Blog Tour – Book Review of Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor

In Martha, author Diana Wallis Taylor gives readers a fictional portrayal of one of the women found in the New Testament. Unlike her sister, Mary, Martha is known for being more interested in completing her work than sitting at the feet of Jesus. 

Through story, we’re given an opportunity to view Martha as a whole person instead of someone who just has her priorities out of order. The author does an excellent job of combining her imagination with what was written in the Bible as she weaves the culture and practices of that time into the novel. 

Martha, Mary, and their brother, Lazarus, develop a strong and loyal friendship with Jesus. It’s no wonder their world is shaken when they’re told he’s been crucified. But, having a relationship with Jesus has changed Martha’s life. 

Maybe it was because I’ve heard much of the biblical accounts included in the book since I was a child that I found myself wanting something more—something a little deeper. At times, I felt this book would fit better in a Young Adult (YA) category.

However, before reading this book, I’d never thought of Martha as someone who may have loved and wanted a family of her own. In the story, she’s rejected by the man in the village she hopes to marry, she falls in love with a Roman soldier, and she takes on the responsibility of caring for her siblings after her father dies. Thinking about what she may have experienced gave me a different perspective. Martha questions her purpose in life. What direction is the right one? It’s a question most readers will be able to relate to.

If you enjoy reading biblical fiction, I encourage you to try Martha.

Available June 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Diana Wallis Taylor is an inspirational speaker, an award-winning writer, and the author of the novel Journey to the Well. She lives in California.

DISCLOSURE: I was graciously provided a copy of The Search by Revell Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.