Two women from Galilee

Two Women of Galilee presents a suspenseful, romantic, and historical narrative set in first-century Galilee, moving between the decaying splendor of Herod's court and the opulent palace of Pontius Pilate's government. By bringing Joanna, a follower of Jesus briefly mentioned in the New Testament, Mary Rourke offers a new perspective on the most revered woman in the world: Mary, mother of Jesus. Joanna is the wife of Herod's tetrarch's chief procurator and lives a life of luxury in Galilee. After years of suffering from tuberculosis and having tried every treatment, she is certain that the only solution is the man known as Jesus. The problem: being a famous woman in Roman society, she will hardly have easy access to Jesus, a person respected only by the Jews. Everything changes, however, when she meets Mary and discovers that she is her cousin. Two Women of Galilee focuses on Joan's rediscovery of faith – a Jew who has lived under the influence of the Roman Empire for years – finding enlightenment in her friendship with Mary and her conversion to Jesus. Mary Rourke narrates several historical events, such as the crucifixion, but her perspective is based more on human relationships than on politics and doctrines.