In her book "The Women of Easter - Encounter the Savior with Mary of Bethany, Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene" author Liz Curtis Higgs explores three women and how their lives changed because of Jesus. They all happen to be named Mary. Each have a great story.

This small hard cover book is eight chapters long. It begins with a thought provoking introduction "A Season of Grace" and ends with study questions, notes, and information about the author. This is a Lenten book but could be read at any time. It is a book to absorb and revisit. It stayed with me long after I finished it.

I was hooked immediately. It took me zero time to get invested in this inspirational book. That happened on page one. I love the author's personal style of writing. It's like a conversation with me. She made the three Marys relatable and I felt what they were feeling. I was sad and then thrilled when I read about Lazarus. I understood the human side of Jesus better through them and His deity. He was God. I laughed at times and teared up just as many. I got angry and could hardly read the words at times. I knew the story about Jesus's suffering but it always hurt. It always will.

In this book I found a different view of Easter. I read about the women that followed Jesus. This book told how He changed their lives. How they loved and served Him. I wanted to be part of that elite group. I wanted to walk with the Lord, see His miracles, and listen to His stories.

As the words took me closer to the cross, I found myself grower stronger in my faith. Yes, Jesus did not deserve this, and yes, He did this for everyone. Even me. Tears fell from my eyes as I kept reading. I nodded my head when the Roman soldier said "this was certainly God's Son". After the tomb was opened and Jesus appeared, I rejoiced! It made me smile, really down deep in my heart, when I read Mary Magdalene was given the great honor of telling the disciples that Jesus was now alive. A woman was given such a great job.

In 193 pages I had become friends with three woman that strengthened my faith. Their stories are remarkable and unforgettable. Jesus is the one that is the heart of thus book. He is the true meaning of Easter. He is life and hope. I wanted to read more, more, more. Liz is so good at what she does. She is a gifted author, encourager, and glorifies our Lord. Don't miss this uplifting book on three spectacular women of Easter and their Lord Jesus Christ. You will be blessed beyond measure. I rated this a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. To be honest, when I first picked it up I didn't really know what to expect. I didn't know what it would be about. I was pleasantly surprised. Higgs brings to life familiar stories I grew up hearing, in such detail I could imagine myself there. I could feel what they felt. They were so relatable. They became real people instead of just a story from so long ago. The Women of Easter is the story of Mary & Martha and their brother Lazarus, the story of the Week before Jesus was killed, the story of Easter. Jesus held fast to the purpose for his pain... our redemption. It subtly makes you think and ponder if you are living the way the people in Jesus time lived... giving of myself fully out of complete unselfish unassuming love for my savior. The writer illustrates that "beauty was revealed in brokenness". (p61)

I loved how the customs of the times were explained in such great detail. I often just skimmed over these details of the story not thinking much of them. I now have a much greater understanding of the ramifications and implications of the small (yet big) details. The incredible use of numerous different translation of the scripture was helpful. It's often recommended to study different versions when studying a passage to gain greater understanding. The author did a great job of this. She highlights Old Testament prophecies and shows how they came to pass in the New Testament. She ties all the gospels together to tell the amazing story of Jesus from the perspective of the women closest to Him. This quote sums it up nicely:

"Throughout these extraordinary scenes from scripture we've watched Jesus bridge the gap between his male disciples and his female followers." (Page 193)

The book ends with an extensive study guide for further study.

This is a great book. I now want to read more from this author. You won't be disappointed. I would give it 7 out of 5 stars if I could!

The Women of Easter is an excellent book. Liz draws you into the scripture in a deeper manner than you had ever expected, making you feel the emotions of everyone involved during that final Holy Week. Not only that, it is an easy read that you will not want to put down. I am currently teaching two Life Groups from this book and everyone says it is one of the best books they have ever read.

Not only would I recommend this book, I purchased at least 10 copies that I passed along to friends to enrich their Easter season.

Through this book, women are reminded how valuable they are to God. It also reminds us that we need to submit to HIS plans.

Excellent book, easy read, and places the reader there in the midst of Jesus. Higgs takes us through our Lord's last earthly days with down to earth clarity, and from the perspective of His closest friends as well as His mother.