Beyond the Olive Grove (2009 Longley), novel

<bibexternal title="Beyond the Olive Grove" author="Longley"/>

Legacy of a Star / A Star's Legacy is a novel by Peter Longley.

Abstract

Book Two in The Madgala Chronicles—a planned series of six volumes revealing the hidden history of a feminist church built on the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene’s interpretations of Jesus’ teachings. The first volume introduced the births of Linus Flavian, Maria of Magdala (Mary Magdalene) and Joshua of Nazareth (Jesus), principal characters of The Magdala Chronicles, against the realistic backdrop of the times; see Legacy of a Star (2003 Longley), novel.

"Joshua, Maria, and Linus Flavian determine their destinies. From the Nazirite and Essenic sects to the burgeoning fishing industry on the Sea of Galilee, Joshua and his band of followers are led from obscurity to the portals of the Roman prefect in a movement poised to change the world. Th ey are members of a healing ministry that concerns the Jewish authorities that are striving for survival and security under the umbrella of Rome. Accidentally, Maria of Magdala becomes a part of this movement, and is left with an awesome responsibility. Linus Flavian pits Roman pride and ambition against a Galilean past. The second in the dramatic new series, The Magdala Trilogy, Beyond the Olive Grove provides a fascinating commentary on the origins of Christianity that is both challenging and yet plausible, incorporating traditional beliefs, fictitious thoughts, and new controversial interpretations. With vivid prose and compelling characters, Beyond the Olive Grove offers a captivating glimpse into Biblical times."--Publisher description.

Editions

Published in Dallas, TX: Durban House, 2003.