If you read historical fiction I am sure that you have heard of Bodie & Brock Thoene. They are amazing authors! I loved their Zion Covenant Series that took place during the growing tide of Nazi terrorism.
I have a new series to tell you about today though, Jerusalem Chronicles and more specifically book 1, When Jesus Wept. This book follows the life of Lazarus - a talented vineyard owner, a man with two sisters Mary and Martha, one who Jesus befriends and ultimately is risen from the dead by Jesus himself (should sound familiar right?). I really enjoyed this book! While they are honoring to the Biblical account, there is a lot of liberty taken as well. Again, I just want to be clear that this is historical fiction. The story is told from the perspective of Lazarus himself; I very much enjoyed reading this story and hearing a different perspective and possible account for some things; however, in no way do I want this to overshadow Biblical fact or truth in my mind. I appreciate that there is true scripture woven throughout this book. The Thoenes are excellent at taking history, information, and facts and creatively weaving it into a fabulous story - you will be engaged and taken back into history itself. I love the way that they present the times around Lazarus and Jesus - the people, life, the politics - they do it so well. Remember that you are reading fiction, and dive right in! You won't be disappointed.
About When Jesus Wept:
Book 1 in the Thoene's new Jerusalem Chronicles.
Lazarus occupies a surprising position in the Gospel
accounts. Widely known as the man Jesus raised from the dead, his story
is actually much broader and richer than that. Living as he did at
Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus was uniquely placed to witness the
swirl of events around Jesus. When Jesus Wept, the first novel in The
Jerusalem Chronicles series by bestselling authors Bodie and Brock
Thoene, unfolds the turbulent times in Judea during Jesus' ministry,
centering on the friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. With rich
insights from vineyard owners and vine dressers, the Thoenes explore the
metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, harvesting the ancient secrets
found in the Old Testament. Weaving the life of Lazarus, who owned a
vineyard, into the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ will help you
understand it is the hand of Love Divine that holds the knife, that cuts
and breaks with such tender and loving touch, and that we who have born
some fruit, after the pruning, can bear much more.
Meet the Thoenes: Find out more about Bodie and Brock at http://www.thoenebooks.com/.
Would you like to read this book for yourself? Go here to purchase a copy. And please visit the complete blog tour here. Keep reading to find out how you could win an iPad mini!
Celebrate the release of When Jesus Wept with the Thoenes by entering their iPad Mini giveaway and RSVPing to their {4/23} Facebook Author Chat party!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A brand new iPad Mini
- A book club kit - 10 copies of When Jesus Wept
So grab your copy of When Jesus Wept and join Bodie and Brock on the evening of the April 23rd for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)
Sounds like a great book!
ReplyDelete