The Family of Jesus

Heart of the Story #1

by Karen Kingsbury

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.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Audiobook, Biblical

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2014

About the author

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.

See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/K...

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sit back and let the sights and sounds and wonder of the family of Jesus fill your heart.~from a letter to readers by Karen Kingsbury

Six of the people closest to Jesus tell us their story: Joseph, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Elizabeth, James the brother of Jesus, and Mary. Through their eyes we are taken from the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist to Jesus' birth in Bethlehem to the cross and then the glorious Resurrection. The gospels stories are well-represented and give the reader a fresh look at a narrative that may have become too familiar for wonder. Also included are a series of Bible studies that encourage individual reflection and group discussion. This would be a wonderful tool for a group to use during Advent or Lent. Highly recommended!

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up after reading "The Testament of Mary" because I really needed to take my brain out and wash it with some truth. Part of the reason I was so affected by the aforementioned book, despite knowing ahead of time that the character of Mary would be totally maligned, was because the setting, the characters, and the voice of Mary (narrated by Meryl Streep) were SO believable. I was IN that story.

Unfortunately, the stories of these 6 characters; Joseph, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Elizabeth, James, and Mary; read more like a Christian romance novel than a retelling of the Bible. The voices didn't feel authentic and I found myself skimming to get through it, wishing I were reading my Bible instead, yet dreading getting to the end and writing a 3-star review.

Thank-you, thank-you for the Bible Study Reader that takes up the last third of this book. I LOVED this part. Scripture readings, major points about the characters' behavior and personalities, and a "what can we learn from this character" section.

3-stars for the stories...5-stars for the Bible study reader and my brain feels better.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the thought of seeing Jesus' life from the viewpoint of those closest to Him, rather than having to piece it together from the New Testament, and here we are given 6 short stories, each from the point of view of someone close to Jesus: Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, his cousin John, his brother James, and Mary.

Although some of the stories are very, very familiar and didn't add much that was new to me, others provided explanations for behavior or emotions that I'd never quite understood before - such as when Jesus' mother and brothers try to confront him and he sends them away, or realizing that none of his brothers were at the cross, just his disciple John. James' relationship to his brother must have been awkward and wonderful at the same time.

I loved seeing more of John the Baptist, thinking of him as a child and seeing how he may have learned and grown, and understanding Jesus' relationship to John as adults, running almost parallel courses for a while before John's ministry was abruptly ended. I also loved the impression of Elizabeth as mentor to Mary, in both life and death, preparing her way as her son prepared the way for Jesus.

I also enjoyed the studies that were provided with each, with questions for individual reflection as well as separate ones for group discussions. In some cases I got even more out of the questions and study guides than I did the story.

These aren't packed with details (as Francine Rivers' books tend to be, but simply let each person's story stand on the facts we are given, extrapolating only some unwritten emotions or consequences, and this makes them easy to read, and easy to consider; you don't get whisked away into a story, but are faced with the simple truth. Ideal reading, especially at Easter.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With The Family of Jesus, Karen Kingsbury uses her talent to take her fans in a new direction. She has embarked on a storytelling journey into the realm of Biblical fiction. In my opinion it is some of the best work I have seen from her in a long time. That is not to say I haven't enjoyed her recent works, it is just that this book feels like her original writing. It is very engaging in its simply told stories.

I'm a very picky reader when it comes to Biblical fiction. I think there is a fine line that shouldn't be crossed and I'm happy to say that Karen stayed on the correct side of that line. In fact at the very beginning of the book she explained the parameters that she stuck to in telling the stories.

"From the beginning as I undertook this project, I felt compelled by my love of the Bible to stick to some hard-and-fast ground rules. The most important was this: The stories had to be anchored in Scripture. In a way, I took the Bible verses on these real-life characters and stuck them like tent stakes in the desert sand. Nothing could ever violate those truths.

Then I researched the cultural and geographical accuracy and made absolutely sure the tent of the stories didn't billow beyond that.

But otherwise, I let the tent blow in the wind a little."

So with that in mind I'm pleased to say that this was a wonderful journey through the life of Christ as seen through the eyes of those closest to Him. The story begins with Joseph and winds through Zechariah, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, James and then ends with His mother Mary.

The stories are so well told that I found myself contemplating things that I had never really considered before. Such as how did Mary and Joseph's families feel about the situation. What kind of shame would be heaped upon Zachariah for remaining childless all those years? After all he is a priest and his offspring is expected to carry on that priestly line. What would John the Baptist be like as a child? The Scripture says he was filled with the Spirit from birth. How would that affect his actions and decisions? As you can see there is lots and lots to ponder during the telling of this line of stories.

The second half of the book is made up of a six week Bible study that takes each of the characters presented and spends five days delving deeper into the background of that person. Each week then ends with a Group Discussion session. This book would make an excellent small-group study or even an extended Book Club read and discussion.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

[Kim Wilbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I read it right before Easter. Karen Kingsbury definitely has a way with words. I wept at Mary's story.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the first time, Karen Kingsbury is diving into writing a Bible study. This is the first in a series and releases July 1, 2014.

The Family of Jesus takes a more personal look into the lives of Joseph, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Elizabeth, James and Mary. Each person is given his/her own chapter. Karen uses the scriptures to tell the stories of each person in a more story like fashion. She's included some fictionalized dialog that she believes may have been spoken between the individuals. I really liked this. I've read almost everything KK has written. She just has a way with a story. She did that here in the Bible study. She made Joseph, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Elizabeth, James and Mary, more human in my eyes with the way she wrote out their stories.

Each chapter includes it's own five days of study with questions to end each day. There is also a "For Group Discussion" section at the end of the five days so a group completing the study together has a guide for discussion. I encourage you to grab a group of friends and dive right into this study. I don't think you'll be sorry :)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Andi Tubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true Karen Kingsbury style she takes the Family of Jesus and writes a poignant story for today. Reading about Mary and Joseph was fun because I already knew what was going to happen.
Karen's spin on Jesus' family is beautiful and it brings them to life in a new way.
This will probably be one of my favorite books of hers.

Highly recommended!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family of Jesus is a collection of short stories of the relatives to Jesus.
The story of Joseph is about the earthly father of Jesus. It tells how Mary and him met and became betrothed. I loved to read about Joseph’s love he had for Mary. Then I could just feel the turmoil and anger he felt when Mary told him that she was pregnant. Then the feelings turned to belief and joy. The story continues to the glorious birth and beyond.
The story Zechariah is about the husband of Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth. It discusses his and Elizabeth’s struggles with infertility issues. Then she becomes pregnant with John (the Baptist).
The story of John the Baptist is about the cousin of Jesus and the son of Elizabeth and Zechariah. It tells of John’s life as the preacher and baptizer of the people.
The story of Elizabeth is about Mary’s cousin and mother of John the Baptist. It shows an inspiring way how she worked through her grief with faith.
The story of James is about the brother of Jesus. It tells of how life was like living with Jesus growing up and how James struggles with his faith.
The story of Mary is about the mother of Jesus. This is the most powerful and glorious story of them all. I really could feel the love she had for her son and Savior.
The last part of the book is a five day discussion and study guide for each of the stories. Which also includes a section about each of these family members and what the scripture in the Bible says about them. I really enjoyed this section.
My thoughts of this book is that it is really good. It brings life to those who lived with and knew Jesus. It is an inspiring, powerful, and enlightening read. I highly recommend this book! I think it would be great to use for book clubs and Bible study groups.
5 stars.
I received this book for free from Howard Books in exchange for my honest review which was given.

[Dundee Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fictional account of Bible characters whom Karen Kingsbury deemed as the Family of Jesus. It includes His mother Mary, Jesus' brother John, John the Baptist and others. Each family member tells the same story from their own viewpoint. The author takes the Bible stories and makes them as true as can be, while adding some modern language to it, so it is more relatable. I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next one, the Friends of Jesus.

[Jen Unsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way Karen's writing immersed me into the culture and stories of Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah, John the Baptist, & James. Her writing helped me to stop and ponder more deeply what they went through and their connections to Jesus.

[Susan Leadholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic opportunity to learn about Jesus’ family and their role in our faith. Loved the questions of reflection at the back of the book. Excellent!

[Karla Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think people who enjoy “The Chosen” would enjoy this book. It was fun to read possible perspectives of the people closest to Jesus.

[Erin Bottger (Bouma) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been reading several books on the life of Jesus and when I came across this title, I thought I’d give it a read to flesh out the people – other than the disciples and Mary Magdalene- who surrounded him.

In this volume, Kingsbury fictionalizes each chapter given to key individuals, starting with Joseph. She creatively weaves the story in sequence: Joseph, Zechariah, John the Baptist, Elizabeth, James (Jesus’ Brother) and ending with Mary. Of course, Mary appears throughout the story as Joseph’s beloved, as a visitor to her cousin Elizabeth, and as James’ mother, before she has her own chapter which begins after John’s death.

Not a pastor, biblical scholar or theologian, but an “inspirational storyteller,” Kingbury has a pretty standard Protestant view of the narrative. She adds emotional content as well as historical detail to flesh out her stories, She writes in an opening letter to the reader that she consulted with knowledgeable men whether or not the scene or dialogue she invents could have happened: “Given the anchors of scripture and the boundaries of culture and geography, are these things possible? When the answer was yes-- I told a story.”

One of her strong conclusions is that there was a real cost to being in the family of Jesus and she explores the price each of these characters had to pay.

Her opening with Joseph finds a young man very much in love with Mary. He romantically brings her flowers, yet is able to accept the angel’s instructions to protect her when Mary confesses that she is pregnant. He also obeys the warning to leave for Egypt to save the child. But nothing is really developed beyond this point about his married life (and additional half brothers and sisters) and, perhaps, later doubts of faith. If he was young, like Mary, why does he disappear from the scene once Jesus is an adult? Many people have surmised Joseph was an older man and left Mary widowed quite young.

The chapter on Zechariah I found interesting because I knew very little about the High Priests’ duties in the Temple in Jerusalem. The portrait of him is very sympathetic and she sets the scene of his domestic life with childless Elizabeth. When the angel Gabriel announces that he will have a son in his old age, and name him John, Zechariah asks how this could be possible. And so the angel silences him until this will all come to pass. Returning home, he tells his wife in writing that their son will make “a people prepared” for the coming Messiah.

It is in this section that Mary travels to visit Elizabeth to confirm the angel’s telling of her cousin’s long-awaited pregnancy. For me, this offers a clear motivation to her 3-month stay in the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth, unless the angel also directed that trip. I believe it was there and then that Mary conceived Jesus. From what I understand, Elizabeth grew jealous of her and asked Mary to leave.

The John the Baptist chapter, I feel, is the weakest section, maybe because I believe his mission was left unfinished. Kingsbury paints John as a charismatic boy, a top scholar beloved by his parents, and a childhood pal of Jesus. She also gives him a romantic interest in a girl-next-door (which seems very unlikely for an ascetic like John).

When he turned 30, while studying in the desert, John heard a voice; he “wasn’t sure if he heard it in his heart or if the voice boomed across the barren desert floor. But the message was clear. John was to go to the countryside around the Jordan River and baptize people, burying them in water and raising them up out of it to a new life, a new understanding of God.” He tells his parents his time has come and he reviews the prophecy of Isaiah concerning preparing the way of the Lord.

Once at the river, baptizing followers, God gave John words of judgment to speak to the crowds that began to gather. Many in the crowds began to wonder if John was the expected Messiah. Meanwhile, the narration continues, Jesus left his home and began his own ministry.

Next, John greets Jesus’ arrival at the Jordan River as his cousin. “But something had changed. The man coming toward him was not only his family member. He was God in the flesh.” Though John resisted, Jesus insisted on being baptized by him. But I think, if John was so convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, why did the voice from Heaven need to announce “This is My Son, in whom I am well pleased” and why did the imprisoned John later ask of Jesus: “Are you the one or shall we look for another?”

John, of course, does not become Jesus’ number one disciple which would have made a significant difference in Jesus’ ministry. Instead, John ends up being imprisoned and, tragically, beheaded, never fully understanding what went wrong in his mission.

Now the story moves on to Elizabeth, mourning John’s murder. She is comforted by Anne, the girlfriend introduced earlier. Elizabeth looks back fondly on John’s birth and circumcision when Zechariah regained his voice. Zechariah, upon hearing the news has stopped eating and is now frail and lost in brokenness.

Mary arrives to console Elisabeth and talk about the destiny of their two sons. Mary shares about the encounter with Simeon in the temple years before: “He said that Jesus would cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and that He would be spoken against. So that hearts might be revealed… That part was difficult. But his last words were the worst… He said a sword would pierce my own soul, too.”

The chapter on James, “The Doubting Brother” follows. Kingsbury’s depiction of James is one of a scowling skeptic resenting his brother stirring up trouble for them. “This whole Jesus thing made absolutely no sense. James had watched him grow up, after all. Jesus was the oldest of Joseph’s sons. One of James’ closest friends and constant companions. Until he left home and started telling people He was God. Of all things.”

Now this is a totally believable reaction. James even seems convinced that his brother is crazy and tries to get him to come home and stay out of trouble. The crowds surrounding him, the hostility aroused, the shame James felt toward Jesus. And when his own brother questioned: “Who are my mother and who are my brothers?” James was mystified and furious. “Maybe it’s time we disown Him! Maybe out in the open. Where everyone can see how we feel about this.” But, Mary tells him to stop, “That’s enough… I know you mean well, son… Let Jesus be.”

Before long, Passover arrives and Jesus is arrested in Jerusalem. His mother Mary announces they must travel to the capital to see him, if possible since her son is in trouble. James accompanies his mother to the city and onto the courtyard scene with Pilot. They are shocked by the rabble demanding Jesus’ life and, as the sentence of death is pronounced, Mary involuntarily cries out, “No!” and insists she must go to him.

In Kingsbury’s telling, Mary then declares her belief in her son as the Messiah and chooses to accompany the disciples. James is dumbstruck at his mother’s confession and they separate as “I am not one of His followers.” At a distance then, James watches his mother follow the progression of the painful stumbling of Jesus on his course to Golgotha, the erection of the cross with his brother hanging on it, and the tense atmosphere. John, the disciple was caring for his mother at the foot of the cross now, so Mary didn’t need James right now.

But, in witnessing the full drama of the crucifixion and watching his mother’s desperation, something stirs in his soul. When Jesus looks down from the cross and asks John to take care of Mary, James’ angry hopelessness began to lead to understanding that his brother trusts his disciples more. And James starts to feel abandoned by both brother and mother. When the earth shakes upon Jesus’ death, and a storm arises, James finally sees the truth of Jesus’ mission. Not only had he lost his brother, he had denied God, “and he would spend the rest of his life regretting the fact.”

In a final scene, Jesus appears to James after the Resurrection he wipes away all of James’ discouragement and doubt. Jesus commissions him to lead the church in Jerusalem and James vows to serve Jesus for the rest of his life.

Now, we arrive at Mary’s chapter in the story; she has gone from an innocent maiden in Joseph’s story to now, a grieving widow and distraught mother. Here, she has heard the account of her son walking on water on the Sea of Galilee, relayed by Peter. I did think these lines were a bit corny, though, “She had taught Jesus to walk. Now He walked on water. She had fed Him from a spoon. Now He fed thousands.”

Then she observes the Pharisees questioning Jesus and “something in Mary’s heart told her these people meant Jesus harm.” Mary is placed in Jerusalem during the Palm Sunday entry of Jesus on a donkey, followed by the overturning of the money changers’ tables in the temple.
“Many in the crowd clapped and cheered-- those who before this moment had no choice but to pay the price for a sacrifice. But Mary could see clusters of Pharisees and Sadducees gathered in the corners, whispering among themselves… they looked angry at what had happened.
“Finished with that task, Jesus moved to another section of the temple courts, and there He did what He was most comfortable doing: He began to teach and heal people.”

Mary has a brief encounter with her son and he warns her that very soon things are going to get bad, and that the crowds who currently love him will change their tune. But three days after his death, He would rise again. He insisted these things were God’s Will. The chapter then goes through the Passover week through to the Crucifixion from Mary’s viewpoint. Of course, the telling is emotion-laden.

“Why were they hurting Him? He hadn’t done anything but love people. And now the crowds gathered around wanting Him killed. Nothing made sense… She leaned against John, unable to do anything else. She pictured Him, her unbroken, unblemished son sitting beside her on the bench, holding her hand. Hadn’t He said He would be crucified? Yes, that was it. He would be crucified because that had to happen to fulfill the Scriptures… But her mind and body were frantic with grief.”

We go through the final moments on the cross, and her ministrations in washing the battered, lifeless body of her firstborn with her tears before He is removed and buried in the cave. “Her last single act of love for her oldest son.” And, following the Resurrection, Mary concludes: “Everything made sense now. Joseph’s determination to rescue their son, Zechariah’s song, John the Baptist’s sacrifice, Elizabeth’s heartache and James’ epiphany. Even Mary’s great anguish at the cross.”

The book concludes with nearly another hundred pages of “Applications” and a Group Discussion Guide for each chapter with “What can I learn from…?” and Bible passages. This section might be useful for some folks but, as the story itself doesn’t probe very deeply into the character’s motivations, I think most of the contents are on a superficial level as well. From the few text samples I’ve offered, the discerning reader can tell that the prose is adequate but nothing special.

[Ann Mulholland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I felt like I was living the lives of Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, and James the brother of Jesus.
Highly recommend this!

[Myrthe Verwoerdt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wat een prachtig boek, de woordkeuze en invulling voor een realistische beeldvorming zijn fantastisch. Kippenvel in ieder hoofdstuk door de liefde en het lijden wat je van zo dichtbij mee ervaart. Een enorme aanrader!

[shanreads4lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book truly brings the Bible to life. Giving different perspectives of the family of Jesus while also following very tight to Scripture. When reading the Word I find myself being wrapped up in the life of Jesus and His teachings, this was an excellent way to change perspective and learn more of Him thru the eyes of the ones He loved the most. Although I didn't read anything "new" in this book (besides John the Baptist head being served in a platter!!!!!?!) It was a great new way to take on the life of Christ.

I really enjoyed the Bible Study at the end!!

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bible is riddled with fallible people whom God uses to carry out His perfect plan. Kingsbury has acknowledged the humanity of Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, James, and Mary – their hopes, fears, and struggles with faith. She does not draft the characters as super-humans but instead uses their strengths and weaknesses to serve as examples for our own lives. By doing so I feel that she has met her goal of creating emotional connections between her readers and the characters.

Karen Kingsbury has charted new territory by melding fictional storytelling with a bible study. The wisdom she has gained over the course of her writing career pours out into this beautiful and plausible storyline. She successfully intimates her readers with the family of Jesus. I enjoyed how each chapter gradually built on the last in a gentle crescendo that revealed the entire gospel of Christ. A person could choose to read The Family of Jesus as a collection of biblical fictions stories but they would miss half the blessing of the book. While Karen Kingsbury has established herself as a fiction writer, she definitely has a knack for composing a rewarding bible study.

The Family of Jesus is an excellent choice for book club and small group leaders looking to elicit group participation. Approximately 75% of the book is devoted to the novellas the remaining 25% is composed of study and discussion questions. The short stories focus the reader on a character and his or her struggles while the pointed questions encourage the reader’s spiritual growth and reflection. This book could be a wonderful tool to draw people closer together and deeper into the Word.

Worthy of 4 stars, The Family of Jesus will be available July 1st from Howard books. I believe Kingsbury’s next book in the “Heart of the Story Collection” will be greatly anticipated.

I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Kingsbury in her new book, “The Family Of Jesus” Book One in the Life-Changing Bible Study Series published by Howard Books gives us America’s favorite inspirational storyteller brings the family of Jesus to life.

From the back cover: Meet the family closest to Jesus…

Joseph, His stepfather: the protector of Jesus

Zechariah, His uncle: a priest who waited on God

Elizabeth, His aunt: A woman who faithfully believed in the impossible

John the Baptist, His cousin: a man whose whole life meant dying for Jesus

James, His brother: a man whose regret turned to joy

Mary, His mother: a woman desperate to save her son from the one mission she couldn’t stop

These are their stories.

Each has a compelling tale to tell. Based on The Bible and interspersed with emotionally gripping fictional details as well as historical and theological insights, the stories of Jesus’ family will shed new light on God’s Word.

Read and imagine The Bible like never before.

Karen Kingsbury brings her incredible talent as an author to write this wonderful insight into six members of Jesus’ family. In six chapters Ms. Kingsbury shows us the individuals we have read about all our lives in a brand new manner. Then after we have been drawn into their lives we are given the six weekly application and group discussion guides for each person. You probably never looked at these people like this before but the insights you will get from their humanity and their willingness to serve God will move your spirit. This is a life-changing read. It will make a great gift for family and friends.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Howard Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE FAMILY OF JESUS by Karen Kingsbury is a spiritual Bible Study & Reference/New Testament/Biography. #1 in the “Life-Changing Bible Study Series/Heart of the Collection” series. An interesting take of Jesus’ relative.

“In The Family of Jesus, Karen 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.”

A collection of short stories. It will give you a connection to Jesus’ family you never thought to gain though reading the Bible. Some of the characters are said to be the closest to Jesus…Mary, Joseph, John the Baptist, Zechariah, Jesus’ brother James, and Elizabeth, each has a compelling tale to tell itself. Although, I had a difficult time understanding or getting into the story. I believe, it is more of a fictional telling of Jesus’ family, therefore, it was hard to wrap your mind around it and separate facts from fiction. It was difficult to embrace the concept. I love Ms. Kingsbury’s books but this one I had difficulty reading. I do plan to try to re-read at a later date. I understand it is a fictional tale of Jesus’ and his family that is to help the reader connect on a personal level with the Bible. Received for an honest review from the publisher.



RATING: 3

HEAT RATING: NONE

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Gail Welborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Kingsbury's foray into the nonfiction arena brings the family of Jesus to life***

Karen Kingsbury, queen of inspirational fiction, enters the nonfiction arena with six fictionalized accounts of Jesus' relatives in The Family of Jesus scheduled to release July 1. She is careful to only take "literary license" with the "possible," she says, otherwise her stories are "anchored in Scripture" and what is known about the life and times of Jesus.

The collection of short stories, written from the perspective of those closest to Jesus, can be read as standalone narratives or used as a Life-changing Bible Study series on the lives of:

• "The Protective Stepfather—Joseph"
• "The Knowing Uncle—Zechariah"
• "The Chosen Cousin—John the Baptist"
• "The Faithful Aunt—Elisabeth"
• "The Doubting Brother—James"
• "The Loving Mother—Mary"

For example, readers join Joseph in the opening story as he works on a small "prayer table" made from select pieces of olive wood he's spent hours polishing "until the grain shone like glass" for his beloved Mary. He could hardly wait to give it to her when their customary year of betrothal was over and they would marry. While he worked Joseph dreamed of the years ahead with a smile on his face, unaware that Mary would soon break his heart with the words, "Joseph...I'm pregnant."…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/review/the-fa...

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family of Jesus by America’s favorite inspirational storyteller Karen Kingsbury is a fictional account of the lives of six of the closest earthly family members of Jesus which will make you laugh and cry, as you connect more deeply to the Bible. Written in her trademark heart-tugging style, the book will renew the reader’s interest in Biblical characters and pave the way for a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

The book brings the following biblical characters to life:
-Joseph – The Protective Father
-Zechariah – The Knowing Uncle
-John the Baptist – The Chosen Cousin
-Elizabeth – The Faithful Aunt
-James – The Doubting Brother
-Mary – The Loving Mother

In the book Karen Kingsbury has painted a sweeping portrait of each of her characters in such a way that it pulls one’s mind to the scene, enabling us to picture it as the story narrated unfolds. Karen’s vivid imagination coupled with her writing skills pulls one along as the characters come alive right before your eyes through the pages of the book. And as Karen writes: So sit back and let the sights and sounds and wonder of the family of Jesus fill your heart.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family of Jesus 
Karen Kingsbury
Copyright 2014

The Family of Jesus gives us a fictionalized account of Jesus's family.  We see Joseph as a loving protective Stepfather who does everything he can to help Jesus while he is alive.

We are introduced to Zechariah who was Jesus's uncle and the Father of his Cousin John the Baptist, and we get a brirf glimpse into the life of Jesus's bcousin John the Baptist who would later Baptize Jesus and eventually be beheaded.  We learn about Jesus's Aunt Elizabeth JJohn's Mother and get a glimpse of what she went through when her Son was imprisoned for his faith.  I like how this book takes us back to the lives of his doubting brother James and his devoted Mother Marry.

Being a fan of both Karen Kingsbury and Biblical Fiction I found this book to be a great read.  I also loved how Kingsbury incorporated a Bible Study into this wonderful work of fiction.

Five out of Five Stars.

Happy Reading

Michelle

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me way longer to read this book than it should have. I just didn’t feel a pull to return to it. When reading Karen’s note about this book I somehow expected something...more. Perhaps it is because I am already so familiar with their stories.

Re Joseph: In addition, in all the theology courses I’ve taken, it’s always been said that they were married as early teenagers back then.

Re John: I really enjoyed this section and the emphasis on the cost of following God’s calling and how Karen extrapolated on that idea.

Re Elizabeth: her story brought a perspective I haven’t really thought about much since she is rarely mentioned. I drew some insights from this section.

Re James: so heartbreaking, we read it one way in the Bible, but would any of us have acted differently?

Re Mary: I love the tenderness of the son towards his mother.

[Sarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen just has a talent to bring life to characters. Even though I know each member of the family of Jesus from Bible study, she got me to think how they really would have felt and experienced all of the events. I sometimes fall into the trap to read the Bible as a story instead of real people with real events. She helped me comprehend that they were real people with real emotions and feelings and got me to think more about them than just reading their story. I sometimes fall into the trap to read the Bible as a story instead of real people with real events.

I also enjoyed the small Bible studies at the end.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very different for me.

Karen took the lives of 6 people in Jesus' life: Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, his cousin John, his brother James, and Mary, and told their story as related to Jesus.

She added a little fiction to the Bible facts and made this a nice read.

In the back of the book are study questions if you are doing this story alone or as a group.

It was nice to read these story in a simpler form and it is still a wow to read what Jesus went through for us.

[Megan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall in love with the family of Jesus even more than you already are. Beautifully written and biblically sound with a little fiction to remind readers that these family members were in fact human. One of my favorite books by Karen Kingsbury. Perhaps more will follow, but with different families? Or go through entire line of Jesus?

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Life Changing Bible STudy Series. It was inspiring. I love
Karen Kingsbury books.

Looking forward to the next one.

[Zoe Barnette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. Karen Kingsbury is one of my favorite authors... I couldn't even finish the book. :( I guess I was looking for something a bit "deeper." This seemed shallow to me.

[Debbie Shawver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! My heart was just filled with love and joy, but also heartbrake for what Jesus had to go through. But in the filled with joy. Because He do did rise again.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fictional take on the people in Jesus' life. I enjoyed the personification of them and how it brings the story to life. The devos at the back are light but a nice add.