Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene

by Bridget Erica

"For over two thousand years my name has been printed in the holy book and buildings have been erected in my honor. Yet, men in ornate robes have trampled on my words, tainted my name, and hidden my story from you. The exceptional events of my life have been erased…"

Based on the life of Mary Magdalene, Magdala beautifully pieces together the hidden remnants from the past and masterfully weaves them into a fascinating tale about faith, love, and our connection with the Divine. Magdala transports readers 2000 years into the past as it follows Mary Magdalene on her journey from innocence to cherished healer, sacred confidante, wife, and mother. A stirring work of historical fiction that explores the meaning of Mary Magdalene in the face of her erased history. Magdala is a fascinating invitation to re-examine the hidden messages in Jesus' teachings and what it truly means to be a powerful woman.

Perfect for readers of Meggan Watterson, Paulo Coelho, Claire Heartsong, and Clarissa Pinkola Estes, this is the lost story of Mary Magdalene as it should have always been told.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Spirituality

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2022

About the author

Bridget Erica is an internationally sought-after Reiki Master, teacher and healer, and Bestselling author of the novel Magdala. Her passion for energy healing, combined with her personal pursuit to uncover hidden stories from the past, inspired her to re-write the story of Mary Magdalene, one of the most misunderstood and influential women and healers in history. Bridget resides in Rome, where she also runs her healing studio, The Reiki Temple.

Magdala became an instant #1 Best-selling New Release on Amazon just 24 hours into its launch.

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Magdala a while ago now. It has taken me some time to collect my thoughts and present the book in this best way that I am able. The book is a work of historical fiction, yet it reads like a memoir. The story commences with the first-person narration of Mary Magdalene. It is written in a way that qualifies it to be a one-sitting read, at 214 pages in length.

The author has obviously done a ton of research to present this woman’s life in such an enchanting and valiant fashion. Ms. Erica delivers this story to readers in clear, sound prose, which makes it a good read for most ages/reading levels. Reading and enjoying Magdala does not require one to be deeply religious; rather, this is a book written primarily about love, courage, devotion, and strength as an introspective view into the life of Mary Magdalene.

I would not recommend readers to attempt to interpret this retelling as fact or question the author’s intentions for the story. In fact, I recommend opening your mind and heart and accepting the story as the author has crafted it. Much research has been conducted and documented for sharing Mary Magdalene’s story in this manner.
Simply put, this book is beautiful and I recommend it with my whole heart. I felt an overwhelming wash of love cover me as I finished the book and that is not something that happens to me very often.

Finally a huge thank goes to @bookinfluencerscom & @lost_story_of_mary_magdalene for making this book available to me.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting glimpse into the story of Mary Magdalene. Not much is known about her from the bible, and this is her story based more upon the gnostic Gospel of Mary and historical fiction. Take it for what it is—a work of fiction rather than an authoritative biblically-based source, about a fascinating female follower of Jesus, and just enjoy the read.

[Morgan Lamberton · Rating 3 out of 5]

the Catholic Church is gonna have a field day over this one.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story full of love. It looks at Mary Magdalene in a different more positive light than we may be familiar with. And like any good historical fiction, at the core is the message of strong women.

You do not need to have a religious background to appreciate this wonderful book.

[Sohinee Reads & Reviews (Bookarlo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this book, I had no idea who Magdala is or the importance of her character nor did I know about her association with Jesus Christ. So, I dived into the book and let Magdala narrate her own story. Despite her being one of the devout disciples of Jesus, Mary Magdalene's story gets little to no recognition. As I was quite fascinated with Magdala after reading the book, I decided to hop on Google and search more about her. Apparently, Mary Magdalene was a witness to Jesus's crucification and resurrection (disclaimer: this information is as presented on Wikipedia). This book being written as a historical fiction doesn't require any knowledge about the character or the background as Magdala herself takes us, the readers back to her life 2000 years ago. Given the first person point of view, this book reads more like a memoir and I had no complaints.

For such a short book, the author summed up Magdalene's story in a way that was easy to follow for readers like me who don't have any prior knowledge of the subject. Bridget has presented scenarios of what Magdalene's life could have been like, the challenges she had to face, the thoughts she had and how she must have led her life.

Thank you @bookstagrammerscom and @lost_story_of_mary_magdalene for having me on the tour!

[Mamanoley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic, dare I say boring, writing style; terribly fast-paced and minimally detailed narrative of Mary and Yeshua in divine partnership. Was looking forward to an imaginative retelling of their dynamic but honestly could have gone without it entirely. “Historically” inaccurate it lots of places.

[Julieta Ho · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is very well written with a beautiful story of romance, courage, passion and love. I guess it kind of gave another possible version of story of how Maria Madalena could be, instead of the version from the Bible.

It did try to express in a way as a revelation of a mystery of the Bible and made it more real life.

However, even I liked it very much as a made-up story, i got a little sad, mix feeling, quite disturbed by the book.

Talking about acceptance of everything in the modern world and respect. I guess it’s hard for me to understand nor accept a different twist of something so sacred, so holly as the Bible and the story of Jesus.

Is it my religion that made me feel that way, my education, my creation or belief?
Or it’s the lack of respect that i feel to something so holly?

I was brought up as a catholic and identify myself more as Buddhist. So I guess my comment is not really about religion but the respect to other people’s belief, the history, and the holly bible. If the world is all talking about respect to minorities, why don’t respect the religion of billions of people in the world?

[Terra Pfund · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a follower of Mary Magdalene and initiate of the Rose Temple, I was excited for this book to be published, but equally disappointed in it.

While it’s historical fiction, it perpetuates the patriarchal paradigm. I didn’t get past page 7 before the anointing priestesses were compared to Vestal Virgins and referred to as “celibate…virginal innocence and purity”

The book is written with “lusting of men” type fire and brimstone on an 8th grade reading level. If you read, research, follow Mary Magdalene or the Divine Feminine, it will disappoint.

[Nila Eslit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Magdalene encountered the Lord and became Jesus’ disciple after He cleansed her of her sin. The story of this woman from Magdala serves a pivotal role in the Christian life. However, while she inspires many believers, some people still paint her character in a different light. In this book, Mary Magdalene’s character implies discrediting the divinity of the Lord.

Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene is a historical fiction that revolves around the character of Mariamne. Written by Bridget Erica, the plot is set during the time of Yeshua’s (the Hebrew term for Jesus) ministry.

Mariamne lives in the region of Magdala, a Jewish city. Her family observes a tradition that every first-born girl should get into the ancient form of healing using herbs and plants. And, since Mariamne is the first-born daughter, she is obliged to do just that. So, as soon as she started her monthly moon cycle, she moves out of her hometown. She proceeds to Jerusalem and joins her aunts to work with plants and oils.

Mariamne’s life in Jerusalem is initially uneventful. She is focused on mastering her craft in healing. However, her life changes drastically when a tragic incident presents itself before her. As her life unfolds, she crosses paths with Yeshua. Believing in the holy person, Mariamne decides to leave her aunts and duties and follows Him. She becomes one of Yeshua’s disciples. Like the rest of the disciples, Mariamne travels around the region with the Lord as He preaches and heals the sick. Eventually, Mariamne comes to a certain realization about Yeshua.

The Book and the Author

Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene is more of a memoir of the author than typical historical fiction. Bridget Erica presents her story in a casual manner as if she is narrating it to a close friend. I like this style of writing because it makes the reader relaxed. I also commend the author for giving a chronological account of her journey.

However, she is not keen on providing detailed descriptions of the important scenes in the story. She narrates as if the reader is already familiar with the places she had gone to. Nevertheless, the story is entertaining. The book is also well-proofread and does not contain glaring typographical and grammatical errors.

Content-wise, Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene radically moves away from what Christians are taught about God. Erica’s novel is another attempt to discredit the divinity of Yeshua. Over the ages, some non-Christian believers have been circulating unfounded stories that Jesus had a romantic relationship with Mary Magdalene. For this reason, therefore, the reader is better advised to read this book with a grain of salt.

Overall, I give Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to readers with an open mind.

[I received this book in exchange for an honest review]

NOTE: The above review is also posted in The Catalyst

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene, by Bridget Erica, hinges on two ideas:

First, the idea that the Bible was written by men, and then translated by men and recopied by men over generations, and that a woman's story wasn't particularly interesting or valuable to them. What was once known about historical women -- especially controversial women -- wasn't recorded, saved and recopied over the years, and has been lost.

Second, the possibility that Jesus married and had a family, which means there are descendants of Jesus and Mary Magdalene today. This has appeared in other fiction as well. 

So, if these two ideas sound intriguing to you, then this historical, mystical novel about Mary Magdalene is for you.

Using the life of Mary Magdalene as the starting point, Magdala tells a mystical, historical novel, and also talks about the relationship between humans and God.  The author questions why and how Mary Magdalene's story was lost and edited, and imagines a fully developed character in Mariamne from Magdala. This isn't the story of a fallen woman at all, although I thought this Mariamne wouldn't have minded seeing her name on charities for women.

Magdala retells events described or mentioned in the Gospel According to Mary Magdalene, with historical figures as characters. The novel takes readers through ancient places and ancient customs, but of course the focus on on Mary herself and what she learns about life and humanity from her time with Yeshua, and later with the other disciples. 

[Courtnee Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magdala is a book by Bridget Erica. The author poured over scriptures and the Dead Sea Scrolls, finding a short reference to Mary Magdalene as Jesus’s wife. In the absence of material written by Mary—or any other female figure—Erica chose to pen a story from her perspective. The book follows Mariamne from twelve years old—when she is sent to her aunts to learn healing practices—to the completion of her life. The townspeople look upon her unfavorably, and an injustice places her in a dangerous situation. Yeshua rescues her with his words, and she decides to follow him. Yeshua and Mariamne become close, and miracles are relayed as they are seen through her eyes.
Bridget Erica has developed a beautiful story in honor of a biblical figure whose voice was muffled by the passage of time. Through the author, Mary Magdalene’s story can be reawakened and studied by present and future generations. The book moves along at a fast pace, but it will leave the reader with a sense of peace and a deeper understanding of Jesus as a man and religious figure. Although the story is fictitious, Erica asserts a feeling that her words are close to the truth due to her gleanings from meditation and prayer. The author is a Usui Reiki Master, who felt a calling to write Mary Magdalene’s story from a female’s point of view. Magdala is a great selection for readers who enjoy theology or are interested in biblical retellings based on scripture.

[Tiff Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows the bible and more importantly the new testament which follows Jesus’ journey from birth to death, but did you know that more books had been deemed unworthy to be a part of what we now know as the bible? What they don’t tell you how is that they chose not to add these books because they undermined the church.
In this historical fiction, we have introduced to Mary Magdalene who the bible states were a prostitute. Mary was not these things, and she was more to Jesus than we know. It tells the beautiful story of a woman who meets a man that not only teaches her to grow a closer relationship with god but to fall in love with the man who is bringing this message.
Okay so I have read quite a few of the rejected Gospels so I love the fact that this book is realistically recounting the events, unlike the mysticism that surrounds the four that made it into the bible. It’s a beautiful love story that makes you really take a step back and look. Why does it seem weird to think of Jesus having a wife, or that his line continued after he died? It’s told through Mary’s eyes which is so gripping. As someone who has read the gospel of Mary Magdalene, I love how the author took one of the bible’s most controversial characters and told what I also feel is her true story. I can’t wait to read more of Bridget Erica’s work.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
✝️ are a person of faith
📕 enjoy short reads
🤔 like what-if scenarios
☮️ want to see some girl power

• 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄

Mary of Magdala recounts her life story in this short piece of fiction.

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Mary of Magdala was one of Jesus’s faithful followers. In this work of fiction, we see what Mary might have been like as she walked alongside Jesus and his 12 disciples as they traversed the countryside preaching the gospel of His word. As some have speculated, Jesus was married to Mary and had a child together, and as Mary flees with her unborn child after Jesus’ crucifixion on the cross, she must learn to lean on God even without Him physically by her side.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was an interesting retelling of what Mary’s life may have been like. While not scripturally sound, a lot of people have speculated that Jesus had a wife and child before His death and resurrection. I liked this possible retelling of her story. It made her a more realistic person for me. I was able to connect with her on a deeper level and get to know her better. Mary Magdalene is only mentioned in the Bible by name a handful of times, so this was a fun little learning experience for me. I also enjoyed the short and easy to read chapters, and learning more about these books not found in the Bible by Thomas, Philip, and Mary herself.

[Senali · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start up , I want to say that I am a buddhist and little do I know about The Bible. Hence my review for this book is solely based on the book itself. Also you don't have to know the religious aspects to read the book. In an essence this book is all about love , faith , courage , dedication and female strength.

The story commences with the first person narration of Mary Magdalene , the protagonist of the book. I never knew Jesus had a wife nor a child and I was fascinated by those two facts. This book is written in a way that one could finish it in one sitting sans problem. I love how the author has delivered deeper insights through her simple , flawless language.

"We are all made equal and that it is not the heaviness of our pockets that gives us freedom, but the fullness of our hearts."


Just after I finished the book, I started searching about Mary Magdalene but ended up collecting a very few information about her. I found more and more about her character through the book. I recommend this book to anyone who loves books with heroic - strong females , religious historical fiction & quick reads.

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fiction book about Mary Magdalene and it follows the Gnostic approach to what happened to her. Her home life is shown and we find she is studying to become a healer. The other women around her are the same and they are not treated well by various men.

Then the book uses the actual Yeshua rather than Jesus which is a positive point. The story continues as she follows him and gradually is joined by the men who ended up following him. Philip, her brother, is a strong support to her but Peter really dislikes her. A lot.

There is a romantic relationship and this moves into the more Gnostic approach where they get married and have a child. From there we move on to the crucifixion, more trouble with Peter, trouble with the authorities and her fleeing to end up in France.

If you only accept the Biblical story of Mary Magdalene then you probably won't like this book. If you are open to the 'what happened to her, anyway' approach then you probably will like the book as the events (to me) seem very possible.

There's also a strong legend in parts of France of her being there with others, by the way.

[Renuka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people opinion that she is not good women.  They criticize her because they did not know about her. They don't know the reality of her life. So this book is something which tells about her life journey.
Mary Magdalene is one of the disciple of Jesus Christ.  She is lived in catholic church but after she lived with her aunts  in Jerusalem where she help the women and children.  One day there is an incident happened to Magdalene where she seen a person first time and after seeing him she  feel something different and unique. After that she follows Jesus. In this book there is give some stories of  Jesus with his followers. These incidents are taken from  famous gospels of Phillips. This book clear some misunderstanding about marry Magdalena and who was she and what relation of her with Jesus.

[Marion Marchetto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long thought to be the wife of Jesus, this is the story of Mary Magdalene. We first meet Mary when she is 12 and goes to learn the healing arts at the hands of her three 'aunties'. The reader is then taken on a journey that follows Mary's life as first as disciple and then the wife of Jesus. It concludes with Mary's last days on this earth.

Written in a simple to read style, this slim book is deceiving. What can be perceived as a novella, is based on the research and the writings of lesser known gospels by Paul and Mary herself. A story that will challenge everything you were taught about Christ it is also one of the greatest love stories ever told.

The lesson(s) I took away from this book are 1) to follow your heart, 2) open yourself to Love, and 3) trust in God.

A terrific book for women and girls of all ages.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

You certainly don’t need to have a religious affiliation to enjoy this story. It’s about unconditional love, complete faith and adventure. It’s the recipe for the perfect story and flows so easily if it wasn’t for an infant of my own I would have easily finished this in one sitting.

I’m agnostic and by nature seek more information and although this is fiction it really has answered several questions I have about the story of Jesus. I had never given much though to Mary, I had also only heard her referenced as a working girl so it was very refreshing to see her portrayed in a new and more devoted light. After all I find this much more realistic.

I have already found myself recommended this and have a few people lined up to send as a gift.

[Ονι · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first heard of Magdala, I was curious. Not in a religious sort of way, because I'm not a Christian and this review will come from a non religious aspect. But I've heard of Mary Magdalene, and for some reason I was drawn to this book and I wanted to know what it was like for her before and after she became one of Jesus' disciples.

I'm glad I read this. The whole what if Jesus had a wife and child path was something I've never seen anyone explore before. I liked how easy it was to follow this story. The chapters were short and the first person narration made it easier to comprehend what the author wants conveyed. This book made me want to learn more about Mary Magdalene, not as a religious figure but as a historical figure. You don't need to be a Christian to enjoy this one.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I've been captivated by a novel and to be honest after having kids, it's nice to finally find the time to read again. I was drawn to this book to read more about the life of Mary Magdalene and after getting through the first two chapters I couldn't put it down. Magdala is beautifully written and elegantly blends history with strong insights into female spirituality and profound meanings behind many of Jesus' well known miracles. This is a novel that has stayed with me and I highly recommend for women on a spiritual journey.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating, almost fable-like story of Mary Magdalene. This book was a wonderful read and helped me understand so much more about the deeper meanings behind Christian theology. This story of Mary Magdalene is profound and provoking at the same time, and reading this book felt like I was going on a personal healing journey with Mary Magdalene. Not for anyone who isn't open minded enough to challenge history and Church doctrine, but finally a strong female voice in Christianity, spirituality, and deep understanding of the divine feminine. This book has really touched me.

[Gara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the extensive documentation that the author used to support the story. The character of Mary was of interest, and her position as an equal to the apostles was thought provoking. The idea that Christ did not rise after death, and that instead was moved by the disciples to another location was disturbing to me. This goes my religious beliefs, and I would not have agreed to read it had I been aware of this. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Donna J. Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

well?

Found this wanting. Found the authors note and beginning explanation ten times better than the actual novel. I agree totally about the lack of women’s perspectives and how incredible it would be to have them included in the male dominated, written and edited version of Christianity. But this book didn’t do it for me. And for the record: I have always believed Magdalene was the wife of Jesus.

[Staci Wellmaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow- just wow

We can only know in our hearts if this story of Mary Magdalene is truly what happened almost 2000 years ago. I can only say, for me, my heart says it is true and while it was difficult to read about Yeshua’s last physical day, I was joyful knowing He also knew love as a husband. Thank you for this beautiful story- I pray that we can all be more loving and forgiving with each other- live like Jesus Christ.

[Mika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning: this is a historical fiction.

If, you're like me, chances are you were raised a Catholic and probably attended Catholic schools. If you choose to pick this book up or listen to the audiobook, please keep an open mind.

It was fun to listen to this knowing what I know and interesting to compare what I learned from the bible and what this book presents.

And, truly though, what if Mary Magdalene was also like most women are? A victim of the patriarchal paradigm?

[Denise Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting read

I was not sure what to expect with this book and I am glad that I had no expectations so I could read it with an open mind. Of course this is fiction but it was a fascinating story and I could see how the events could have happened. I certainly do recommend reading it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading this book. It was an experience that opened up my heart and touched my soul. Hard to explain, but was what my soul needed. This book is chicken soup for the soul and reminded me a lot of Paolo Coehlo books, easy to read, yet so profound. Every woman who has a strong spiritual connection should read this.

[Olga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written and moving historical fiction book based on the life of Mary Magdalene. This book envelops the reader in most serene and soft feminine christ energy, a powerful and uplifting read indeed.

[Olivia Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. A sweet, short read that gives an alternative perspective to the life of Mary Magdalene, one of my favorite people in the Bible. I highly recommend this to anyone who needs an uplifting story

[Collette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing read

I wasn't sure what to expect of this book when I read the synopsis. It was thought provoking & interesting to say the least. would be curious to read others' take on this book