💐💧🏺 "Lavender Tears" (Mary of Bethany #1) (2021) 🏺💧💐 - Blog Tour
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Lavender Tears by Sondra Cunningham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Lavender Tears
Author: Sondra Cunningham
Release Date: March 12, 2021
Genre: Christian Historical Biblical Women's Fiction
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub
MY REVIEW
Thank you in advance to the author, Sondra Cunningham, for providing a complimentary copy of the book through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was definitely not required or requested in any way; all words are my own.
Biblical Fiction wasn’t something I
always read. As of note, this is only the THIRD (3rd) such book. So, obviously
still a “newbie” with the genre. The first was Tessa Afshar’s Daughter of Rome
(2020) which was toured with JustRead. I was also on her launch/review team for
Jewel of the Nile (2021). I can state with absolute certainty, Cunningham’s
work is definitely on par with Afshar’s as well as another writer – Dana
McNeely.
Cunningham is a new-to-me author, yet
after reading this book, she likely won’t remain that way. Some independently
published (IP) authors need a bit more refining and tend to overshadow the ones
who are truly stellar such as Cunningham and a recent one I read as well
(Cleopatra Margot) which is disappointing. Just because something is
independently published doesn’t mean it is bad.
Despite being a short book (the story
is only 211 pages), and written with very short chapters, Lavender Tears,
is definitely not an easy read to get through. There is mention of rape and the
aftermath. There is also mention of potential infertility and issues with a
woman’s “cycle”. There are some issues that are relevant in today’s time and
women might find some measure of comfort in Mary’s story.
The cover is stunning, yet simple and
coveys the tranquil powers of lavender, which is not only a flower highly
mentioned in this book – it is also what Mary of Bethany’s mother calls her.
The simplicity reflects the time the story takes place in.
Since this is biblical fiction, and the
main character is from the bible – these are not “characters” per se. Mary,
Martha, and Lazarus are siblings mentioned in a few books of the bible. Jesus
is definitely not a character at all. It is clear that Jesus knew of and might
have been friends with Lazarus. Mary of Bethany is definitely the woman with
the alabaster jar, the one who anoints Jesus’ feet with oil, and uses her hair
to wash his feet not long before his crucifixion at the hands of the Romans,
which he alludes to.
As far as Simon the Leper and Simon the
Pharisee, these two are often intertwined or identified wrong.
There are some additional characters
that are obviously fictional. I did not find their names (in connection with
Mary of Bethany) in the bible stories.
This story centers on the life of Mary
of Bethany and her life from about age 12-30’s. She is roughly the same age as
Jesus, and just younger than Lazarus. The story is told purely from her POV and
in first person. This is not exactly verbatim from the bible, but more of an
imagined tale of Mary’s life during the ages mentioned.
As a result of the author’s vivid,
descriptive, and captivating writing; it is almost as if the reader is right
there walking the journey with Mary. This was, for me, a “same-day” read. I
didn’t really put it down that much and read it within hours. Cunningham didn’t
linger too long in any one area. Often a chapter transitioned 1-2 years, if not
more, to move the story along without rushing. There were no moments where I
felt it stagnated.
This is not one of those HEA
(happily-ever-after) books. Rarely do certain books in the bible end with an
HEA. This is definitely one of those “we all struggle” types of books, but it
is inspirational and a much-needed reminder of God’s plan for us.
The reader is introduced to 12-year-old
Mary when she catches a glimpse of the strange boy named Jesus. There’s
definitely something different about him (she might be on to something).
There is a recurring theme with Mary
which she believes herself to be barren (unable to bear children). This causes
her to feel unworthy, unable to be loved, useless. And, this is something I am
sure some women battling infertility deal with and is tackled in the most
loving and respectful way possible given the time. She sees numerous heartaches
with regard to finding someone to love and accept her – each time she thinks
she has found someone, something happens – loss, betrayal, and death surround
her at each stage of her life. Yet, she keeps going.
It isn’t long until Lazarus begins to
believe that Jesus is the Messiah [he might be on to something].
Mary and her sister Martha learn the
miracle of Jesus when he raises Lazarus from the dead (John 11:42). It is after
Lazarus is raised from the dead that Mary, in this book, foresees the
crucifixion of Jesus. Mary takes the oil she had, anoints his feet, and washes
them with her hair. Jesus even alludes to the fact “they will not have him”.
This story doesn’t end with the
crucifixion of Jesus, but it alludes to it. Mary learns that all we have to do
is believe in God’s love for us and accept his plan for us, that he is using us
as a vessel to fill up with what he wants.
The author also left in the story of
Martha prepping the feast and being upset Mary was at Jesus’ feet. As it turned
out, Jesus’s response was as follows: ““Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered,
“you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or
indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away
from her”. (Luke 10:41-42).
Cunningham definitely brought the story
to life with this story. Despite it being “short”, it doesn’t feel like it was
a mediocre effort. And, I have to praise the author’s efforts with this story.
Since this is biblical fiction; obviously, there will be strong references to God, bible quotes, biblical themes, outdated stereotypes, and clean language. These are central to the theme of the story. There are also some plot points that have spoilers since the stories can be found in the bible. Other points are the imagination of the author.
As stated earlier, those who enjoy the
works of Tessa Afshar and Dana McNeely are certain to love this book. I
definitely wouldn’t hesitate to read another book by the author. And, according
to BookBub, this looks like it is book #1 of the “Mary of Bethany” series.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winners will receive a hardcover copy of Lavender Tears, Target gift card for $10, a digital copy of the Lavender Tears Devotional, and a lavender sachet!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 19, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 26, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Print copy US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
Thank you so much for your review! So glad to hear you loved this one!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a great read to add to my tbr! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love lavender. The cover is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.