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Abi of Cyrene
Who is this woman Paul the apostle calls his mother because she was kind to him?
A Nubian archer marries a rich merchant named Simon and moves to Cyrene with him. He pays the price her father requires.
As a woman, she is no more than a piece of property, but she rises to receive the greatest love of all.
Read this book to share Abi's extraordinary journey.
A Nubian archer marries a rich merchant named Simon and moves to Cyrene with him. He pays the price her father requires.
As a woman, she is no more than a piece of property, but she rises to receive the greatest love of all.
Read this book to share Abi's extraordinary journey.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2015
33 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lou Cheatham
41 books24 followersWelcome to the world of Mississippi-born author Mary Lou Cheatham. Here you will find lively stories about life in the early 1900’s on the farm and in a small village—stories filled with danger close to home, romance, and moral conflicts. Daily life can include unexpected danger interrupting the routine of living in a more primitive time. Also come and explore life in modern rural south Louisiana. Mary Lou’s novels center around families as they face life’s challenges. In every story she includes touches of romance.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 9, 2020
There are no words to describe the beauty of this book! It’s a beautiful written book of Simon of Cyrene’s wife. She is an amazing woman of such faith. Mary Lou describes everything in such detail ! The narrator Sarah was amazing !
The description of the crucifixion was so detailed - it actually is graphic., however it made you feel the pain!
This book was amazing and i wish it didn’t need !
A book of pure faith, hope, love and forgiveness ! ❤️
June 15, 2015
Worth the Read
I'm not a huge fan of Biblical novels, but this one was hard to put down. Complex description and deep characterization added layers to the conflict. A few slow points, but mostly held my interest throughout.
I'm not a huge fan of Biblical novels, but this one was hard to put down. Complex description and deep characterization added layers to the conflict. A few slow points, but mostly held my interest throughout.
December 23, 2015
A beautiful book with one of the best re-told accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus that I have read. I was thoroughly engaged by the story about Simon and his wife Abi up to their adventures and life changing journey to Jerusalem. I especially loved the exploration of their marriage and then how it proceeds to their lives being changed by the Messiah.
March 7, 2021
Loved It!!
I'm a stickler for Biblical accuracy in fiction like this. As much as is possible, I'd rather that the person stay on target with what has been written, finding reasonable reasons for what happened. This story hit the nail on the head, no pun intended!! She doesn't allude to gnostic theories, and Abi stays faithful as a Jew. Even her reasons for rejecting Maschiach ring true, because the reasons given are exactly what many have said. I loved it, loved it, loved it!
I'm a stickler for Biblical accuracy in fiction like this. As much as is possible, I'd rather that the person stay on target with what has been written, finding reasonable reasons for what happened. This story hit the nail on the head, no pun intended!! She doesn't allude to gnostic theories, and Abi stays faithful as a Jew. Even her reasons for rejecting Maschiach ring true, because the reasons given are exactly what many have said. I loved it, loved it, loved it!
April 18, 2022
A Compelling Tale of Simon of Cyrene as seen through the eyes of his wife Abi.
POSTED ONAPRIL 18, 2022 BY PEARLFREDERICKSEN
Abi of Cyrene; The Girl Who Loved Simon, by Mary Lou Cheatham, 2015
Who Were Abi and Simon of Cyrene?
Simon of Cyrene carried the cross of Christ. Who was he? Mary Lou Cheatham weaves a tale of his life as seen through the eyes of his wife, another obscure Bible character.
Abi of Cyrene
A beautiful woman from Nubia, Abi accompanies Simon, her betrothed, on a long journey via camel and boat to Cyrene, her new home in North Africa. Both are descendants of King David and Solomon. Abi is also a descendant of the Queen of Sheba. They proudly follow their Jewish traditions.
Simon is a trader, and travels far and wide. Abi stays home with his family, managing the estate and raising their sons, until the day comes when Simon takes them to celebrate Passover at the temple in Jerusalem.
The Passover Lamb
Abi hopes to sacrifice a Passover lamb for the forgiveness of her sins. But what is all the commotion going on when they arrive? Some sort of horrible rebellion, with people shouting for the King of the Jews to be crucified. Who is this man, and what has he done?
From the beginning of Abi’s tale, I was drawn in. What would become of her? Her experiences and thoughts became mine as I read.
Mary Lou Cheatham gives us a glimpse into the lives of the people at the time, personalized through the eyes of Abi. We learn how it may have been that Simon of Cyrene came to be the one to carry the cross of Christ, and the dynamic effect of the crucifixion and resurrection on this little family. What will it mean to them?
POSTED ONAPRIL 18, 2022 BY PEARLFREDERICKSEN
Abi of Cyrene; The Girl Who Loved Simon, by Mary Lou Cheatham, 2015
Who Were Abi and Simon of Cyrene?
Simon of Cyrene carried the cross of Christ. Who was he? Mary Lou Cheatham weaves a tale of his life as seen through the eyes of his wife, another obscure Bible character.
Abi of Cyrene
A beautiful woman from Nubia, Abi accompanies Simon, her betrothed, on a long journey via camel and boat to Cyrene, her new home in North Africa. Both are descendants of King David and Solomon. Abi is also a descendant of the Queen of Sheba. They proudly follow their Jewish traditions.
Simon is a trader, and travels far and wide. Abi stays home with his family, managing the estate and raising their sons, until the day comes when Simon takes them to celebrate Passover at the temple in Jerusalem.
The Passover Lamb
Abi hopes to sacrifice a Passover lamb for the forgiveness of her sins. But what is all the commotion going on when they arrive? Some sort of horrible rebellion, with people shouting for the King of the Jews to be crucified. Who is this man, and what has he done?
From the beginning of Abi’s tale, I was drawn in. What would become of her? Her experiences and thoughts became mine as I read.
Mary Lou Cheatham gives us a glimpse into the lives of the people at the time, personalized through the eyes of Abi. We learn how it may have been that Simon of Cyrene came to be the one to carry the cross of Christ, and the dynamic effect of the crucifixion and resurrection on this little family. What will it mean to them?
July 27, 2015
This is fascinating Biblical fiction. Mary Cheatham is a master storyteller. Her extensive research on this ancient civilization, their customs, languages, rituals, etc., made for an educational read. Combining that research with a vivid imagination makes it an entertaining novel.
With many novels, you do not know where the author will take you. This book is a bit different in that I knew the role of Simon of Cyrene in Christ’s crucifixion. So I knew in a general sense where the book was heading, I just did not know how Cheatham would take us there. She did not disappoint. Knowing generally where the book was heading made it compelling in that it is a tale ancillary to the greatest story of them all.
With many novels, you do not know where the author will take you. This book is a bit different in that I knew the role of Simon of Cyrene in Christ’s crucifixion. So I knew in a general sense where the book was heading, I just did not know how Cheatham would take us there. She did not disappoint. Knowing generally where the book was heading made it compelling in that it is a tale ancillary to the greatest story of them all.
March 22, 2023
Prayers are not always answered right away.
Abi's life was filled with adventure, not always the good kind, pleasing to her. On the Day Of Pentecost, she finally received the answer she had been seeking about the man her husband and sons had been calling the Messiah.
Abi's life was filled with adventure, not always the good kind, pleasing to her. On the Day Of Pentecost, she finally received the answer she had been seeking about the man her husband and sons had been calling the Messiah.
October 14, 2015
Compelling
Excellent read for Christians and those who appreciate history brought to life. 4.5 stars. I will definitely read this author's other books.
Excellent read for Christians and those who appreciate history brought to life. 4.5 stars. I will definitely read this author's other books.
August 2, 2017
A great read! It was hard to put this book down. It was a fast paced adventure with surprising inspiration
August 3, 2017
I found this to be a very good read and an interesting story weaved around the crus fiction. I would highly recommend this book.
October 24, 2019
Oh My Gosh!
Oh my gosh! Seeing the life of a Jewish woman in the times of Christ: Amazing! Feeling what she felt and following her heart... To the Lord!
Oh my gosh! Seeing the life of a Jewish woman in the times of Christ: Amazing! Feeling what she felt and following her heart... To the Lord!
July 10, 2025
Fantastic read. This book touched me in so many ways especially when Simon helped to carry Jesus’ cross for Him. I felt as if I was right there witnessing Him being crucified. He is alive and touching hearts every second of every day. Praise His Name.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews