Title: Miriamne the Magdala

Author: JB Richards

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:

“The Yeshua and Miri Novel Series” is a historical-fiction novel series that follows Jesus and Mary Magdalene during the so called “missing years” and throughout their lives. The introductory novel, “Miriamne the Magdala”, explores the deeply personal relationship between twelve year old Miriamne and her long lost cousin Yeshua bar Joseph. Their tale begins with an unexpected reunion of two Jewish Houses and goes on to explain how a family brought together by a seeming circumstance is ultimately tied together by Destiny. When a family tragedy strikes, and Yeshua and Miri are placed in a dangerous situation, heavenly forces intervene and a divine legacy that must be kept secret to all but their closest family members is revealed.

From the time of his family’s return from Egypt to Nazareth, Yeshua has grown up shunned and reviled by the townsfolk of his step-father Joseph’s home village. Questions surrounding the authenticity of his parentage along with the strange and unpredictable supernatural powers that seem to control Yeshua have the people of the tiny backwater town suspicious and frightened.

When Yeshua’s mother, Mary, sends a letter to her dearest cousin pleading for help for her gravely ill husband, Miriamne’s mother, Salome, instantly responds. Soon, Salome and her husband, Micah – along with their three children: Martha, Miriamne, and Lazarus – set out for Nazareth on a mission of mercy. During the family’s stay, an old but avid argument causes major upset, especially for young Yeshua who loses control of His staggering powers. As a result of the calamity, the angry townsfolk pounce on the opportunity to band together with their rabbi and the Elder’s Council to banish Yeshua from Nazareth—forever.

Once Yeshua is forced to relocate from his family’s home to his cousin’s huge country estate near Sepphoris, the developing friendship between him and Miriamne flourishes. But just when things seem so hopeful, a sudden turn of events causes Yeshua to choose between taking His own action to avoid a terrible tragedy and His obligation to obey His Heavenly Father’s wishes.

When an astonished Miriamne learns of Yeshua’s true identity and His Mission on this earth, she must then decide whether to continue her relationship with Him or risk losing Him to His Fate. The pressure reaches a breaking point when Miriamne’s wealthy uncle, Joseph bar Abram, and his Caravaneers arrive for a family visit, and Yeshua is presented with a rare opportunity that will take Him far, far away from her . . . quite possibly forever. It is then that Yeshua must make a life-altering decision—whether to follow His heart or fulfill His Destiny.

Review:

“Miriamne the Magdala” is a very ambitious novel.  Since there is so much hearsay involving the story of Mary and Joseph from the bible, it is possible for an author to create what they believed to have happened, but few could pull it off; however, that is exactly what JB Richards did.

From the beginning it was clear through the author’s writing how passionate she was about her story and her concepts.  Since her story is meant to travel across multiple novels, she made sure that she had enough of a story and information to do so.  I thoroughly enjoyed her insights and feel that even someone who does not believe in the bible, or isn’t religious, would find enjoyment in it.  The book is not about religion, but about story, and that is what made it brilliant.

Since the book is in the first person, the reader is automatically drawn into the novel and the story.  I liked that the story was from the perspective of Miriamne and how it drifted away from traditional stories to incorporate the author’s imagination.  Richards has the required talent of any historical fiction author, which is to transform history and make it their own, and she does it with ease.  I did not feel that she was “stealing” from history, or straying too far from the setting and time period that she chose so that it was unbelievable; instead, I felt that I was reading something new that was also educational, and it was a novel that I would refer to readers of all ages.  The novel was easy to understand, but not juvenile, and is perfect for those who are fond of myths and histories.  I look forward to reading the rest of this series, and working with JB Richards was wonderful.  She is clearly passionate about her work, and it enhanced my enjoyment of her novel.  Historical fiction buffs are sure to enjoy this, and I highly recommend it.

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