Review/Giveaway: Martha

A WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: Martha
Authors: Diana Wallis Taylor
Genre: Biblical fiction
How to enter: Leave a comment on THIS post right here! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.

Entry deadline: August 25, 2011

Restrictions: Open internationally!

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway.  This is my review copy, so it has been gently read.

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Publisher: Revell
Physical Description: 256-page paperback
List Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3465-7
For More Info: http://www.dianawallistaylor.com/

Synopsis:

She has spent her life caring for others--will she ever find someone who will cherish her?

Martha's entire life is marked by her responsibilities to her family. In the absence of her mother, she runs the household, makes the meals, cares for her father, and attempts to keep her absentminded younger sister on task. In the midst of her duties, will she ever find time to live her own life--or find her own love?

This touching, well-researched portrayal of Martha of Bethany, sister of Mary and Lazarus, unveils the woman within the Bible character. Through Diana Wallis Taylor's lush descriptions and inspired fusion of imagined and recorded dialogue, Martha's world--her trials, triumphs, and loves--vibrantly comes to life.

Follow Martha as she navigates the complicated worlds of family, faith, and love . . . and you'll never read her story the same way again.

About the Author:

Diana Wallis Taylor is a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries and is currently working toward her MA in biblical studies at Bethel Seminary. She is the author of Journey to the Well, has published many articles, and has contributed stories to several books. Taylor lives in California. Find out more at http://www.dianawallistaylor.com/.

What I Liked: 

For those who like romance, this was a sweet romantic read set in Biblical times.

As always, I enjoy Biblical fiction for the added insight and incentive to study the Bible stories in further depth.  While the characters and fictitious personal relationships kept this story flowing, my biggest appreciation was for the setting and context this book provided - into town life and customs, political issues, and religious traditions of the day.

Most inspiring, however, was Martha's story.  Her thoughts and concerns as she learned about this Man, Jesus.  The intrincate way He touched her complex life story through his ministry, death, and resurrection.  A credible background to her well-known comments regarding Mary's work and Lazarus' death.  The author has succeeded in replacing the "nagging shrew workaholic" stereotype with a sincere woman who is full of love for those around her, and most importantly, touched by the Master.

What I Didn't Like: 

Nothing...

Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Baker Publishing Group for the review copy of this book.