Book Review: Preparing My Heart For Easter: A Woman's Journey To The Cross and Beyond

By Ann Marie Stewart
AMG, 2007, $14.99, 192 pages
Reviewed by Lydia E. Harris

Although Christ's resurrection demonstrates the power behind the Christian faith, Easter is often overshadowed by Christmas. To discover the deep significance of Easter, consider Stewart's eight-week Bible study, Preparing My Heart for Easter.

The study begins the week of Ash Wednesday and concludes the week after Easter. Taken primarily from the four Gospels, Psalms, and Isaiah, it focuses on Jesus' last week on earth and the women who followed him. These included Mary Magdalene, Mary Mother of Jesus, Mary and Martha (sisters of Lazarus), and others.

The study includes five daily lessons and two weekend devotionals based on Easter hymns. Suitable for personal or group use, it includes a helpful leader's guide.

This well-researched volume comes to life with Stewart's background in drama, script writing, and acting roles in the community passion play. Women who completed the pilot study said Jesus became more personal to them.

Stewart's goal is to encourage women to follow Jesus. Spring is the perfect season to grow spiritually as you study Preparing My Heart for Easter.

Lydia E. Harris is a freelance writer in Seattle, Washington.