K. Ford K.

Beautiful descriptions and vivid depictions of a well-researched historical world characterize K. Ford K’s The Wife of John the Baptist. Readers willing to accept that “truth is more complicated than lies, and as elusive as sand-colored birds in the desert,” will enjoy a wonderful romance, set around a young Greek woman and the mysterious Jewish man she meets on a secret visit to the market. Hessa loves the market, loves life, and loves the world outside her well-walled childhood mansion. But is she ready for the down-to-earth life of an itinerant peasant?

The novel is set around the River Jordan, in the time of Christ. But it’s set within a much larger world, where philosophers discuss “Plato’s ideals: immortality of the soul and whether virtues such as courage, wisdom and moderation could be taught.” Young Hessa listens in, and soon she’s learning courage and wisdom, while counseling moderation, as she marries a man fated to be a prophet. But, as she and he both know, prophets die.

The author depicts nomadic life at the river’s edge just as convincingly and authentically as big-city, rich-Greek life. Combining mysticism with religion, bringing readers deep into a world that is at “a crossroads filled with people from many lands,” and successfully recreating the historical background of a world-wide religion, without ever referencing Christ or Christianity, she evokes a sense of longing and awe, and a “waiting for God” who “maybe ... is waiting for you.”

If you’re looking for standard Christian fiction, this isn’t the novel for you. But if you love well-researched history, well-phrased questions, well-drawn physical romance, and well-written female characters, you’ll love this depiction of the woman behind the man. I certainly did.

Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.… (mere)

I didn't become a fan of historical fiction until just recently. Reading a book a great as this one makes me sad that I didn't take up reading them earlier.

I wasn't very familiar with the bible version of John the Baptist so I didn't have any idea how the story would play out. I also went into the book knowing that it was 100% fiction so I didn't have any objections as to how the story was told.

What I really enjoyed the most about The Wife of John the Baptist is that John's wife, Hessa, has the ability to "read" the feelings of anyone she touches and the history of any item she touches. It really gives insight into Hessa's motivation throughout the book.

Reading this book encouraged me to read more about John the Baptist and even after learning a little more about his life, I still loved that I had a chance to read this one.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction and romance.… (mere)

HISTORICAL FICTION AT ITS BEST! If you are looking for a biblical appendage then perhaps this isn't for you. IF you are looking for an imaginative, well-written, engrossing story of possibilities then yep, pick up The Wife of John the Baptist and enjoy!
A young woman leaves behind her life of privilege once she meets and becomes entranced by the words of John. She gives up her wealth, her family, her slaves, her feasts and ...the roof over head. She gets a traveling life with a tent for cover, she gets minimal help when required to feed followers of her husband, and she gets ostracized for her Greek heritage. BUT. And this is a big but....she gets a deep understanding of what motivates her husband, and she gets his devotion and appreciation.
Hessa is no saint. She suffers from jealousy, hunger, doubts, and sadness but she has an inner strength that makes her a paragon of women.
This book has truth, a touch of mysticism, and love. Open your mind to the possibilities.… (mere)