A mesmerizing tale of forbidden passion. . .

A land torn by centuries of war. . .

An ancient letter about the secrets of true love and fulfillment. . .

It’s all here in THE GALILEAN SECRET, a thrilling novel of romance and suspense, tragedy and heroism.

He’s a Muslim on the run. She’s a Jew with ties to the highest levels of Israel’s military. Brought together by fate, Karim Musalaha and Rachel Sharett become targets of fanatics on both sides of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Forced to choose between a safe parting and a perilous togetherness, they find guidance from an unexpected source—the translation of a mysterious ancient scroll. When their quest to discover the origins of the scroll takes them on a high speed chase through hostile West Bank and Jerusalem neighborhoods, they confront a secret from the past that threatens both their love and their lives.

The message of the scroll also resonates with Judith of Jerusalem, a first-century woman who runs away with the brother of the man to whom she is betrothed. Hunted by the Romans for her support of the Zealot revolution, she is saved by the woman to whom the message is addressed—Mary of Magdala. From her, Judith learns about forgiveness and healing, and about the author of the message—a mysterious Galilean Rabbi. She must decide whether to risk her life to save the Galilean from the Romans, or to risk her soul for a man and a cause she now rejects.

Bound by a letter that spans two millennia, both Karim and Judith discover the secrets of true love and make them accessible to people today.

Teaching spiritual wisdom through the suspense of a masterful thriller, this powerful novel grips you from the first word and won’t let go until the last page is turned.

“Thought-provoking and riveting . . . a tale of truth and treachery that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.” — Jon Land, author of THE SEVEN SINS and STRONG ENOUGH TO DIE

“. . . a finely crafted novel with a message of hope.” — Harvey Cox, Harvard University and author of THE FUTURE OF FAITH

“ A very imaginative story. . .” — Joseph Girzone, author of the JOSHUA series

“[THE GALILEAN SECRET] will give you new eyes with which to read the old story!” — Richard Rohr, author of THE NAKED NOW

“A narrative rooted in vivid characterizations of human longings and the perennial search for the sacred.” — Janet Cooper Nelson, Brown University Chaplain

“Compelling reading! Evan Howard . . . takes the reader into profound areas of wisdom and healing regarding love and loving relationships.” — Dr. Margaret Paul, author of DO I HAVE TO GIVE UP ME TO BE LOVED BY YOU?

I’ve always been a lover of stories. The first home I remember was a twelve-acre farm outside Bellingham, Washington, which my mother kept well-stocked with books. When my parents bought a motel in the city, I met a variety of guests with intriguing stories to tell. After short stays in Everett, Renton, and Kent, Washington, we moved to the island of Guam in the western Pacific, where my father had taken a civil service job with the Navy. In four years on the island, I met people from all over the Pacific Rim, many with colorful stories to tell.