Rubietta, author of the popular Come Closer
, continues the come-to-Jesus theme in her newest book for women. She offers “a free, fuller, more intimate relationship with Jesus” through 10 encounters with him as recorded in the Bible. Readers will discover new depth in such stories as Jesus’ baptism, his encounters with an adulterous woman, a woman who has bled for a dozen years, the women who come to his empty tomb, as well as Jesus’ sharp rebuke to the religious leaders of his day. Rubietta’s strength is her ability to bring stories alive through evocative language and imagination. Scholars may quibble with her depiction of the woman who anointed Jesus with costly perfume as a prostitute, and critics may cringe when she puts a balloon in the hands of a first-century woman, but the greater picture of Jesus as a life transformer is more than clear. End-of-chapter challenges help readers translate biblical truth to their lives; a “Girlfriends’ Guide” helps with group discussions. (Dec.)