Because I enjoyed The Characters of Christmas so much, I knew I would enjoy an Easter-themed book. It does not disappoint. Even though I’m familiar with the Easter story, I’m learning many new insights from this wonderful book. A perfect read for the Lenten season.

I received a preview copy of The Characters of Easter from Netgalley.

This book is written in ten chapters to looks in-depth at six people who were part of Jesus' journey to the cross and four groups of people (the religious, the witnesses, the secret disciples and the Roman executioners). The authors do a good job researching what these characters were like and how they would have lived and what they would have perhaps thought. These chapters help us see the Easter story more richly and identify more with our own part in it all. A though-provoking, well written read.

"Easter centers us in our pain, a fresh reminder that the ugliness of a fallen world-- where sin's tentacles reach into every part of life, bringing death and despair to every corner of the world-- has an expiration date."

This has been the perfect read for me during this Lenten season. Diving into a variety of characters in the Biblical Easter story gave me new insight and new reverence for Christ's sacrifice on the cross and God's plan for salvation for all of us. I appreciated how it didn't just highlight the A-list Easter stars, but the B and C list characters too. This book has deepened my understanding of more facets of the Easter story and given me more appreciation for how God has woven the story of salvation into existence.

Love this book! Most people know the story of Easter, but not often do people look into the people who were involved in the story. This book/study will allow you to gain more knowledge of the apostles who traveled with and proclaimed the name of Jesus. This is definitely a book to use as study as it is full of great background and historic information. The study will draw you in to gain a greater understanding of the story and context of who the disciples were individually and the main characters in this story. This will be a must have for anyone wanting to take a deeper dive into the gospels and the good news of Jesus. When used as a supplement with the scriptures will produce greater knowledge, understanding, and growth as a christian. I am grateful and appreciate the opportunity to review this book early and look forward to putting this book on my shelf when it comes out to put notes in.