The people in the Bible are real people. Karen shows that in the short stories of those who lived closely to Jesus.

I saw Joseph wanting to protect and love Mary, in spite of the wrong he thought she had done. His uncertainty over her words until the angel confirmed them.

Her presentation of Zechariah seemed more like a woman's perspective--his desire for a child. I could see his pining for an heir, but not a child, if one could see the difference. That made it hard to except.

Her research added rich detail that explained the times and customs of their times.

Enjoyable read that made want to know the people more. ( )

When you read this book you will get the author's very good take on what it was like to be a part of Jesus' family. You will get Joseph's perspective as the stepfather, Zechariah, the uncle and priest, Elizabeth his Aunt, John the Baptist his cousin, James his brother and Mary his mother. Each person will have a story to tell based on the Bible, but also with "emotionally gripping fictional details as well as historical and theological insights". I found myself getting to know these people so much better and also found myself going to the Bible and reading certain passages with a fresh new perspective. ( )

The Family of Jesus
Karen Kingsbury

Book Summary: America’s favorite inspirational novelist offers a fictional view of six of the family members of Jesus, all anchored by Scriptural truth, creating a life-changing and unprecedented emotional connection to the Bible. Through The Family of Jesus, readers will develop an emotional connection to the family members of Jesus, learning about their lives and falling in love with Scripture along the way. Bible studies and devotionals abound, and in churches everywhere people gather to seek a deeper understanding of God’s word and its application to their lives. But too often these studies engage only the analytic approach to Bible learning. In The Family of Jesus, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist Karen Kingsbury will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately care more deeply about the Bible by helping you grasp the truths in Scripture not just with your mind, but with your heart. The characters in these short stories were among those closest to Jesus—Mary, Joseph, Jesus’ brother James, John the Baptist, Zechariah, and Elizabeth. Each has a compelling tale to tell. Kingsbury intersperses fictional, emotionally gripping details anchored in Scripture with historical and theological insights and questions that will guide soul-searching and reflection. The Family of Jesus not only provides a deeper understanding of the relatives of our Savior, but also helps readers acquire tools that will draw them closer to Christ, to the Scriptures, and to each other.

Review: I find Karen Kingsbury to be a talented writer and this book puts flesh on the people surrounding Jesus and puts the dust on your face and leaves sand in your mouth from the skillful way she weaves a story.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Howard Books for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone. ( )

Based on the Bible, Karen Kingsbury has begun a four-book series that takes you back to early Jerusalem when all was awaiting the promised Messiah. Meet Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, James and Mary the mother of Jesus. The book includes questions, group discussion guides and homework questions to help facilitate small group discussions.

If you're a fan of Karen Kingsbury, you'll be super excited about the first book in her new Life Changing Bible Study series, The Family of Jesus. Kingsbury brings the story of Jesus and his family to life---taking us back to an early Jerusalem who was hungry for its promised Messiah. Featuring all the "main players": Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, James, and more, these stories will solidify your faith, as well as help you feel closer to our Lord.

The thing I like I best about, The Family of Jesus, is that the book includes devotional study questions, as well as group discussion prompts and homework. This book can be read through for enjoyment, done as part of my own devotional time, or used in a small group setting with other ladies.

I received a copy of this to review on my blog. ( )