I loved this book, I read it in one sitting, not putting it down until I finished it. I think what really struck a cord with me for the book, was the authors careful writing of a background story. When we read the story of Martha in the Bible, there isn't anything that refers us to what her life was like before she was mentioned in the Bible. I cried, laughed and hurt along with Martha as she experienced the loss of love, the joy of life and the hurt she experienced as life dealt her hard experience after hard experience. Diana Wallis Taylor is a very capable writer, who made me feel like I was looking into Martha's actual life. I was so happy that she found love (spoiler alert, sorry). After all she had suffered she deserved love. And the scenes of Jesus at their home were just absolutely wonderful, you could really sense the presence of the Lord in ther home, in the scenes as Diana wrote them. Great book! 5 star rating! 245 pages $14.99 US CBR
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.
Available June 2011 from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Martha Loses Hope As She Looks For The Messiah…and A Miracle.
“Oh God Who Sees, take me also. If not together in life, let me join him in death. I don’t want to live without him.” She looked up at the night sky. Had the God Who Sees kept her from making a mistake? Would it have worked out the way she dreamed?
Author Diana Wallis Taylor creates a beautiful story set in the New Testament following the life of Martha of Bethany, sister of Mary and Lazarus in Martha (ISBN: 978-0-8007-3465-7, $14.99, 256 pages, June). The busyness of Martha is well-known, identified with, studied, and often misunderstood by people today. Often painted in the colors of reproach, Martha seems to be the poster child for how not to be a follower of Jesus. Taylor provides a well-researched touching portrayal of Martha.
When her mother dies leaving young Martha in charge of the household, her family is dependant upon her to oversee the home. Yet like other girls in her village, Martha longs to be married and begin her own family. Considered a fine cook and weaver, Martha is quick to help others within her community. She experiences the hope of love and love lost, trials, friendship, the death of her father, the overwhelming duty to her family, the discovery of the Messiah, the miracles witnessed at the Temple, and the hospitality she shows to her Lord with dignity and grace. However, when Lazarus becomes ill and Jesus is too late – Martha questions both her faith and the Lord. How could she know that one of the Lord’s greatest miracles was only moments away? Through the life of Martha, Taylor shows readers a new perspective and appreciation for this special woman of the New Testament.
Diana Wallis Taylor enjoys speaking to women’s groups and teaching writing and poetry workshops. She is the author of Journey to the Well, has published many articles, and contributed stories to several books. Taylor lives in California. Find out more at www.dianawallistaylor.com.
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a division of Baker Publishing Group, offers practical books that bring the Christian faith to everyday life. They publish resources from a variety of well-known brands and authors, including their partnership with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Hungry Planet.
I also enjoyed this book very much. I really liked how Diana made Martha come to life in this book, since we really don't know that much about her. This book made me stop and think about why Martha may have been so busy and uptight - I had never considered her life the way that Diana wrote about it in this book. Another reason why I love biblical fiction!
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