The compelling life of Mary before and after the birth of her son, Jesus, is imaginatively retold in this inspiring novel. Young Mary of Nazareth has been blessed beyond compare. Gabriel, the Angel of the Lord, has told her that she will be the mother of Jesus, the Messiah long promised by the heavenly Father. But she lives in a society where purity is required and out-of-wedlock pregnancy is punishable by death. Mary knows how important this child will be, and she believes in the Lord to keep her safe. Although Joseph, the young man to whom she is betrothed, struggles to understand Mary's situation, he stands beside her and defends her from those who would do her harm. Only after the baby is born does the young couple begin to realize the impact of their son, especially when they are visited first by shepherds and later by a trio of wise men. After Jesus's birth, Mary is constantly aware of God's plan. She listens to Him, spends time in prayer, and faces the joys and struggles of motherhood. Above all, she knows that God has a special plan for her son, and as Jesus grows, so does her faith. Yet it isn't until after He is crucified that she realizes the true significance of His life. A moving retelling of the story of Mary, The Long, Long Shadow offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of the mother of Jesus.