The Handmaid and the Carpenter

A Novel

By: Elizabeth Berg

Narrated by: Elizabeth Berg

In this wonderful audio about love and trust, hope and belief, Elizabeth Berg, the bestselling author of We Are All Welcome Here and The Year of Pleasures, transports us to Nazareth in biblical times to reimagine the events of the classic Christmas story.

We see Mary–young, strong, and inquisitive–as she first meets Joseph, a serious-minded young carpenter who is steadfastly devoted to the religious traditions of their people. The two become betrothed, but are soon faced with an unexpected pregnancy. Aided by a great and abiding love, they endure challenges to their relationship as well as threats to their lives as they come to terms with the mysterious circumstances surrounding the birth of their child, Jesus. For Mary, the pregnancy is a divine miracle and a privilege. For Joseph, it is an ongoing test not only of his courage but of his faith–in his wife as well as in his God.

Exquisitely written and imbued with the truthful emotions and richness of detail that have earned Elizabeth Berg a devoted readership, The Handmaid and the Carpenter explores lives touched profoundly by miracles large and small. This powerful and moving audio is destined to become a classic.©2006 Elizabeth Berg; (P)2006 Random House, Inc.

Superb!!!!

This book has given me the CHRISTmas spirit. And now that I have listened to it in Elizabeth Berg’s clear and expressive voice, I look forward to listening to it each Christmas and sharing the pleasure of it with others.

Jesus Christ is born

So real and so human. Taught me that how they think and feel and communicate. I feel so related to the story and how every member is going through life.

I loved it!

The story of Mary and Joseph is so special. Being RC, I have heard the story many times.

Sweet story of Mary and Joseph

Readers of the Bible have always wanted more details of Jesus’ early life. We’ve asked, what happened to Joseph? Elizabeth Berg gives us a version that seems reasonable and is certainly entertaining. We will only know once we reach Heaven

Author’s Interpretation

This was such a lovely story of the author’s idea of what it may have been like for Joseph and Mary during that time. She painted a picture so vividly, there were moments that I felt like I could see the depiction perfectly. I love that she also notes that she took liberties in the story to make her version the story that it is. This is something I will go back to every December.