Mary: Chosen of God by Diana Wallis Taylor is a remarkable novel. Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read and this book did not disappoint. The story of the young Hebrew maiden, Mary, may be a familiar story to many but her every day life and her thoughts and emotions throughout her journey as the mother of Jesus leave a bit to the imagination and Taylor fills in this story magnificently. The rawness of emotions as we see Mary's wonder at being chosen as the Messiah's mother, the love she shows as Yeshua grows and the grief as she watches her son die are eloquently portrayed. Throughout the story Mary is depicted as a woman of prayer, one who is in intimate contact with Ha'Shem, the God Who Sees Her. In the Scriptures, it is said that Mary treasured and pondered all these things in her heart and Taylor shows that well as Mary often is seen questioning and thinking about this miracle child of hers. She knew who he was but where was he going? What is his destiny? What would come next? Would he take on Rome? When could she reveal his miracle birth to his siblings so they might understand more fully who Yeshua really was? How could she dispel their disquietude and skepticism as they try to make sense of a brother who is now a rabbi who heals the sick and raises the dead? Mary knew within her heart of hearts that Yeshua was only loaned to her for a time and she must trust the Father with what she could not see.
Taylor keeps the story moving and brings interest as she describes the everyday life of the Hebrew families, their meals and activities, the architecture of their living areas and the ways of travel. Ancient history is brought to life as the Hebrew customs, holidays and feast days are described and integrated into the story.
Mary: Chosen of God is a captivating and compelling book, one that those who love Biblical history will not want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Club network. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. ( )

This was a fantastic take on Mary's view of what happened to her, Joseph and Jesus. This made Mary real to me. What would you do as a 14 year old girl when you are told that you will have a child that will be God's son. I don't believe that I would handle it well at all. This takes us from before the birth of Christ to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Well done. I received this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion. ( )

Title: Mary, Chosen of God
Author: Diana Wallis Taylor
Pages: 320
Year: 2016
Publisher: Whitaker House
My rating is 4 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from www.bookfun.org
As most readers can discern from the title, this book is a fictional account about Mary, the mother of Jesus. The story starts with Mary as a young girl and goes on to cover approximately fifty years of her life. Readers will see Mary’s love of friendship with Joseph turn to the love of a man and woman. She is soon betrothed to Joseph, but is visited by an angel of the Lord. During this visit she learns of her cousin, Elizabeth’s pregnancy and is told to go visit her. Mary is also told of her joyous task of bearing the long-awaited Messiah. Mary is in wonder as to how this can happen, but obeys and thanks God for His giving her this responsibility.
When it becomes obvious that Mary I pregnant and unmarried though betrothed, Joseph wants to break off their betrothal. A betrothal in that time was much more binding than an engagement in this day and age. However, Joseph receives his own heavenly visitation from an angel and he also obeys God’s command to take Mary as his wife. The town gossips I’m sure had a field day and I’m sure some shunned Mary or talked poorly about her. She, however, remained devoted, compassionate and merciful. She was such a godly example at such a young age in the story.
I liked the details included on Mary and her family’s many journeys, whether they were fairly short by our standards, or longer journeys. The descriptions were vivid and helped me picture in my mind’s eye what the area might have looked like almost 2000 years ago. I also relished the descriptions of the Jewish holidays/celebrations, way of life and culture and how Jesus lived through these events. The gospel message was present well and consistently. As a mother, I can imagine the hurt and agony she felt as she watched her other children turn against Jesus and then the final moments of his precious life. I admired her devotion to God in her everyday life as well as in crises. Something that I certainly can put into practice!
The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

I really love books that are fictionalization of bible stories. Sometimes they are just straight forward with no real descriptions or anything to help the reader to connect to the book. In this case, the author has done an outstanding job of retelling a very important story that completely captivated me. I saw the breads, the fruits and other delicious items on the table as Mary's family sat down to partake of a meal that came from God's provision. I loved how the author made me feel like I was sitting at the table listening to Mary talk to her parents. I envisioned a sweet soft voice as she spoke of her love for The Most High.

I was so impressed with the way the author told the story of Mary and how she made such beautiful descriptions of the time period and the feelings that Mary experienced when she realized she was carrying a special child. I imagine there was much talk and whispers about Mary when she became pregnant. I have read the story many times, seen movies about Mary and the birth of Christ. This time I felt the story deep in my soul as the author wrote with grace and compassion about the mother of Jesus. I loved how Mary continuously prayed for guidance and believed without question that her son was destined for greatness.

The author has given me a new author to read now that I have had the honor of reading her book. It is parallel to the story in the bible but adds real depth and brings the story to life with vivid details. The true unconditional love that Mary had for her son is written with emotions that brought tears to my eyes. I hope everyone will grab a copy of this book. It is a magnificent retelling of Mary and the son who would one day set us free.

"Therefore , let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Yeshua, whom you crucified , both Lord and Messiah."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. ( )