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The Greatest Story Ever Told: A Love Story
Love Story of All Time
Princess Miriam bat Helios is an Aaronite priestess, a tremendously gifted scholar who has studied at the famed community of Therapeutae and Qumran. A kind and loving pacifist, she wants nothing more than to help those in need in the troubled times within Galilee. She is kept from this quest by her overprotective family, who wants instead for her to marry grandly. To get her own way, Miriam ventures out disguised as a scholarly young waif named Meri.
Yosef of Arimathea is the Crown Prince of Ireland, and a Davidian Prince. He is protected by a sharp-witted zealot, who in his infinite wisdom to keep Yosef safe, often has him masquerading as a lowly carpenter in search of work. They initially meet while both are in disguise, but when they are introduced properly he presumes her to be spoiled and petulant, and she thinks him arrogant and rude. The intense chemistry between Yosef and Miriam–both as herself and the waif Meri–is hindered by her long standing engagement to Joseph ben Matthan, and the fact that she can't seem to control her hostility towards him.
In a deliberate effort to humble Yosef's pride, Meri sets out to enlighten him on a number of topics, including the allegorical secrets of the Holy Science which religion seems to have kept hidden throughout time. Her expertise in philosophy, theology and science of the stars is illuminating, and Yosef finds himself alarmingly attracted to the waif. Although he knows he should put distance between them, he finds every opportunity to seek out the boy's company, unwittingly putting Miriam's reputation at perilous risk.
Yosef discovers Meri at Qumran, where he has gone to meet the famed Baptist responsible for starting the New Covenant movement. There his eyes are opened and he needs to determine what is most important to him. Will he have the courage to follow his heart, wherever it might lead? Can he afford not to?
Princess Miriam bat Helios is an Aaronite priestess, a tremendously gifted scholar who has studied at the famed community of Therapeutae and Qumran. A kind and loving pacifist, she wants nothing more than to help those in need in the troubled times within Galilee. She is kept from this quest by her overprotective family, who wants instead for her to marry grandly. To get her own way, Miriam ventures out disguised as a scholarly young waif named Meri.
Yosef of Arimathea is the Crown Prince of Ireland, and a Davidian Prince. He is protected by a sharp-witted zealot, who in his infinite wisdom to keep Yosef safe, often has him masquerading as a lowly carpenter in search of work. They initially meet while both are in disguise, but when they are introduced properly he presumes her to be spoiled and petulant, and she thinks him arrogant and rude. The intense chemistry between Yosef and Miriam–both as herself and the waif Meri–is hindered by her long standing engagement to Joseph ben Matthan, and the fact that she can't seem to control her hostility towards him.
In a deliberate effort to humble Yosef's pride, Meri sets out to enlighten him on a number of topics, including the allegorical secrets of the Holy Science which religion seems to have kept hidden throughout time. Her expertise in philosophy, theology and science of the stars is illuminating, and Yosef finds himself alarmingly attracted to the waif. Although he knows he should put distance between them, he finds every opportunity to seek out the boy's company, unwittingly putting Miriam's reputation at perilous risk.
Yosef discovers Meri at Qumran, where he has gone to meet the famed Baptist responsible for starting the New Covenant movement. There his eyes are opened and he needs to determine what is most important to him. Will he have the courage to follow his heart, wherever it might lead? Can he afford not to?
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2016
12 people want to read
About the author
Rebe James
4 books17 followersRebe James is an engineer by trade who has always had a secret passion for writing fiction. Most consider her a conspiracy theorist as her research has driven her to conclusions outside the normally accepted thesis of modern academia, however she prefers to think of herself as a conspiracy analyst. She writes historical romance fiction, as well as venturing into the speculative historical fiction genre.
Website: www.rebejames.com
Website: www.rebejames.com
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 29, 2016
I would have to begin with the fact that this book is for people with average and above average IQ. It is complex and interesting. It has a lot of lines that have to be followed.
Be aware, this book may actually teach you something!
I love the way “The Greatest Story Ever Told” is written. It makes you think on every sentence you read. It is not just one of many historic fiction romances.
This is not about a man and a woman that are with perfect bodies and perfect looks, but it is for two people, with great minds, great attitudes and great personalities. Well both are them are good looking too, but that is not the most important thing in this book. The most important thing here is the mind and the ability to think on your own.
I truly believe that everyone can find something precious in this book for himself or herself. For me it was this: “You really don’t think very much of me, do you?” he chuckled.”You speak of me against judgment, yet you stand before me accuser and judge all in one.”
Be aware, this book may actually teach you something!
I love the way “The Greatest Story Ever Told” is written. It makes you think on every sentence you read. It is not just one of many historic fiction romances.
This is not about a man and a woman that are with perfect bodies and perfect looks, but it is for two people, with great minds, great attitudes and great personalities. Well both are them are good looking too, but that is not the most important thing in this book. The most important thing here is the mind and the ability to think on your own.
I truly believe that everyone can find something precious in this book for himself or herself. For me it was this: “You really don’t think very much of me, do you?” he chuckled.”You speak of me against judgment, yet you stand before me accuser and judge all in one.”
July 15, 2017
I love what the author says on her website: “As we all move towards the path to enlightenment, and begin to shed the fairy-tale science and make-believe history we have deliberately been fed for most of our lives ….” Rebe James, an engineer by trade, has a secret passion for writing, and an impeccable knack for research.
The Greatest Story Ever Told—A Love Story, is a historical romance novel. The star-crossed lives of Yosef, crown prince of Ireland and sole heir of the royal family of Zedekiah, and Miriam, a sixteen year-old Davidian scholar and priestess, unfold in Jerusalem, Galilee, and surrounding communities. Miriam is unwillingly sequestered in her deceased parents’ palace because the state of affairs in surrounding cities has fallen into chaos. She is bored, and, having dedicated her life to God, disguises herself as a waif in order to minister to the needy. Her life is far from being settled and relatives are vying for a say in her future. Yosef, a young, humanitarian leader striving to improve the deplorable economic and social conditions of Palestine, wants to build a City of Truth, where education will be offered for free to everyone. “I seek nothing but truth and justice for those who have had it taken from them,” he says.
This rich, well-researched, love story prompts questions about history, philosophy, science, and the nature of reality itself. It provides an example of how religions arose in biblical times—of how social and political circumstances drove people to seek spiritual solutions and guidance. The author says in her bio that she wrote this book to explain “Holy Science, the basis for all religions as illustrated allegorically in ancient scriptures, myths and fairy tales.” It is a scholarly tribute that I highly recommend to academics and students of the bible.
The Greatest Story Ever Told—A Love Story, is a historical romance novel. The star-crossed lives of Yosef, crown prince of Ireland and sole heir of the royal family of Zedekiah, and Miriam, a sixteen year-old Davidian scholar and priestess, unfold in Jerusalem, Galilee, and surrounding communities. Miriam is unwillingly sequestered in her deceased parents’ palace because the state of affairs in surrounding cities has fallen into chaos. She is bored, and, having dedicated her life to God, disguises herself as a waif in order to minister to the needy. Her life is far from being settled and relatives are vying for a say in her future. Yosef, a young, humanitarian leader striving to improve the deplorable economic and social conditions of Palestine, wants to build a City of Truth, where education will be offered for free to everyone. “I seek nothing but truth and justice for those who have had it taken from them,” he says.
This rich, well-researched, love story prompts questions about history, philosophy, science, and the nature of reality itself. It provides an example of how religions arose in biblical times—of how social and political circumstances drove people to seek spiritual solutions and guidance. The author says in her bio that she wrote this book to explain “Holy Science, the basis for all religions as illustrated allegorically in ancient scriptures, myths and fairy tales.” It is a scholarly tribute that I highly recommend to academics and students of the bible.
March 29, 2016
You think you know the greatest story ever told, but Rebe James does a wonderful job of throwing twists into the plot, including a touching and quite comical love triangle between the Joseph of the bible we know, Yosef of Arimathea, and Miriam. The novel is packed full of political intrigue, new information on some of the characters we've grown up with, and a wealth of scientific information that seem crazy yet plausible at the same time. It is touted as an alternative historical romance, which it certainly is. I enjoyed the fast pace and development of the characters. And I particularly loved the bantering dialogue of the two protagonists (or maybe it's three since Miriam also spends much of her time as a young boy who is quite the intellect). The philosophical messages of hope and understanding comes through loud and clear, and I felt comforted by it.
This book is advertised as a series, and considering where it leaves off, I can't wait for the sequel!
This book is advertised as a series, and considering where it leaves off, I can't wait for the sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2016
Truly Interesting! You think you know the greatest story ever told, but Rebe James does a wonderful job of throwing twists into the plot, including a touching and quite comical love triangle between the Joseph of the bible we know, Yosef of Arimathea, and Miriam. The novel is packed full of political intrigue, new information on some of the characters we've grown up with, and a wealth of scientific information that seem crazy yet plausible at the same time. It is touted as an alternative historical romance, which it certainly is. I enjoyed the fast pace and development of the characters. And I particularly loved the bantering dialogue of the two protagonists (or maybe it's three since Miriam also spends much of her time as a young boy who is quite the intellect). The philosophical messages of hope and understanding comes through loud and clear, and I felt comforted by it.
April 5, 2016
The greatest love story ever told! I'm a Christian and believe in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that the greatest love story ever told is that of God who loved humanity deeply and gave his Son for us so that through his death we may have life, and life eternal. Why is my earlier comment important? We have lots of religious folks nowadays, and few people actually live the life they have always wanted. Salvation comes when we wake up and know the truth, and not when we choose to believe what has been passed down to us as truth. The quest for truth isn't an easy journey and the author in his search for truth have found something enlightening, and created such a beautiful love story. it's a story of 2 people, from different worlds, yer having so much in common. This is a book that explains the value of understanding, and not just having knowledge about something, or in this case "religion". This is a book that would enlighten and widen your hearts to truths that are perhaps hidden all in the name of religion. I can't begin to explain everything the book talks about, but I can say that it is more than a storybook. I dare you to take a read, and see the world from the view of the writer, and hopefully, you would be enlightened in your way of life as a result of this enlightening book.
Enjoy the read!
Blessings!
Enjoy the read!
Blessings!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews