A Woman of Words

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

Angela Hunt’s A Woman of Words, the third installment in her Jerusalem Road series, looks at the Gospel of Matthew from a unique perspective: that of Mary, the mother of Jesus, working with the disciple Matthew. Together, they record eyewitness stories from those who had spent time with the Son of God when neither of them was there.
I was enchanted by the portrayal of Mary as a relatable person – a kind, caring woman who was strong in her faith yet not without flaws. Matthew, a former tax collector, was likewise very real in Hunt’s story. Both were plucked from ordinary lives and divinely appointed to fill special roles. For me, this served as a wonderful reminder that the people we read about in the Holy Bible were human just like us, experiencing worries, self-doubt, frustrations, and the whole range of other emotions. Even so, Christ loved and died for them, just as he loves and died for us. We can all be used by God in our own unique ways, even though they may not be the ways we would have chosen or expected.
Hunt is an exceptionally talented writer, and the depth of historical research she does is readily evident in her work. She easily drew me into the story, transporting me back in time, and kept my attention to the very last page. She has a true gift for bringing her characters to life and painting easily imaginable settings while weaving scripture into the plot all along the way. Although this book is part of a series, it is not necessary to have read the first two books to enjoy the story fully.
I highly recommend this book to fans of Biblical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley, but the opinions I have expressed are entirely my own. A positive review was not required.

Books like this are the reason Biblical fiction is my favourite subgenre of Christian Fiction.

I saw submission portrayed in all it's essence illustrated in this book. The weight of it was humbling. This book made me ask deep questions about my life and God's will for me life, my place in His scheme of things.

I got to read about Mary, the mother of Jesus and her great sacrifice, that woman was strength personified. Matthew as he wrote the book of Matthew with all the challenges and persecutions that came with it, He and Mary stood strong. James, John and Peter as they balanced preaching the Gospel and helping people.

The author illustrated how God blesses all His children with different skills, talents and gifts for the building and edification of the body of Christ. No one is less than another. God has a great plan for each other and a role for them to play.

I recommend this book to lovers for Biblical fiction, and those who are struggling with a low self esteem wondering if God has a plan for their lives.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

A Woman of Words
by Angela Hunt
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction
Pub Date 04 May 2021


I am reviewing a copy of A Woman of Words through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:





Matthew was a disciple and a former tax collector who is invited to work with Peter, James, and John in Jerusalem. He has dreams of preaching and performing miracles like his fellow apostles, but he finds his dreams postponed because of a request from Yeshua's mother. Well aware of her passing years when Mary asks him to help dreams postponed because of a request from Yeshua's mother. Well aware of the passing years, Mary asks Matthew to help her record the stories of Yeshua while the eyewitnesses are still alive. Reluctantly, he agrees, though the longer he and Mary work together, the more difficult their task becomes.





The two are not only are they pressured by opposition from friends and foes alike, but Gaius Caesar, better known as Caligula, is determined to raise a statue of himself in the Holy Temple, even if it means killing every man in Israel.



While Matthew works to save his people, Mary encourages him to come to terms with issues from his past. When they finally near the completion of their project, Matthew realizes that the job he reluctantly accepted might be his God-given destiny.



I give A Woman of Words five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Angela Hunt has a gift of writing that brings the scripture and the people to your heart. It is not an emotional writing but one of taking great care of keeping true of the scripture and what the context of the times were like. Even the language is intentional. So how did the writing of Christ come together. Angela writes that Mary the mother of Jesus would have been a good resource so together with Matthew one of the twelve, Hunt brought on how they may have come together. What was in their heart. A mother's heart and the heart of a man that knew Jesus personally. How do you keep your own emotions out of scripture and deal with the truth of Christ and his mission?

The relationship between Mary and Matthew has its own contrast but it always comes down to what is important and why. Something they both discover.

One of the things that Hunt brought up which is important in this day and age is how God's chosen people are still relevant to the gospel. To salvation and why it is important for Christians. Some Christians believe that this is not so because the church replaces what God chose. I always go back to scripture that Romans 11. We has non Jews have been grafted in. It is to our peril to think God is not finished with bringing the Jews to salvation in Christ. This is a tender story of God's mission for the Jews and Christians. Highly recommend.

You can't go wrong choosing a story by Angela Hunt. Her biblical fiction storytelling is superb, drawing you back to Bible times and learning about and experiencing customs unfamiliar. I've read very little fiction depicting Mary, mother of Jesus. Wonderful storytelling, strong visualization, and evocative characters. Highly recommended!

I reviewed this book for Historical Novels Review Magazine, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. Per their policy, I cannot post the review until after it is posted on the HNS website on August 1st. I will update the review then.

A woman of words tells the fictional account of how the gospel of Matthew came to be.
The book is written in the first person from Mary, Mother of Jesus and Matthew point of view. The author took into account not just what Matthew saw and learned in his time with Jesus, but you get Mary's perspective and her memories of Jesus as a child.

I was very intrigued by the concept of this book. I have never read anything like it. The author did a great job with her characters, bringing them to life with her creative license, but also staying within the boundaries of scripture.
This is the third book in this particular series, but it can be read as a stand alone.
Recommend especially if you are a fan of biblical historical fiction.

I enjoyed this story of how the Gospels may have been started. Though there is a fair amount of speculation on the part of the author, there is also a lot of this story that is backed up by history. I enjoyed the story and the glimpse of life in Ancient Israel. I was also thankful for the author's historical notes in the back of the book—and I think I might just read those first in future books in the series, so that I know what is true and what is invented for the story!

I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

A very inspirational historical novel with a little romance
Award-Winning and best-selling author Angela Hunt presents the third book of the "Jerusalem Road" series entitled "A Woman of Words", published by Bethany House Publishers. She is using an interesting and creative approach in presenting her readers how the Gospel of Matthew which was written by Matthew himself, the Matthew who was originally a tax-collector for the Romans called Levi, might have come about. Matthew, one of the apostles, comes back to Jerusalem with his ideas for ministry, what he wants to see and experience, but discovers that his ministry will be something totally different. Along the way he really gets to know Mary, the mother of Yeshua, who strives that the story of Yeshua is told as his story and that she is only seen as an ordinary woman.
After two books about adoption this was the first Christian historical novel by Angela Hunt which I read and I am looking forward to read the next one and also the previous ones of this series. I highly recommend this book for readers of biblical fiction and historical fiction with its amazing and believable characters. I also appreciated that Hunt explained her inspiration for this book in the author's note at the end of the book and answered some questions that might arise as well as her extensive reference list as well as two historical maps which will help readers to dig deeper into the Bible facts if they want. Though the meaning of most of the Hebrew words can be guessed I would have appreciated a list with the translation of the Hebrew words either at the beginning or the end of the book.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#AWomanOfWords #NetGalley

I enjoyed this lovely story of the relationship between Matthew and Mary.

They both always kept in the center of their thoughts and actions, how best they could serve Jesus. Mary wanted to share her experience as the mother of Jesus, and Matthew wanted nothing more than to be a good servant for Jesus.

A joyful read!

Thanks to Bethany House for the read of Angela Hunt’s, A Woman of Words.

Opinions expressed are my own.