Synopsis:
No stranger to adversity, Martha of Bethany is a woman of dust, undone and unseen in her hurt and loss. After her mother’s untimely death, the responsibility for raising her siblings–Lazarus and Mary–lies heavily on her shoulders. She finds solace in a new friendship and the beginnings of first love, but her father’s disapproval and unforeseen hardship leave Martha broken and guarded.
Twelve years later, when her friend’s husband contracts a severe disease, they send for the new rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth. Martha recognizes the miraculous Healer from a story she heard many years ago, and the life-changing encounter reawakens Martha’s hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.
What To Expect:
Readers can expect a Biblical historical fiction about Martha of Bethany. This fictional story is based on the accounts found in the Gospels, embellished with creative interpretation. Includes some heavy topics, including violence, strained personal relationships, and miscarriages, but lacks graphic detail.
Content Warnings:
Language: None
Sexual Content: None/Clean – Includes veiled references to marital relations, kissing, rumors that one character is promiscuous. No explicit detail in any of these areas.
Violence: Mild – Violence/gore occurs fairly frequently, but descriptions lack graphic detail. There is mention of blood and vomit; physical abuse by a parent; description of cat that was killed by another animal
Spoilers: Near drowning and description of aftermath; murder; stabbing; death by wolf attack; death by broken neck; injuries after beating
Substance Use: Moderate – One character exhibits alcoholic behavior; another character drinks to intoxication as a 14 year old
Prejudices: Mild – Sexism: One mention of boy babies being preferred to girl babies
Religious Themes: This is a Christian novel taking place during Biblical times; Christianity is a major theme of the novel and conversion of heart/faith in general is the main focus. The characters are Jewish (prior to following Jesus), and so Jewish faith and cultural practices are also prominent. Portrayal of Christianity is written from a modern-day Protestant worldview.
Other Topics: Mention of menstruation
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