Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Review/Giveaway: Martha

Martha: A NovelA 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.

44 comments:

Annette W. said...

Just recently I have started reading a bit of biblical fiction...bc as you said it helps motivate deeper study in the Bible.

Annette W. said...

I follow you!

Linda said...

Any new insight into Martha would be fabulous. Hope Mary is next!

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Linda said...

I'm a follower.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

ann said...

If you didn't not like anything, neither will i...

ann said...

And i will follow you to read it all!

fredamans said...

I recently read The Reluctant Queen which is the story of Esther. I loved it! Would love to read this one too. Thanks for the chance.

freda.mans[at]gmail.com

fredamans said...

I am a subscriber.

freda.mans[at]gmail.com

Candie L said...

Please enter my name. Thank you

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

Candie L said...

I am following on google. Thank you

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

karenk said...

would enjoy reading 'martha's' story...thanks for the chance :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

karenk said...

i'm a follower & email subscriber, too :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Shonda said...

I love Biblical fiction. shondaet@gmail.com

Shonda said...

I'm a follower. shondaet@gmail.com

apple blossom said...

love to win thanks
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I think this would be ab interesting story!

frogz60@hotmail.com

George Ferris said...

I never read a bibical fiction book
but I would like to start now.
George Ferris
k1n2@sweeps.ws

Jennifer Bogart said...

Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres.

jennifer at quiverfullfamily dot com

Jennifer Bogart said...

Hmm, my second comment is highlighted in yellow and I'm not sure why. I am a subscriber though :).

jennifer at quiverfullfamily dot com

Jubilee Reviews said...

Sounds great!
Melanie Ski
melanieinoh2003 at yahoo dot com

Jubilee Reviews said...

I am a GFC follower
Melanie
melanieinoh2003 at yahoo dot com

Ticia said...

I'd love to get this, I'm a big fan of Biblical fiction.

Ticia said...

I'm a follower.

Desmond said...

Count me in, please!

dwarzel at hotmail.com

Emma said...

This books sound wonderful..Please enter me in the giveaway.thanks for the chance. augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

Emma said...

email subscriber.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.

FlyFreeMyBooks said...

I love stories of women in the Bible. Please enter me.
ludeluh at yahoo dot com

FlyFreeMyBooks said...

I am a follower.
ludeluh at yahoo dot com

Lady DragonKeeper said...

I always kind of related to Martha a bit more than Mary ... maybe it has something to do with the "responsible older sister" thing ... sounds like an interesting book.

Thanks for the chance to win!

jafuchi7[at]hawaii.edu

Lady DragonKeeper said...

I'm an e-mail subscriber:

jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu

Melissa M. said...

Please enter me!

misshoneybee(at)gmail(dot)com

Pamcakes said...

Sounds intriguing! Would love to read this :)
b dot ringer at hotmail dot com

Pamcakes said...

I follow on GFC as Brooke
b dot ringer at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Sounds great! Please enter me. Thanks.

jprivette1(at)roadrunner(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I am also a follower!

jprivette1(at)roadrunner(dot)com

Diana Z said...

I am a new follower to your blog.
goldiez at hotmail dot com

Diana Z said...

I would love to win this book and see the authors view on Martha. I too am at times annoyed at how she has been portrayed in the past.
goldiez at hotmail dot com

Deborah said...

I, too, love reading about the daily lives of the women in the Bible - thanks for the chance to get to know Martha!

Deborah said...

I'm a Google Friend Connect follower.

gene said...

i'd love to add this to my collection.
perki014@uwp.edu

susansmoaks said...

i would love to read this
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

i follow via GFC

jim.coyne2@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

i would love to read this book

jim.coyne2@verizon.net

Donna said...

It sounds interesting.
donna444444@yahoo.com