The Pharisee's Wife by Janette Oke

The Pharisee's Wife by Janette Oke 
5 Stars

WOW, what a powerful and thought provoking story. This is a biblical fiction - with fictional characters during biblical times, during the time of Jesus' ministry. We follow a young Jewish woman, Mary, who has a strong story of hardship, faith and redemption. Enos is a rising Pharisee and sees her in the market and decides to make her his bride. She is quickly swept up into a world that she never asked for. The marriage promises to lift her family out of poverty, but it becomes clear Enos views her more of a possession to help him in his circumstances, than a partner. Her training is to become the wife of a religious Pharisee who has a goal to take down Jesus, the miracle-working Prophet of their time. 

Mary was so strong in everything she went through with Enos - it was POWERFUL. I cried with the forgiveness shown in the end and in a couple of other places with Jesus mentioned. The ending author's note also got me crying! I was so encouraged that no matter what happens here on earth, it's our temporary home as we await Jesus' ultimate return. 

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys biblical fiction, such as Tessa Afshar, Connilyn Cossette, etc.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7535057899
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kJZSSx

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/597427
 
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

Unyielding Hope by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

 

Unyielding Hope by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan 

4 Stars
Book 1 in the When Hope Calls Series

What a surprising read! I was so invested and loved this story so much. We have found family, a beautiful sister bond and second chances the Lord provides in this book. This is a heartwarming and inspirational historical fiction that captures themes of faith, love and resilience.  The story revolves around 2 sisters, Lilian and Grace, whose reunion leads them on a journey of hope, discovery and service to others.

This opens with Lilian, who has spent much of her life in Canada with adoptive parents after the tragic loss of her birth family. When news arrives that her long-lost sister Grace, who she believed was dead, is actually alive, Lilian's world is completely changed. The sisters reconnect, and together they embark on a mission to care for orphaned children, opening a home for them in their rural town. Their venture into creating a place of safety and love for children is the heart of the story. 

The faith in this stands out among the crown, the characters face numerous challenges and through it all, their reliance on God shines brightly. The way the story focuses on children in history based on true stories really stands out because it taught me something new from history I wasn't aware of.

Highly recommend and looking forward to book 2.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6867488664
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4f7e6cW
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/38729

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.