Rating: 
Summary: Sensitive and Stylish!
Review: Forget for a moment this is the fourth book in a series. Forget you've been following characters whose lives are enmeshed in the drama of mid-1948 and the struggle for Israeli independence. For 250 pages, imagine you are discovering the incredible back-story to this modern conflict in Jerusalem.The Thoenes break new ground here, jumping back two millenia to unravel the story of Mary (Miryam) Magdalene and her connections to the life of Jesus (Yeshua). I've admired the Thoenes ability to recreate the era of the 1930's and 40's, but to see them jump to 30 A.D...Wow! The transition is seamless. I was quickly transported to the troubled times and life of young Miryam and her centurion lover. I found myself caught up in the story and surprised at the ease with which the authors slipped fiction into the historical framework. In these pages, the Thoenes do wonders, making the lives and relationships of those represented in the Gospels come alive. They breathe fresh perspective into this oft-told tale and make it wholly believable and accessible for a modern reader. From what I understand, the next book or two in The Jerusalem Legacy will continue the biblical back-story. (This book ends at the point of Jesus meeting with the woman caught in adultery.) Although I wish the Thoenes had finished their present series and made the story of these scrolls into its own entity, I'll certainly look forward to the continuation...of both. While remaining true to the known facts and to the spirit of the Bible, the Thoenes delve into the hearts and minds of those who later became known in the Scriptures. I'll never see Mary or the centurion or Caiaphas the same. Through "The Jerusalem Scrolls" they've become living, breathing people. With style and great sensitivity, this book shows once again why the Thoenes are one of the best writing teams going.
Rating: 
Summary: A turn off
Review: I generally love the Thone's work, but this book has got me not going back for more. I really didn't appreciate the extreme sensuality that was instilled in Miryam's (Mary of Magdalene)character. It actually left me feeling dirtied. You may think that's extreme, but I just think they pushed the envelope too far. Not in comparison to other writers, but compared to their previous work. It is sad because I considered these authors as "safe", meaning no offensive material. I can't trust them anymore, so I've stopped reading their books. It's truly a shame because they are wonderful writers and I've read about 20 of their books prior to this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Customer Review
Review: I think Bodie and Brock Thoene missed it this time. I love all of the rest of the series and rated them a high 5. This one just seems to lack the amazing talent that the authors have for telling a story. I think one whole book being dedicated to one scroll was just a little too much. I would still buy any of their books. They are truly amazing authors.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful Novel from Amazing Writers
Review: Taking a break from the 1948 storyline of the rest of the series, this book tells the story of two people during the first century. Miryam is a lonely widow and Marcus is her centurion lover. Because of her relationship with Marcus, Miryam has been outcast from her family and community. Slowly, she is sinking into depression. Marcus, meanwhile, must struggle with keeping the peace in this foreign land while avoiding his nemesis Vara. From Capernaum and Nazareth to Caesarea Maritima and Jerusalem, the Thoenes weave a story full of political intrigue and personal struggle. In the midst of this, our characters come in contact with the preacher Yeshua of Nazareth. Will Miryam and Marcus let Him help them, or are they truly beyond hope? When I first learned this book would take a break from the 1948 storyline, I was disappointed. But I decided to give the book a far reading. I'm glad I did. The Thoenes have proven once again what wonderful storytellers they are. This novel combines several Biblical stories with the fiction for a powerful tale of grace and mercy. I was moved to tears several times while reading. My only disappointment was that the story ended so soon. While I hope the next novel continues with Moshe, Rachel, David, Ellie, Alfie, and the others, I would love to see a stand-alone novel about these characters. There is certainly room for more. I am curious to see if they will work this story into the overall storyline somehow, or if the prologue and epilogue will be the only connection with the rest of the series. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough. Their storytelling will enthrall their fans, and new fans will quickly be won over. It is my favorite of their books to date. Buy it and read it today.
Rating:
Summary: A chance to imagine Jesus close-up ...
Review: The Thoenes have put their incredible story-telling ability to work in a whole new way with this novel ... helping us imagine Jesus, the man, when He was on earth. Forget any dry images you've picked up from the King James Bible. This book brings Jesus to vivid, 3-D life and it is a remarkable opportunity to draw closer to the One who died for us. Please don't miss it, whether you're a Christian yet or not!
Rating:
Summary: A chance to imagine Jesus close-up ...
Review: The Thoenes have put their incredible story-telling ability to work in a whole new way with this novel ... helping us imagine Jesus, the man, when He was on earth. Forget any dry images you've picked up from the King James Bible. This book brings Jesus to vivid, 3-D life and it is a remarkable opportunity to draw closer to the One who died for us. Please don't miss it, whether you're a Christian yet or not!
Rating:
Summary: THE JERUSALEM SCROLLS
Review: THIS IS SUCH AN AMAZING BOOK-I CAME TO KNOW MY LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST IN A MUCH MORE INTIMATE WAY. I GOT SO CAUGHT UP IN THE BOOK-I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I'AM SURE I BECAME BORN AGAIN-ANEW. THRU MIRYAM, MY OWN LIFE PASSED BEFORE ME-I ASKED FORGIVENESS FOR THINGS FAR PAST. IT HIT SUCH A STRONG CORD IN ME-I'LL NEVER BE THE SAME.
Rating:
Summary: What an incredible way to introduce Jesus...
Review: This was my first introduction to the Thoenes - in the middle of a series - but it turned out to be a great place to start! This has been an incredible book!! The Thoene's are magnificent writers who weave a story with many memorable characters that leave you wanting for more. I am amazed at how they were able to include so many characters without my getting confused with all the information they supplied me with. You are first introduced with the situation being Jerusalem in 1948. Then you are taken back in time to the days of Jesus. However, you are not introduced to him in the traditional sense. You are given a behind the scenes look at people who witnessed his acts, a Roman soldier named Marcus and a Jewish woman named Miryam. It is their story that weaves throughout the book along with others. Don't hesistate to buy this book. It is worth the investment!
Rating:
Summary: What an incredible way to introduce Jesus...
Review: This was my first introduction to the Thoenes - in the middle of a series - but it turned out to be a great place to start! This has been an incredible book!! The Thoene's are magnificent writers who weave a story with many memorable characters that leave you wanting for more. I am amazed at how they were able to include so many characters without my getting confused with all the information they supplied me with. You are first introduced with the situation being Jerusalem in 1948. Then you are taken back in time to the days of Jesus. However, you are not introduced to him in the traditional sense. You are given a behind the scenes look at people who witnessed his acts, a Roman soldier named Marcus and a Jewish woman named Miryam. It is their story that weaves throughout the book along with others. Don't hesistate to buy this book. It is worth the investment!
Rating:
Summary: A great change of pace
Review: With the fourth book of their Legacy series, the Thoene's switch gears (and centuries), taking their readers from 1948 Israel back to Jesus's ministry on earth. I found myself instantly caught up in the story of Miryam and Marcus, and thoroughly enjoyed the weaving of gospel stories within the fabric of a well written novel.I'm a huge fan of their work, and to me each book is better than the last. Definitely a must read!
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