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.

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.

Karen Kingsbury in her new book, The Friends Of Jesus Book Two in the Life-Changing Bible Study Series published by Howard Books gives us Americas favorite inspirational storyteller brings the friends of Jesus to life.

From the back cover: Americas favorite inspirational novelist and #1 New York Times bestselling author offers a richly told tale about six of Jesus closest friends and companions, bringing biblical truths to life in this captivating continuation of her Life-Changing Bible Study series.

In our everyday lives, friends are the people whom we spend the most time with, go through struggles with at times, and who know us best. Each of Jesus friendsPeter, John, Matthew, Judas, Mary Magdalene, and Lazarustraveled with Jesus and were part of His daily ministry, and each has a compelling story to tell. There were some who would question or doubt Himand one would even betray Him. Kingsbury brings these fascinating personalities to life in ways that will not only help bring you closer to the truths found in Scripture, but also to Christ.

By combining valuable, instructive Bible study with compelling, insightful character sketches of Jesus companions, Kingsbury provides you with a deeper understanding of the scriptural teachings featuring these fascinating people. Emotionally powerful, thought-provoking, and soulful, The Friends of Jesus will help you to appreciate the Bible and understand how it applies to your relationships with the most important people in your life.

Karen Kingsbury brings her incredible talent as an author to write this wonderful insight into six friends of Jesus family. By exploring the stories of Simon the Leper we see Jesus as Compassionate, Martha we see Jesus as Comforting, Jairus we see Jesus as Loyal, Mary Magdalene we see Jesus as the Friend Who Restores, Peter we see Jesus as the Friend Who Forgives and John we see Jesus as the Friend Who Transforms. In six chapters Ms. Kingsbury shows us the individuals we have read about all our lives in a brand new manner. At the back of the book we are given Questions Fro Individual Reflection for each person. You probably never looked at these people like this before but the insights you will get from their humanity and their willingness to serve God will move your spirit. This is a life-changing read. It will make a great gift for family and friends.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Howard Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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.

This book is a great learning tool. The stories of these people are truly remarkable. You won't be able to stop reading this book.