Two Women of Galilee

February 27, 2006
Mary, Jesus's mother, and Joanna, the wife of a steward of Herod Antipas, Galilee's ruler, are the heroines of Rourke's first novel, a gentle tale with a respectable mix of suspense, murder and romance. As Joanna searches for a cure for her failing health, she hears of a miracle worker, Jesus, and decides to ask his mother to arrange a meeting. Joanna's encounter with Jesus results in her physical healing, a bright new faith and a growing closeness to Mary. Unfortunately, her alliance with the Miracle Man creates political problems for her husband, Chuza. When it becomes clear that someone is poisoning Chuza, one suspect is Joanna, whose new circumstances take her through many of the recorded events of Christ's life, including His death, burial and resurrection. Romance blooms as Nicodemus, a secret follower of Jesus, shows more than a passing interest in the widowed Mary. The conclusion puts a new spark into Joanna's life and is sure to put a smile on the face of readers fond of cozy historicals.