Janette Oke delivers an exceptional tale of a young girl entering an arranged marriage during the time of Jesus Christ. In “The Pharisee’s Wife,” Mary is given in marriage to a young and promising Pharisee named Enos and in return her family is able to pay off their debts. She is designated the name Simona and tasked with learning the proper way to be a wife (at the same age Jesus’s mother was when she gave birth.)

While their distant marriage ensues, Mary (who was given the name of Simona by Enos) learns of Jesus Christ’s ministry, becomes a believer, while she is blind to her husband’s growing criminal ways and intense hatred for Jesus. However, her handicapped father at home and new husband help Mary put her own new faith in perspective when they have to decide whether to accept or reject Jesus Christ as their Savior. Her brother’s family is another test.

“The Pharisee’s Wife” was an interesting book that did a good job illustrating an historical time without being blasphemous to Christ. It’s appropriate for young adults+. The novel is a tearjerker in the second half, but it places a emphasis on the anticipation of Christ’s second coming. The target audience is Christians.

“The Pharisee’s Wife” releases tomorrow, March 11th, 2025.

A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the advanced reader copy of the book and cover image.