The Galilean Secret - Hardcover

Howard, Evan Drake

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0824947940 ISBN 13: 9780824947941

Publisher: Guideposts Kids, 2010

Synopsis

A crumbling scroll long lost in a forgotten cave offers a provocative and illuminating new interpretation of the man known as Jesus. An expertly plotted story based on the author's actual research in Israel, the novel entwines two stories: one set amidst the modern-day conflicts in the Middle East, the other set in ancient Palestine, yet both offer a perspective on the universal struggle for true freedom and love.

The relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene has long fascinated scholars and intrigued nearly all believers. What was the nature of their relationship and how has it influenced Christianity since the first millennium? With compelling storytelling in the style of Dan Brown coupled with years of exhaustive study, Evan Drake Howard has created a magisterial novel that asks, and attempts to illuminate, enduring questions on the nature of love.

In first-century Jerusalem, the faithful Judith finds herself caught in a web of romantic betrayal and intrigue. She must reconcile her faith with her conflicting feelings for two brothers, one the Zealot Dismas and his brother, the sensitive merchant Gabriel. A letter written by an insightful Galilean rabbi changes their lives forever and sets each on a new path of discovery, humanity and love.

In modern-day Israel, amidst the war-torn countryside, Karim Musalaha, a young Palestinian, finds himself with similar struggle. Caught between his brother's relentless ambition for martyrdom and his powerful love for a woman he cannot have, his life seems an endless journey of rage and despair. Until one day, while seeking refuge in a long forgotten cave in Qumran, he discovers a crumbling scroll with a mysterious text. Still legible after two millennia, Karim reads a message that indeed changes his life forever. But will the cost be worth his newfound knowledge? galileansecret.com

About this title

About the Author

Evan Drake Howard holds a master of divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a doctorate in theology from Boston University, and lives in Rhode Island with his wife and two sons.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

“Karim’s pulse throbbed

as he listened for footsteps. When he heard none, he put on his backpack and carried the object to the entrance of the cave. Only then could he see what it was—a tall, round clay jar sealed with cork. He unfurled the linen to find what appeared to be a scroll made of fragile papyrus. The script reminded him of Hebrew, square in appearance and probably read from left to right but less cluttered, with fewer dots than Hebrew script. After rolling up the scroll, he placed it in the jar. The sun was almost all the way down, but he could still see. He turned and saw a middle-aged man rushing toward him. The man wore an army green shirt and pants. “I’m the only one who has permission to excavate these caves. You’ll need to give me that jar.” “No, I don’t.” The man lunged at him. Karim sidestepped and narrowly escaped the thrust. “I’m afraid you have no choice.”’

About this edition

• Publisher: Guideposts Kids
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0824947940
• ISBN 13: 9780824947941
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 444