I experienced both gain and loss by reading this book...The gain: I gained a new perspective of what it could have been like, ...  Read More

I experienced both gain and loss by reading this book...The gain: I gained a new perspective of what it could have been like, living during the time of Jesus's ministry here on earth.The loss: I lost - sleep. The story was riveting enough that I stayed up way too late because I couldn't put it down!With all that being said, I really really enjoyed this book. It's the first book by this author that I have read, and it certainly won't be my last. Biblical history is one of my favorite subjects, and this story taught me a few new things, which I am very thankful for.I was extremely impressed by the author's talent for taking Biblical facts, and weaving them together with her imagination - and creating believable circumstances that fill in some of the gaps in Biblical accounts.The characters were well thought out, and the story never lagged. I felt like I was on the road to Jerusalem, Cana, Nazareth, etc. I felt like I was in the group of people that sat mesmerized while Jesus taught. The images that the chapters created in my mind were vivid and lasting.The characters Tasmin and Jude are both struggling to bring their 'wayward' brothers home - for different reasons. While chasing after them, they experience many adventures along the way. Little do they know that their lives are about to change - immensely!I love all the scriptures quoted - from both the Old and the New Testaments. They bring such clarity.I love the Hebrew words used throughout the story that give it authenticity.I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. I am not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.I will be recommending this book to everyone I know! It was so well done and worth the time to read!  Read Less

Daughter of Cana by Angela Hunt is the first book in the Jerusalem Road series. I finished it on Easter weekend, and it moved m...  Read More

Daughter of Cana by Angela Hunt is the first book in the Jerusalem Road series. I finished it on Easter weekend, and it moved me so much that I have been pondering it ever since. Hence the delay in writing my review.I loved taking a peek behind the scenes into the lives of Jesus' family and his apostle Thomas. I had forgotten that Thomas was a twin. This book focuses on his twin sister Tasmin, and how she reacts to Thomas' sudden departure from her life to follow Jesus.Together with Jesus' brother Jude, Tasmin is determined to hunt down her brother and bring him home to help their father with their orchard. Jude also wants Jesus to return home because he has just received a lucrative job offer to make a bed with an intricately carved headboard. But he needs Jesus' skills to complete the bed and to get paid. If he can't convince Jesus to come home and help his family, then he will have to pay back the money he spent on purchasing the wood. Both Jude and Tasmin are determined to get what they want and set out on a journey that will change their lives forever.While it was clear Jude and Tasmin were going to fall in love, it was not the central theme of this story. The real story was Jesus' message. This is the perfect book for someone who is seeking to know more about Jesus or needs a faith boost. I loved the way Hunt described the Kingdom of God, and I loved that I read the last page on Easter Sunday!The kingdom of God was wherever God was king. It was within those who surrendered to His kingship.So few people realize this as they make that all-important commitment to God. I love that Hunt made this clear and did it in such a way that if someone is reading this and they do not know the Lord, they will make that discovery at the same time as the characters.​Daughter of Cana is a definite must-read, and the perfect gift to give someone who is seeking.I received this book courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Netgalley.  Read Less