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Readers become part of a historical and biblical story as they follow the separate yet intersecting paths of two of the most famous women in history—Mary (the mother of Jesus) and Mary Magdalene. Readers experience the Virgin Mary’s struggles as she accepts her marriage to Joseph and, eventually, her role as Jesus’s mother. Readers encounter the plights of Mary Magdalene, as well as her depicted, but fictional, romance with Paul. More importantly, readers gain an insight to the strength that both women possessed as they came to understand Christ’s role and their purpose in his life, the strength they possessed as they grieved for Christ after His death, and how that strength came to solidify both women’s roles in history.
This book will intrigue religious, spiritual, non-religious, and non-spiritual readers because of its focus on the role of women in Christianity. The plotline regarding Mary Magdalene’s romance with Paul will captivate readers who appreciate alternate histories, while the fusion of memorable scriptures with an easy-to-follow storyline will interest readers who consider the Bible literature and not a factual text. Though this book may challenge those who hold a more traditional perspective that may not advocate for women’s roles or rights in ministry, it will enlighten others who hold feminist leanings and who hold a more female-focused view of the Church and the Bible. Even with its depictions of Mary Magdalene’s fictional romance with Paul, this book becomes an introductory text for those interested in narrative retellings of The New Testament and its characters. It is a must-read, however, for anyone seeking insights into and interpretations of two of the most prolific women in history.