Reflections from a Pondering Heart

by Sharon Hughson

In the beginning, I herded goats on father’s farm when Jehovah’s messenger visited me. He claimed “Blessed art thou among women.”

Blessed? The speculation about my untimely pregnancy turned to shunning and isolation. Caesar’s decree forced a grueling trip to Bethlehem during my final weeks of pregnancy. And then, under cover of darkness, I fled Herod’s murderous wrath. Is it any wonder I questioned the angel’s claim?

Yahweh blessed me with a quiver full of children. But love brings sorrow. Torn between two sons, my heart bled. Like old Simeon said, a sword pierced my soul – again and again. And the killing blow was yet to come…

This new edition includes an eight-page study guide to help book groups or independent truth-seekers delve more deeply into the scripture and culture behind the story.

152 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2015

About the author

Even as a child, Sharon created worlds where life might pose challenges but where unlikely heroes wielded magic for the good of all. In the end, ordinary people won the battle against darkness.

She did grown up things like graduate high school and college, get married and have kids. But she never strayed too far from the door into the mystical realms of story.

Once she had children of her own, they traveled to Narnia with her. She made it her goal to introduce them to her old friends. With them, she made new friends at Hogwarts and rode dragons with Eragon. Together they embraced the joy found on the other side of the magical portal: reading.

Sharon sings stories and weaves spells to transport others to that fantastical place where the weak are heroes. A land where quest completion requires strong character, not a mighty sword arm. Sharon believes three things: Magic is mystery; Hope offers the greatest help; and Success comes to those who refuse to give up a dream.
Visit me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharonleehug...

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent fictional account of what it might have been like to walked in Mary's shoes. The author did not take any verses out of context, but simply allowed the reader to see the human side of Mary. Obviously everything is speculative, but I thought that it was an excellent representation of how a young girl of 14 might feel had she suddenly become pregnant after a visit from an angel. The book takes you through the period of Mary's immaculate conception through her thoughts after having experienced the joy of seeing the fulfillment of his ultimate calling..... Messiah

I have spoken to many of my friends about the book as I read it without giving away the plot or the story line. One friends asked me for 3 days if I had finished the book yet and she wanted to read it. I would encourage anyone who wants a good clean and thought provoking book to read this.

I won this book from goodreads giveaways. I would have bought it to read it as well. I've already encouraged a woman to consider it for her next book club read.

[Iryna Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections from a Pounding Hearts is an amazing read!
As I was reading it, I flew back in time and lived through the story of Mary. A woman, who went through so much and never lost her faith. This book in some way is teaching us to appreciate what we have and to be strong. As a mother myself, the story touched my heart. I did not want to stop reading and I was glad to read something I have never read before. The author did most excellent job capturing Mary's character as Jesus' mother and as a women. I could very well picture her in my head. I also loved to learn more about Mary's family: her kinds and husband. I would defiantly advice to read this book to anybody.

[connie Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections is a well written and interesting book. I sat down to read for a bit and didn't get up until I was finished! When I can't stop reading a book, I give it a five star review! If you are familiar with the Biblical account of Mary you will still be captivated and anticipating what is next as "Reflections" is written from Mary's point of view. You experience her feelings and emotions. It feels very real!

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought such joy to me! Jesus life made into a story straight from the Bible really touched my heart. I’ve read the life of Jesus, but this book helped me to see through Mary’s eyes. I wanted to rejoice and cry for Mary, I can’t even imagine all the ups and downs of emotion she went through with the birth and death of her son , our Lord and Savior. This book will give you a new perspective on the life of Jesus.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book from start to finish, only putting it down for a few minutes at a time; often to dry my eyes. It was mesmerizing. Even as a child, I would try to imagine how Mary must have felt knowing that her baby was the Son of God. Later, as the mother of a son, I wondered how she could bear to see Him crucified. Sharon Hughson brought Mary to life, with all the fears, concerns, pains and joys that I imagined she must have experienced.

A lot of thought must have gone into writing this book. I hope that there will be more books about Biblical women by this author.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the reflections of the mother of Jesus which includes familiar biblical references as well as intrigues the desire to reread passages. I really love this and really enjoyed reading the story of Jesus from the heart of a mother's who loves her son, the consequences of her situation as well as the sibling relationships.

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left me wanting more. I loved this brief glimpse into Mary's mind, on who she was, how she lived her life. The humanity and the trials of motherhood are really fleshed out and we get a sense of the woman who lay Jesus in the manger and who stood at the foot of his cross.

[Micheal Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book on several levels. First, it gives a male reader insight into a pregnant woman's thoughts; about how her moods change and how her thoughts towards the new life she will be responsible for. Second, the awesome power she personally has in that an actual angel appears to her to explain how and why she will have an offspring and what this child will be when he grows into a man. And third, she is given faint glimpses of her future when she's lost her husband and her oldest son so she has no more protectors. This could give men a glimpse of what their wives could be feeling.

[Naomi Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 things to look for in A Pondering Heart
1) A mother's expectations and struggles
2)Walking with Jesus day to day
3) Insight into 1st-century Judea
4)Going back to the scriptures to re-read the accounts
5)How Jesus' siblings could have reacted to him.