Forgotten Followers
from Broken to Bold
by Elaine Ricker Kelly

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AFTER YEARS OF SUBMISSION, Mara lives in anxiety and isolation, unsure of herself and her place in the world. But when her nephew Jesus is chased off a cliff, she is thrust into the unknown and forced to confront her deepest fears. As she struggles against the patriarchal oppression of ancient Rome and Judea and learns to love herself, Mara must also come to terms with her son's sexuality, learn to build female friendships and find her own voice. Meanwhile, Joanna grapples with hiding her biracial heritage to avoid being banished by the community as her father was. But as she begins to question her self-identity, she must make a choice: continue passing as something she is not or risk losing everything. When Jesus performs miraculous signs and teaches radical ideas of love and equality, Mara and Joanna are empowered and risk their lives to follow him. Forgotten Followers, the CIPA EVVY Silver Award Winner and Book 1 of the From Broken to Bold series, brings to life Mara, based on Mary of Clopas, Joanna, and other often-forgotten women of the Bible. Similar to Sue Monk Kidd's "The Book of Longings", this historical fiction challenges traditional narratives and addresses themes of racial and gender equality that still resonate today. For progressive Christians, exvangelicals, and those deconstructing their faith, Mara and Joanna's story of love and hope is a must-read. Don't miss out on this powerful retelling of the Gospels through a feminist and LGBTQ+ affirming lens. Join Mara and Joanna on their journey of healing and empowerment.

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"If you've ever felt like women are treated like secondary characters in God's story, then let Forgotten Followers bring the many women who loved and followed Jesus to life! Such a refreshing, life-giving read to see how knowing Jesus can free you from the cage you put yourself in--or that society puts yourself in. These fictional stories are grounded in amazing historical research--and made me see Jesus' love for me in a whole new way." —Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Great Sex Rescue and founder of BareMarriage "Women witness Jesus’s beginnings, resurrection, and ascension in the spiritual novel Forgotten Followers from Broken to Bold...The story delivers a sense that Jesus’s message was so radical that it was bound to be misunderstood in his time—even his siblings are shown expressing doubt. The result is a fascinating story whose familiar elements are somewhat refreshed by its feminine perspectives." - Foreword Clarion "Themes of racial discrimination, sexism, childhood trauma, fear and anxiety, body image, self-esteem, and brokenness will appeal to a contemporary audience. The position of women in society is also examined, as Jesus is criticized and ostracized for his inclusion of women in his ministry. The novel employs familiar language, avoiding religious terms in its descriptions of Jesus’s teachings and in dialogue... In all, Forgotten Followers is a moving work that inspires hope and faith. Readers will find the characters compelling and its themes relevant to modern times." - BlueInk Review “A book for the “forgotten, sidelined or silenced.” Hamilton author Elaine Ricker Kelly offers discussion of the “problems of Christian teachings” of inequality and gender roles in her new book. “I am a Christian and had grown up thinking the Bible taught equality and yet the church was becoming an increasingly strong voice against equality,” said Kelly, a retired financial adviser, who aims to bring healing and hope for readers.” - Beatriz Baleeiro, November 26, 2022, “A Christian-based novel addresses inequality and gender roles” The Hamilton Spectator

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Elaine Ricker Kelly writes inspiring and empowering fiction using her experiences as a businessperson, volunteer, friend, daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Elaine R Kelly advocates for equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. As a woman financial advisor, she was intrigued to learn women did the financial planning for Jesus. As Elaine looked for models of faithful women in the Gospels, she found the women disciples featured in Forgotten Followers. Elaine R Kelly lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and her lap dog, Chip. She and her husband have hiked the 900 km Bruce Trail and enjoy nature, tennis, music, history, and culture. They worship in the mainline Protestant Christian tradition. For FAQ, blogs, and writing updates, please visit: www.elainekelly.ca

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Contributors

Author

Elaine Ricker Kelly

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