Publisher's Synopsis
An obscure woman mentioned three times in the book of Luke is the heroine of this work of historical _ fiction: Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward, Chuza, and a follower of Jesus. As her two worlds collide Joanna grows from an unhappy child-like wife to an independent, compassionate woman. Leaving her affluent life, she finds with Jesus the beauty of a simple life of service to the outcasts of society. After the tragic moments of the crucifixion of her Master, the Resurrection, and years spent with the disciples, Joanna returns to Tiberias to be reconciled with her husband, to meet his young son, and to offer healing to the peasants of Galilee. After the exile of Herod Antipas, their final years in Tiberias come to a close with the death of Herod Agrippa. "Ghosts of the past twelve years floated across the patio-finding a sister in Anna; renewing my closeness with my parents; women searching for dignity; derelicts seeking food and acceptance; Cypros needing reassurance from Agrippa; Herodias accepting my forgiveness; peasants facing Roman soldiers; Chuza's mother asking for forgiveness; Joseph growing up to be a man; all my moments of reconciliation and joy with Chuza. Yes, because of Yeshu's message of hope we were blessed in this place. Fear, anger, and mistrust were transformed into love, reconciliation, and faith. I gave a silent prayer of thanksgiving for what happened here and excitement for what was yet to come."
