Title: A Woman of Words
Author: Angela Hunt
Series: Jerusalem Road, book 3
Major Themes: Mary, Jesus
Synopsis: Mary has decided that the stories of Yeshua need to be written, and she hears from the Holy Spirit that Matthew is the one to help her—but can the two of them work together well enough to do the task?
I have been enjoying the Jerusalem Road series for awhile. Because The Shepherd’s Wife (book 2) was so good, I wanted to read A Woman of Words, book 3. I had mixed feelings most of the way through, but when I read the author’s note at the end, everything made sense. I honestly think Angela Hunt should put her notes about the historical research she has done, and the things she invented for her story, at the beginning! Or, maybe I need to start reading her books by flipping to the end and reading that first. But then, it might spoil some of the story. Sigh. There isn’t an easy solution, is there?
Matthew was quite busy helping the assembly of believers in Capernaum when he received a message from Peter in Jerusalem, asking him to come help them there. He was thrilled—he badly wanted to preach alongside the other disciples, and maybe even help perform some miracles! What a disappointment to realize he was needed for his bookkeeping and accounting skills. And then, Mary, the mother of Yeshua, requested his help for yet another task he really didn’t want to do.
Mary had come to the conclusion that the stories of her son Yeshua needed to be written down. It had been less than ten years since her son was crucified, rose again, and went to heaven, but already she realized that her memories of his birth and childhood were fading. When she died, no one would know what had happened. Yes, all the believers expected Yeshua to return to earth very soon—but what if He didn’t? If the story of His life was not written down, would everyone soon forget about Him, what He did and what He taught?
Matthew and Mary got busy working together to record everything they could remember about Yeshua. Matthew thought it would be an easy task…but he hadn’t taken Mary’s stubbornness into account! She knew how the story should be told, and he was not writing it the proper way! Could they ever agree on how the story should be written? Would the task be finished in time, before Mary’s life on earth came to an end?
There are other threads in A Woman of Words, as well as the account of Matthew and Mary working to record the story of Jesus’ life. I liked learning about the threats of Caligula, the “mad emperor,” and seeing what Matthew did about his relationship with his family. There is also a gentle love story that is very much a side note in the book. Of course, some events have been invented for the story, and I am appreciative that the author tells us in the historical notes what is true and what she added. This is another good story, and I’ll be watching for more Jerusalem Road books.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
No warnings!
Age levels:
Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
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Book Depository: Paperback | Hardcover
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