A couple of years ago, Robin Jones Gunn told me that she'd most like to co-author a book with Davis Bunn so that the spine would read "BUNN & GUNN". I'm still waiting for that book, but in the meanwhile, I'll keep reading!
Canadian author Janette Oke has partnered with one of my favorite fiction authors, Davis Bunn. I like his writing, but I also think he's possibly the nicest people I've ever met!
So, I was pleased to receive the advance reader copy of "The Centurion's Wife" - a swift departure from Oke's typical writing style, but not such a departure from Bunn's historical fiction. Leah, the niece of Pontius Pilate, is caught up in a scheme to find out who exactly this prophet whom Pilate executed really was - and whether the Jews who followed Jesus are planning a large-scale rebellion. Her husband-to-be, Alban, happens to be the Roman Centurion whose young servant was healed by Jesus (recorded in Matthew, chapter 8).
Separately, these two lead characters are assigned to to find out the truth about Jesus identity, and what happened after His crucifixion. While the dialog can tend to be a little lacking, the story itself is very enjoyable. I liked considering what Pilate, his wife, the disciples, the Centurion at Jesus' crucifixion, the women at Jesus' tomb, etc. all experienced after His death and resurrection. Putting things into context is always very helpful for me, and this story did just that. The Centurion's Wife is much shorter than a Brock & Bodie Thoene or Francine Rivers historical, biblical fiction title, and I wish that this book had been more fleshed out and made into a meatier story, but it was still satisfying. I will look forward to reading the next in the series.
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