MOTHER OF THREE: When Jesus Wept

Today's post features When Jesus Wept by Bodie & Brock Thoene.  The blog tour for the book is hosted by Litfuse Publicity Group.

BODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 65 works of historical fiction. Over thirty-five million of these best-selling novels are in print. Eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirms what millions of readers have already discovered—the Thoenes are not only master stylists but experts at capturing readers’ minds and hearts.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Brock has often been described by Bodie as “an essential half of this writing team.” With degrees in both history and education, Brock has, in his role as researcher and story-line consultant, added the vital dimension of historical accuracy. Due to such careful research, The Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles series are recognized by the American Library Association, as well as Zionist libraries around the world, as classic historical novels and are used to teach history in college classrooms.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake, Luke, and Ellie—and eight grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London, Hawaii, Central California, and Nevada.
You can connect with the Thoenes via their website found at www.thoenebooks.com, and Facebook.

When Jesus Wept is the first book in the Thoene's new series Jerusalem Chronicles.

Synopsis:

Lazarus - the man Jesus raised from the dead in one of the most extraordinary encounters with The Living Savior in all of Scripture.  But the life of Lazarus holds interest well beyond this miraculous event.  Living in Bethany, near Jerusalem, Lazarus witnessed many of the most important events of Jesus's life and ministry.

Lazarus owned a vineyard and devoted his life to caring for its vines and fruit.  But he encountered another man - Jesus - whose vineyard was the world, its fruit the eternal souls of men.  When Lazarus's story and the story of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection touch in When Jesus Wept, we are offered a unique vision into the power and comfort of Christ's love.

This video is about 10 minutes long, but if you have a few minutes to spare it would be worth the time.  In this conversation with American Family Radio, Brock Thoene talks about the writing of When Jesus Wept.  I think you will find it very interesting.

My Thoughts:

Bodie and Brock Thoene have been writing Christian Fiction for close to 30 years.  I'm often skeptical of Christian Fiction that directly takes on Biblical figures.  Part of my skepticism comes from the fear of Scripture and fictional writing being mixed and the lines between biblical truth and fiction becoming blurred.

When Jesus Wept, the first book in the new series, The Jerusalem Chronicles, is the first book of the Thoenes I have read and it did not disappoint!  The authors write with historical, cultural and biblical accuracy.  The story is told from the viewpoint of Lazarus.  The Thoenes exhibit a masterful ability to weave Scriptural truth and imagination without compromising a clear understanding of the distinction between the two.

From the Author's Note:

"Jesus clearly believed in the power of stories. He told parables - stories - to stretch the minds and transform the hearts of His listeners. We too believe in the life-changing power of stories, and that's why we're passionate about writing them."

Some of my favorite quotes from the book:

"Vineyards. The only crop I know where a hardship in the maturing makes the end result exquisite."

"The spirit of fear is a god that takes the human heart captive. But our God, The Living God of Israel, longs to fill our hearts with joy and freedom. That is what separates believers from all other people."

"Suffering comes to all men on the earth. It is a fact...from man's rebellion and separation from the Lord in the Garden. It is written that one day you will see Messiah wipe away every tear - no more suffering and no more death. Meanwhile those who love God are not exempt from pain. But for the righteous man to suffer? Think of it! Only the wise vinedresser knows what will make the best wine. The vine is stressed - it reaches deep fro the water, the shoots are pruned, the clusters are thinned, and in the end the fruit is richer and the wine is full of character and grace. though the growing may be difficult, God will be glorified at the end of every righteous man's story."

"Many were crushed by life's winepress until Jesus pruned their injuries into a fragrant vintage of hope restored."

I look forward to following this series!

Celebrate the release of When Jesus Wept with the Thoenes by 
entering their iPad Mini giveaway and RSVPing to their {4/23} Facebook 
Author Chat party!

One fortunate winner will receive:






A brand new iPad Mini


A book club kit - 10 copies of When Jesus Wept





Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry,
 the giveaway ends on April 22nd. Winner will be 
announced at the "When Jesus Wept" Author Chat Party on 
4/23. Connect with the Thoenes, get a 
sneak peek of the next book in the Jerusalem Chronicles series, try your
 hand at a trivia contest, and chat with readers just like yourself. 
There will also be fun giveaways - gift certificates, books, and more!










So grab your copy of When Jesus Wept and join 
Bodie and Brock on the evening of the April 23rd for a chance to connect
 with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the 
book - don't let that stop you from 
coming!)