Christian Author Laura Davis
Writing Each Story for His Glory
Comments & Reviews
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Come to Me was like no other story that I have ever read that portrayed the life of Christ. At first, I admit that I was a bit skeptical because biblically-based historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read and I've read so many versions of Christ's story as told by other authors. But then, there's Laura Davis...... She wrote about the life of Christ through Mary's eyes, and it was simply amazing! When I finished it, I couldn't help but think to myself, "This book would be such a great witnessing tool! If I knew someone who was lost, I would just hand them this book!" There is so much Scripture packed into this book, but it is not preachy. It is just told as a story from Mary's point of view, and as you are reading, it almost feels like you're there.
Mary's character is so engaging, a little bit of a tease, as well as a bit like the girl next door. I enjoyed getting more of a glimpse of what might have been Jesus' younger years before the incident at the temple when he was about His Father's business. Joseph and Mary's relationship also seemed more like how I would picture them....young and in love, but at the same time, nervous about their duties as parents to the Son of God.
So many other portrayals of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus seem to be uptight (whether it's in a book or movie format), but this book is so refreshing, realistic, and natural. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading more from Laura Davis in the future!
-Christy Janes, Christian Fiction Reviews
http://bookswithextracheese.blogspot.com/ This book, on the surface is a fictional composite of the Biblical accounts of Christ Jesus. However it is also so much more. The story is presented from His mother, Mary's POV. She is approached first by Luke who is a second generation Christian, a physician and author of one of the Gospels. Shortly thereafter the apostle Matthew comes on the scene as well. Initially their visits are couched as checking in on her but Luke's true aim is to elicit the story of Jesus from her in order to record it. Matthew, another Gospel author also joins in this pursuit and as Mary is relating her memories they are scribbling notes.
Because of the identity of our narrator in this account as well as her listeners, the reader experiences much more than just another account of Christ and His mission here on earth. We certainly see an expanded picture of these things but we also get a more personal view of both Mary and the apostles who are a part of this narrative as well as insights into three of the four Gospel writers - Matthew, Luke and John who not only are part of Jesus' story, except for Luke, but all three play a part in the later story we are witnessing in Laura's novel. The narrative although starting from scriptural accounts is not reliant solely on that smaller picture. We see things primarily from Mary's perspective though the disciples also present their observations at a number of points throughout the story. Being from more perspectives and an expanded time frame from the gospels and the few other new testament passages intertwined with the Old Testament prophecies of Messiah we receive a more integrated version of Christ and those around Him during His time in human form. Yes this is not solely scripture though I did not see any point where the author has deviated from scriptural fact. While fictional, I believe her intention was to remain true to God's Word but bring this story to life for those who may be so familiar with the Bible it has become old hat or for those who wouldn't touch the Scriptures with a ten foot pole but enjoy a good historical novel. I believe based on my limited knowledge of scripture and Bible times that this presentation remains true to the realities of the period and what we know of Christ and those around Him. This is fictional merely in the sense that the author, through divine inspiration has expanded the story with additional scenes that we do not see in scripture but which do not in any way contradict it either.
Laura has done a commendable job of bringing this story to life and presenting it in such a way that anyone with or without a knowledge of the scriptures is able to read it as the story of a mother sharing memories of her son with those around her. The account flows quite smoothly despite the transitioning from the time of the book's setting (44 thru 68 AD) back to whatever point in Jesus lifetime is being shared by Mary and then jumping forward again to the present time of the book. She has also developed the people in these pages far beyond what a reader experiences in the scripture which I'm sure entailed significant research into the times and historical accounts of events and people from beyond the scriptures but nevertheless relevant and historical.
Kudos to this author for a compelling and rich account which builds on Biblical truth in a format that is friendly to any reader while presenting the truth of the Gospel in a clear and enticing narrative without the limitations of the scriptural accounts which are only a mere fraction of the picture.
- Melissa Meeks, Bibliophile's Retreat
http://forstrose.blogspot.com/
This is the story of Jesus as told by his mother Mary to Luke, the doctor. It has a cozy, homey feel for much of the book, and I would recommend it for reading to children, of course with appropriate parental guidance through the crucifixion part. Lots of the action is taken directly from the Bible, with extra touches of colours and settings to bring it to life and put a more realistic and human flavour into the old stories known so well by so many. It is written simply so that even people who don't normally read books would be likely to enjoy it.
There are snatches of fun in unexpected places, such as the idea that Jesus was a practical joker and loved to play tricks on people and laugh. Nothing mean, of course! The scenes surrounding the resurrection are of particular interest as Laura has written Mary's experience of those times for us to travel through with her.
Laura has worked very hard on this and is very brave to step out alone in publishing a novel based on a story that's already gone around the globe. But I ask, can there ever be too many stories about Jesus? I doubt it. He is universal after all, with his message for all the world. I truly hope this novel will help people to understand Jesus better and love him for who he really is.
- Grace Bridges, International Science Fiction Author
http://gracebridges.blogspot.com/
It was a tricky undertaking, really, for Laura Davis to write a book fleshing out the story of Mary and Jesus, tricky because she needed to avoid anything that might be contrary to the information we have in the Bible. There are those who object to any imagination about the life of Jesus, fearing blasphemy, I guess. I personally thought a novel had to stay true to what we know from scripture.
The good news is that Laura Davis has masterfully combined the truth that we know with imagined family and personal life. In the process, Jesus comes to life as a truly human person as well as divine. We know he was a loving son devoted to his mother, and Laura builds that relationship into the story. She also includes the back-story of Joseph and Mary, their parents, and how the situation might have played out when she became pregnant. Until I read this, I never really thought about Mary's parents.
It was obvious that Mrs. Davis did a great deal of research in writing this tale; it is filled with details of everyday life at that time: food, marriage, friends, traditions and little cultural tidbits that might enlighten readers to just how Jesus grew up, how Mary lived. These details just enhance what we know from scripture. In fact, I believe this would be a good book for those who don't know about Jesus but are not ready or willing to read the Bible itself. The language is at a level that even middle grade students can read easily.
One thing that readers must remember,though, is that this is fiction, so they may find details that they don't agree with. For example, the wise men are given the names that are in traditional stories, like Melchior. Of course, we don't really know their names or even how many there were. But that doesn't change what is truly important.
Overall, I recommend Come To Me very highly. It would be a great gift for someone who is struggling to understand the story of Jesus, wholly human yet wholly God, good for young people, and great reading for anyone who loves the Lord. If you are anything like me, you will find that it makes you "ponder" these things yourself, and spend a little time pouring over the Biblical accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
- Cathi's Chatter, Fiction Review Blog
http://cathischatter.blogspot.com/
Every so often a book comes along that reaches in and touches your heart. COME TO ME, by Laura Davis is such a book. If I'd written it I'm sure I would have done several things different, but the thing is, I wasn't called to write a book like this. Seeing it in print wishes that God would call me to write something like this. The story is about Jesus, but it isn't from the perspective of one of the apostles. Instead it is from the perspective of one much closer to Him, His mother. When we read the Bible we see Mary coming up here and there, but Laura Davis has gone to the trouble of tying all this together in an amazing narrative in which Mary, in different stages of her life, recalls the life of our Lord. It is tender, refreshing and touching. It doesn't gloss over the hard things, but helps to connect some of the historical points that have been left untouched. We get to meet Mary before Jesus is born and realize all that she had to go through. We see Jesus as a young boy, a young man, and finally as a rabbi who taught from town to town, hillside to hillside, house to house, teaching, healing and giving comfort wherever He could. And we have accounts of His death and resurrection. Yet you would expect all of that when telling the story of Jesus. It is the way she does it that is so startling and touching.
I believe this book should be in the home of every Christian, and they should share it with as many non-Christians as possible. It speaks to us in places in our hearts that we may have forgotten about. It speaks to us of a Jesus who was real, a mother who loved Him more than His disciples could know, and how we, who have become His children, are His living legacy. I love this book. -David Brollier, Author of The 3rd Covenant
P.S. Paul talks about the plan of salvation for the Gentiles as being a mystery that was made known after His resurrection, so I guess you could say this is a "mystery solved".
Author Laura Davis, in her book Come to Me, has taken up the challenge few authors would bite into—one of fictionalizing the life of Christ. While a work like this takes great liberties,
Taken from Mary’s view point,
Come to Me is a great way to share Christ with those who weren’t raised in the church but desire to understand who Jesus was and is. It is an easy to read novel that would be good for ages from fourteen and up.
- Donna Dawson, Author of Vengeance
http://www.authordonnadawson.com/
Laura Davis's "Come To Me" is a skillfully written historical novel that brings to the table many of the events of the life of Jesus from Mary's perspective. From the time I started it I simply couldn't put it down. I love the entire book, but the part of the passion of Jesus was gut-wrenching yet inspiring. How much must we matter to the Creator of the universe to endure the brutality of the cross!
The final days of Jesus after his resurrection made me wish I was there to live the glory of the risen Christ. As I read this book, I found myself immersed in the story just as the disciples were a part of Jesus' life. And in a sense I was there through the pages of this book. A must read if you are a Christian or a seeker.
- Gino Santa Maria, Photographer
It was just like being there and witnessing the life of Jesus without the restrictive prose of the Bible.This book was, without a doubt, written by a devout Christian who knows how to really use historical fiction to tell a story. It is a must read for anyone, believer or non-believer.
- Ray L. Iles, Lover of Historical Fiction
This well written first novel by Laura Davis, gives the reader a fascinating and fresh glimpse into the life story of Christ, weaving His humanity and divinity into a very readable and enjoyable story. Based on bible truth and told with warmth and insight, it helps us identify with Jesus' family and especially with Him - the One who says to all people, "Come to Me". An encouraging book for a new believer or a seasoned Christian.
Come to Me
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