An Unlikely Witness Joanna's Story

by Guideposts, Ginger Garrett

All Joanna wanted was a peaceful life at the palace. She wanted to bear children for her husband, Chuza, the steward of Herod Antipas, and bring honor to her family. Instead, Joanna became an eyewitness to the most transformative, shocking events in human history…events that would force her to choose between the life she once imagined, and a life she never could have dreamed of. When she faces the choice between maintaining the illusion of peace or following the Prince of Peace, Joanna finds herself at the crossroads of her heart. Will she have the strength and courage to choose the right path?

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2024

About the author

We inspire people to believe anything is possible through faith, hope, and prayer.

In all we create, we affirm the positive, unite rather than divide, and meet people where they are on their spiritual journeys.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book details the court of Herod the Tetrarch and his incestuous (by the Torah) wife, Herodias. The wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, named Joanna, is unsure of how to act in court, or how to interpret the schemes of courtiers around her. She finds peace in the gardens of the palace. Events such as those leading up to the beheading of John the Baptist and the ministry, torture, death, and resurrection of Jesus are told through her eyes. along She rescued a young servant girl, who became her maid, and then fornicated with Chuza, became pregnant when Joanna could not, and then Chuza divorced her, returning her dowry plus a considerable sum of money, and later on, Joanna discovers why. Meanwhile, she and Mary Magdalene, who becomes a good friend, and who is wealthy, support the ministry of Jesus and the disciples financially as Joanna learns the self care that servants always provided before.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Take on Biblical Characters

I enjoy Biblical fiction for the facts that are presented about the culture and social norms of that time period. This author did not fall to do so. There were so many interesting facts presented that I was not aware of despite my vast exposure in this genre.

The character development was three dimensional and did not leave me feeling like they were not real people. I felt their emotions as my own. It was a different take on Joanna and Chuza than I had seen or read ever before and I found it a bit harsh but very believable.

I enjoyed this book and Joanna's witness.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unlikely Witness tells the fictional story of Joanna - a woman actually mentioned in the Bible. It's an interesting story of what could have happened. Except the only thing the Bible tells us about her is her name, her husband's name, and that she helped support Jesus and his disciples. This entire story is made up. so please don't read it as truth.

it is fun to imagine what things she saw and heard as a follower of Jesus. and the last couple of chapters of Jesus' death and resurrection are powerful.

Overall a good read.

[DEBBIE AGUILAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanna's Story An extraordinary woman !!

This Is A Great Read from Joanna 's view point . Walking with Jesus & Speaking to Him alone is Awesome !! The Fight for her life with Husband Chuza , Looking for joy & love only finding it with Jesus !! Rounded story of Jesus & Disciples what they went thru , Redemption & Forgiveness.

[Lisa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping and awe inspiring story. From the first page, to each struggle, to the end I was hooked. I love that when she was healed, Christ said He healed her from what was really wrong. She didn’t understand at the time, but I did. A beautiful story of forgiveness.