Unafraid: Mary

by Francine Rivers

Book Overview

Book 5 in the 5-book biblical historical fiction series by the New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind. All eternity had been waiting for this moment. God chose one woman. Meet Mary , one of the most revered women in history. But first, she was an ordinary woman striving to please God in the same way that women still do today. When God spoke, Mary responded in simple obedience. And God chose her to bear the long-awaited...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0842335994
• ISBN13: 9780842335997
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.2" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Francie Rivers is One of My Favorite Authors

Francine Rivers has become one of my favorite Christian fiction authors due to her ability to bring me right into the story. I love the history of the Bible and the when the stories are enhanced just enough to make the story real it is so exciting and almost like going back in time. It's like watching a movie that is based on a true story with the embellishments used by the movie production team. Francine's research is impeccable, and I recommend her books to all! Her books are the ones I loan out and ask that they be returned to me.

fast delivery and great product!

Love this series! It was nice to be able to complete with a nice product for cheap!

As a Mother...

I have read 2 of this series of novellas by Francine Rivers. Both this one and about Bathsheba. Both I think have expressed thoroughly a woman's perspective. I wept reading this book. As a Mother, it is impossible for me to imagine witnessing the events surrounding Christ and His crucifixion. Francine made this real for me. As far as being a "Catholic/Non-Catholic" version of Mary? Do Catholics have more information than the rest of the religions on Mary's character? Keep in mind it's a fictional book based on a real event. None of us were there. She put the "female" spin on it because that's what the series is about. I'll read the rest of the series. So much of the Bible left out the woman's perspective. Be blessed we have that freedom now.

Some of River's Best Work

I've not read all of the Christian fiction books written by Francine Rivers, but of the dozen or so books that I have read, I believe this is her best work, not necessarily from a literary standpoint, but rather from a Christian one. UNAFRAID, which examines the life of Mary, is the last in a five part Lineage of Grace series where Rivers examines the lives of five remarkable women chosen by God for the lineage of our Lord. The first half of this book is as much about Joseph and his dedicated faith as it is about Mary, but the second half occurs after Joseph's death and focuses almost entirely on some of what Mary must have endured being chosen by God to bare the Messiah. I don't know if it was River's intention to so accurately present many of the lessons Mary would have to come to terms with in her life, but she presents them flawlessly. For example, we see as Mary somewhat grudgingly comes to know that Jesus is not her son, but rather is and has always been, the Son of God. Through her other children, she learns to accept that Jesus is not the person He is because of who and what Mary and Joseph were, but rather because of what God is. At Joseph's death, we see Jesus display His knowledge of the contrast between the treasure of His deity and the sacrifice of its function. We see Mary struggle to understand and come to terms with the hypostatic union of the God-Man, not yet understanding that the Incarnate Christ had to limit his omnipotence in order to submit His will to the will of God the Father. Most interesting here is that Rivers never fails to show Mary's position as a mother to her children. Rivers doesn't attempt to show Mary as supreme being, giving equally to all her children, but rather openly shows her partiality to what she knows, and hastens to expose, as the Messiah. What mother wouldn't hold this child in highest regard over mere human children with their constant displays of negative volition? This has been an exceptional series of stories and this one in particular has been most enjoyable. My only disappointment here lies in the brevity. All of these novellas in this series are limited to less than 200 pages. They could have easily been twice that. Nonetheless, the brevity makes this a great "snow day" read. Pastor Monty Rainey

Mary- A Very Blessed Woman

Although I loved all the books in this series, this one was my favorite. About 2/3rds of the book is set prior to Jesus' public ministry, which was fascinating to read about. Mary is portrayed as a woman who loves God and is devoted to him. Her faith and trust are evident as she is "unafraid" of the scandal it could cause by being pregnant prior to marriage with Joseph. Hardships of traveling to Bethlehem nine months pregnant and giving birth in a cave are well covered. The book also demonstrates Joseph and Mary's faith they had at following God's will, such as getting up and leaving their home and business for Egypt in the middle of the night. The author did an excellent job portraying Jesus' life as a young boy. One who is without sin. It was interesting how the author contrasted the differences between Jesus and his younger siblings. Jesus lived to please and do the will of his heavenly Father while his siblings lived to please and bring attention to themselves. You can't help but falling in love with this young Jesus. Can you imagine raising a child who never sins ?!? Joseph is portrayed as a Godly husband and father, who spends much time going over scripture and teaching young Jesus. It seems so accurate that God would have chosen a Godly man to be Jesus' earthly father while growing up. Jesus' public ministry was condensed, much focused on the crucifixion and resurrection. The assumed thoughts, feelings and confusion Mary experienced during the crucifixion and joy at the realization of the implications of the resurrection was very well done. The purpose of Jesus' death and resurrection are explained very well. Without exception Mary is portrayed as a godly woman. One who was greatly blessed to be honored with the privilege of birthing and raising the Christ. She is also portrayed as very human, a sinner in need of a savior. The bible tells us to worship and trust in Jesus Christ alone. He is our Savior and through Him is the only way we can gain access to the Father and to heaven. The bible instructs us pray "in Jesus' name" when making our requests known to God. Unfortunately many people view Mary as a deity and worship & pray to her in addition to or instead of Christ. God's Word is clear that He wants us to focus on Christ and worship him alone. Mary was truly a blessed woman and had a very high calling in life. However, no where in the bible does it tell us to worship her. To worship any human, no matter how Godly, is idolatry. Francine Rivers accurately portrays this truth in her book.

The Very Best of Francine Rivers

Each book of the Lineage of Grace series is excellent in its own right; however, UNAFRAID is exceptional. After finishing the book, I just could not help but praise the Lord. While UNAFRAID is the story of Mary, at its heart is the story of every person and his or her choice to either accept or reject Christ. Through Mrs. Rivers' unbelievable insight and her personal relationship with Christ, the story of Mary truly comes alive. While many authors would be afraid to put words in Jesus' mouth, Mrs. Rivers does so beautifully. The interaction between Joseph, Mary, and Jesus when Joseph is on his deathbed is so real that it brought tears to my eyes. No matter how gifted an author is, only someone who knows the Savior very intimately could write such a scene. The same questions that Mary and Jesus' siblings ask are the very ones so many of us ask today-why did Jesus come into the world the way He did, why did He live the way He lived, and why did He have to die. The answers Mrs. Rivers provides are not unique but they are provided in a unique way.If you desire to expand your understanding of the story of Mary and to grow in your Christian walk, this is the book for you. One of the things I truly love about Mrs. Rivers' writings is that I cannot read them and not be changed.