Biblical fiction about the miracle of the water turned to wine, and the events that followed.

Tasmin is helping to serve at her neighbour’s wedding when she witnesses something unexplainable. She is convinced the stranger from Nazareth is a trickster, so she is absolutely shocked when her twin brother, Thomas, abandons her and their father to follow after him.

Tasmin is determined to bring Thomas back and make him see reason. Accompanied by Yeshua’s brother, Jude, who shares her skepticism, they travel the countryside trying to catch up with the so-called prophet and his growing band of followers, hearing increasingly unbelievable reports of Yeshua’s miracles and dangerously rebellious teachings.

She is certain that Thomas is making a mistake that might even get him killed. Until Tasmin sees evidence of a miracle that cannot be explained by any trickery. Until Yeshua’s teachings and the Scriptures suddenly make sense in a way she never would have predicted.

It’s an interesting perspective to see Jesus’ ministry through the eyes of people who knew him as just a guy from Nazareth. Jesus had a lot of devoted followers, but there were also a lot of skeptics and naysayers, which is understandable when you consider the historical context and all the false messiahs that had come and gone before him. Several of the apostles are known to have started out as skeptics, so it was really interesting to read a story about two people who had to do a complete 180 in their thinking before they came to faith and what it took to make that change happen in their hearts. ( )

I’ve heard of Angela Hunt’s books for years, and always dreamed of reading them…but never had enough time to pick any of them up. Finally, just a few months ago, I discovered the audiobooks available on Scribd, and immediately downloaded one when I had time to listen.

What a sweet story! I’d never considered before what it might have been like for Jesus’ siblings to have him start his ministry and leave home, where they’d always relied on him. A lot of the way that side of this story was portrayed felt quite realistic, and I’m glad for the perspective Hunt brings to Jesus’ family. I did struggle with the side of the plot involving two unmarried characters traveling all over Judea together; that seemed a bit unrealistic, but it worked. The historical context was well-researched and realistic, and the characters were dynamic and relatable. In all, this was a fun, creative, engaging read, and I’m looking forward to diving into the second book in the series. ( )

The Daughter of Cana is book one in the Jerusalem Road series by Angela Hunt. This is such a good book. It is so well written I had to keep reminding myself it was a fictional writing based on Biblical facts.

The story starts in 27 A.D. with Thomas and his twin sister, Tasmin, being hired to do a wedding in Cana. More guests arrive at the wedding than planned for. Some of them are Mary of Nazareth and her family. Her oldest son, Yeshua (Jesus) is there and several men join him and follow him through his next three years. Thomas is one of these men.

Through the story we see what it might have been for those who knew Yeshua and his disciples’ families. We see the struggles the carpenter’s family went through without having him there to do the intricate work only he is skilled with. We see Thomas’ family struggle to keep up with the fruit trees, especially when his father can no longer tend to them. We also see how the people of the time do not understand what Yeshua is saying.

I especially appreciate the question and answer part after the story, where the author points out the extensive research she has done to give as accurate accounting as possible. She gives bible verses that she used for naming characters. I would highly recommend this story for anyone who enjoys reading Biblical Fiction.

I received an e book copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.