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The Bethany Tales: Four Intertwined Stories of Restoration and Hope
A young woman, cast out by her father and shunned by her family, wanders the streets of Jerusalem......selling her body to survive in a cutthroat city that has no mercy for the downtrodden. When one man promises her a different way of life, she overcomes her doubts and opens her heart to him.A stranger named Jesus saves Mary from death, and she becomes a devoted follower. He helps her to break free from a life of prostitution, and they travel to her home village of Bethany to seek reconciliation with her family. Her brother Lazarus gladly accepts her back, but her sister and uncle make it abundantly clear that she is not welcome there.In the face of her sister’s rejection and her uncle’s judgmental pride, Mary questions God’s forgiveness and struggles to forgive herself. Yet even as their lives interweave and collide, the very ones who are so quick to condemn her, wrestle with their own internal demons—inadequacy, self-righteousness, and the need to earn God’s favor. Will these attitudes tear their family apart forever, or can a carpenter from Nazareth open their unbelieving eyes and show them the wonder of true faith.Canter tells the personal histories of these four New Testament characters in a uniquely memorable way. Fans of Francine Rivers, Brian Godawa, and Kenneth Winter will love this compelling tale. See why delighted readers say “Bryan expertly intertwines each person’s individual story, including their past life and their new relationship with Jesus.” Immerse yourself in this compelling tale and begin your own faith journey—one that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you forever changed!
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2020
317 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Bryan E. Canter
8 books55 followersBryan E. Canter is an author, independent publishing consultant, and retired Army officer with overseas tours in Iraq, Korea, and Okinawa. He has degrees in engineering physics, religious studies, and tele-communications. His love of literature prompted him to complete a Masters-level "great books" program at St. John's College.
As an international speaker and educator, Bryan has addressed large groups and conducted training seminars in venues across the USA, Nicaragua, India, Scotland, the Middle East, and Japan.
Bryan helps authors navigate the complex world of independent publishing as a book and audiobook publishing consultant for My Word Publishing. Additionally, he is an Amazon Ads specialist with the Successful Writer Marketplace.
Bryan lives full-time in a motorhome with his beautiful wife, Dawn, visiting historic sites and enjoying the amazing natural beauty of the United States. They especially enjoy hiking together to high mountain lakes in the Western ranges, and Yosemite is their favorite place of all.
Connect with Bryan on his website: bryancanter.com
As an international speaker and educator, Bryan has addressed large groups and conducted training seminars in venues across the USA, Nicaragua, India, Scotland, the Middle East, and Japan.
Bryan helps authors navigate the complex world of independent publishing as a book and audiobook publishing consultant for My Word Publishing. Additionally, he is an Amazon Ads specialist with the Successful Writer Marketplace.
Bryan lives full-time in a motorhome with his beautiful wife, Dawn, visiting historic sites and enjoying the amazing natural beauty of the United States. They especially enjoy hiking together to high mountain lakes in the Western ranges, and Yosemite is their favorite place of all.
Connect with Bryan on his website: bryancanter.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 16, 2022
⋆.ೃ࿔࿐ྂ Read my blog post here: https://booksbystarlight.wordpress.co...
Believe it or not, this is the first biblical fiction novel I've read (not counting Redeeming Love). It was pleasant enough. My favorite thing about this book was the way it fleshed the characters out for modern audiences. Sometimes it can be difficult to picture biblical settings and easy to forget that the people of that time weren't as different from you and I as we might think. In The Bethany Tales, the characters struggle with sickness, death, faith, loss, responsibility, grief, guilt, past memories, and even personal image and judgemental neighbors. These are struggles that people still struggle with today, and this novel helps teach us that Jesus understands our struggles to the same degree He understood the struggles of people 2,000 years ago.
I was a little disappointed that this book repeated the mostly same events four times over. To me, the perspectives weren't immersive enough to justify the four point of views (them being Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Simon), but, of course, that does make the page count longer. Much of what was shown directly through the latter perspectives (especially Simon's) could've already been guessed indirectly through the other points of view. Still, "seeing" Lazarus's death and restoration through his own eyes was something special.
Another disappointment was that Jesus's death and resurrection felt underwhelming and anticlimactic and lacked the profoundness that one would expect from such an event. The characters also burst into tears a lot, which felt overly dramatic. Still, this was a quick read, and I don't want to critique it too much. I would say it's a good book for "beginners" (like me!) in the genre of biblical fiction.
Please note that I received an audio copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.
Believe it or not, this is the first biblical fiction novel I've read (not counting Redeeming Love). It was pleasant enough. My favorite thing about this book was the way it fleshed the characters out for modern audiences. Sometimes it can be difficult to picture biblical settings and easy to forget that the people of that time weren't as different from you and I as we might think. In The Bethany Tales, the characters struggle with sickness, death, faith, loss, responsibility, grief, guilt, past memories, and even personal image and judgemental neighbors. These are struggles that people still struggle with today, and this novel helps teach us that Jesus understands our struggles to the same degree He understood the struggles of people 2,000 years ago.
I was a little disappointed that this book repeated the mostly same events four times over. To me, the perspectives weren't immersive enough to justify the four point of views (them being Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Simon), but, of course, that does make the page count longer. Much of what was shown directly through the latter perspectives (especially Simon's) could've already been guessed indirectly through the other points of view. Still, "seeing" Lazarus's death and restoration through his own eyes was something special.
Another disappointment was that Jesus's death and resurrection felt underwhelming and anticlimactic and lacked the profoundness that one would expect from such an event. The characters also burst into tears a lot, which felt overly dramatic. Still, this was a quick read, and I don't want to critique it too much. I would say it's a good book for "beginners" (like me!) in the genre of biblical fiction.
Please note that I received an audio copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.
June 23, 2020
Very much enjoyed reading The Bethany Tales. The book tells the story of four biblical characters who met Jesus and the perspective of each character. The story is set in Bible times and based on a family that were friends of Jesus. Each story seeks to explore what it may have been like to know Jesus as he walked on the earth and to be His personal friend. He knew them well. They knew Jesus but had questions of who He really was. The author, Bryan Canter, looks at the culture of the time to build historic perspective into the story. The best part of the book, for me, was looking at the emotional reaction of each character to Jesus. The Bible doesn't express the emotional experience of people, in most cases. This was a look at how these 4 people might have reacted and I found this helped me to examine the way I might have felt, if I had lived at that time. My Christian experience was taken to a deeper level by thinking about the way people in Jesus' time felt about Him and what He was doing.
This is a quick read and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to see Jesus as their friend.
This is a quick read and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to see Jesus as their friend.
April 11, 2020
Bethany Tales is a simply beautiful book that brings the feelings and real emotions to 4 folks in the Bible. They become not just names we gloss over but real live people we can relate to with all their flaws.... just like us. As their stories intertwine with each other and Jesus, you fall in love with each one as their hearts are poured out in each page. Jesus befriends them and through that friendship their lives are changed forever. I savored each page. This is my new book I will read every year the week before Easter. You will live the Holy Week through the eyes of these 4 beautiful people.
April 21, 2020
A different take on a well known Biblical passage. This story will captivate, encourage, and convict you! I loved reading the different characters perspectives and especially loved Martha's tale. Make sure to give this one a read!
April 20, 2020
Bethany Tales is an interesting interpretation of stories in the Bible. Although it’s not strictly biblical, the author lets you know this before the story begins. I enjoyed how the author brought the characters alive and managed to make them feel like real people.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
April 27, 2020
I loved this book. It touched my heart in so many ways. As a Christian it brought the Bible passages to life. It reminded me to be ever grateful for Jesus and his sacrifice.
May 12, 2021
Good book, but I don't agree with it.
I enjoyed reading the accounts of Martha, Lazarus, Simon and Mary. They were short stories I thought maybe the book could've been better if the stories were combined. But it is still a pretty good book.
The part I definitely don't agree with is Mary of Bethany being combined with Mary Magdalene. I did a lot of research after this book, which is why it has taken me so very long to review after reading. I did read all of the passages in the book from the Bible at the end of the book as well as more in depth in the Bible itself. I also did some extensive research into the 2 Mary's in the book All the Women of the Bible by Herbert Lockheart and others. Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene were in my opinion 2 totally different people in my opinion as well as the opinion of many other scholars (that of which I am not). However, for this book I guess it works, its the authors opinion to combine the 2 women, and also his freedom to do so. I don't think that freedom should've been taken, but it's his book not mine.
Its a pretty good read but I wish the 2 Mary's would've been left separate like they are in Biblical accounts.
I enjoyed reading the accounts of Martha, Lazarus, Simon and Mary. They were short stories I thought maybe the book could've been better if the stories were combined. But it is still a pretty good book.
The part I definitely don't agree with is Mary of Bethany being combined with Mary Magdalene. I did a lot of research after this book, which is why it has taken me so very long to review after reading. I did read all of the passages in the book from the Bible at the end of the book as well as more in depth in the Bible itself. I also did some extensive research into the 2 Mary's in the book All the Women of the Bible by Herbert Lockheart and others. Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene were in my opinion 2 totally different people in my opinion as well as the opinion of many other scholars (that of which I am not). However, for this book I guess it works, its the authors opinion to combine the 2 women, and also his freedom to do so. I don't think that freedom should've been taken, but it's his book not mine.
Its a pretty good read but I wish the 2 Mary's would've been left separate like they are in Biblical accounts.
June 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It's different than most. Instead of one story, you actually see the same story through the eyes of 4 different people. It doesn't get old or boring, which kind of surprised me. The author does a great job of keeping the story fresh each time. Just make sure you read the author's note at the beginning, then you'll know what to expect. The author does a wonderful job of showing sin, righteousness, grace, and mercy for what they are. I loved the way Jesus was portrayed too. I definitely recommend this book.
September 7, 2025
Hated it! Had to read for book club. I love biblical fiction but this truly sucked. Historically and biblically inaccurate and the writing felt like paraphrasing rather than anything truly moving.
October 9, 2023
Audiobook: This was my first experience with Bryan Canter's work. It was interesting. This combination of four short stories were woven together, and they created a unique perspective on some biblical tales. I liked that the author took characters in the bible, appointed more humanistic traits to them which made them appear more realistic. I realize that he was basing his stories on the bible, but when he listed the lines of a song as the lines of one of the characters (using "I was there" instead of the actual song line which started "Were you there...") that some reference should have been made to the African-American spiritual from which the lines originated. It is possible that it was referenced in the written copy, but I heard nothing in the audiobook, not even in the appendix referencing the song. Melie Williams' narration was fine as her diction was clear and her voice was pleasant, but her performance lacked expressiveness considering the subject matter. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
January 2, 2021
The Bethany Tale is a biblical fiction based on the story of Mary, Martha,
Lazarus and Simon living in a village called Bethany.
There lives are transformed when they meet Jesus. He brings healing, restoration and forgiveness.
Their beliefs are challenged, a lot of questions are raised until each one of them come to the realization
that Jesus is the Messiah, the one who forgive sins and who loved them despite their mistakes.
The Author decided to portrayed Mary of Bethany sister of Lazarus and Mary of Magdala as the same person.
I was a little surprised at the beginning I have never thought that they could be the same person but in the end I
think that what matter is the message of Jesus, his forgiveness, the redemption of our sins and his love to all of us.
I really like this book and his message.
Here are some of the Bible passages behind the story: Luke 10: 38-42; John 8:2-11; John 11:1-46; Luke 17-11-19
Lazarus and Simon living in a village called Bethany.
There lives are transformed when they meet Jesus. He brings healing, restoration and forgiveness.
Their beliefs are challenged, a lot of questions are raised until each one of them come to the realization
that Jesus is the Messiah, the one who forgive sins and who loved them despite their mistakes.
The Author decided to portrayed Mary of Bethany sister of Lazarus and Mary of Magdala as the same person.
I was a little surprised at the beginning I have never thought that they could be the same person but in the end I
think that what matter is the message of Jesus, his forgiveness, the redemption of our sins and his love to all of us.
I really like this book and his message.
Here are some of the Bible passages behind the story: Luke 10: 38-42; John 8:2-11; John 11:1-46; Luke 17-11-19
September 5, 2020
The Bethany Tales is so fantastic! Bryan E. Canter's use of different emotions and various views on the same events was brilliant. It did a terrific job of not only painting the well-written recounts of the Bible but also going in-depth on each character's emotion and the impact Jesus made on their lives! Canter told each person's story so well, analyzing sentence by sentence scripture to dig deep and grasp what they could be feeling and reacting. This book is made for new believers, to people who have never heard about Jesus, to people who have grown up with a personal relationship with Him! I feel strongly that so many people can relate to Martha, Mary, Simon, and Lazarus. Thank you for creating!
December 5, 2021
ENGAGING STORYLINE
This storyline is very interesting and thought-provoking, but it surely takes a lot of liberties with the Scriptures… (It’s like determining the author of the book of Hebrews…). Many of the assumptions can only be speculations, trying hard to fit so many puzzle pieces together, with the key point being made in this book is spoken by Mary, “He’s alive, and that changes everything.”
I enjoyed this short book and recommend it for mature Christians.
This storyline is very interesting and thought-provoking, but it surely takes a lot of liberties with the Scriptures… (It’s like determining the author of the book of Hebrews…). Many of the assumptions can only be speculations, trying hard to fit so many puzzle pieces together, with the key point being made in this book is spoken by Mary, “He’s alive, and that changes everything.”
I enjoyed this short book and recommend it for mature Christians.
December 4, 2021
Loved it!
I loved seeing events from different perspectives. Although the author made some assumptions about the biblical characters that may not be correct, the story came alive and I found it quite realistic. It brought home some great biblical truths. It spoke volumes on forgiveness and gratitude.
I loved seeing events from different perspectives. Although the author made some assumptions about the biblical characters that may not be correct, the story came alive and I found it quite realistic. It brought home some great biblical truths. It spoke volumes on forgiveness and gratitude.
March 1, 2023
loved
I loved this book. At first I had trouble with Jesus being a regular character in a book, but started thinking, of course, here on earth as God in human form, he had friends and people that he talked to daily. Probably not only performing miracles but living just a daily life. I loved it.
I loved this book. At first I had trouble with Jesus being a regular character in a book, but started thinking, of course, here on earth as God in human form, he had friends and people that he talked to daily. Probably not only performing miracles but living just a daily life. I loved it.
December 20, 2023
I’m not a Christian, or religious in any way, but this was an interesting take on this part of the bible. It made you think about how the circumstances came about and why people would act the way they did. It made the whole story very relatable to a modern day person.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2021
Truth
Even if Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene aren't the same person it did nothing to detract from the story.
Jesus did die on the cross and rose up on the third day so we could all be saved.
Even if Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene aren't the same person it did nothing to detract from the story.
Jesus did die on the cross and rose up on the third day so we could all be saved.
June 16, 2021
Interesting take on Mary, Martha, Lazarus and Jesus.
Enjoyed the book. Made me think and consider things I have never really thought about before. Will definitely look for more books by this author.
Enjoyed the book. Made me think and consider things I have never really thought about before. Will definitely look for more books by this author.
June 24, 2021
Fill in the blanks.
I enjoyed reading this biblical fiction. It seems plausible that the real story could have been like what was described in this book. I recommend this for the descriptions of grace and mercy and forgiveness.
I enjoyed reading this biblical fiction. It seems plausible that the real story could have been like what was described in this book. I recommend this for the descriptions of grace and mercy and forgiveness.
July 16, 2021
Loved this book
This book not only tells the story of Jesus Christ our Saviour, but it will make you think more about how Jesus loves us. it has a thoughtful insight of a family's relationship with Jesus and how our relationship with Jesus can be just as rewarding.
This book not only tells the story of Jesus Christ our Saviour, but it will make you think more about how Jesus loves us. it has a thoughtful insight of a family's relationship with Jesus and how our relationship with Jesus can be just as rewarding.
November 3, 2021
This author took much more liberty than I think they should have. Let me just say that if the king James version of the Bible had been used instead of the corrupt Bible versions, a lot of this would’ve been a lot more clear to the author and not so much liberty would’ve been taken.
March 15, 2022
Pretty good
I got sidetracked and read this over several weeks. I don't think all these people were the same ones as the story suggests but it makes everything read very smoothly. I felt like I knew the Bible characters as human as I am. Good read
I got sidetracked and read this over several weeks. I don't think all these people were the same ones as the story suggests but it makes everything read very smoothly. I felt like I knew the Bible characters as human as I am. Good read
March 15, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. I could not put it down. I would recommend this book. Make sure you have a Bible with you when you read this book so you can look up the Bible passages where the stories come from.
February 6, 2023
Thought provoking
This book was very interesting. I put myself in the place of each character's story and was convicted. Would I do any better? Pride can be a very difficult thing to overcome. I need to remind myself constantly to behave for His Glory, to show His love.
This book was very interesting. I put myself in the place of each character's story and was convicted. Would I do any better? Pride can be a very difficult thing to overcome. I need to remind myself constantly to behave for His Glory, to show His love.
December 27, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and taking a step back into biblical times. The story is about Jesus and a family who befriended him. I love the historical aspect and the emotions depicted in this story. The story is truly about restoration, hope, redemption and faith.
July 28, 2020
Adore this book!
I love the way you wrote each set of this book. You breathe so much into the stories.Thank you for your hard work on this book.
I love the way you wrote each set of this book. You breathe so much into the stories.Thank you for your hard work on this book.
November 17, 2021
What a beautiful book. I enjoyed the storyline and characters very much. Bought a copy for my friend.
November 19, 2021
Confusing
I had a few difficulties with reconciling the characters as portrayed in this story with my knowledge of them from the scriptures.
I had a few difficulties with reconciling the characters as portrayed in this story with my knowledge of them from the scriptures.
November 11, 2025
The idea for the book is exciting but it could have used more depth to each story.
January 2, 2026
This wove an eye opening change to faith, believe and great desire to re-study the Biblical truth in them
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews