Magdala

The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene

Christian - Historical Fiction
214 Pages
Reviewed on 05/24/2023
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

Bridget Erica is an internationally sought-after Reiki Master, teacher and healer, and instant best-selling author. Her passion for energy healing, combined with her personal pursuit to uncover hidden stories from the past, inspired her to re-write the story of Mary Magdalene, one of the most misunderstood and influential women and healers in history.
Bridget resides in Rome with her husband and two children. Magdala is her first novel. Follow her at www.bridgeterica.com or on instagram @lost_story_of_mary_magdalene

    Book Review

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Many women’s identities, thoughts, and accomplishments have been erased from history. Women have been robbed of true female role models. Even today, women have no choice but to read and interpret the Bible through the lens of men. But now is the time to learn from a female version. I agree we should not accept seeing Mary Magdalene as a prostitute and sinner just because the Church Fathers portrayed her that way. Bridget Erica is a healer and a Reiki Master Teacher. In her book, Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene, she tells the story of one of the greatest women in biblical history. She uncovers the truth about Mary Magdalene, giving back her voice and shedding light on her untold and misconstrued story. This book reveals the true essence of Mary Magdalene’s life.

I was impressed to learn about the world’s first known female author, Enheduanna, a proud princess, priestess, and poet. Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene was a read so compelling and clean that it kept me up late into the night. It vividly captures the cultural spirit of the time. I am enthralled with Erica's work of rewriting the story of one of the most misunderstood and influential women and healers in history. This riveting fictional account with strong themes of love and faith will leave readers questioning many of the stories of women from the Bible. Christians who dare to reexamine the holy texts with new eyes will have a different, more revealing appreciation for the path Mary Magdalene walked.

Courtnee Turner Hoyle

Bridget Erica poured over scriptures and the Dead Sea Scrolls, finding a short reference to Mary Magdalene as Jesus’ wife. In the absence of material written by Mary - or any other female figure - Erica chose to pen her book Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene from a different perspective. The account follows Mariamne (Mary) from twelve years of age, when she was sent to her aunt to learn healing practices, to the completion of her life. The townspeople were critical of her, and an injustice placed her in a dangerous situation. Yeshua (Jesus) rescued her with his words, and she decided to follow him. Yeshua and Mariamne become close, and the miracles that followed are described as being seen through her eyes.

Bridget Erica has developed a beautiful story in honor of a biblical figure whose voice was muted by the passage of time. Through the author, Mary Magdalene’s memory can be reawakened and she can be studied by present and future generations. The book moves along at a fast pace, but it will leave the reader with a sense of peace and a deeper understanding of Jesus, both as a man and a religious figure. Although the story is fictional, Erica conveys the feeling that her words are close to the truth due to her gleanings from meditation and prayer. The author is a Usui Reiki Master, who felt a calling to write Mary Magdalene’s story from a female point of view. Magdala is a great selection for readers who enjoy theology or are interested in biblical reinterpretations based on scripture.

Maria Victoria Beltran

Magdala: The Lost Story of Mary Magdalene is a captivating historical fiction novel by Bridget Erica. The book aims to restore Mary Magdalene's voice and reveals the exceptional events of her life that have been overshadowed by history. It takes us two thousand years back in biblical history and delves into the real life of Mary Magdalene, one of its most important characters. Re-examining the hidden messages in Jesus' teachings, the author challenges the traditional portrayal of Mary Magdalene. The story unfolds as she prepares to leave her hometown of Magdala and becomes a revered healer. She then becomes a trusted confidante of Jesus, a loving wife, and a mother. With its blend of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling, the book retells Mary Magdalene's story and reveals her profound impact on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Bridget Erica’s Magdala is an enlightening read that sets out to tell the real-life story of Mary Magdalene. Written from the first-person point of view, it invites us to explore Mary Magdalene's real essence allowing her voice to be heard and her significance to be acknowledged. Erica’s literary style effectively transports us back in time with the sights and sounds of the biblical era. Portrayed as a multifaceted and powerful woman, it debunks the typical image of Mary Magdalene as a prostitute. Erica skillfully blends fact and fiction, seamlessly incorporating hidden remnants from the past to construct a captivating tale. Magdala is a credible and fresh perspective on Mary Magdalene’s life and legacy. It is a story that challenges, inspires, and invites us to reacquaint ourselves with this influential figure and allows her voice to reverberate through the ages.