I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it is definitely a fictionalized account of a time while Jesus is alive, one can see how a lot of the story could have occured.
Several reviews marked the book low, but I think those reasons are off base. This is completely different than some of Oke's other books but it is still good, just in a different way. Mary/Simona's story was gut wrenching but worth reading for sure.

This book isn’t the normal sweet romance story you’d find from Janette Oke. It’s a rich story with deeper themes of trusting the Lord. The first half felt a bit slow to me, but really picked up in the second half.
We follow Mary/Simona as she is chosen by the Pharisee, Enos, to be his wife. We get both of their povs throughout the book, and is set in the times when Jesus walked the earth. I liked how she included how it might have been for followers of Jesus during the time and also through a Pharisees pov.
While this wasn’t my favorite book by Janette Oke, it was definitely a good one. I think fans of biblical fiction would enjoy this story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book had a great premise, but seemed to drag on at times. Because I have liked Janette Oke for a long time, I really tried to like it, but it was not that interesting compared to other books I have read in the biblical fiction genre. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't as good as I thought it would be.

I wanted to like the character, but she seemed a little less self-determining than I would have liked. Granted, it was biblical times, but a lot of the biblical fiction books I read show much more active heroines.

This being the first biblical fiction book by Oke, I would probably try again if she wrote another one. It was a pleasant enough story, it just didn't stand out in my opinion.

Set in ancient Israel, Mary is a young girl who was chosen from obscurity to be a Pharisee’s Wife given the exorbitant bride price he was willing to pay. Her main purpose was to serve her husband. But the first century is a tumultuous time for the Jews given rumors of a new prophet traveling around doing miracles and upsetting current beliefs.

Obviously set in the time of Jesus and based on biblical teaching, the Pharisee’s Wife is an interesting glimpse into life when the world’s beliefs were being challenged. I found the story intriguing and thought provoking. However, I struggled with the somewhat staccato writing with clipped sentences and somewhat off phrasing, such as using “do not” instead of “don’t.” I found all the characters somewhat flat despite their entire belief systems being challenged. Overall an interesting, thought provoking story of what could have happened during that time in Israel.

The Pharisee’s Wife is not the first time I have read a book by Janette Oke. Though reading it made me realize I need to read some more of her books. This book completely caught me up and I could not put it down.

The character development was outstanding. I loved getting to see Mary as she became a wife, went through loss, and divorce, and came to faith in Jesus Christ. I was completely invested in her story. I ached when she lost the baby, cried when she felt the rejection, and rejoiced when she was reunited with her family and found faith in our Lord and Savior. I was also very passionate about Enos. As much as his attitude frustrated me, I couldn’t help but feel some compassion for him at the end.

The storyline and setting were great. It really brought the bible times to life. It was fun seeing what it might have been like to be a wife of a Pharisee. I loved that it intertwined with Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. It was perfect timing to read it.

Janette Oke did a fantastic job intertwining faith throughout the story. Which obviously set in Jesus’ time can be easy, but also hard trying to stay true to the history of events. I loved reading the authors note at the end.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

I've read other books by Oke, but this one was a bit different due to it's take on biblical history. Oke gives readers a picture of life in Jesus's time. Characters weren't quite as developed as I'd expected based on prior books by this author. Also, the pacing was uneven. Mary is a strong, likeable character, unlike Enos, which clearly shows some of the gender role issues of that time. Themes of faith and redemption are prevalent. Fans of Tessa Afshar and Mesu Andrews (who both write biblical fiction) may want to check this book out.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Growing up, Alberta's Janette Oke was one of my go-to authors. The Canadian author is recognized for blazing the trail for modern inspirational fiction novels( Love Comes Softly, When Calls The Heart, etc). This time, The Pharisee's Wife is a biblical fiction that tells the story of two people and their relationship with Jesus of Nazareth.

Mary is a young woman living with her parents, still missing her older brother, who went away. When her shawl falls off her head at the market, Mary's beauty captivates Enos, the Pharisee. Soon, Enos is making a marriage proposal, renaming his wife, Simona( because there are just too many Marys in his ancient lands) and keeping her isolated in their home. But the young couple's marriage is not a happy one. Enos is more in a fervour to catch Jesus of Nazareth, a man that he feels is nothing more than a fraud hurting the faith. On the other hand, Simona is very drawn to the prophet and feels he is the answer to the prayers of the faithful.

I am giving this a 2-star because I do love the writing of Janette Oke, but I did find this one difficult to stick with. There were parts of the story that dragged while other plot points were accelerated. Enos is a bit of a one-dimensional character; from the onset, it is clear that he will be the opposite of Simona. Yet, I feel like I needed to know what in his backstory made him so controlling towards his wife and also why his hate for Jesus of Nazareth ran so deep. Mary(Simona) was a character of her time, a dutiful daughter, a woman who desired a happy marriage, but she was so guillible. I felt she needed a little bit more of a backbone to have me cheer for her. This book is about forgiveness, and I don't want to spoil anything but my big question is "when Simona does forgive all those past hurts, does she realize WHAT Enos did?"

As I said, I am a big lover of this author, BUT I would certainly recommend her older titles to introduce readers to rather than this recent release.






Publication Date 18/03/25
Goodreads Review 07/04/25
#ThePhariseesWife #NetGalley

anette Oke’s The Pharisee’s Wife is a powerful story set in ancient Israel, where tradition and societal expectations, especially for women, are incredibly strict. The main character, Mary, is married off to Enos, a Pharisee more interested in his status than in her as a person. Her journey through this difficult marriage is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. When Jesus arrives on the scene, it sets up some big changes in Mary’s life and beliefs.

Mary is an incredibly strong character, showing quiet resilience in the face of oppression. Enos is shown as proud and selfish, caring more about appearances and tradition than anything else. While he might seem like a stereotype at times, his character helps highlight the difference between strict rules and grace, which is an important part of the story.

The book explores themes like redemption, faith, and identity. Mary’s struggle between loyalty to her husband and her growing connection to Jesus reflects universal struggles with self-worth and spirituality. It also touches on issues like gender roles and power misuse in religion, which are still important today.

Oke’s writing is simple but evocative, bringing the historical setting to life. The story switches between Mary’s perspective and broader events, creating a well-rounded view of personal struggles in times of change. However, some pivotal moments feel rushed.

Compared to Oke’s earlier books, The Pharisee’s Wife stands out for its biblical setting and exploration of spiritual themes. Like books by Tessa Afshar or Mesu Andrews, it combines emotional authenticity with a deep look at faith.

The atmosphere of first-century Israel is beautifully rendered, immersing readers in its cultural richness while highlighting the stark realities faced by women like Mary. Yet, the book could benefit from more nuanced character development for Enos and greater exploration of secondary characters who influence Mary’s journey.

What makes this novel special is its ability to transcend time and place, offering lessons on grace that are as relevant today as they were two millennia ago. It invites readers to reflect on their own struggles with faith and identity while appreciating the transformative power of love that sees beyond outward appearances.

The Pharisee’s Wife is not just a story—it is an invitation to consider what it means to truly know God amidst life’s challenges.

I cannot find the words to fully express how much I loved this book. This story challenged my faith and my perspective of the accounts of Jesus’ persecution and crucification.

The author draws you into the story of Mary and Enos, as they both face the challenges of marriage during the time of Jesus’ ministry.

I highly recommend this book without reservations. Thank you to NetGalley and Tyndale Publishing for the advanced copy. My opinions are entirely my own.

#netgalley #netgalleyreads #thephariseeswife #whattoreadnext #christianfiction

The Pharisee’s Wife
By Janette Oke ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Tyndale House and NetGalley for an early review copy of this novel. All the thoughts and opinions shared in this review are my own.

Beautiful fifteen year old Mary finds herself getting unwanted attention from the Pharisees while shopping at the market. She ends up being married off to the young Pharisee who noticed her. Shortly after her marriage (which isn’t at all what she expected) her husband leaves to chase Jesus to try and entrap him. At this point her life turns upside down.

There is no doubt that Janette Oke is still a master storyteller. I did find this book to be not exactly what I was expecting. The story did not center as much around being a Pharisee’s wife as I thought it would. Also, at first I thought it came across as being a bit preachy, but the end of the book really made me understand why it was written this way. It definitely shows how to live a life of faith and forgiveness.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Biblical fiction or to someone who is searching for something more. I would not recommend this book to someone who might be triggered by the loss of a child or to someone who hates blatant faith content.

I was intrigued by the idea of a historical story from the time of Jesus focusing on a woman but was disappointed by the lack of depth in Mary's story. Oke's writing is passive and distant except for any thoughts surrounding Jesus; then it gets overwhelmingly preachy. The author relies greatly on the readers' knowledge of the story of Jesus. It's very clear who the intended audience of the story is, and it's not any general reader.

This is the only book I have read by Oke, so perhaps this style will be expected and appreciated by existing fans.
I have no idea why this title is tagged as a romance - not at all appropriate.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

The Pharisee’s Wife by Janette Oke is a window into the raw, complex realities of faith, identity, and the journey of a woman caught between a world of religious piety and the revolutionary love of Christ.

In this remarkable story, Oke transports us back to 33 A.D., into the heart of a tumultuous Jerusalem. We meet Mary—known as Simona—a humble, young woman whose life is abruptly shifted when Enos, a Pharisee, selects her as his wife. A rising star in the Pharisaic world, Enos views marriage not as a covenant of love, but as a transaction that secures his status. Mary’s destiny, like so many women of her time, is sealed by her family’s poverty, and with it, the expectations and burdens of being the wife of a Pharisee.

What makes this book truly unforgettable is Oke's exploration of the psychological and emotional landscapes of her characters. Mary’s inner conflict is palpable—trapped in a marriage with a man who views her as little more than a prized possession, her search for meaning becomes intertwined with her growing awareness of a Carpenter from Galilee who is turning the world upside down.

Enos, on the other hand, embodies the self-righteousness and pride that so often defines the Pharisee’s pursuit of power. His ambition blinds him to the deeper call of truth that Jesus represents. Through Oke’s masterful prose, we see the devastating effects of pride and ambition, but also the transformative power of grace and redemption.

I was particularly moved by Oke’s portrayal of Mary’s internal struggle, the subtle tension between loyalty to her husband and the growing pull of a Savior who promises to rewrite everything she knows about love and worth. There’s a poignant moment when Mary reflects on the difference between believing in God and truly knowing Him—a question that resonates deeply in a world still grappling with the same divide.

Oke’s narrative is rich with biblical truth. She captures the heart of the Gospel message through the lives of characters who must grapple with the questions of faith, identity, and sacrifice. As Mary and Enos are swept into the life-altering events surrounding Jesus’ ministry, Oke expertly highlights the way the Messiah's message of love and redemption infiltrates every corner of life.

The Pharisee’s Wife is a story of a soul’s journey toward redemption, a woman’s discovery of her true worth, and a man’s reckoning with the truth that changes everything. It’s a reminder that no one, no matter their status or sin, is beyond the reach of God's grace.

Oke balanced historical accuracy with deep emotional depth. As someone who loves both the historical and spiritual aspects of biblical fiction, I was captivated by how Oke wove the past and the present together in a way that felt both personal and powerful. The ending is profound, leaving me with a renewed sense of awe at the sacrifice of Jesus and the impact His life continues to have on all of humanity.

The Pharisee’s Wife is, without a doubt, a must-read for anyone who enjoys biblical fiction, but it is especially powerful for readers who crave a story that goes beyond surface-level romance and delves into the heart of faith. Oke’s storytelling is as compelling as it is convicting, and I find myself reflecting on the themes of redemption, grace, and transformation long after finishing the book.

For those ready to dive deep into the world of first-century Israel and experience the life-changing power of the Gospel through the eyes of a woman caught in the throes of duty and faith, this book will not disappoint. Mary’s story is one of incredible depth, and through her journey, we are reminded that Jesus sees the heart, not the outward appearances, and His love knows no bounds.

This book will linger in your soul and ignite a profound reflection on the path your own faith is taking. Highly recommended!

Be sure to read “A Note from the Author” —Oke’s heartfelt reflections that unveil powerful insights, enriching the story with profound layers of meaning that will leave you deeply moved.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the fantastic writing and story’s incredible content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

This book was incredible. I was hooked from the begining, and couldn't put it down. This story brought this part of the Bible to life in a wonderful way.
The author stayed true to the Bible, which is absolutely critical to me.

I highly recommend this book.

This was an interesting perspective on this time in the Bible and history. I really enjoyed it. It is much different than her other stories. It still provides incredible pace and emotion.

It is widely accepted that Janette Oke books would be selected by readers based solely on the author’s name. After all, Oke is the origin point for many readers’ passionate journey through inspirational fiction. Her days on my must-read list stem from my early teen years, back when my grandmother purchased her novels via mail order and tried faithfully to keep up with my appetite for her clean and uplifting prose. In that spirit, I pounced on her latest release and savored it from cover to cover.

The Pharisee’s Wife unfolds methodically and in an unhurried pace, as the tale is told of a young girl who is given a high honor she does not want and must make what she will of it. Pulled from her family home and dumped into the home of a Pharisee in training who cares more for adulation than for her, Mary is then left to pick up the pieces and find her way forward when the unthinkable happens. This story of the early church is respectful and introspective. It is not surprising that the author’s note is as impactful as the novel itself. The urgency is not in the storyline, but in a decision each person must make at some point. And the climax of the story, well… Oke writes that (second) best, so you are just going to have to read The Pharisee’s Wife cover to cover to understand.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

After having read the Love Comes Softly books years ago, I was excited to read another book from Janette Oke. I was very intrigued by the premise of the book as someone who loves historical fiction and stories that are set in the days of the Bible and the early church. The Pharisee's Wife follows the story of Mary, whose name was changed to Simona, as she goes from being a common girl in a small village to being the wife of a Pharisee. The challenges that she faces in her marriage to Enos are portrayed as well as the struggle that Mary faces as a new follower of Jesus in a time when the religious elite were convinced that Jesus was a fake and a threat.

I appreciated the way that the story gave a picture of how life could have been for a follower of Jesus while He walked the earth and then following His death and resurrection. I enjoyed the overall story and the portrayal of the faith of the early Christians.

There were two things that I struggled with as I read this book. First, the characters felt a bit underdeveloped and flat to me. I had a hard time connecting with some of the characters and had a strong dislike for the character of Enos (which may have been intentional on the part of the author). I wanted to know more about the characters on a deeper level and wanted more development of the characters' relationships with each other. Second, the pacing of this book was a bit of a struggle. There were parts that seems to drag on and then we would skip years in a matter of pages.

Overall, the story was an enjoyable read and way to step into the life of someone who was living in Israel during the time of the New Testament.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This book took me a little bit to get into, but once I did I couldn’t put it down. Mary is only 14 and chosen to be the wife of a Pharisee in training. Turns out this Pharisee is not a good or kind man and is set on getting rid of Jesus. A lot happens that is hard, but there is also a theme of redemption for all of humanity who puts their trust in Jesus. The last few chapters seemed a little long and disjointed to the story, but I also understand why the author included them. The author’s note at the end is beautiful. I am also in awe of 90 year old Janette Oke, still writing and sharing Jesus with her readers. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Readers who enjoy Biblical fiction will love this book! Readers will see Jesus through the eyes of both the Pharisees and Jews. When Mary (Simona) is sold into marriage to Enos the Pharisee her life is turned upside down. Loved the inside view of the Pharisees life and home. The isolation and pain Mary must have felt being put in such a situation. Loved the way the news of the Messiah spread, the excitement felt and the hope they had for the return of Jesus. Great character development. Highly recommended!

It's been many years since I've read a book by Janette Oke. But this was unlike any of her other titles I've read. And it became clear why she felt compelled to come out of retirement to write this book at almost 90 years old!

The Pharisee's Wife is a fictional account of a young Jewish woman whose family is searching for Jesus of Nazareth. It's not a story that ends with Oke's typical happily ever after. But it's a book with a powerful message--a story that points to the Savior.

I became familiar with Janette Oke’s work quite a few years ago with the When Calls the Heart fame (both the books and the tv show with the same name), so I was very excited when I saw that she had a new book available. I immediately applied to be an ARC reader, even though this book’s first century setting is quite a departure from her regular pioneer setting.

Going into this book, I knew that it would take place at roughly that same time and place as when Jesus walked the earth. I expected a very formulaic story that placed a Pharisee’s wife as a witness to the most significant events of Jesus’ life. However, what I found was a much deeper story that told of the complexities of a woman, Mary – you might also know her as Simona – who navigates life from a small town in Galilee all the way to Jerusalem and every where in between. It is definitely not the story I expected, but rather something much more complex and nuanced that will stick with me for a long time.

I am pleased to report that although this book deals with some very serious issues it is a very clean read with no cursing or sexual scenes. All serious issues are alluded to without being too graphic or overly detailed.

As an aside, I will mention that Janette Oke concludes her novel with “A Note from the Author” which includes many theological points which I can wholeheartedly agree and some which I would have to politely disagree, as there is a wide range of theological perspective within Christianity.
All that said, this is a novel that I would recommend to women who enjoy historical fiction and are ready to dive into the life of a woman living in the first century of Roman occupied Israel.

Many thanks to Jannette Oke, Tyndale, and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.