num_pages: 295
description: The Pinnacle of History Through the Eyes of a BoyThis spellbinding work of historical fiction offers the eyewitness account of 15-year-old James son of Joseph bar Jacob and the dangerous and heartrending choices they must make in the days leading up to Josephs relationship with Mary and the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.With crisp prose tangible description and thought-provoking insights Before Bethlehem takes readers on a vivid journey to the dusty Galilean village of Nazareth where Joseph is summoned by Rabbi Boethus a Sadducean high priest to marry an orphaned virgin in Jerusalem. By accepting the Rabbis request Joseph unknowingly thrusts himself and his family into a bitter and emotionally draining life-or-death conflict. Joseph fights to maintain his spiritual integrity while trying desperately to keep his family together and his farm alive. He and James witness abhorring violence at the hands of the Romans and outlandish abuses of power by their own religious leaders. As his familys faith and hopes are threatened by scandal and scorn James struggles between the boy he is and the man he must become.Before Bethlehem is an eye-opening account of the Nativity story told in a suspenseful historical context that dares to ask the question: If Joseph should have turned Mary over to be stoned why didnt he? His profound answer is one that forever changes the life of his son James. And it may just change yours as well.Readers who've enjoyed religious fiction from Taylor Caldwell and Francine Rivers will particularly enjoy. - Kirkus Reviews
language: English
title: Before Bethlehem
publisher: Dreamscapes Publishing