Herod and Mary: The True Story of the Tyrant King and the Mother of the Risen Savior

by Kathie Lee Gifford

Explore the interwoven lives of King Herod and Mary, Mother of Jesus as New York Times bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford brings these biblical figures into a new light. Follow Herod from boyhood as he strives and fails throughout his life to become a beloved king. Walk in the steps of Mary of Nazareth as she navigates the repercussions of Herod's deadly obsession.

Delve into the complex history of Herod the Great—his rise to power and ultimate fall in pursuit to be the "King of the Jews." Under a flourishing yet tumultuous background of Jerusalem, consider Mary of Nazareth's place under Herod's rule and the promise of a Messiah to free her people. Kathie Lee Gifford with Bryan M. Litfin, Ph.D. deftly weave a truthful historical narrative full of accurate details and sweeping prose that ushers in the true King and glorifies God's powerful plan to bring a savior into the world through unlikely means. A coda between the authors, full of honest revelation and insightful meaning, follows each chapter for added in-depth reading.

The first installment in the Ancient Evil, Living Hope series, Herod and Mary begins with the tragic life of King Herod—Christianity's first true persecutor. As an impressionable boy, he is forever marked by the raw power of Rome. Throughout the course of Herod's career, he gains power, fame, and riches beyond belief. Yet murderous intrigues stalk this man—and infect his own dark soul.

Under the rule of King Herod, Jerusalem becomes a prominent city of wealth and prosperity, but Mary saw the struggle of her people under a tyrant. Like all Jewish women, she knew the promises of Torah and longed for a deliverer. But no one could have prepared her for what the angel of God that the Messiah wouldn't arrive with the blaring of trumpets, the clash of arms, or the fanfare of a mighty host. He would arrive as an infant within her own womb. The light of the world was born in a not a king who maims and destroys, but the gentle King of the Jews.

This riveting narrative nonfiction work reveals deep insight to how Herod came to power, how corruption and an ancient evil threatened the stability of a nation, and how a teenage Mary was called to traverse these obstacles to bring the Savior, Jesus, our living hope, into the world.

Genres: History, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian, Biography, Historical, Spirituality

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

About the author

Kathryn Lee Gifford (born Epstein, previously Johnson; born August 16, 1953) is an American television host, singer, songwriter, author, comedian, and actress. She is the co-host, with Hoda Kotb, of The Kathie Lee and Hoda Show, the fourth hour of NBC Today. She is best known for her 15-year run (1985–2000) on the talk show Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee, which she co-hosted with Regis Philbin. She has received 11 Daytime Emmy nominations and won her first Daytime Emmy in 2010 as part of the Today team. Gifford's first television role had been as Tom Kennedy's singer/sidekick on the syndicated version of Name That Tune, from 1974 to 1978. She also occasionally appears on the first three hours of Today and is a contributing NBC News correspondent.

Kathie Lee married Paul Johnson, a Christian composer/arranger/producer/publisher in 1976. After their divorce in 1982, she married sportscaster and former NFL player Frank Gifford in 1986. He died in 2015. Kathie Lee has released a number of studio albums and written a number of books.

For earlier works, see Kathie Epstein.

Reviews

[Peggy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book, which is read by Kathy Lee Gifford herself. I learned so much about Herod that really showed and explained why he made the decision he did when Christ was born. The code is at the end of the book are very interesting too. Don’t skip those. They’re very informative and very interesting to listen to, Kathie talk about ways that Christ has met her in her life. I would highly recommend this book and plan on giving a couple of them as Christmas gifts.

[Mary Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow- history and his story! I listened to the audio version narrated by Kathie Lee. It was delightful listening. I learned so much about Herod. I recommend printing the PDF outline so you can follow along the timeline and the family trees. At first it was confusing to sort all the characters and relationships. With the PDF everything fell into place. Do read or listen to the Coda content at the end. It is remarkable and touching as Kathie Lee meets the reader with situations in her life as she shares where Jesus met her. Fascinating and powerful content. A must read.

[Frances Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful approach to telling more about King Herod and the religious atmosphere at that point in time. Also a change in writing interest for author Gifford from her 2020 book.

[Paige Maroney-Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Upon delayed reflection, I was definitely being generous with my rating.

[Don Harton · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, I read the Herod and Mary part, and one or two of the codas. Perhaps technically a DNF!

Herod & Mary: interesting, seems like historical fiction. The story is well told so that the pages keep turning. Source documents mentioned for Herod include several modern biographies and the works of Josephus. For Mary the authors reference the traditional gospel accounts and The Original Gospel of James (Apocryphal). There are no footnotes and there is no bibliography.

The authors - Gifford and Litfin, based on their introductions, want us to think of this as a factual account. Their narrative includes many conversations between characters and even meditations within the minds of characters. Litfin says “…my quotations and imaginations are grounded in historical texts and my expertise about the way ancient people thought and spoke.” So, why not just think of this as historical fiction?

The Codas: edited conversations between the authors. “Kathie’s reflections on the chapter topics will help our readers process the story on a deeper level and take away lasting insights and relevance for daily life.” Did not find this to be the case for me.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a fascinating look at the life and backstory of both Herod and Mary---though separately and not entwined as I originally thought. My issue is that there's a lot of artistic license of what was going on in the character's minds and there's just no way that's factual. Events/places that have been documented, sure. Feelings/emotions/conversations: they're imagined for the sake of the plot. I honestly think this should be in the historical fiction category. The lack of annotated bibliography also lends itself to needing to be a historical novelization. The author(s) make a historical note as to what general sources they used but no specific references. The backstory of Mary felt reallllllly off kilter because of the extra Biblical filling in. I'm not an expert myself, but I find it hard to believe that after almost 40 years of Bible belt, preachers kid, studying Scripture life that a TV anchor suddenly has this groundbreaking information on Bible translations that I've never heard of at all.

I did appreciate the timeline backstory and connecting the fact that Herod and Cleopatra/Mark Antony were the same time frame.
I just don't think it should be advertised as factual and most definitely not Biblical.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I almost didn't buy it because of the trend of news anchors/TV personalities writing these types of books, and I appreciate when this genre has been written by scholars who've really studied the historic material. It was well written, showing the heaviness of Herod's life, and the few parts that included Mary softened it nicely, too. The Coda included at the end to make the book longer was interesting as well, the author's personality really comes through. Overall enjoyed it, and especially liked the cover, which attracted me in the first place.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. I loved learning about King Herod and Mary. Kathie lee has been to the holy land so many times. It’s amazing to hear her first hand experiences.

[Olivia Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

So beyond educational!! I left knowing more about Herod than I’ve ever known before

[Jac Filer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, but less than I had hoped for.

On the plus side, it's good to have a concise compilation of both Herod and Mary without having to dig through original sources. The history and traditions are presented well here, but in a way that reads more like a textbook than a drama (which is fine).

Still, I was hoping for more synergy and parallels across the two accounts. I understand that Herod's record is more robust than Mary's, and that their timelines only briefly intersected. This book nicely fills that gap with non-canonical writings and traditions about Mary's parents. However, there was no structure to offer the reader a consistent experience when reading the two side-by-side.

I hoped the Coda's would provide some signposts, but they didn't, as they were focused more on the author's personal experiences than on the lessons of the lives of Herod and Mary. Overall, I don't think this section added much to the book (though the book would be thin without them).

Still, as a handy, easy-to-reference history, this is a useful book to have in reach.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the story of Herod the Great's rise in power and the dysfunction of his family and mind.
It was an easy read, but I still read it pretty slowly.
There were some interesting tidbits about Mary, the mother of Jesus. But besides the obvious juxtaposition of these two historical figures, there was no other connection revealed. By the title of the book, that was surprising to me.
The layout of the book was odd with 20 or so chapters of historical narrative, and then 20 or so chapters of "codas". These "codas" were interviews of Kathie Lee, and they corresponded with the previous set of chapters. I didn't get a clear connection there either - maybe just a thin one. I do like Kathie Lee, though.
I would have given this book less stars, but I'm glad I read it - the information on Herod was nothing that I knew, and probably will remember him in a different light from here on out.
3 1/2 stars

[Khaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read the information about Mary as most information about her is hearsay due to a lack of historical records, but I think that if you can read the supposed information and discern your own takeaway, more power to you! It just felt sacrilegious to read their suppositions about her before Jesus and Joseph came into her life when she would not have been seen as an important figure yet. I would have been very much the same about reading theories about any biblical people though, so to each person, draw your own line.

The information about King Herod though-- it was very informative and gave me an insight about a big figure that shaped Jewish culture at the turn of the millennium. He was a jealous ruler and a bit of a kiss-up to Roman leadership. He was constantly trying to be a memorable leader but then cutting people down to prevent uprising.

Well worth the read.

[Leila Kern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading the historical background of Herod. Herod was certainly a misguided and cruel person. He placed himself above God, although he built many lasting buildings that people can visit today.

And, I loved the beginnings of Mary and Joseph since their lives are not written about indepth in the Bible.

This is certainly a different book from Kathie Lee Gifford and a very welcome one. I did not realize her faith was so deep. Much can be learned from her.

Thank you to both Kathie Lee Gifford and Dr. Bryan Litfin for writing this much needed book, especially in this day and age when faith is sorely needed.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the history of Herod and the information on Mary. Of course, much of the information was taken from non-biblical sources but historical materials or other religious writing of ,times. I knew Herod was a builder, but it was hard to realize he was such a good thinker and man to maneuver people to get his way or to protect his position. I am glad I decided to read this book.
I skimmed the Codas. Some of Kathie Lee's life experiences were interesting to review.

[Karen Isermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explained a lot about the complexities and dysfunction in the life of Herod. He was certainly an evil man who was also quite a schemer. This book will show you the depths of his insecurity and also his ruthlessness. His horrific diseases and death was something I had never heard before. I wish it had delved a little more into Mary's life but I guess there's not as much information to be found there. I enjoyed the book and hope you do too.

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I greatly enjoyed the historical narrative in this book, the added characterization aspects detracted from the actual story. The characters’ thoughts and dialogue seemed artificial and contrived, with wording rooted in our present cultural context. Unfortunately, this served the opposite of the authors’ intent by making them one-dimensional and uninteresting - and cheesy in many cases. This books tells without showing, while it would have greater impact by showing with much less telling.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given the book 3 1/2 stars if I could have. The factual historical information was interesting. Many of the facts I was unaware of. I elt that Ms. Gifford put a little too much emphasis on Herod and his male anatomy. The comparison to Mary and her life was minimal and while I realize that there are less historical facts about Mary, I am not sure that I would have chosen this title or comparison on such a large scale.

[Mozelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about Herod

The book was an excellent example of how all texts concerning the Jewish people can be studied and understood! History is brought to life in rich details and vivid imagery! Worth the time spent reading it. Kathy's discussion session at the end only adds to the worth!

[Teresa Ahrens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a library book and then purchased it as I think this is something I want to re-read. It did bring me down a rabbit-hole of Cleopatra, Jules Caesar, and Mark Anthony which was also very interesting. Being a Kathie Lee Gifford fan, I especially enjoyed the Koda portion and read each section as I finished the corresponding chapter of Herod & Mary.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a contrast: Herod’s world/life/decisions and those of Mary— mother of Jesus! This highlights the message of Jesus, when he began his ministry: lay down your life. It’s more obvious why His message was rejected by His own. The Jews, under Herod and Rome, had good reason to seek a revolutionary savior!

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Herod and his life. The book was mostly about Herod as historically a lot more was written about him. Although categorized as non fiction it appeared to me to be historical fiction where author interspersed known historical events with dialogue and connecting events. The history of Herod was illuminating

[Arleen Jama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and Educational

Byzantine Catholic, growing up we did not read the bible. Sundays, we have the Gospel and Epistle. Reading this really, to me, shows how much I have not thought about or knew. All from a different perspective. I really enjoyed the questions and answers at the end. A very good read.

[Joycie Verdone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio of this book that was read by the author. I didn’t know that much about King Herod, but now I have a better understanding about him. This book is well written and researched. Please also read all of the Coda's in the back of the book. Kathie Lee is a compassionate, caring and spiritual person!

[Katydid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a thought-provoking telling of the atrocious life led by King Herod. It was interesting to learn that Cleopatra and other well-known historical figures lived around the same time as Jesus’ birth. It was a bit slow to get into, but once the plot picked up I was hooked. This was the perfect story to read during the advent season.

[Brent Furrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing read, way over my head, boring, and nothing like Kathie Lee’s other books. The into basically implies Bryan Litfin wrote the book, but uses Kathie Lee’s name for marketing purposes. I ended up stopping after the third chapter and selling the book back.

[Deborah Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of this book was over my head, but I did learn a lot about Herod and the history at that time. I could only read one chapter at a time trying to digest it. It is an inspirational story of the retelling of the Nativity Story in a different way.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathie Lee Gifford and a co-author write about the life of Herod the Great and his relationships with various Roman emperors and Cleopatra as well. The more Mary and Ann portions rely on the Original Gospel of James which offers some insights on Mary's life.

Laura gave me this for my birthday.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book intrigued me, so I picked it up. The first couple chapters are hard, but because of all the wars going on.
But then, it gets really interesting.
A good read to learn more about Herod and the Mother of our Savior.

[Logan Blomberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great synopsis of the life of Herod; and the life of Mary prior to Jesus. Seeing the opposite parallels of their lives and the historical significance of their respective lives is really cool. Recommend to any Christian History fans

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned some interesting new things about both Herod and Mary but had a hard time getting into the book and just when o finally started to be intrigued, it ended abruptly and spent the last third of the book as moreso an interview about Kathie’s life and personal thoughts