The Pharisee's Wife

Author: Janette Oke
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Pages: 336
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

From the beloved author of Love Comes Softly comes an inspiring work of historical fiction about a young Jewish woman, plucked from obscurity and thrust on a perilous journey, only to witness the world’s most life-changing story.

Like most young women in ancient Israel, Mary has little control over her own destiny. When Enos, a rising Pharisee, sees her one day in the market—the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on—and determines to make her his wife, Mary’s fate is quickly sealed. His exorbitant bride price is the only hope her parents have of escaping abject poverty, but surely the fact that such a devout and esteemed man has chosen a girl of her station must be a sign of blessing.

When Mary enters training to become the proper Pharisee’s wife, it is as though she has been abandoned in a foreign land, where one misstep could cost her greatly. That feeling only deepens when she discovers Enos is all she feared he might be, treating her merely as a prize he has won—and worse. Then rumors of a miracle-working, traveling Prophet change everything, and Mary and Enos are swept up in events that will challenge all they hold dear and forever alter both their futures.

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Reviewer: Adriann Harris

The Pharisee’s Wife is a very powerful and thought-provoking story about redemption by Janette Oke. At age ninety, Oke has granted her readers with a truly remarkable and unique story of Biblical fiction as she transports us to the time when Jesus walked this world spreading the word of God.

Told by two points-of-view, Oke, with her exquisite prose, takes her readers back in time where we meet Mary (a.k.a Simona), a humble country girl, and Enos, an ambitious Pharisee in training. Throughout their journey, Oke painted vivid images, which kept me totally engaged from beginning to end. I felt every single moment of Mary’s love, loss, and doubts as she struggled with being the wife of a Pharisee. Enos, so concerned with prestige for himself, goes into debt to possess Mary. Oke had me in awe with her ability to get so deeply into the minds of both of these fantastic characters, making reading this book an amazing experience. 

I highly recommend The Pharisee’s Wife, an unforgettable story, written by Janette Oke, an amazing author who has been writing some of the best historical Christian fiction books I have read for over thirty years.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

The Pharisee’s Wife by Janette Oke is a contemplative and moving biblical fiction novel that explores the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry through the eyes of the Pharisees. From the perspective of Enos, a Pharisee-in-training, we see how one man valued money, power, and prestige above his supposed service to the Lord.  

We also see what it was like for Mary, a country girl Enos wanted because of her beauty. He cares nothing for her, but only thinks about how others will be jealous of him, with her at his side. Mary is then thrust into training to become a Pharisee’s wife. She quickly finds that doing one thing wrong could cost her. Especially with Enos’ vile temper.

Oke excels at her ability to get into the mind of Enos and his devious plans to make a name for himself. In addition, her thoughtful portrayal of Mary, who is a bright light in this story, will have readers praying that Mary’s prayers are answered. 

The author weaves a tale of woe that unfolds into a beautiful redemption story. Readers who enjoy the works of Mesu Andrews, Tessa Afshar or Angela Hunt will find much to admire in Janette Oke’s latest offering. 

The Pharisee’s Wife is a captivating tale of innocence in the face of brutality, set against the backdrop of the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary eBook through Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley, for my honest review.

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Reviewer: Katie Slocum

I became a lifelong fan of Janette Oke from the moment I was gifted a copy of Love Comes Softly as a teenager in the 1980s. Having read every one of her novels since, I can honestly say that the pioneer of Christian fiction has arrived in 2025 better than ever. 

Mary’s journey moved me. I felt her pain, her loss, her doubts. I related to her personally in her struggles as a woman of faith despite the centuries between us. It was intriguing to view Jesus through not only her life and circumstances, but also through the eyes of the Pharisees, the spiritual leaders who should have known who He was.

The ending was a bit unpredictable, but the more I think about it, the more I like it. The connection between the first century church and the church today is an important one. The story is not over. We look forward to Jesus coming back for us just as they did 2000 years ago. Time may seem long, but God the Father has a plan and is on His own schedule. It is easy to get distracted, but we must keep looking up. In the meantime, we have His Spirit, and, like Mary, we are never alone.

The Pharisee’s Wife is an unexpected treat. I certainly hope that Mrs. Oke will bless us with more books. Her continued wisdom and talent are a gift. Whether you are a long-time fan or never heard of her before, be sure to pick up a copy. You will see the Biblical setting of Jesus’ life, as well as our own, and wait for His return, with fresh eyes.

I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I was so happy to see that Ms. Oke has written another book! She got me into reading books like this, and I've loved her since reading Love Comes Softly.

My heart just absolutely cried for young Mary. I really enjoyed getting to know her and watching her grow into herself.

Enos is or was a very hot mess. I didn't like him at all! Wow! All of the Pharisees were.

This book is a reminder that Jesus is very real and that He does indeed exist. Why Jesus said blessed are the ones who believe but have not yet seen. Mary is a perfect example. I won't give away anymore.

This book was such a delight to read that I hated to see it end. I finished it in one evening. I might also say that I didn't like Mary's mother at first either. I found her to be a pain in my side.

Hope is offered in this story too. It's what I liked about it. God answers prayers but sometimes not as we wish Him to.

Five stars for drawing me in immediately. I was sad when this story ended. But it does leave you a message worth thinking about. Will Mary's mother change for the better and will you accept Jesus as your savior? I did.

Tyndale House Publishers sent me a complimentary ebook via NetGalley for my honest review of this book.

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