I’ve written a novel, The Fisherman’s Wife: The Gospel According to St. Peter’s Spouse. You might call this a novel experience for me because all of my other books are nonfiction! A few months ago I was reading Philippa Gregory’s novels The White Princess and The Red Queen when it occurred to me that I could write a similar book about a person in the Bible. I chose St. Peter’s wife. We know that he had a wife because the Bible tells how Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. But we don’t know anything else about this woman who was married to the chief apostle and presumably bore his children. This lack of facts gave my imagination free rein in telling her story.
The Gospels were a help in that they present Peter as an impetuous man who followed Jesus, the itinerant preacher. His wife then must have been long-suffering. Furthermore, the Gospels reveal that Jesus made his town, Capernaum, the base for his ministry. Peter’s wife often must have been an eyewitness to the teaching and miracles of Jesus. The book views Jesus through her eyes. As it does, the people and events in the Gospels come to life. They did for me. Sometimes as I was writing about Capernaum, I felt as though I were there. I would come away from the computer not knowing if it was morning, noon, or night!
The story of a first-century Jewish woman required much research. I constantly had to answer questions such as “Did Jesus wear a yarmulke?” and “How far was Capernaum from Jerusalem?” Reading the book sheds light on the culture of our Jewish ancestors and the early Christians.
Maresa Lilley, SND, painted the portrait of Peter’s wife superimposed over a photo of the Sea of Galilee on the cover.
Last week I read that The White Queen was being made into a movie. My dream is that my novel may someday appear in theaters!
The book was published by Westbow Press and is $19.95. It can be purchased directly from me at [email protected] or 4237 Bluestone Rd., South Euclid, OH 44121.
As a child, I loved reading Scripture-based books like Behold Your Queen about Esther. Do you recall any that you enjoyed?
9 Responses
Hi Kathleen, I’m truly impressed with your prolific writings! This latest one about Peter’s wife, a novel, sounds captivating and I’d love to have it. Do you deal with Amazon? I have a kindle and I’d love to download it onto my kindle. Thanks, and congratulations!! Anne
Thanks, Anne. Yes, Amazon offers a Kindle version for $6.99. Hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it!
We do know that Peter had a wife. During His earthly ministry, Jesus came to Peter’s house and healed “his wife’s mother” ( Matthew 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. See All… – 5; Mark 1:30-31 [30] But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. [31] And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. See All… ). This proves that Peter had a wife.
Thanks so much Kathleen for your new book. I will definitely be
ordering a copy along with the one on prayer for RCIA.
Love your blog!
God bless you!
I think you’ll enjoy the book, Pat. Others are calling it “charming” and “a masterpiece,” which gives me confidence! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Sister Kathleen,
I am looking forward to reading your book. I am also thrilled that I found your blog. Currently, I am enrolled in Sister Caroline Cerveny’s course called, “Digital Discipleship Boot Camp.” In the course we are learning ways to evangelize by using blogs, social media and other web-based tools. Your Catholic Faith Corner blog is on a Catholic Blogger list from this class. After reading some of your blogs and your biography, I realize that I have read a number of your books. I also recognize your writing from Religious Teacher Journal. I am looking forward to following you on a regular basis. Your blogs challenge me to think of our Lord’s teachings from a different perspective. Looking forward to enriching my faith journey. Bless you!
Laura, your post encourages me to keep writing my blog! Kudos to you (and me) for entering the world of technology. Someone called it the new mission field. I hope you will find my novel entertaining and enlightening.
I just picked up your book when I became an Associate on Sunday. I can’t wait to start reading it. Unfortunately, I am currently reading another book that I bought last week. Soon as I am done with that one yours is next in line. I’m an avid reader and I have a To Be Read list that I just keep adding to before I finish it. LOL
Welcome to the Notre Dame family, Theresa! I think you will enjoy reading The Fisherman’s Wife. Writing it was sheer joy! After you’ve read my novel, if you liked it please help spread the word about it!