Kathie Lee Gifford Launches New Book Series on Biblical Figures with "Herod and Mary"

By Timothy Yap Jul 17, 2024 04:27 PM EDT

Bestselling author and television personality Kathie Lee Gifford is set to release her newest book, Herod and Mary: The True Story of the Tyrant King and the Mother of the Risen Savior (July 16, 2024; W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson). The book is co-authored by Bryan Litfin, Ph.D., Professor of Bible and Theology at Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA.

In Herod and Mary, Gifford and Litfin delve into the story of Herod the Great, the infamous king of Judea, and Mary, the mother of Jesus-Israel's true King. The book uncovers their fears, hopes, and the impact they had on the world. Gifford and Litfin deftly reveal deep insight to how Herod came to power, how corruption and an ancient evil threatened the stability of a nation, and how a teenage Mary was called to traverse these obstacles to bring the Savior, Jesus, our living hope, into the world. Interviews between the authors, full of honest revelation and insightful meaning, are found at the end of the book and add depth to the reading.

"I have been completely fascinated by the historical figure of Herod the Great-known mostly to the world for the few references to him in the biblical narrative of Jesus' birth-since I went on my first rabbinical-guided trip to the Holy Land in 2012," writes Gifford. "Herod's life was marked by triumph, tragedy, murder, debauchery, and political intrigue. For me, the story of Herod the Great is the 'greatest story never told,' while Jesus' is the greatest story ever told.

The release of Herod and Mary marks the first installment in Gifford and Litfin's new narrative nonfiction series "Ancient Evil, Living Hope." As a renowned television host, singer, and actress, Gifford has captivated audiences throughout her career. Now, with "Ancient Evil, Living Hope,"she explores a new realm of storytelling, combining her passion for history and faith. Drawing from her own experiences and spiritual insights, Gifford's narrative nonfiction series provides a fresh perspective on well-known biblical events, shedding light on the human experiences of those who lived during those extraordinary times.

Herod and Mary is available wherever books are sold.