The Tomb

The Living Water #3

by Stephanie Landsem

A Novel of Martha

In this captivating retelling of a classic biblical story, Jesus shocks the town of Bethany with Lazarus’s resurrection from the dead, leading Martha—a seemingly perfect woman trapped by the secrets of her past—to hope and a new life.

Everyone in Bethany admires Martha—the perfect Jewish woman. She feeds and clothes her loved ones, looks after the family farm, and meticulously follows every precept of the Pharisees’ strict laws. But Martha is hiding a secret. At her sister’s marriage feast, she gave her heart and her innocence to a young musician who promised to return and marry her, but instead betrayed her love and abandoned her.

Seven years later, only two people in Bethany know of Martha’s secret sin: her brother, Lazarus, and Simon, the righteous Pharisee to whom Martha is betrothed. When Lazarus falls ill, Martha is faced with a choice: send for Jesus to save her dying brother—risking the wrath of Simon who threatens to betray her—or deny Jesus’ healing power and remain trapped in her tomb of secrecy and lies.

Meanwhile, on the shores of Galilee, Isa roams the wilderness, tortured by demons and knowing only that someone is waiting for him. When he is healed by Jesus, he finds that seven years have passed since his descent into madness. Isa journeys home to Bethany only to find he is too late to win back Martha’s love.

When Martha risks all to heal Lazarus, will Jesus arrive in time, or will he—like Isa—come too late?

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

352 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 2015

About the author

Stephanie Landsem writes about women in history for women who love history. Stephanie has traveled on four continents and dozens of countries. When she can’t travel, she reads fiction and history and dreams of her next adventure -- whether it be in person or on the pages of her novels.

Her upcoming release, Code Name Edelweiss, is based on a true story. In 1933 Los Angeles, a Jewish lawyer and his band of amateur spies foil Hitler's plan to take over Hollywood.

In A Far-Off Land, is a story of murder, mystery and mercy set in the glamour of 1930s Hollywood and the grit of the Great Depression.

The Living Water series — The Well, The Thief, and The Tomb, a Novel of Martha—are stories of women transformed by encounters with Jesus.

Stephanie lives in Minnesota with her husband, random adult children, two bold cats and a neurotic dog. When she's not writing or speaking about her novels, she's gardening, cooking, and dreaming of travel to far-off places. You can find out more about Stephanie and her books at StephanieLandsem.com.

Reviews

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the writing as this was my first book by this author. I felt like she took a few too many liberties with the story we get in the Bible about Martha, Mary, Lazarus, and Jesus. Martha was painted in a negative light throughout, which was unpleasant to read about.

I’ll definitely read more from this author just maybe not this series.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

The entire Living Water Series has been excellent. What was different about The Tomb is that the main character is a well known biblical name, Martha. In the other two books of the series, the main characters were lessor known.

It was a delight to read Isa and Martha's story and this one of all three was a romance story set in Biblical Times.

I recommend The Tomb and the entire Living Water Series for those that enjoy Biblical Fiction.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Biblical fiction! The author did a wonderful job of “fleshing out” the Biblical characters of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Landsem begins their stories as young teens, long before Lazarus became ill with “the sickness not unto death.” Other characters also make appearances and are given backstories; even the demoniac that Jesus cured by sending the legion into swine was given a name and his own story (no spoilers!)
I love it when writers such as Landsem can bring to life stories from the Bible such as these. She neither added to the Word nor detracted from it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Tomb: A Novel of Martha" is the third book in the Living Water Series by Stephanie Landsem. Right away, I realized that I had never really thought about the background of the Biblical figure of Martha. Sure, I was familiar with the Biblical account of Mary and Martha. Martha worried about many things, while Mary chose the better part. Every woman thinks she should be more like Mary and less like Martha. But why was Martha worried about many things? What was in the background making her anxious? And how did her tremendous anxiety transform into extraordinary faith, outside the tomb of her brother when Jesus arrived?

Thankfully, Stephanie has created a possible scenario for us, which contemplates reasons for why Martha was the ways she was. Then, Stephanie takes us on an unexpected journey with Martha, Mary and Lazarus, who were dear friends of Jesus. As this story unfolds, we understand Martha better and can relate to her even more—not just to her busyness but also to her sense of responsibility, her desire for order and peace, her longing for love, and her commitment to her faith and family.

As with her other novels, Stephanie takes us back in time in "The Tomb" and creates a story that is so rich and vibrant, you cannot help but see yourself among the characters. She does a remarkable job of weaving other Bible stories, such as the man possessed by demons from the Gospel of Mark, into the novel, too. And all the while, Jesus' earthly life and ministry is in the background, but really at the very heart of the book.

Now that this series is complete, it is beautiful to see how all three books connect, even though each is a stand-alone novel. I love how a few characters from previous novels make appearances in this book!

This is a great novel (series) just in time for summer reading!

[Raechel Lenore · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Sigh* What a perfectly lovely book, that is not just full of fluff. I loved it. I absolutely loved it. I had not one thing that I didn't like. Stephanie Landsem continues to amaze me with her awe-inspiring books. This is the third book in her fantastic "Living Waters Series" and the encounters the characters have with Jesus are all superb! It's heart-moving, really, it is. I have cried through all three of these books, so yes, as you can see, "The Tomb" was no exception.

Again, God is so good to have me read it at the exact right timing - I needed to read about Martha. And Mrs. Landsem just completely brought her to life in this amazing book. The Bible account is beautiful, and Mrs. Landsem just accents that.

What would Martha's day to day have been like? What did she feel, believe, struggle with? Oh, it is all showed and handled so well in "The Tomb"! And each character was beautifully constructed. I got so attached to all of them.

Having read the Bible account of Lazurus many times, I knew what was going to happen, yet when Lazurus died - and came back to life by Jesus' power - I cried. It was so emotional.

Along with tears, this book had me laughing, as well as yelling at it. My family can attest to that. =D There were some edge-of-the-seat moments, I tell you.

But I didn't want it to end. I didn't want the whole book to end, because I loved it so much. It is one you just want to stay in - forever. And I can't wait to return to the lovely world Mrs. Landsem has shone light to.

What I love about Biblical fiction is it is so full of godly wisdom, and makes you read the Bible in a whole new light. I sometimes forget that when I'm reading just your regular 'romance' or 'historical' fictions - even if they're Christian - Biblical fiction just gives me such a peace and fills me. Praise God for Biblical fiction. :) (This is not to say that I do not enjoy romance/historical fiction, if they are Christian. Some are very God-filled, in which case I like them equally)

Oh and at the end there was a part where two characters from the previous Living Water's Series book made it into the scene! It was adorable, and made me very happy. :)

I could rave on and on about this book, but I will try to stop and make sure this review isn't too lengthly. But please, do check out all of Stephanie Landsem's books - you won't be disappointed!

One of the quotes I loved:

"He [Jesus] loved her- not because she could cook a feast, and keep her household clothed, not because she immersed the vessels and kept the law. He loved her...because she was Martha." - Chapter 49 page 282

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha is greatly admired by everyone in Bethany as the perfect Jewish woman. She cares for her family, keeps the perfect home and holds herself above reproach when it comes to the law. However, she holds a secret in her heart, one that keeps her bound to striving for perfection at all times. At her sister’s wedding feast, she gave her heart and her body to a young musician. He promises to return and marry her, but years pass, and he doesn’t return. Her brother Lazarus knows her secret, but a powerful Pharisee, Simon, also knows. When Lazarus falls deathly ill, Martha must choose – send for Jesus and risk Simon betraying her sin, or stay trapped in her own tomb of shame and deny her brother the healing power of Jesus. Meanwhile, a young musician, Isa, is roaming wild on the shores of Galilee, tortured by demons, sure that someone very important is waiting for him, but with no memory of who. When he is healed by Jesus seven years later, he journeys to Bethany only to find that he is much too late to win Martha’s love and hand in marriage. When Martha risks her reputation and very life to heal Lazarus, it seems that both Jesus and Isa have arrived too late.

Martha of the Bible is seen as the worrier, striving for perfection for Jesus and his followers when they are guests in her home. Her sister Mary doesn’t concern herself with such trivial matters when the Messiah is in her presence, and it’s easy to praise Mary in the story for choosing what is better; however, personally, I’ve always felt more of a kinship with Martha. In The Tomb, Stephanie brings Martha to life in a vibrant, realistic way, and I saw my pieces of my own heart in Martha’s character. Her need to be as perfect, as if that will somehow make up for her past, makes her relatable and gives a different nuance to her character.

The additional characters are compelling as well. I loved the interactions of the family. Though there is romance in the story, there is also love of family and friends; it didn’t center only on the romance between Mary and Isa. The relationship between Lazarus, Martha and Mary, though not without strife, is genuine and lovely. I also really appreciated that the antagonist of the story has motivation and reason behind his actions; there is a complexity there that is sometimes missing from the antagonist’s back story, but that element is definitely there in this story. There is just so much emotion to be found in this story in general, and none of it was misplaced. Stephanie is choosy about what her characters experience and decide, and it all propels the plot in a realistic way. I appreciated that Martha and Isa have to work and risk everything to come to their own realizations. It isn’t easy for them, but it makes their journey much more meaningful and poignant.

Fiction that recounts a biblical narrative is tricky. On one hand, creative license should be allowed; it is, after all, a work of fiction. At the same time, if it strays far from the key details in the biblical story, it has the potential to make this reader uncomfortable. With The Tomb, however, I felt no such discomfort. Stephanie focuses more on the possible background of the story, at least for the bulk of her stories. It is obvious that she studies the story meticulously so that nothing will question the integrity of the account. While her connections are not found in the Bible, they come across as plausible and the connection doesn’t disturb the original account.

When it comes to the setting and descriptions within the story, it is also very clear that Stephanie has studied the customs, daily life and households of Jewish families during that time. I loved the details of their meals, how they prepared for guests, and the tasks and chores that made up their daily lives. Though they are small details on their own, combined together they add layers to the story that transported me back to that time.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll always say this of well-done biblical fiction – when I am drawn to the original account and see it in a fresh light, I consider that the novel a success. When I’m asked to look inwardly at my own heart and reflect on that account, even better. Stephanie’s books always manage to do that for me. Her superb understanding of the biblical narrative, historical setting and character complexities have solidified her status as a favorite author of mine. I highly recommend The Tomb to fans of biblical fiction and general historical fiction alike.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoever said that you'll never look at the biblical character of Martha the same way again was spot on. I was drawn into this narrative of what Martha's life and spiritual journey might have been like, and it did not disappoint!

I really related with Martha's character, struggles, and weaknesses. I enjoyed seeing parts of the story from Lazarus' point of view as well. I think Mary's character could have been a bit more developed and given more attention in the book, but other than that, I really loved all the main characters. Martha, Lazarus, Isa, Zakai, Penina, and even old Safta. She had me chuckling more than once throughout the story. Of course, I didn't care for Simon or his annoying mother at all. At one point I almost started feeling some sympathy for Simon, but as his true character came out more and more, I was hoping as much as the rest of them that he would get booted out at the end.

The author's portrayal of Jesus in the scenes He was in was really good, and accurate to the Bible. It was so powerful getting to re-experience Jesus' miracles and messages in a different way, through new eyes and a fresh perspective. I was encouraged so much by the lessons Martha learned of how to truly trust Jesus with every part of her life and believe in His power and sovereignty as the Messiah. The scene of Lazarus' raising to life was amazing and emotional.

I loved this book and I was thrilled with how everything wrapped up. Oh, and having read the previous two books in this series, I was pleasantly surprised to see the tie-in of several of those other characters at the end of this book. :)

Another spectacular work of biblical fiction!

[Georgann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. A wonderful new take on Martha's story. I loved how the author managed to mix several biblical accounts and characters into this story and make it seem perfectly plausible.

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tomb is unexpected, memorable and touching. Stephanie Landsem takes a few risks in the fictional retelling of Martha’s life which really pay off. Whereas the bible portrays a close friendship between Lazarus and his siblings with Jesus, the author expands this to include a kinship. Playing on the familial connection, the author paints the Bethany trio as lifelong companions of Jesus who must wrestle with His true identity as he moves into ministry. When readers entertain this connection, the struggle that unfolds is quite thought-provoking. Could you believe that someone you grew up with was the promised Messiah?

Landsem’s writing creates for her audience a heartfelt understanding and empathy for the character of Martha. She has gone beyond the usual busy-body stereotype to give Martha’s life depth and dimension within the confines of first-century culture in Bethany. In the story, Martha acts as a dutiful daughter, perfect homemaker, and an outwardly righteous woman. The spiritual lesson for the reader lies in the cost of maintaining this illusion of perfection. Between Martha’s inward dialogue and her interactions with other characters I understood that though outwardly her life was one to be envied, inwardly she felt lonely and disingenuous. Martha’s story prompted me to take a look not only at the work I do, but also at my motives for doing them.

I have a few final thoughts in regards to the overall composition of the novel. To begin, the dialog between Martha and the rest of the characters, even the unspoken interactions between Martha and her maid Penina, kept me engaged. I enjoyed the pace that the author established as well as how she used every character and conversation to draw me deeper into the message. In The Tomb, Landsem has chosen to layer a few biblical accounts over one another in unexpected ways. With the exception of the demon possessed man not returning to the Decapolis (Mark 5:20), I enjoyed the liberties she took with the timeline of the biblical accounts. Overall, The Tomb was a delightfully executed work of biblical fiction.

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.”

[Marian Baay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Stephanie Landsem had me hooked from the first page of her new biblical novel. It is the story of Martha—the sister of Mary and Lazarus. We all know how Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead, but the Bible doesn’t tell much about the life of this family. Landsem explores the question; what if Jesus was Martha, Mary and Lazarus’ cousin? How would they respond to the hostilities against Jesus and him being the Messiah?

Martha has a huge secret. If the people of Bethany knew what she had done, they would no longer hold her in high esteem and call her holy. She would be stoned to death for sure. Living with her secret and being unmarried has Martha worried for seven long years. With their father dead and buried, Lazarus is the head of the family. He promised his father on his sickbed to do what is right for Martha. Surely that means to find her a good husband. When he discovers that he is sick and perhaps dying, he agrees to a betrothal between Martha and a Pharisee called Simon. He believes Simon is just and upright and forgiving, and will surely take Martha and her secret into his house and be a good husband to her.

On the shores of Galilee, a young man is possessed by demons. They have tormented him for seven years; they invaded his mind so that he no longer knows who he is. During brief lucid moments, he sometimes remembers that someone is waiting for him – but he has no idea who it is.
One day, Jesus and his disciples pass the lake and find him. The demons tremble and call him Son of the Most High God. Jesus frees the young man from his demons and tells him to go to his family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done to him.
Soon, he remembers that his name is Isa, but as far as he knows he doesn’t have any family. Of whom was Jesus speaking? About a week later, he remembers Martha – but will he find her before it is too late?

I could easily imagine myself in Bethany among Martha’s family and friends. I felt her heartache and doubts – the anxiety that Lazarus is dying – the desperation to be betrothed to a man she despises – Jesus not coming in time to heal Lazarus – Isa coming back too late. How will she ever be free and happy again?
Excellent writing by a very talented author who knows how to spin a fascinating tale around several happenings during Jesus’ time on earth – and keep the reader spellbound throughout the whole book. Highly recommended!

[Regina Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha of Bethany has a secret.

Everyone knows Martha as a righteous young woman: the example they want their daughters to follow, the devoted lady they want their son to marry. Martha desperately needs to uphold her reputation because if the people of Bethany look too closely, they'd realize that all is not as it seems.

The family can only withstand so much scandal and the way her sister Mary carries on - inviting beggars to eat at the banquets, letting her children run about dirty, neglecting their cleanliness rules - Martha has to work twice as hard. And then there's their cousin Jesus. He's scandalous on a whole another level. Martha worries that his outlandish behavior is going to bring attention to their family that they can't afford. Especially with Lazarus sick...

Stephanie Landsem's portrayal of the well-known family in Bethany is inspired. Once again she makes these first century characters as real to you as your own family, and family is a big part of this story. The dynamics between Martha, Mary and Lazarus are authentic as the squabbles and the misunderstandings eventually give way to real devotion.

Inspiring and tender, The Tomb is a wonderful story of sacrificial love and redemptive power.

[Diane Moyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and last book in the Living Water series by Stephanie Landsem and she does not disappoint!! In this novel, she brings to life the story of Martha and her struggle to stop worrying, let go and believe. This combines some very important Bible stories including the anointing of Jesus by Mary and the casting out of demons. Through her storytelling, you feel as though you are living in Bethany and watching all these amazing events unfold.

Ms. Landsem takes these Bible stories and fleshes them out. This is her version of how it could have happened. She doesn’t change the Bible version to fit her story, she adds details that are pertinent to that time period so you can understand exactly what it would be like to be living then and what could possibly have happened. Her story is well written and the characters are well developed. The whole tale flows together and you don’t want to put the book down.

I highly recommend this book; in fact I recommend the complete series. These stories are inspiring and they helped me to have a deeper understanding about the time period. They explain how and why things were done this way and bring the Bible to life!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landsem, like she did in her two previous books The Well and The Tomb, captures you at her first sentence and holds your attention throughout. Her writing makes you feel like you are in the scene with Bible figures you know already; seeing, touching, smelling, tasting, hearing and feeling what they might have felt.

Even though the events are known to readers of the Bible I had a difficult time putting this book down because I wanted to know what would happen next.

In addition, to making the Bible figures come to life, Landsem stays true to Jesus' message throughout and through her characters helped to drive home for me how Jesus' message applies to my life today.

This is a book well worth reading.

[Anne Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The little bit I knew about Martha from the Bible led me to believe she was kind of a bore. Landsem's imagining of Martha's story, however, made me want to apologize for misjudging her so terribly. Martha suffers so much love and so much loss that it tore at my heart. This is a gut-wrenching, emotional read, with all the same fine historical details as the rest of the Living Waters series (The Well; The Thief). I would say it's a good "Lenten read," but really it's great for any time of the year.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous Bible episode brought to life. The way the author ties together different Bible events into one larger story is very interesting. Gladly, this book had the happy ending that the first book in the series did not have, in the same way, at least.

[Josephine (Jo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book! I love biblical stories and especially ones about people in the bible of whom we know little or nothing except their name. In this case, the story is about the life of Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany.
We know that Martha was mentioned in the bible as being the "busy one" who made the meals and did the housework while Mary sat and listened as Jesus spoke and that she was there when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. But who was Martha, what was her life like, we don't really know, in this story, Stephanie Landsem imagines for us a wonderful tale of what that life could have been? There is everything in the book that I could have wished for, it included all that we really know from the bible and then a life was built up around those few facts make Martha into a fully rounded woman with passions and fears of her own. I was surprised at the life that the author gave to Martha, it was one that I would never have thought of myself but I found myself engrossed in the story from start to finish. There was romance, grief, joy and suspense, so if you like a historical/biblical story you will love this one.

[Savanna Kaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I sat down to begin this book, I had no idea I was opening a door to such a beautiful story of faith, love, and freedom in Christ. I was certainly familiar with the Biblical account of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, but this fictional twist on the tale just burst to life on the page before me. I was so blessed by it and I know many readers will be too.

While the story mostly follows Martha, we also get to follow in the steps of many Biblical characters we’re familiar with. As I read, I felt like I was walking alongside them. There were so many unique scenes and emotional moments that touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. The history felt richly researched, without overwhelming or confusing its reader. And the style and choice of words throughout the book – so delicate, yet so powerful – confirmed to me early on that this is an author I will be reading much more of.

Biblical fiction is not typically my favorite genre, but this book alone makes me a huge fan. I’ve never read anything quite like this and I can’t wait to share it with more of my friends and family. (I’ve already passed it along to my Mom who is enjoying it now…) ;)

The cover alone is beautiful and certainly drew me in, but the story inside swept me away. I was so encouraged and inspired by the faith and lessons learned by Martha and the others in this book. I know it will be a story of encouragement to many.

It’s a love story I won’t soon forget. It’s romantic, yes, but it’s also about the love between a family and more importantly about God’s love for us. I hope you’ll read it. I have a feeling this won’t be the last time I read it myself.

Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Diane Estrella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a love/hate relationship with fictional books that bring someone from the Bible to life. It is difficult for me, when reading my Bible, to immerse myself completely in the other's place and imagine exactly how this person must have lived. The author did an incredible job of making me feel what it was like to live during this time in history. To smell the smells, taste the food, and hear the gossip by the town's well. Martha and her family became more real to me along with all of the struggles they went through.

The tricky part of bringing a Bible story to life is that usually, there is only a small amount written about each person. There are many holes in their history so the author has to fill in those gaps as fiction. Since no one knows exactly what happened to make Martha, the worrier she was, the author created a backstory to fit Martha's personality. The author went a way I would not have thought to go, but for the story as a whole, it made sense and added a heightened sense of suspense as to how it would all resolve. The ending was very powerful and left me moved to tears. We all know that Lazarus comes out of the grave, but once again it is how the author emerges you into that moment and makes it come alive that is so powerful.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others that need to experience the power of forgiveness and choose the better part.....Jesus.

I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
I have to start this review with saying that I have enjoyed reading all three books of the "Living Water Series". I will be reading any future books written by Stephanie Landsem as well.

"The Tomb" is a well know story about Mary and Martha and Lazarus and their friendship with Jesus, but Stephanie Landsem has put a twist on the story.
She has her readers see these Biblical characters as real as you and me,( which they are but she makes them more easily to understand, characters that you want to meet.)

In this story Mary is married and Martha is in love with a musician and has a secret. She is the Martha that we all know from the Biblical story, always worrying about others and wanting to do the right thing even if it breaks her heart and leaves her no peace.

I couldn't put "The Tomb"done until I had read the last page. While reading "The Tomb" I felt Martha pain and the descriptions are well written and not overdone with unnecessary details to make the reader want to skip over parts like some books that I have read.

I encourage you to read "The Tomb" and look at the story of Mary and Martha and Lazarus in a new way!

I was given a copy of the tomb by the author and the publisher for an honest review!

[Erin Cupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the story of Mary and Martha illuminated in a way you've never imagined. In this conclusion (I think?) to the Living Water series, Stephanie Landsem gives us a rich backstory on why Martha is the way she is--a controlling, put-upon, neat freak who's never satisfied. I'd never before considered the kind of heartbreak that might have gone into making a Martha. Landsem took my preconceived notions of a picky, spoiled, overly pious Jewish daughter and made her into someone who's been through just as much as any of us has in on our way to becoming the fragile, cautious creatures we can be... until we let Christ come in to our lives and change us. This third book has just as much delicious angst as The Well but just as much sweet satisfaction as The Thief. For readers who like a good ends-tied-up series, this last book makes that happen but infuses the ending of the trilogy with great energy; it left me happy for the characters (each in his/her way) but still sad to see it end. Highly recommended.

[Caryl McAdoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I join the masses in giving Stephanie Landsem's new release "The Tomb" five fantastic stars. She's done it again! Delivered an entertaining, well written, imaginative tale that brings to life the famous Biblical family we all know so well. At least we know the three siblings. Busy, busy Martha, adoring Mary who anointed Jesus' feet with the crazy expensive oil, and Lazarus who came forth from his tomb! Stephanie weaves a wonderful story that also includes the demoniac possessed by Legion whom Christ delivered. I love how she does what she does, and can't imagine you won't, too! Get your copy today! Don't wait! I was blessed to receive an ARC to provide an honest review on DEBUT DAY! Congratulations, Stephanie!
OH, and y'all will enjoy the first two books in her Living Streams Series, too The Well and The Thief should be on your TBR list if you haven't already enjoyed them! All three in the series are stand-along novels, and they're all excellent reads!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tomb by Stephanie Landsem brings to life the biblical characters of Martha, Mary and Lazarus. These people, whose stories I have heard over and over again in church, have now come to life through this novel. Landsem has a skill at taking the far-away, alien culture of Bethany and showing the reader how people have the same worries, fears and hopes throughout time. Most importantly she shows who Jesus can bring peace to each of us as we need it. I cannot more highly recommend all of Stephanie Landsem's novels.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED LOVED LOVED
Stephanie Landsem, once again, skillfully tells a poignant story that had me fully engaged, as Kleenex and goose bumps can attest. I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this inspiring must-read story about Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus. She is a woman of noble character, who had one youthful transgression. She has a chance at healing, will she choose the better part?

[Andi Tubbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 2 1/2

Stephanie writes a different perspective on Martha. Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was an interesting read, and a quick one. I didn't care for some of the liberties she took with the story. Implying that Martha, Mary and Lazarus are cousins to Jesus, which is not true. Read Matthew 1:1 for Jesus' lineage, and even suggesting that Martha was "impure". Lazarus was my favorite character.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tomb is about the story of Martha. I loved the author's vision of how Martha lived during the Biblical times. I really loved how the miracle of the Lazarus rise from the dead was described. I felt like Jesus was right there in there in the room with me. The detail of the story was quite vivid and beautifully written.
I highly recommend this book. It is amazing! Five stars.

[Anitz99 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've read a previous book. Way too "wordy." It seems to go on and on. This particular story (fiction) just really over reached to weave a Biblical story on Lazarus, Jesus, Martha with a child out of wedlock.... Just too much.

[Stacy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was exceptional! I love how the author weaves in a lesser known character from the Bible and shocks you with the discovery of who they are. It adds such a spectacular twist! I adored the characters. I cried several times. I will be thinking about this story for a long time.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected it to be and I am glad to say I liked it more than I thought I would!

[Rita Kroon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this captivating retelling of a classic biblical story, Jesus shocks the town of Bethany with Lazarus’s resurrection from the dead, leading Martha—a seemingly perfect woman trapped by the secrets of her past—to hope and a new life.

Everyone in Bethany admires Martha—the perfect Jewish woman. She feeds and clothes her loved ones, looks after the family farm, and meticulously follows every precept of the Pharisees’ strict laws. But Martha is hiding a secret.

Stephanie Landsem, in her historical fiction book, The Tomb, does a superb job of portraying the characters of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus that are real enough to make one want to sit at their table for a Jewish feast. She captures the essence of worrisome and anxious Martha, compassionate and humble Mary, loyal and obedient Lazarus, and the pious and strict Pharisee Simon, the leper. Stephanie introduces a young man not recorded in the Biblical account, but seems every bit as real as Martha, Mary, and Lazarus as she brings Isa to the forefront of the story. He most definitely captures the hearts of all who read The Tomb as he learns hard lessons through difficult circumstances. He overcomes many obstacles driven by his love for the woman who stole his heart years before.

Stephanie gives rich detail of Bethany and Jerusalem and the surrounding area; the dusty roads, the courtyards of the homes where women cooked and prepared meals; the Mount of Olives and the olive groves, and the apricot orchard - so vividly portrayed that one can almost smell the orchard’s sweet fragrance.

Stephanie Landsem weaves Jewish culture and history together in such a way as to give depth and significance to this familiar, Biblical story of grace. This is a tale of love, intrigue, and danger. It is also a story of hope and healing and forgiveness.

Jesus, the Messiah, is seen through the eyes of Martha who didn’t believe that Jesus could be the Messiah all of Israel was waiting for; and from the perspective of Mary and Lazarus who believed that Jesus was indeed the One who would bring redemption to their people, the Jews.

The Tomb is the third book in the Living Water Series by Stephanie Landsem and is certain to captivate the hearts of all who read it. The Tomb is a page-turner from beginning to end.

Review by: Rita Kroon, author of "Letters from the Past" and "Praying the Scriptures"

[bookwyrmemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this series was my first experience reading Biblical fiction. The Tomb is the final book of the Living Water series, and features Landsem’s retelling of Isa and Martha’s story—set in Biblical times—was both captivating and deeply moving. The romance at the heart of the story was tender and rich, offering a fresh perspective on these well-known characters. What I loved most about Landsem’s writing is her ability to bring to life stories from the Bible in such a meaningful and respectful way. She neither added to nor detracted from the Word, maintaining the integrity of the Biblical narrative while giving readers a glimpse into the personal lives and emotions of the characters. I related to Martha's character—her struggles and weaknesses felt so real, and I appreciated the depth with which her personal journey was explored. Additionally, I enjoyed seeing parts of the story from Lazarus' point of view, which provided a unique perspective on the events unfolding.

Rated: 3.5/5.0—I look forward to exploring more Biblical fiction in the future.