The Passion of Mary Margaret ~ Lisa Samson

I’ve read previous books by Lisa Samson and have really enjoyed them. Samson is an edgier-than-normal Christian writer, and while I’ve enjoyed previous books she’s written, I know that her writing style isn’t for everyone. I have not read the latest book yet, but my friend, Julie, made a valiant effort. Unfortunately, it turns out that Samson’s style isn’t her cup of tea. Now that my retreats are behind me, I’m going to read the book myself. Here’s what Julie had to say:

The Passion of Mary-Margaretby Lisa Samson is an interesting, but confusing, book. Samson has a unique style of writing. Mary-Margaret is a Catholic sister, and Jesus often meets her and talks with her. I enjoyed the conversations they had and found myself wanting Jesus to talk with me in an audible voice. Because Jesus talking is imbedded in the story, I often had to reread those passages to know if it was, in fact, Jesus talking or another character. That was confusing.

The story line is original. As Samson weaves the plot of the book she touches on some of the cultural issues in a sinful world. She also allows the reader to know just what Mary-Margaret thinks of these wrongs against others. This gave me some food for thought as to how some people easily get ensnared by sexual sins (rape, pornography, homosexual /heterosexual prostitute (Jude), getting in someone’s pants…not graphic, mind you but mentioned. Who needs that?). Mary-Margaret’s friend, Jude, made terrible choices in his life and for a time anyway, didn’t have any regrets. His choices really frustrated me but it was also good in that Samson developed Jude’s character through these trials in his life

Mary-Margaret truly wants to do what Jesus has called her to do. She tries to listen and obey, whatever the cost. I admire that in her, wondering if I could or would be willing to listen and obey, based on the same cost for Mary-Margaret. That was a very thought provoking part of the book.

I would like to know how this book ends but don’t want to wade through all of the confusing yuck to get there.

~Julie

**If you like Christian fiction on the edgier side, then I’d encourage you to read this one for yourself. I appreciate Julie making the effort and stretching to read something outside of her usual repoitare. I can tell you that Samson’s books Straight Up and Quaker Summer are among my “best ever” reads!! ~ Vicki

About the Author~

Lisa Samson is a Christy Award-winning author of 19 books, including the Women of the Faith Novel of the Year, Quaker Summer. Lisa has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as “a talented novelist who isn’t afraid to take risks.”

Her novel Embrace Me has been named as one of Library Journal’s books of the year.

She lives in Lexinton, Kentucky, with her husband and three kids.

She stays busy by writing, volunteering at Kentucky Refugee Ministries, raising children and trying to be supportive of a husband in seminary. (Trying…some days she’s downright awful. It’s a good thing he’s such a fabulous cook!) She can tell you one thing, it’s never dull around there.

About the Book ~

 

Mary-Margaret accepts a calling that surpasses her wildest dreams . . . and challenges her deep faith.

When Mary-Margaret Danaher met Jude Keller, the lightkeeper’s son, she was studying at convent school on a small island in the Chesapeake Bay. Destined for a life as a religious sister, she nevertheless felt a pull toward Jude-rough and tumble, promiscuous Jude.

After sojourning as a medical missions sister in Swaziland, Mary-Margaret returns to the island to prepare for her final vows. Jude, too, returns to the island, dissolute and hardened. Mary-Margaret can hardly believe it when the Spirit tells her she must marry the troubled boy who befriended her all those years ago, forsaking the only life she ever wanted for a man she knows she’ll never love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Passion of Mary Margaret , go HERE