Mary Magdalene: Christian Fiction Book Review

Joy In Our Journey's review:

    In the past, whenever I saw a Biblical fiction book, I never reached to pick it up.  It always seemed it would be a chore to read, and wouldn't add anything to the character about whom the book was written.  However, Mary Magdalene by Diana Wallis Taylor changed my mind.  This is a book that is in a class by itself.  The characters live in full color with both good and bad characteristics.  Descriptions of the country and daily lives of the people bring a new appreciation for the things that they went through.  It felt as if I was right there with them - seeing what they saw, hearing what they heard, especially the words that Jesus spoke.  This book was not a chore, but a pleasure to read.

     Diana Wallis Taylor has told a story where you will most likely already know the ending, but you still want to read it to the last page to see what happens!  This would be a great book for a book club to read and discuss.

Summary

    One woman desperate for hope. One Savior with the power to heal.

    A beautiful girl blossoming into womanhood, Mary has high hopes for a life filled with learning, family, and young love. In one dreadful night, all of that changes. The nightmares come first, then the waking visions of unspeakable terror, until Mary hardly remembers her dreams for the future.

    Can the Most High deliver her from this torment? How long must she wait for healing?

    This vivid portrait of the enigmatic Mary of Magdala comes to life in the hands of an imaginative master storyteller. Diana Wallis Taylor introduces you to a Mary who is both utterly original and respectful of the biblical account, opening your eyes to a redemption that knows no bounds.

A Note About the Author:

    Recently named "Writer of the Year" by the San Diego Christian Writer's Guild, Diana Wallis Taylor has been writing since the age of 12 when she sold her first poem to a church newspaper.

    Her third novel, Mary Magdalene, was released in June 2012, and she recently completed her fourth novel of biblical fiction for Revell: Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate. She won first place in the San Diego Book Awards for her short story, "Phipps and the Jay", and first place in Christian Romance for her book Smoke Before the Wind. She also won first place in Christian Fiction for her manuscript, "House of the Forest", and second place last year for Martha all in the Reader's Favorite Book Review and Award Contest. Her collection of poetry, Wings of the Wind, came out in 2006. Her writing contributions appear in various compilation books and magazines. Diana wrote the words and melodies to an Easter cantata called "Glorious" recently completed with her fellow collaborator, Carolyn Prentice, who did the orchestration.

Diana lives with her husband, Frank, in San Diego, California. Between them they have six grown children and ten grandchildren. She enjoys speaking and sharing her heart with women of all ages. In addition to her speaking and writing, she serves on the Board of the San Diego Christian Writer's Guild, the board of her church, sings on the worship team, and enjoys taking part in Professional Women's Fellowship.

Mary Magdalene is available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller - from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure:  I received one paperback copy of Mary Magdalene in exchange for Joy In Our Journey.com's honest review of this book.  No other compensation was provided.

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