A page turner. The author does a good job of showing the governing dynamics at work in Jerusalem in the days of the early church. Going back and forth between the narrative of Matthew and Mary, readers get a feel for the context in which the first gospel might have been written. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!

I don't have enough words to describe just how much I loved this book. It was an amazing journey with the mother of our savior and Matthew, one of the apostles. I love the idea that Mary wanted to write down the stories of Jesus, especially those that only she was privy too. I like to think that this is how we got those stories. It adds for me that the author is a biblical scholar. This story felt so authentic and I know it is a novel.

It was enlightening to me to hear the stories from the mouths of Mary and the Apostles, again, I know it wasn't but it could have been and that made it wonderful.

The spirit of the book was awe inspiring and I found myself moved to tears in a couple of places.

In addition to the Biblical stories in perspective, the other messages in the character stories were love, forgiveness, and change, all enduring themes. This was a fantastic story in which to escape and found myself blessed to read it. It was truly a reminder of the love of God for his children.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

4.5/5 stars.

Angela Hunt is an author who takes up a lot of my Christian fiction shelf. The historical depth of her novels is always a delight. In her author's note, she explains many of the choices for this work which make sense in the context of her research. This allows readers to really buy into her stories as they feel authentic in terms of historical quality and plausibility.

At first, Matthew was a bit more whiny than I expected. His first few chapters didn't endure him. However, as he began to work with Mary, his character growth was intriguing. Hunt spends time in Matthew's head as he puzzles out Jesus's messages and teachings. I truly enjoyed the insight on many of Jesus's works and parables. Hunt leads readers in a way that makes one feel like a part of the thought process.

Mary is a figure from the Bible who gave birth to the son of God, raised him, and then had to watch him suffer on the cross. Despite her remarkable life, Hunt creates a humble Mary who wants to preserve Jesus's message. Its not about her or her contributions, its about Jesus. The concept of an aging Mary preserving her son's life through word, a way for a widow and mother to contribute to her son's message, is a beautiful one. By the end, I was in tears.

Overall, I enjoy this series. Each book can be read as a stand alone. I'd recommend these to readers who love stories about women from antiquity who feel period accurate but also courageous in many facets of ancient life.

Written from a dual perspective that of Matthew, the tax collector turned disciple, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, this story focuses on the writing of the Book of Matthew as a joint venture between Matthew and Mary. The story of the collaboration was extremely interesting as Matthew told the things that he knew about where Mary hadn't been involved; and, in turn, Mary told of Jesus' birth and childhood as well as events during his ministry that Matthew hadn't witnessed. I loved the relationship between the two of them as Mary insisted on keeping it simple as Jesus did during his ministry rather than letting Matthew go full steam ahead with his knowledge of Greek and Roman writing.

Hunt's wonderful afternotes again explained what was fact vs. what was fictionalized and her sources for research. Although we don't know what happened to Mary after the crucifixion other than that Jesus told John to take care of her, it is very plausible that Mary could have worked with Matthew to write the first book of the New Testament. I look forward to reading future books in this series.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

A Woman of Words is a testimony to the talents of Angela Hunt. Angela Hunt brings Scriptures to live with rich historical details and provides the reader the feeling of actually being present in the story. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is portrayed as an ordinary woman who challenges Matthew to come to terms with what he is being asked to do. The story brings Scriptures to life and drives the reader to learn and study more. While this is the third in the Jerusalem Road series, it easily reads as a standalone. That being said, it is fun to revisit some previous characters. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Wow, just wow. The Bible really comes to life when you read this book! As the author. Weaves scripture into the narrative, you will find yourself feeling very close with Jesus, his disciples and their stories told through a news lens.
The plot unfolds as Matthew, on of the 12 and Mary, Jesus mother are writing the book of Matthew together, as they remember events from first person point of view. This book is unlike any of the other Biblical history/fiction books I have read but I still absolutely enjoyed it. I would highly recommend it to anyone!

This was a very interesting book to read, though, a small pet peeve of mine is that the author's note comes at the end of the book - which I do understand considering what it contains - but as a reader I would have wanted it up front, because that way I wouldn't have had so many questions about certain choices that the author makes. But that may be my inner academic speaking, not the fiction reader part of me.

The thing that should be stated about this book first and foremost, to my mind, is that it is really well-written. I actually don't think that can be stated enough because in my experience a lot of books are now driven more by characer or plot, and less by skilfull craftmanship in terms of the written language. I genuinely appreciated that about this book.

The second thing is that I appreciated how it reminds readers of the humanity of the people who we have read, or heard, about through the Bible. Maybe it is just because this is one of my favorite periods of history to study, and one of the most exciting to think about, but I always get a little thrill imagining these people and who they were and I think this story did well in trying to present them as real human beings (and aging ones at that)

I did have to stop some times and consider the theological implications what was being said at times, but it is what I have a degree in so I was expecting that I would need to contemplate some things and go look into it in some of my favorite theologians. Again, this is part of why I would have wanted an author's note from the start.

I was also a bit distracted by the choice of Mary and Miriam, even though I understood the need to try to define them, it is still the same name and I would have liked just a bit of a reasoning up front on why Mary, Yeshua's mother, got the more westernized version of the name, and Mary of Magdala got the less Westernized version. It isn't a big thing, but it was one of those small things that nagged at me while reading.

To end on a positive note, reading the author's note gave me a really good impression of the author and it seemed like she was very informed about her decisions as a writer, and I chuckled when the response to one of the questions on Mary was: "If she was, history does not record it. A novelist must make up SOME things."

Because truly, they do.
There are a lot of sources out there if one desires to read the historical studies or theories on this time period and the people involved in this narrative, but if one desires to read a fictional narrative about the early Jesus movement that captures the mind, is genuine in its approach, and creates excitement and tension that is within the reasons of historical facts as we know them, then this may just be for you.

To end with a quote I loved,

"Promise me you will take some time to pray about continuing ith this. You have been working very hard for a long time, and you are not - you are no longer young."
"What is life, if not time?" The corners of Mary's eyes crinkled as she smiled up at Miriam.

(3. 5/ 5)

Matthew, one of the twelve apostles and former tax collector for the Romans, has been living in Capernaum in the years since Yeshua’s (Jesus’s) death and resurrection when he is summoned to Jerusalem by Peter and John to help them with the growing church there. He anticipates preaching and performing great miracles like his brothers have been doing over the years, but is disappointed to discover that they are more interested in the skills he honed while collecting taxes. Then Mary, Yeshua’s mother, approaches him with a request that he help her write down all of the teachings of Yeshua and accounts of his miracles before they’re forgotten by those who witnessed them. Matthew does not want to sit and write, either words or numbers, when there are souls to be reached. As he comes to terms with what God wants of him, the Roman emperor prepares to set himself up as a god to be worshiped, which would force the entire Jewish community–Yeshua-follower or not–to make a choice between their life or their obedience to God.

I have really liked this series so far and was excited to read the 3rd installment. It wasn’t quite as good as the first two, to me, but I still really liked reading more in the fictional Biblical world Hunt has set up in the series. I’m not completely sure what it is that I liked less about this one. It seems to have less of the charm the other two had, and I think that might be partly because one of the things I liked the most about the other two was that Yeshua was still on Earth. Even though he was in the background, he was there, and I was really drawn to that. I liked hearing both Mary and Matthew talk about his teachings and how special his friendship and love was, how he made them feel when he talked to them, etc. But despite Hunt’s attempts to infuse emotion into these accounts, somehow it didn’t work as well for me.

I do appreciate that Matthew was led to go back to the Old Testament and discover more about who Yeshua was before he became a man, the connections to the prophesies and such. And to be clear, because I didn’t get this until near the end of the book and also from the author’s note–this is not a fictionalized story of the book of Matthew as we know it being written. Matthew and Mary are writing more of a history of Yeshua’s life on earth, in Hebrew (the book of Matthew was written in Greek), that is not meant to be that which later became scripture. But the idea is that this book essentially became a launching point for the Gospels. I wonder if I would have read it differently with that in mind, but it’s hard to say now.

Another thing I really liked is that both Matthew and Mary are presented as real humans with flaws and issues that they have to deal with as they work together on this story. But I also think it’s important that Mary can tell that people are treating her differently because of her son and that she does her best to remain humble and steer people away from treating her like she’s deity herself. She repeats often throughout the story that she’s always been simply a servant of God. While many of us might fall into the trap of allowing ourselves to be set on a pedestal, God chose her because He knew her heart and that she would willingly serve Him, so I like seeing this woman continuing steadfastly in her role as a servant. I think that the reasons I didn’t like this book as much as I did the first 2 are my own fault, not a fault with the book. And even saying that, I did still like it, would recommend it to fans of Biblical fiction, and am looking forward to seeing what else Hunt has in store for this series (she says in the author’s note that she does have another in mind).

This is another book in the Jerusalem Road line. This is about Mary, the mother of Jesus, after Jesus' death and resurrection. Once again, Ms. Hunt hit it out of the ballpark. This is a riveting story of life in the early church (ecclesia). Mary has recruited Matthew (the Apostle) to help her write her memoirs. She is ill and it is a grueling task but she is determined to get her memories on papyrus before she passes on. Matthew is wanting to be about the business of spreading the Gospel, but the Holy Spirit compels him to do it in this way instead of the way he is accustomed to doing it. This is so interesting and makes the scripture come alive. Yes, it is a work of fiction, but it is factual in all the important details. I have always been a fan of Angela Hunt and will continue to read everything she writes as soon as it is published.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed a Woman of Words by Angela Hunt. This book is about a woman that to me has held a bit of mystery Mary the mother of Jesus. I found this book a chance to consider the possibilities of her life after the death of her son. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline very much and would recommend the book.

This book was a wonderful read. It drew me deeper into this time of life, and got me to go back into The Bible to check references. I love it when I book can give me a different perspective to consider. I feel like I get a deer understanding of The Word when I can do that.

Okay. This might be the hardest review I have written in quite a while. I want to turn on caps lock and just shout YOU NEED TO READ THIS! But that wouldn't really help anyone know whether they'd enjoy it.

If you're looking for a novel that will draw you in, not let you go, and unveil a few Biblical truths in the process, You need to read this one.

I highlighted a lot of passages and plan to re-read this one again soon. Matthew and Mary are tasked with creating a scroll of Jesus Life and teachings. as they struggle with what to include and how to include it, they put together and discover some really cool truths. (The Fact or Fiction section and bibliography in the back are well worth perusing!)

I love that Mary is presented as both flawed and faithful. Imperfect and stubborn and determined. She is and was very real, and human, and determined to do God's will.

Matthew's insecurities and a couple of pout sessions show relatability, while his study and discoveries made for a great encounter with God in the midst of a fantastic novel.

I received an advance copy of this book from #NetGalley, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own

Wow! What a fantastic retelling of the stories about Jesus through the eyes of his mother Mary and disciple Matthew! I loved how the author used contemporary English but sprinkled in Hebrew words like Ruach HaKodesh and ima. She also wove in scripture, both Old and New Testaments, and gave them content I could understand. The author is such a Biblical scholar yet weaves a fascinating story I could not put down. I wanted to read the book of Matthew when I had finished. I highly recommend this book! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“I am commanded by One who said I should tend even a Samaritan should I find him by the wayside.” “Your husband commanded you thus?” She laughed. “My husband cares only for himself. I serve Yeshua, the Messiah of Israel.”

I’m only just discovering Angela Hunt’s books but each one I read leaves me more breathless than the last. She has such a profoundly beautiful way of tying theology, history, fact, and fiction into one immaculate package that just leaves you feeling blessed that there are writers like her in the world.

“A Woman of Words” is about Mary, the Mother of Yeshua who is now old and gray-haired but still the same Mary who walked alongside Yeshua from childhood to ministry. She knows she won’t be around forever and feels called as someone who shared an unusually intimate relationship with Yeshua, to record what she remembers.

She employs Matthew to help her and together they work on this project infinitely dear to their hearts, interviewing other eyewitnesses and finding the best way to portray this man whom they were privileged to know in ways very few can.

Matthew, when he is first called to help with this project is less than enthusiastic. He wants to do the miracles! He wants to walk among the people, to preach and heal and evangelise! And afterall, Yeshua is returning soon, who is supposed to read these stories anyway?

But the still small voice inside encourages him to give his best to this project; perhaps there are more ways to do Yeshua’s kingdom work.

I loved how Yeshua was so very present that He felt like another character in the story even though he was never physically there.

I loved how Matthew grappled with hard questions still trying to make sense of what Yesua’s teachings and actions meant for him and for us.

I loved how the women didn’t give up until they got what they wanted whether it was Mary having an equal partnership with Matthew as they work on their project, or Dina challenging the man she has fallen in love when he feels sure marriage is not in Elohim's plan for his life.

This book had a surprising amount of action considering it's about a grandmother recording the stories of her son. The characters came so vividly alive and their relationships were beautiful.

The ending felt a bit too *final* with so much happening at once, it seemed unusually dramatic but otherwise, everything was beautifully drawn together. If you’re familiar with the biblical stories you will quickly fall in love with Angela Hunt’s knack for gently weaving together familiar and not so familiar stories and people.

Very good. This is the third book I've read by this author and I will continue to read her books.
The characters and story really come to life. I felt I was there with Mary and Matthew.

A Woman of Words by Angela Hunt

Mary, mother of Jesus now resides in Jerusalem. She feels impressed by the Holy Spirit to record stories and teachings of Jesus. She asks Matthew, one of the twelve to help her. Their work will affect Christianity for years to come.

Angela Hunt uses her sanctified imagination and copious research to recreate the world of first century Christianity in Jerusalem. The reader catches the feel of the political climate, the personalities of the apostles and the customs of the day. Granted, some of this is imagined by the author, but it was still fascinating to read about and envision.

Hunt’s books never fail to deliver. The characters were relatable and seemed realistically drawn, given the facts that we know about them. The plot moved steadily and held some surprises. Best of all, this book made me want to investigate the circumstances of the writing of Matthew’s gospel.
In short, a reader who enjoys biblical fiction will find much to enjoy about this book. I am grateful to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this book, and this is my honest review.

A Woman of Words by Angela Hunt is the third book in the Jerusalem Road series and provides a unique look at Mary, the mother of Jesus.

I found this book particularly fascinating because I published my first book over eleven years ago, and it featured Mary working together with the disciple Luke to write stories about Jesus. In Hunt's novel, it is the disciple Matthew who begins the task of collaborating with Mary on writing a book about Jesus, and she fills in "what-might-have-been" quite nicely.

Hunt did a marvellous job of bringing the Bible to life, but at times the story dragged, as Matthew and Mary argued about what she envisioned for "her" book. Despite its slow start, the author included extra tidbits of fiction that you won't find in the Bible that managed to add some excitement and warmth towards the book's end.

If you enjoy Biblical fiction, you will want to add this one to your collection.

I really enjoyed this book. I think it's my favorite in the series. The author did a wonderful job fleshing out Matthew and Mary, and I enjoyed the appearances by characters from the previous books. This was such an original idea for a biblical fiction series. There is also a really interesting author's note at the end that explains her inspiration for the book. Highly recommended for lovers of biblical fiction.

I received this book for free from Netgalley for the purpose of review.

A WOMAN OF WORDS is the third novel in the Jerusalem Road series by ANGELA HUNT but it can easily stand alone. This author has an amazing way of writing biblical fiction that enhances rather than detracts from the truth of God's Word.
The story starts with the disciple Matthew being called from Capernaum to help with the Lord's work in Jerusalem. When he arrives there he is disappointed to hear that he will be doing accounting work instead of preaching to the lost with the other disciples.
We see Mary, the mother of Jesus, being led by the Holy Spirit to ask Matthew to help her write about Jesus' life. After a rather rocky start, they form a strong bond when Matthew realizes that the story of Jesus is to be just that, with none of him or his clever way with words in it. This really spoke to me. How many times do we push ourselves into another's story in order to make a good impression?
It is a fascinating way to look at the birth of Matthew's gospel, with Mary and Matthew interviewing people who were with Jesus when neither of them were there.
I like to see Mary portrayed as an ordinary woman who was divinely appointed to bear the Saviour of the world but is in no way divine herself nor should she be seen as such.
The novel is full of wonderful and well loved biblical characters together with the ongoing threat from Rome and many of the Pharisees.
I am not going to tell you any more of the story for fear of spoiling things for you.
I highly recommend A Woman Of Words to anyone who enjoys biblical fiction and who loves God's Word, or for anyone who is searching for the truth about Jesus and His gospel.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.