“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.
“The Yeshua and Miri Novel Series” sequentially includes the following five novels:
“Miriamne the Magdala” – released in April, 2015
* “Yeshua the Christ”
* “Thomas the Twin”
* “Mark the Scribe”
* “Princess Sarah”
* Publication dates to be announced.
Related Subjects
Jesus Christ
Mary Magdalene
Gnostic Gospels
General Christianity
Fiction Subjects
more
Historical Fiction Par Excellence!
Having acquired the paperback edition spanning 848 pages, it is my treasured tome! The journey between its covers speculatively, realistically, and feasibly explores the budding adolescent, romantic relationship between Yeshua bar Joseph (Jesus) and Miriamne bat Micah (Mary Magdelene) within the primary setting of the Khaveelah (villa) located in Sepphoris, Galilee.
The author’s unsurpassed storytelling prowess and her meticulous attention to historic accuracy weaves a magnificent tapestry of words deserving a review written in gold-embossed calligraphy!
Interwoven throughout the story are details pertaining to the customs and practices during this segment in history, including but not limited to: the marketplace; Hebrew funerary traditions; wedding preparations and ceremony; culinary practices and indigenous foods of the region; wine distillery process; plumbing; grooming rituals.
Clever and witty banter between characters accentuates and enhances the smooth execution of this epic story which never falters in delivery. Honestly, I was misty-eyed at its conclusion, reluctant to leave the Khaveelah, due to developing a special fondness for the Commander, Fatima, Haggah, and Amos.
I felt the pangs of separation as did Miriamne and Yeshua, embarking on their soulful journey by caravan to Persia along the Silk Road, leaving the Manor House, vineyards and olive grove behind.
Historical fiction par excellence, I look forward to my adventure along Miriamne and Yeshua’s continuous journey.
This story of Miri and Yesua is truly a labor of love on the author’s part. She wants to share with readers so much of the life that the two of them led. It’s detailed not only with the setting and descriptions, but also the personalities of the characters. They all feel so real. This story is much longer than most, but I wouldn’t have wanted to miss one scene between Miri and Yeshua.
There are those who may object to some of the content since the tale takes into account the often-overlooked humanity of Yeshua. Yes, it covers the divine aspect, but it also shows him growing up very much with human situations. He is not a stale preacher standing on a pulpit. He’s alive: he loves and laughs and cries.
It’s all quite touching, and even though it’s long, I didn’t want it to end. I hope there will be a sequel that tells of their travels along the Silk Road.
I cannot say how much I enjoyed this novel. First of all because of the careful reconstruction of one of my favorite historical period. The author, in her description rich in details, was truly able to bring me there in the villa, in the overcrowded markets, on the sandy roads to visualize the places, the smells, the sounds and the feelings. The depth of the characters made them feel almost as they were people I have met once, their personality was complex, which was described and developed brilliantly.
The story will bring you to the early years of Yeshua as he started his journey to understand his destiny. Together there is the destiny of the Magdalena, bonded since the beginning to him and never dissolved. The strength of their bond is something that you can almost touch with your fingers in this beautifully written novel.
This was the first book I have read from author JB Richards, and I am sure I will read many more. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, which I put between those readings I could not put down.
I gave five stars, but I could give even more.
‘Miriamne The Magdala’ is a warm and engaging novel that explores the relationship that develops between the young boy known as Yeshua and Mary Magdalene from the time they met as young teenagers and continues throughout their lives.
The reader is taken on Miri’s journeys of discovery, love, anguish and coming of age as the story progresses, sharing in her thoughts and secrets as a close confidante. Richards’ portrayal of Miri as a strong, faithful and somewhat feisty young woman gave a new and quite captivating dimension to this young woman, whose character is quite one-dimensional and only briefly touched upon in Biblical accounts. An important note is that the novel does not purport to be a retelling of any Biblical story, nor does it seek to preach or “convert” anyone: this is historical fiction, and must be understood as such. Comparisons with the Bible must be put aside when one picks up this book and enters the world of Miri, Yeshua and their families. It is a considerable achievement on the author’s part to have succeeded in blending historical traditions with fiction to craft such a powerful and beautiful story.
The fabric of the novel is woven seamlessly. Events, relationships and challenges interweave to create a compelling story that develops against the backdrop of first-century Galilee. The entire cast of characters is vibrant and realistic, each richly portrayed through expressive writing and magnificent imagery. Every setting is vibrant and full of life, feeding the reader’s imagination with enough detail to allow each scene and environment to evolve in the mind as one reads. This novel offers rich sensory experiences – sounds and smells abound with the narration, and the reader experiences both the heat of the day and the coolness of a tiled floor underfoot with equal impact.
One of the most enchanting elements of this novel is the dialogue, which almost speaks itself aloud in one’s mind as the story is read. The reader can hear the voices, the laughter, and the feeling between characters as they converse and tell their own stories through the pages of the book.
The mystery and questions that develop throughout the novel also serve to keep the reader engrossed, always wanting to know more and to discover the answers that they, and the characters, are seeking.
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Miriamne the Magdala’ and look forward to reading the next book in the series.