Blog Tour and Giveaway: Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith

About the Book

Book: Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene’s Story

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Genre: FICTION / Christian / Biblical

Release date: February 18, 2025

From her earliest days, Mary Magdalene has known fear and loss at a level so deep she has no hope of surfacing. Bound to the demons within her and incapable of freeing herself, Mary walks in shadow–until one day she encounters a healer, a rabbi who is radically different from the religious leaders and family members who could do nothing to help her. One touch from Jesus and Mary is never the same.

Now Mary’s one mission in life is to serve the one who freed her. She is determined never to leave his side, fearing that if she loses him, she’ll return to her former bondage. Even when the unthinkable happens and her savior is arrested and sentenced to execution, she cannot abandon him as so many others did. Let her be buried in his tomb, for she cannot live without him.

On the brink of despair, Mary is about to discover that while the life of faith is never perfect, perfect love casts out fear–and Jesus makes all things new.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King, Star of Persia: Esther’s Story, Miriam’s Song, The Prince and the Prodigal, Daughter of Eden, and The Ark and the Dove. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in biblical times. Jill lives with her family in Michigan.

 

 

 

More from Jill

Dawn of Grace, Mary Magdalene’s story, is a biblical novel based on the life of Mary Magdalene. Step into first century Israel during the time of Jesus Christ and meet the woman whom Jesus healed from demon possession. See how her life went from one of despair to one of grace.

We learn, through Mary’s point of view, what it might have been like to follow the rabbi, Jesus, throughout Galilee and Judea for at least part of His ministry. She is with Him as often as possible, and one of the few women in His circle who stayed with Him all the way to the cross—and watched Him die.

In her grief, Mary learned where they buried Him and determined to return after Shabbat to anoint His beloved body one more time. But when she arrived, He was not where they had lain Him. Distraught, Mary searches for answers until she hears Jesus call her name. She is the first to see the resurrected Messiah, and she is never the same again.

In Dawn of Grace, we imagine how the things we read about in the gospels might have played out through Mary’s eyes. The Bible tells us that she helped support His ministry out of her means, and she is mentioned often as one of His devoted followers. What emotions did she experience as she went from learning about a coming kingdom to hearing her Messiah speak about His coming death and resurrection? The men didn’t understand. Did she? What did she feel in that moment when she thought all hope was lost?

I hope you will gain a new perspective of what it might have been like for one of the New Testament’s most famous women, one who lived in a world where women were not given much notice or status. Yet Jesus included them, and even elevated them. The Scriptures tell us that there is no difference between male and female in God’s eyes. He loves us all. Mary got the chance to see God’s care for her and all women in a way she never expected. God’s love for all is the same today.

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, April 3

Lights in a Dark World, April 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 9

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 9

Stories By Gina, April 10 (Author Interview)

Devoted Steps, April 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

For Him and My Family, April 13

Pause for Tales, April 14

EmpowerMoms, April 14

She Lives To Read, April 15

Holly’s Book Corner, April 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jill is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54191

My Review

I have officially found my new favorite book written by the talented Jill Eileen Smith. I have always loved her Biblical stories and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest, Dawn of Grace" Mary Magdalene’s Story. I loved seeing the visual of how Mary Magdalene lived and struggled in her life. The author does a fantastic job bringing to life and showing how her life changes when she meets Jesus.

Five stars is what Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene’s Story deserves. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean and well written Biblical Fiction. As always, I will be on the look out for more releases from Jill Eileen Smith in the future. 

I received a paperback copy of Jill Eileen Smith's Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene’s Story from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review: The Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah's Wife by Jill Eileen Smith

 

The Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah's Wife by Jill Eileen Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Zara and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps. It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder.

When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished and the animals have been shut up inside, Zara and her family embark on an adventure that will test their patience and their faith as they await deliverance and dry ground.

Experience the story of Noah and the flood like you never have before. With bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith as your guide, you'll never look at a rainbow the same way again.

My Review: 

Jill Eileen Smith is by far my go to author when it comes to the Biblical fiction genre. With her newest book, The Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah's Wife, is now my favorite I have read from her. It was interesting seeing how she envisioned Zara's life and what she went through being part of the Ark with her family.

I am giving Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah's Wife a very well deserved five plus stars. I believe lovers of Biblical fiction do not want to miss out on it. As always, I will be on the lookout for more releases from Jill Eileen Smith.

I received a paperback copy of Jill Eileen Smith's The Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah's Wife from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

The first time she opens her eyes, Eve gazes on One whose beauty nearly blinds her, whose breath is in her lungs. Her Creator takes her hand and gives her to one like her and yet different. Together, she and Adam experience pure joy as they explore Eden. But her favorite moments are when the Creator comes to walk with them, day after day.

Until everything changes. With one act of disobedience, Eve finds that her world is no longer a friendly place. With remorse in her heart, she must face the unknown future--the births, the deaths, the sacrifices, the loss of the one home she has ever known. Perhaps worst of all is the loss of trust, not only with her Creator but with the man who shares her life. How will they ever survive out of Eden?

Bestselling biblical fiction author Jill Eileen Smith imagines the life of the first woman to ever live, unspooling a story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.

My Review:

I have loved Jill Eileen Smith’s books that bring admirable women from the Bible to life. I was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest release, Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story. I now have a new favorite book I have read of hers. I was instantly interested in seeing her vision of what Eve was like in those times. I loved the vivid details that made me feel as though I was part of Eve’s story. I thought it was great!

I am giving Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers and fans of Biblical Fiction. I am looking forward to see who else Jill Eileen Smith will publish a book on from the Bible.

I received a paperback copy of Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story from the author, but was not required to write a review nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Review: The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Joseph is the pampered favorite son of the patriarch Jacob. His older brothers, deeply resentful of his status in the family, take advantage of the chance to get rid of him, selling him to slave traders and deceiving their father about his fate. It seems like their troubles are over. But for Joseph and older brother Judah, they are just beginning.

While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?

Bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith brings her considerable research and imaginative skills to bear in this vivid retelling of one of the most popular stories found in Scripture--a story of jealousy, betrayal, and a reconciliation that only God could bring about.

My Review: 

I have had the pleasure of reading all of Jill Eileen Smith’s to date and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest release, The Prince and the Prodigal. I was far from being disappointed. This one has become my new favorite of her books. I enjoyed to see her vision of how Joseph lived. The historical details were so vivid, I felt as though I had gone back in time. I thought the whole book was great. I loved it.

I am giving The Prince and the Prodigal a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading Biblical fiction. As always, I will be looking for more by Jill Eileen Smith in the future.

I received a digital copy of The Prince and the Prodigal from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Review: Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith

 

Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Miriam and her people have prayed for deliverance from the cruel tyranny of Egypt for generations. She believes her brother is the long-awaited answer to their pleas. But how can the exiled prince-turned-shepherd Moses stand against the most powerful man in the world?

My Review: 

Miriam's Song is another fabulous read by Jill Eileen Smith. I have always loved her Biblical fiction and this one is no different. I enjoyed Miriam being brought to life and the author’s vision of how she lived. It was interesting and captivating to see this point of view of Moses. I thought it was a great book to read.

I am giving Miriam's Song four and a half stars. As always, I will be looking forward to more by Jill Eileen Smith in the future. This one is definitely not one to be missed.

I received a paperback copy of Miriam's Song from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith

The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

King Solomon was wealthy and wise beyond measure. He could--and did--have anything he wanted, including many women from many lands. But for all his wisdom, did he or the women in his life ever find what they searched for all of their lives?

In this engrossing novel, you'll find yourself whisked away to ancient Israel, where you'll meet Solomon and four of the women he loved: Naamah the desert princess, Abishag the shepherdess, Siti the daughter of a pharaoh, and Nicaula the queen of Sheba. As you experience the world of Solomon through his eyes and the eyes of these women, you'll ask yourself the ultimate question: Did Solomon's wisdom ultimately benefit him and those he loved . . . or did it betray them?



My Review: 

The Heart of a King is a collection of four novellas from Jill Nelson Smith’s The Loves of King Solomon series. It tells the stories of Naamah, Siti, Nicaula and Abishag. I loved this book. The details of the book made me feel as though I was right there taken back in time of the Kingdom of Israel in the presence of these admirable women and King Solomon.
I give The Heart of a King five plus stars and highly recommend it for readers who enjoy Biblical Fiction. It most definitely not a book to be missed this summer.
Great read!
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Review: A Passionate Hope: Hannah's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

Blurb (from Amazon): 

Hannah and her husband, Elkanah, share a deep and abiding love, for each other, for their God, and for his tabernacle at Shiloh. Greatly disturbed by the corruption of the priests, they long for restoration and pray for a deliverer. But nothing changes as the years pass. Years that also reveal Hannah to be barren.

Pressured by his family to take another wife, Elkanah marries Peninnah, who quickly begins to bear children. Disgraced and taunted by her husband's new wife, Hannah turns again to prayers that seem doomed to go unanswered. Do her devotion and kindness in the face of Peninnah's cruelty count for nothing? Why does God remain silent and indifferent to her pleas?

Travel back to the dusty streets of Shiloh with an expert guide as Jill Eileen Smith brings to life a beloved story of hope, patience, and deliverance that shows that even the most broken of relationships can be restored.

My Review: 

A Passionate Hope: Hannah’s Story is a beautiful story of hope, faith, and inspiration. I love this fourth installment from the Daughters of the Promised Land series. To be honest, I was not sure about it at first. Then suddenly, I was hooked and loving Hannah more and more. I felt connected to her. I could feel and understand her struggles. It was heartbreaking at times but she never gave up, which is admirable to see her strength.

A Passionate Hope: Hannah’s Story is my newest favorite by Jill Eileen Smith. Her work just keeps getting better and better.

I highly recommend this book and give it 5+ stars.

I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

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