Herod and Mary: The True Story of the Tyrant King and the Mother of the Risen Savior

Ancient Evil, Living Hope, Book 1

By: Kathie Lee Gifford, Bryan M. Litfin - contributor

Narrated by: Kathie Gifford, Bryan Litfin

Read by the authors.

Explore the interwoven lives of King Herod and Mary, Mother of Jesus as New York Times bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford brings these biblical figures into a new light. Follow Herod from boyhood as he strives and fails throughout his life to become a beloved king. Walk in the steps of Mary of Nazareth as she navigates the repercussions of Herod's deadly obsession.

Delve into the complex history of Herod the Great—his rise to power and ultimate fall in pursuit to be the "King of the Jews." Under a flourishing yet tumultuous background of Jerusalem, consider Mary of Nazareth's place under Herod's rule and the promise of a Messiah to free her people. Kathie Lee Gifford with Bryan M. Litfin, Ph.D. deftly weave a truthful historical narrative full of accurate details and sweeping prose that ushers in the true King and glorifies God's powerful plan to bring a savior into the world through unlikely means. A coda between the authors, full of honest revelation and insightful meaning, follows each chapter for added in-depth reading.

The first installment in the Ancient Evil, Living Hope series, Herod and Mary begins with the tragic life of King Herod—Christianity's first true persecutor. As an impressionable boy, he is forever marked by the raw power of Rome. Throughout the course of Herod's career, he gains power, fame, and riches beyond belief. Yet murderous intrigues stalk this man—and infect his own dark soul.

Under the rule of King Herod, Jerusalem becomes a prominent city of wealth and prosperity, but Mary saw the struggle of her people under a tyrant. Like all Jewish women, she knew the promises of Torah and longed for a deliverer. But no one could have prepared her for what the angel of God revealed: that the Messiah wouldn't arrive with the blaring of trumpets, the clash of arms, or the fanfare of a mighty host. He would arrive as an infant within her own womb. The light of the world was born in a cave: not a king who maims and destroys, but the gentle King of the Jews.

This riveting narrative nonfiction work reveals deep insight to how Herod came to power, how corruption and an ancient evil threatened the stability of a nation, and how a teenage Mary was called to traverse these obstacles to bring the Savior, Jesus, our living hope, into the world.

Reference materials can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Kathie Lee Gifford (P)2024 Thomas Nelson

Question to author

This is more of a question than a review. The author says multiple times that Elizabeth was the aunt of Mary, but I have always been told that they were cousins which one is true?
Other than that I am enjoying the title and how much she puts into the reading of it
Thank you

Love

The love for the Lord and the history of the Blessed Mary and the history of Herod

Everything!! The True Living and Active Word of God!!!

I highly recommend this book and I hope you can tell others about it. But God!!! This is a book that I will read again because it unpacks some much. Thank you ABBA, Father for who you are to us all, Our Heavenly Father.

Insight into biblical history.

Liked the historical insights that I didn’t know. I really appreciated the Codas and the interview with Kathie Lee. Wonderful book. I listened on audio and Kathie Lee did a marvelous job with it!

The contrast of two Biblical personalities!

Fantastic history and geography lessons of Biblical times and places as a backdrop to Biblical characters contrasting good and evil.

This isn’t the story we thought we knew!

Being brief:
LOTS more fascinating information about Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ than what is generally known because of the familiar Christmas Story, and also the same regarding Herod the Great.
Additionally, the story is told in a very engaging way.
Fascinating and fun “read”! I highly recommend it!

Harod and God’s grace toward him

The title of the book drew my attention. It is engaging, informative, and salvific. The author’s voice is empowering.

Outstanding

This book was great. I loved the information and the history. It brought new perspectives on Jesus and Christmas holidays. Also on Mary and her life.

History made understandable

Liked the description of the events in history that i was previously unaware of. The Old Testament has always been so confusing. This book clarifies do much.

The passion behind a marvelous and untold story

An absolutely incredible story that I've never before heard until now. Ms. Gifford's narration of her book was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute!! Bravo Ms. Kathy!!