The Friends of Jesus (Life-Changing Bible Study Series Book 2)

The author weaves a story around the friends of Jesus so that you remember who they are and what Jesus did for them and how they continued with their life in a positive way. The stories can be found in the Bible. Following Jesus isn't always easy in our complicated life but I found this book to be comforting and understanding of Jesus' ways and miracles. I know He is there for me.

The Friends of Jesus is the second installment of the Heart of the Story Collection series. I really liked these short stories that included:
Simon, the Leper... And Jesus, the Compassionate Friend
Martha, the Broken... And Jesus, the Comforting Friend
Jarius, the Two-Faced Leader... And Jesus, the Loyal Friend
Mary Magdalene, the Demon Possessed ... And Jesus, the Friend Who Restores
Peter, the Betrayer... And Jesus, the Friend Who Forgives
John, the Arrogant Disciple... And Jesus, the Friend Who Transforms Through Love
Each story is only about 35-40 pages long. Each one is accompanied with Questions for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion. Which are 3-4 questions for each story. The reader can use this book as a Bible Study with Friends of Jesus Workbook and six part video teaching.
I enjoyed every story of the stories, though Mary Magdalene is my favorite of the six. I highly recommend this book for those who like to read Biblical stories and would be perfect for those who do not have much time to read a long novel.
5 plus stars.
I received this book from Howard Books in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.

Six very different people. Yet all had an encounter with one man who would change their lives forever. They would be the same in some aspects but vastly different because of that one encounter and in many cases a continued relationship as being friends of Jesus.

In the book, The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury, we get an up close and personal look at the very lives of six people who were forever changed in remarkable ways by those who encountered Jesus. From Simon, once a man of political power and influence, brought low and left abandoned by his family and friends when he became a leper. It was only through his faith in Jesus Christ, that would offer him a new life and a new faith. Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus, was one of Jesus' closest friends, who would have her own faith challenged and tested when her brother dies while waiting for Jesus. She learns what the meaning of belief truly is. Jarius, a man who had one of the highest places of authority in the council of the high priests. As they are making preparations to arrest Jesus, he learns his daughter is dying. He has to make a decision to be with his daughter during her final hours, or trust and hope that the Jesus they have been debating truly has the power to heal.

Mary Magdalene, is probably one of the most notable women from the Bible, aside from Mary, Jesus' mother. Hers was a life spent looking for answers in all the wrong places for happiness until she was seized by the power of seven demons. Her life would have remained an internal prison if not for the love and compassion from Jesus to dedicate the rest of her life to serving Him. Peter, the rock on whom Jesus would ultimately build His church upon is finding redemption and meaning to his life even after following Him for three years and would deny him three different times. For John, often called the one Jesus loved, learns how the first in the kingdom of God, will be the least and learn a life of what serving Jesus will truly mean.

I received The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, outside of a free copy of this book and the opinions are my own personal. For anyone who loves a connection between the people who encountered Jesus in the Bible, you will absolutely love how Karen, deligates a separate chapter for each of these characters and how they seem to link together in the ways Jesus worked not only in their lives from an external perspective but a lasting internal one as well. For me the biggest eye opener was the statement from Gamaliel, one of the oldest Pharisees on deciding the fate of Jesus claimed, "Leave Jesus alone! Let Him go! For if His purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from the Father, you will not be able to stop Him. You will only find yourselves fighting against God." This is evident in the life of Christianity, it has never stopped, no matter what they threaten and the message is a timeless now as it was then. Well worth 5 out of 5 stars. Discussion questions are included at the end which would make for a great personal Bible study or for book clubs.

As you know, I enjoy Biblical fiction and seeing how different people imagine Biblical characters and the times. This series is interesting to me because its imagining the people closest to Jesus. I didn't feel this was quite as good as the first one, The Family of Jesus, but still interesting.

We get six stories from different friends of Jesus: Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John. I've never really thought of Simon and Jairus as "friends" of Jesus, necessarily, but they were interesting additions.

We got to see three stories before Jesus' death, three stories of healing and raising from the dead. We get one story during His crucifixion, and two stories after His death and resurrection. So we get to see all different sides of Jesus.

But although this series is about Jesus, He himself doesn't appear all that much in the stories. Some of the stories were told in flashback of what Jesus actually did for them. But also, we get to see the lasting impression Jesus had on these people's lives, and how their encounters with Him lasted long after the event.

I think Mary Magdalene's story was my favorite. But Peter and John's stories were pretty interesting, as we see that they aren't exactly the perfect people we might think the disciples as being. But all in all, this was a pretty fast read, and I enjoyed it.

I have no doubt that my friend, Karen Kingsbury, is an amazingly gifted storyteller. I've seen this time and time again from her, but in a whole new level with The Family of Jesus, which was the first book in the Life-Changing Bible Story Series. It was one of the best books I ever read! Anyway, I tell you this because I was so excited to see what Karen did with this next book in the series, The Friends of Jesus.

What I loved about this book is Karen's heart and desire for biblical accuracy. She is a fictional storyteller, so it can be easy when reading books like this to want to question things. What I love that Karen did is include a letter at the beginning of the book explaining how she weaved the truths in Scripture together with fiction. She does this in such a delicate, yet honest way. I give her so much credit for being able to pull this type of book off.

I also love the way Karen brings the people in the stories to life in a way that makes me learn something new about them. Through reading this book, I found myself saying "I never thought of that." I loved how I finished this book with a deeper understanding of the characters and what life could have been like for them. Karen took these people and made them feel more real to me.

Since I loved the first book in this series so much, it was hard not to compare these two. While I got a lot out of this book and enjoyed the stories, I still absolutely love The Family of Jesus. There was just something about the way it was written that I became so connected with the story and the characters. That said, I enjoyed learning more about people Jesus associated with and would still recommend this book to someone because of the way it made me think differently about these friends of Jesus. I'm excited to see what is next from Karen Kingsbury and I really hope she continues to write books like this one.

*I received a free copy of this product to facilitate this post, however, my readers come first and all opinions are my own.

The Friends of Jesus is the follow up to Kingsbury’s The Family of Jesus and is book 2 in the Life-Changing Bible Study series.

The Friends of Jesus takes a deeper look into the friendships Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John had with Jesus … each person with his/her own chapter. Kingsbury uses the scriptures as a basis to tell the story of each friend in a more story like fashion … more like the fictional novels we’re used to reading from Kingsbury. There are fictional components included. However, with this book and the first book, The Family of Jesus, I felt as if I were walking along side each character. They were made more human in my eyes through Karen’s story telling. She has a way with a story and has drawn me deeper into the word and given me a greater appreciation for the Bible through these stories.

What lesson did I walk away with after reading The Friends of Jesus? Jesus loves me no matter what … no matter how much I mess up! Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John all had issues. Most were prideful and arrogant … believing they deserved more than others around them. All of us know what that feels like …wanting to be the best. Jesus loved each of his friends anyway, despite their faults … just as he loves us despite ours.

The book ends with “Questions for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion” for each chapter. If you’re not able to participate in the Bible study video series and workbook available from Lifeway with a group, I believe these questions will lead you a bit deeper into the book and the lives of these 6 people.

Should you read this book? Yes! Fans of Kingsbury will love it. New to the Bible? Grab this book! I think it will have you reaching for a Bible to learn more.

ARC provided by NetGalley

New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury presents another title in her Life-Changing Bible Study series with THE FRIENDS OF JESUS. While many viewers were enthralled with the “A.D. The Bible Continues” television series that highlighted the events and biblical characters found in the book of Acts, readers are sure to respond with equal enthusiasm to Kingsbury’s book. She brings to life six of Jesus’ friends and how they met Him, interacted with Him, failed Him, struggled to understand Him, and how each one eventually gave their lives over to Him.

Readers will value how in depth Kingsbury goes into the inner thoughts, emotions and reactions of each character she depicts. In fact, her details read “so real” that readers will find themselves feeling similar emotions to these individuals as they are forced to face their own inner demons and are confronted by Jesus’ claims of being the Messiah.

Kingsbury presents Simon the Leper and weaves his story of contracting leprosy so vividly that readers will cringe as they read about his own horror of succumbing to this unclean disease and how he may have reacted to the news when he was told to leave the city. His suffering is so intense that when he finally meets Jesus and is healed, it is with an immense sigh of relief on his behalf. Martha and Mary’s story of losing their beloved younger brother Lazarus is another stark tale when all the forces of life and death mingle with faith and doubt. Again, Martha is wrestling with what Jesus told them, and the events surrounding her brother’s death come to a head when she sees Jesus again and He brings Lazarus back to life.

Readers will also learn more about Jairus and his 12-year-old daughter who lay dying (then does die). His own doubts about who Jesus claimed to be are revealed when he has nowhere else to go but to the Savior. Jairus contemplates everything he’s heard about Him, but does he believe the stories? Crisis once again forces the hand and the heart of this man who earnestly cries to Jesus to bring her back…and He does. Equally as moving are the accounts of Mary Magdalene, who was possessed by demons; Peter’s up-and-down experience with Jesus culminating in his redemption; and how John’s pride was transformed into true humility.

Each of these biblical characters’ accounts are fleshed out in story form by Kingsbury so that readers can richly experience their struggles in a more profound manner. She has a way of bringing exuberance and enthusiasm to her characters’ words and actions that enriches the whole scene with lively humanity.

Closing out THE FRIENDS OF JESUS are questions for individual reflection or group discussions that will aid readers in a deeper takeaway of each story. Kingsbury is a dynamic author, and she’s proving that she can take even the slimmest facts found in the Bible and build life-changing storylines around them.

Reviewed by Michele Howe

Karen Kingsbury follows up her initial foray into Biblical fiction with another dynamic hit. Last year I read the first book in her Life-Changing Bible Story series, The Family of Jesus, and loved it. I eagerly anticipated this second book, The Friends of Jesus.

As I said in my review for The Family of Jesus, I am quite picky about Biblical fiction. I don't mind adding background characters and scenery but I do not like it when an author takes too much license with the known facts. Kingsbury has again done a masterful job at presenting well-known stories by fleshing them out and adding dialogue to the scriptural accounts.

I know the first book was a big hit and I anticipate that this one will be as well. The story of Simon the Leper left me heartbroken when he at first lost everything that he knew. He was a Pharisee and prided himself on living to the letter of the law. Then the unthinkable happens and he is struck with leprosy. Talk about the ultimate doom for a Pharisee. He not only lost his standing in the community he lost his home and his family. His family was instructed to think of him as dead. Can you even imagine?

The story moves along and continues to weave in Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and then my favorite John. In her quintessential Kingsbury way Karen has taken these six seemingly separate stories and woven them together to give us a beautiful view of those that were the closest to Jesus.

Even though the stories were a fictionalized version it was easy to be drawn in to the ministry of Christ and revel in His miracles and teachings. I enjoyed this second book every bit as much as the first.

At the end of the story there is a section of discussion questions that would work well with a book club or reading group. Another great resource to use as a follow up to the book is The Friends of Jesus Bible Study. It is a workbook and video teaching series by Karen Kingsbury.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

I've struggled with what to say about this book. First of all, I enjoyed the book immensely and will be sharing it with my bible study group this week. Second, I think if you read this book it will help you truly understand what it was like being with Jesus and what he desires for us today. Karen Kingsbury took the stories from the Bible and enhanced them with fictional details. This is not a process she took lightly. She goes into more detail at the beginning of the books but suffice it to say she embellished while remaining biblically accurate. You will see yourself in some if not all of the characters. For me it was Peter. I tend to speak first and think later. This is usually not a good trait to have, unless you are boldly declaring Jesus and not focused on the consequences. I think anyone who reads this book will be moved. Just as I said with the Family of Jesus, the Friends of Jesus would make a great witnessing tool. I look forward to other books in the series.

Friends of Jesus - Karen Kingsbury

Friends of Jesus is a storybook mixed with a bible study. Kingsbury takes many of the people who knew Jesus personally and tells their story. Now, she is reading into many of their thoughts and actions, but I do think the road she takes is probably very accurate.
To be exact 6 Friends of Jesus are covered in this book. Simon would have never encountered the TRUTH if he hadn’t had leprosy. He would have probably continued on living his well-meaning judgmental life. Things Kingsbury adds to his story is how it felt (and smelled) to have leprosy, how it felt to have his wife married to another in less than a year, and how it felt to be rejected by people who held him in high esteem before the leprosy.
Kingsbury weaves the stories of 5 more of Jesus’s friends.
A GREAT read! Well written – of course – duh – it is Karen Kingsbury! I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Karen Kingsbury book and I really enjoyed it. If you know the stories of the Bible, you might find some of the story repetitive, even though this is fiction. However, I didn’t let that detract me from enjoying this work.

I did think the beginning “characters” (Mary Magdalene and Simon) were the best, and felt a bit like the stories with Peter and especially John were kind of thrown in there and rushed. Again, nick picking here because the overall story was very good. This is a book that will help you discuss Jesus as a friend and how he showed the world what friendship really meant to him. It’s also one that will help reinforce your faith.

I have no doubt that my friend, Karen Kingsbury, is an amazingly gifted storyteller. I've seen this time and time again from her, but in a whole new level with The Family of Jesus, which was the first book in the Life-Changing Bible Story Series. It was one of the best books I ever read! Anyway, I tell you this because I was so excited to see what Karen did with this next book in the series, The Friends of Jesus.

What I loved about this book is Karen's heart and desire for biblical accuracy. She is a fictional storyteller, so it can be easy when reading books like this to want to question things. What I love that Karen did is include a letter at the beginning of the book explaining how she weaved the truths in Scripture together with fiction. She does this in such a delicate, yet honest way. I give her so much credit for being able to pull this type of book off.

I also love the way Karen brings the people in the stories to life in a way that makes me learn something new about them. Through reading this book, I found myself saying "I never thought of that." I loved how I finished this book with a deeper understanding of the characters and what life could have been like for them. Karen took these people and made them feel more real to me.

Since I loved the first book in this series so much, it was hard not to compare these two. While I got a lot out of this book and enjoyed the stories, I still absolutely love The Family of Jesus. There was just something about the way it was written that I became so connected with the story and the characters. That said, I enjoyed learning more about people Jesus associated with and would still recommend this book to someone because of the way it made me think differently about these friends of Jesus. I'm excited to see what is next from Karen Kingsbury and I really hope she continues to write books like this one.

*I received a free copy of this product to facilitate this post, however, my readers come first and all opinions are my own.

The Friends of Jesus is the follow up to Kingsbury’s The Family of Jesus and is book 2 in the Life-Changing Bible Study series.

The Friends of Jesus takes a deeper look into the friendships Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John had with Jesus … each person with his/her own chapter. Kingsbury uses the scriptures as a basis to tell the story of each friend in a more story like fashion … more like the fictional novels we’re used to reading from Kingsbury. There are fictional components included. However, with this book and the first book, The Family of Jesus, I felt as if I were walking along side each character. They were made more human in my eyes through Karen’s story telling. She has a way with a story and has drawn me deeper into the word and given me a greater appreciation for the Bible through these stories.

What lesson did I walk away with after reading The Friends of Jesus? Jesus loves me no matter what … no matter how much I mess up! Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John all had issues. Most were prideful and arrogant … believing they deserved more than others around them. All of us know what that feels like …wanting to be the best. Jesus loved each of his friends anyway, despite their faults … just as he loves us despite ours.

The book ends with “Questions for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion” for each chapter. If you’re not able to participate in the Bible study video series and workbook available from Lifeway with a group, I believe these questions will lead you a bit deeper into the book and the lives of these 6 people.

Should you read this book? Yes! Fans of Kingsbury will love it. New to the Bible? Grab this book! I think it will have you reaching for a Bible to learn more.

ARC provided by NetGalley

New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury presents another title in her Life-Changing Bible Study series with THE FRIENDS OF JESUS. While many viewers were enthralled with the “A.D. The Bible Continues” television series that highlighted the events and biblical characters found in the book of Acts, readers are sure to respond with equal enthusiasm to Kingsbury’s book. She brings to life six of Jesus’ friends and how they met Him, interacted with Him, failed Him, struggled to understand Him, and how each one eventually gave their lives over to Him.

Readers will value how in depth Kingsbury goes into the inner thoughts, emotions and reactions of each character she depicts. In fact, her details read “so real” that readers will find themselves feeling similar emotions to these individuals as they are forced to face their own inner demons and are confronted by Jesus’ claims of being the Messiah.

Kingsbury presents Simon the Leper and weaves his story of contracting leprosy so vividly that readers will cringe as they read about his own horror of succumbing to this unclean disease and how he may have reacted to the news when he was told to leave the city. His suffering is so intense that when he finally meets Jesus and is healed, it is with an immense sigh of relief on his behalf. Martha and Mary’s story of losing their beloved younger brother Lazarus is another stark tale when all the forces of life and death mingle with faith and doubt. Again, Martha is wrestling with what Jesus told them, and the events surrounding her brother’s death come to a head when she sees Jesus again and He brings Lazarus back to life.

Readers will also learn more about Jairus and his 12-year-old daughter who lay dying (then does die). His own doubts about who Jesus claimed to be are revealed when he has nowhere else to go but to the Savior. Jairus contemplates everything he’s heard about Him, but does he believe the stories? Crisis once again forces the hand and the heart of this man who earnestly cries to Jesus to bring her back…and He does. Equally as moving are the accounts of Mary Magdalene, who was possessed by demons; Peter’s up-and-down experience with Jesus culminating in his redemption; and how John’s pride was transformed into true humility.

Each of these biblical characters’ accounts are fleshed out in story form by Kingsbury so that readers can richly experience their struggles in a more profound manner. She has a way of bringing exuberance and enthusiasm to her characters’ words and actions that enriches the whole scene with lively humanity.

Closing out THE FRIENDS OF JESUS are questions for individual reflection or group discussions that will aid readers in a deeper takeaway of each story. Kingsbury is a dynamic author, and she’s proving that she can take even the slimmest facts found in the Bible and build life-changing storylines around them.

Reviewed by Michele Howe

Karen Kingsbury follows up her initial foray into Biblical fiction with another dynamic hit. Last year I read the first book in her Life-Changing Bible Story series, The Family of Jesus, and loved it. I eagerly anticipated this second book, The Friends of Jesus.

As I said in my review for The Family of Jesus, I am quite picky about Biblical fiction. I don't mind adding background characters and scenery but I do not like it when an author takes too much license with the known facts. Kingsbury has again done a masterful job at presenting well-known stories by fleshing them out and adding dialogue to the scriptural accounts.

I know the first book was a big hit and I anticipate that this one will be as well. The story of Simon the Leper left me heartbroken when he at first lost everything that he knew. He was a Pharisee and prided himself on living to the letter of the law. Then the unthinkable happens and he is struck with leprosy. Talk about the ultimate doom for a Pharisee. He not only lost his standing in the community he lost his home and his family. His family was instructed to think of him as dead. Can you even imagine?

The story moves along and continues to weave in Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and then my favorite John. In her quintessential Kingsbury way Karen has taken these six seemingly separate stories and woven them together to give us a beautiful view of those that were the closest to Jesus.

Even though the stories were a fictionalized version it was easy to be drawn in to the ministry of Christ and revel in His miracles and teachings. I enjoyed this second book every bit as much as the first.

At the end of the story there is a section of discussion questions that would work well with a book club or reading group. Another great resource to use as a follow up to the book is The Friends of Jesus Bible Study. It is a workbook and video teaching series by Karen Kingsbury.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

I've struggled with what to say about this book. First of all, I enjoyed the book immensely and will be sharing it with my bible study group this week. Second, I think if you read this book it will help you truly understand what it was like being with Jesus and what he desires for us today. Karen Kingsbury took the stories from the Bible and enhanced them with fictional details. This is not a process she took lightly. She goes into more detail at the beginning of the books but suffice it to say she embellished while remaining biblically accurate. You will see yourself in some if not all of the characters. For me it was Peter. I tend to speak first and think later. This is usually not a good trait to have, unless you are boldly declaring Jesus and not focused on the consequences. I think anyone who reads this book will be moved. Just as I said with the Family of Jesus, the Friends of Jesus would make a great witnessing tool. I look forward to other books in the series.

Friends of Jesus - Karen Kingsbury

Friends of Jesus is a storybook mixed with a bible study. Kingsbury takes many of the people who knew Jesus personally and tells their story. Now, she is reading into many of their thoughts and actions, but I do think the road she takes is probably very accurate.
To be exact 6 Friends of Jesus are covered in this book. Simon would have never encountered the TRUTH if he hadn’t had leprosy. He would have probably continued on living his well-meaning judgmental life. Things Kingsbury adds to his story is how it felt (and smelled) to have leprosy, how it felt to have his wife married to another in less than a year, and how it felt to be rejected by people who held him in high esteem before the leprosy.
Kingsbury weaves the stories of 5 more of Jesus’s friends.
A GREAT read! Well written – of course – duh – it is Karen Kingsbury! I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Karen Kingsbury book and I really enjoyed it. If you know the stories of the Bible, you might find some of the story repetitive, even though this is fiction. However, I didn’t let that detract me from enjoying this work.

I did think the beginning “characters” (Mary Magdalene and Simon) were the best, and felt a bit like the stories with Peter and especially John were kind of thrown in there and rushed. Again, nick picking here because the overall story was very good. This is a book that will help you discuss Jesus as a friend and how he showed the world what friendship really meant to him. It’s also one that will help reinforce your faith.

Loved Karen Kingsbury's account of "The Friends of Jesus!" Like the first book in the Life-Changing Bible Stories series "The Family of Jesus," Karen intermingles the relationships and conversations Jesus' friends had with Him. I have markings throughout this book and will certainly use it as a reference guide with my Bible studies. The scriptures Karen uses throughout the book in referencing Simon, Peter, Mary Magdalene, John, Jairus and Martha showcase a great understanding of the characters relationships. I also enjoy the questions at the end of the book for each chapter which enables you to delve further into comparing your own life to those who followed Jesus. Excited for "The Followers of Jesus" to be released in July 2016. I hope Paul will be in a future one!!!!

Karen Kingsbury truly has an amazing gift of taking Scriptural truths and weaving a beautiful fictional story about those closest to Jesus. This book takes a closer look at Simon the Leper, Martha, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John. This book follows the first book in the series that was called the Family of Jesus. I love the way Karen makes all of the characters, especially Jesus, come to life, be so vulnerable, and so relatable. This book really emphasizes that no sin is too big to be forgiven and that all of us have a desperate need for a Savior whether we know it or not. I happened to connect more with the first book in the series, but this is definitely still a must read.

I received this book in a giveaway but had already planned on buying it. This is an honest review. I loved the way the author brought each of these individuals from the Bible to life. I feel like I know them, and I feel as if their lives could have played out the way that she describes. Each of these people interacted directly with Jesus, and many probably did interact with each other. Starting with Simon the leper, and how he was unbelieving, until the unbelievable happened to him. Sometimes even when things during us right in the face, we can't believe without the help of God. I can really relate to Martha, and how she must have felt. And when she talked about Mary Magdalene, I could visualize how the demons could have driven her crazy. Everyone of the people in this book was brought to life, and I feel as if I really know them. I would definitely recommend this book!

I love France Rivers and how she does bible history and peoples lives. And Laren Kingsbury did it! Retelling their story for us to remember those struggles and Gods intentional hand on them!! Oh Simon Peters religious stance but his loss and grief of his family because he was cast out. He was rejected but then healed. This is for a baby Christian or a veteran to the Word!! Let us remember these stories from our childhood and the struggles and be encouraged for today. Would be a great gift for a new Christian. I am loving this in large print.

Karen Kingsbury has brought the Bible to life in a beautiful series of stories following the Savior and those close to him. She weaves the stories together in ways that inspire. Her ability to evoke raw emotion from Bible stories grown stale in my heart is as astounding as it is appreciated. She has inspired a new thirst for the Gospel in my heart and has me opening my Bible to read it in a whole new way. What a gift she has! Thank you to Karen Kingsbury, Netgalley, and Simon & Schuster for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for this review.

Historical Fiction, I did not care for this book at all... it did not go well with the actual Bible Study Book.Also it was not very Historical at all and it seemed like there was quite a bit of leeway taken in the lives of the Friends.

Excellent stories of the friends surrounding Jesus. They come to life and you get an insight to the people Jesus directly interacted with. Thank you, Karen Kingsbury, for writing this book and allowing us to see deeper into these people, their struggles, and ultimately their healing all because Jesus was a friend to them! This book also has a beautiful cover and will make a great gift for any friend in your life!!

Karen Kingsbury brings the characters of the bible to life !! As you are reading you will come to realize that all the "characters" in the bible are "real" people, with real feelings !! You will not be disappointed !!