disappointed. I have found a new author for my Must Read List! I give this book 5 Stars

 

Giveaway!!

I have been given an extra copy of Daughter of Jerusalem to giveaway to someone. So to be entered into the giveaway I am asking for everyone to post a comment on here about their favorite story from the Bible or their favorite person from the Bible. I will draw a name randomly on Monday July 22,2013 in the evening. Please include your email address so I can contact you! Thank you for checking out my blog and my review!

Yesterday's Tomorrow By Catherine West

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Group for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

She's after the story that might get her the Pulitzer. He's determined to keep his secrets to himself.

Vietnam, 1967. Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father's memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother's wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he's hiding something. Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they're forced to work together.

Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.



My Thoughts:

Yesterday's Tomorrow is the first book by Catherine West that I have had the pleasure of reading. It is also her debut book that won the INSPY for Romance, a Silver Medal in the Reader's Favorite Awards, and was a finalist in the Grace Awards.  Kristin Taylor lost her father at the age of 12 when he was in Vietnam covering stories there.  As an adult, Kristin decides to head to Vietnam to cover the war, honor her father's memory, and hopefully find her brother, Teddy, who enlists.  Sparks fly when Kristin and Luke Maddox meet. They do not like one another from the start but they find themselves thrown together and eventually working together. As they work together, they learn more about one another and start to fall in love. 

Yesterday's Tomorrow is a fast paced, beautiful and haunting story that stays with the reader long after you finish it.  Catherine West puts readers right in the middle of the Vietnam War and the effects it had overseas and at home.  I could NOT put this book down. I found myself unable to pull myself out of this book or put it down. Catherine West writes with authority about Vietnam, the war, overseas correspondents, the soldiers, PTSD, and the aftermath.  The characters are very well written and I found myself invested in their lives.  I laughed and cried through this book. The emotions of the characters touched me deeply and the events in this book stayed with me long after I finished it.  Yesterday's Tomorrow is a wonderful story that pulls the reader in and holds on to them.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. I cannot wait to read more by Catherine West. I have found another new author for my list of must read authors.

 I give this book 5 Stars.