READ THE PROLOGUE AND
1ST CHAPTER OF MY BOOK
Christmas is on the horizon, and you may be seeking the perfect gift for someone who likes to read. Or maybe you want a good book to curl up with yourself during those winter nights ahead.
Here’s your chance to sample my novel about the family of Jesus, MY BROTHER’S KEEPER, for free.
I’ve posted the Prologue and Chapter One, which you can read by clicking HERE.
Give it a look.
MY BROTHER’S KEEPER is available in both print and eBook editions from online book vendors, as well as through your local Catholic bookstore.
Here’s a brief synopsis of the novel…
Synopsis of
My Brother’s Keeper
A speculative historical / religious novel in three parts, MY BROTHER’S KEEPER explores how the anxieties and tensions surrounding the ministry of Christ affected Jesus’ relatives. Inspired by both the Bible and early Christian, non-canonical writings, the story is premised on traditions maintaining that Joseph was a widower with children at the time he took Mary as his wife.
- PART I is essentially a re-imagining of the Christmas Story. It lays out the backgrounds of Joseph and Mary, explaining why she was placed in Joseph’s care. It reveals how family conflict over Mary’s entry into the household prompted Joseph to take her with him to Bethlehem when he had to register for the census, and explains the perilous circumstances under which they fled to Egypt with Mary’s newborn son. It shows the interaction between Joseph’s family and the reformist priest, Zacharias (father of John the Baptist), and introduces the book’s principal character, James, Joseph’s youngest son.
- PART II explores the effects of local discord and political upheaval on the family members and their reaction to the emerging signs of Jesus’ nature. It follows James’ adventures through the intrigues of Jerusalem as he trains to be a rabbi, and his involvement with several other key Biblical figures. It develops a romantic subplot and lays out the religious strife foreshadowing Jesus’ climactic confrontation with temple authorities later in the book.
- PART III focuses on the period of Jesus’ active ministry and the increasing ferment as his movement spreads and gains influence. It shows how James cultivates a relationship with Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, in anticipation of having to intercede for his brother as controversy builds around Jesus’ mission. It delves deeply into the political maneuvering and the pressures on Pilate which make Jesus’ crucifixion inevitable. And it concludes with Christ’s post-resurrection appearance to James, resulting in the revelation of Jesus’ true identity and the commissioning of James to lead the Jerusalem congregation of Jesus’ followers (which the Bible records was James’ role in the early Christian movement).
MY BROTHER’S KEEPER is a fresh literary exploration of the Christian story that does not contradict the Gospels or question the divinity of Christ. It offers a multi-layered plot that unfolds with gradually increasing narrative intensity, and characters that are well rounded and believable.
Read the Prologue and Chapter One of MY BROTHERS KEEPER for free. Just click HERE.
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