Glory Revealed: Sisters of Lazarus

Author: Paula K. Parker
Genre: Biblical Fiction

In “Beauty Unveiled,” the first book of the SISTERS OF LAZARUS series, Martha and Mary, the two sisters of Lazarus, couldn’t have been more different. Martha, the elder, was plain and self-conscious; Mary, the younger, was beautiful. One saw her value only in serving, while the other believed her outward appearance was her only asset. Their worlds were turned upside down when Lazarus offered hospitality to an intriguing new teacher named Jesus.
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“GLORY REVEALED: Sisters of Lazarus, Book Two” picks up immediately where “Beauty Unveiled” ended, and carries the story of Christ to its glorious conclusion as seen through the eyes of those who witnessed firsthand the greatest story ever told.

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Reviewer: Janis Cox

I loved reading this account of Mary and Martha during the days before Christ’s crucifixion and after. This sequel to Sisters of Lazarus Beauty Unveiled kept me reading. I loved her characters and the conversations. Since I had read the first book I found the repetitions of the first story unnecessary. But I know if Paula wanted someone to be able to pick up Glory Revealed without reading the first one those repetitions would have been helpful. In both stories I felt drawn into history. Her portrayal of each character was masterfully done. I saw the people and the times. I smelled the food. I felt as if I were there. A must read for anyone wanting biblical historical fiction.

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Reviewer: Carol A. Brown

I very much enjoyed this book! (Book 2 of The Sisters of Lazarus.)  Although these two are a set, either one can be read as a standalone. What I liked was the texture, context, and backstory that it gives to the scriptural account of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. It also provides a fuller picture of the sequence of events leading up to the judgment and what may have been in the minds and hearts of those involved in the incitement against Jesus.

The gruesome crucifixion was played out against the backdrop of both loving and dysfunctional families. It was counterpoint to values and customs of Jewish society at that time and the sweetness of love and betrothal and the interconnections of family. Another element that I appreciated was the effect that Jesus had in the lives of the characters-they became better people.

The characters in Glory Revealed were well developed, were consistent to character throughout the story. They grew and changed with continued contact with Jesus. Mary, for example, grew from a spoiled, self-centered teenager who pushed boundaries into a beautiful, thoughtful, considerate young woman working on molding herself into the woman of Proverbs 31. She was only able to change because Jesus revealed her value to Yahweh to her. Her love for Jesus and the knowledge of her value allowed her to embrace change.

The story helps you meet, empathize, and become friends with people who are simply names in the Bible; it helps you “get to know them.” The plot follows the scriptural account, so it was very fast paced. I will heartily recommend Glory Revealed. It was a wonderful read during Passion Week!

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