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.

*Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review*
I was teleported back to the days of Christ’s first coming to his death/resurrection, to the days following his return to his Father. As a Christian, this book increased my faith and understanding of Jesus. The storyline went along with my Bible great. The.characters were so relatable with their faith and struggles being a Christ follower. You truly got lost in what was perceived to occur during this historical time and the feelings were so raw from the characters that you yearned to discover more. The ending left you hoping for the promise of his second coming and I’m so thankful I will be in that number joining him in that crowd as we are transported to our home in Heaven. What an amazing account of Jesus, the Bible and historical biblical times. I encourage anyone who is a born again believer to read the his book and bask in the beauty of God’s presence as you do so. For those who aren’t, I encourage you to read in hopes that your life will be gloriously changed so that you have a home in Heaven with me. God is Good 🙌🏻

Reading Janette Oke's new book felt like visiting an old friend. In my early teen years when I was first allowed to read "adult" Christian fiction books, I was handed the Love Comes Softly series, so reading Oke's new story written in her simple, distinct style gave me nostalgia.

The Pharisee's Wife follows the story of Mary, a young woman who suddenly becomes the wife of a corrupt Pharisee who only wants her because of her beauty. The reader watches her adjust and endure, all while hearing rumors of a man called Jesus of Nazareth whom the Pharisees despise.

I appreciated that the story occured during the time of Jesus's ministry, death, and resurrection. It made me realize what coming to faith may have felt like during that time. For example, early Christians thought Jesus was coming back very soon after his ascension and probably faced each day like Mary, wondering if today would be the day He would return. Now it's been 2000 years or so and we are still waiting, and sometimes we kind of forget to anticipate His return!

I will say I found the last 20% of the book difficult to get through. I just wasn't as intrigued. Also, things sometimes felt rushed or glossed over, while there were other moments that felt preachy. Mary was likeable enough, but felt a little "flat." There was also an event in the book which I felt came suddenly and felt unrealistic, but it's a spoiler.

Overall, The Pharisee's Wife is a good read. Those of us who enjoyed Janette Oke's earlier books will especially appreciate getting to read a new story from her.

I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Mary is a young Jewish girl living in the times of Jesus’s ministry. She is spotted in the market place of a city by a Pharisee Student. Enos sees Mary and must make her his wife. What follows is a woman grappling with this life change as a new wife and the political and spiritual unrest in Jerusalem during the days of Jesus.

Honestly, I was a little disappointed with this book. The writing felt choppy and the characters felt one dimensional. The overarching story seemed to follow pretty close to the end of the Gospels and the beginning of Acts, but the pacing felt very inconsistent. I know he was a Pharisee but Enos’s actions during the entire story just made me mad and incredibly sad.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

-Positive Content-
▪ I liked the writing style and the worldbuilding was excellent!
▪ I also liked the marketplace vendors the first few chapters in.

-Negative Content-

-The NLT version of the bible is used.

Romance Level: Clean and non-explicit.
▪ A couple were in their bedroom talking, and it mentioned the husband playing with his wife's hair and then laying beside her. Nothing further happened.

-Language (minimal): fool/fools used a few times.

-Triggers-
▪ One mention of a woman having had a miscarriage in the past.

▪ A man marries a young woman solely for her beauty, not out of love. He was insincere, verbally abusive and easily angered.
The man also jerked his wife's face to look at him, after she had turned away from him.

◾Extra comments: The writer's storytelling and worldbuilding were excellent, and the way she described places were as if you were there with the characters.

One of the things I didn't really care for was that the main male character was very irritating, selfish and honestly evil. He made the book less enjoyable than it would have been otherwise.

The book was ok, it just wasn't really my cup of tea.

Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the complimentary e-book I received to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

“𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐩𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲, 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.”

I suggest you have tissues on hand when reading 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐞’𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐟𝐞 as you may need them!

Where do I even start? First, although I haven’t read a Janette Oke book other than this one, I’ve got a feeling this book is very different from the rest of her books. I warn you, if you think this is a fluffy, romantic book, then you are sorely mistaken. In fact, there wasn’t any romance at all.

In reality, this book is a story of trusting in God even in perilous circumstances, and of faith even in what you don’t see.

Mary/Simona is the protagonist of this book. From the beginning, she had very few choices of her own—even in the man she married. Throughout this book she faced the dire trials before her in a positive outlook. Many would let themselves become bitter over those same trials, but not not Mary. While I appreciated this, I also struggled with connecting with her, and I found her a little too perfect at times.

Another part that I battled with was whenever Enos, the Pharisee, was in the story. I couldn’t stand him! I’ll actually give the author credit for this as writing a truly despicable villain is not an easy task, and she certainly did a good job!

Towards the end of the story it got really good, and I teared up a few times. I really liked the ending, and I definitely recommend that you read the author’s note.

Overall, I thought 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐞’𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐟𝐞 was a very well-written book, and I’d highly recommend to any biblical fiction fans!

Janette Oke was one of my first favorite authors. I still own most of the books by her from my adolescent/teenage years. Getting the chance to read an advanced copy of one of her books has been an honor. Unlike most of her books this story is geared more towards adult than YA. It is a fictional story based on a pivotal time in history. She weaves in true historical events with characters and events that "could have happened". This is not an easy read, but a heavy read that had tears running down my face through most of it. As a believer one of the most impactful thing I got from it was instead of praying for Him to hurry back we should be praying for those still lost to hurry before time runs out. I highly recommend this book to be read by everyone.

If you like Biblical historical fiction, do I have a recommended book for you! The Pharisees Wife by Janette Oke is about a young lady named Mary, who catches the eye of a Pharisee that make her his bride, and the challenges she faces, learning their culture, leaving her parents, and community.

This story taught me what it would have been like to be a young lady, married off, while during the time of Jesus’s death on the cross and the Christians facing persecution. All the characters in the book faced different fears and beliefs. Enos dealt with pride and unbelief, Mary faced fear and loneliness, Mary and most of her family came to believe in Jesus, her dad struggled with health and doubt and rejected Jesus, Mary’s brother Benjamin was martyred, Mary’s mother who once dealt with anger was changed after she became saved.

This story kept me up late reading and waiting to see what would happen next.

Quotes I took from the book:

Mary struggled. There was so much pain in her world. Deep, deep down within her, she had an unquenched thirst for answers. For truth. And she kept thinking, feeling, that somehow the unknown Jesus held answers.
We all make mistakes. We all need forgiveness. But we now know where to find it.
The great news, Father, is that He is not only the Healer, but the Savior we have long awaited. our Redeemer, The Messiah.
We either accept Him, or we reject Him. We cannot be undecided. There is not a third.
But what it could cost me to believe Him is little compared to what it could cost me to deny Him.
She prayed the same prayer over and over. Lord lead me. Lead us. We need your guidance and care.
It was so hard to wait, but faith would sustain her. She would continue to pray for patience–and strong, courageous, faith-until the Day of Deliverance would take her home.