Book Review of 'Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee' by Barbara M. Britton

Hello Bookworms!

Today's review is featuring a book that is quite unique. I've been a longtime fan of Barbara M. Britton, and she has recently released a Biblical Fiction Devotional that combines Biblical truth with storytelling in an imaginative and impactful way.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts, and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee by Barbara M. Britton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee
Author: Barbara M. Britton
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: January 6, 2026
Genre: Biblical Fiction Devotional

Discover the life changing power of Jesus in six short stories from the Gospel of Mark. The miracles of Jesus will leap from the page in a Biblical Fiction story, author reflection, and relatable study.

Travel with Jesus as he calms a storm, heals a desperate woman, raises a dead daughter to life, sends His disciples on a minimalist mission, feeds thousands on a hillside, and shows compassion to a persistent mother.

A perfect study for your small group, personal or family devotions, or even a book club. If you know Jesus, fall in love with Him all over again.

If you haven’t experienced Jesus’s power and love, jump in His boat and engage with the Creator and Savior of the world.

My Review

Across the Lake was not what I was expecting at all, and that is not a bad thing. Seeing Biblical stories that I’ve heard my whole life come to life with fresh eyes and vivid imagery was a refreshing experience. The Author’s Reflections and Discussion Questions really brought the Biblical story home, giving me much to ponder.

I really enjoyed how unique this book felt. Not only did I feel like I was reading a Biblical fiction, but I was also able to parallel it with true Biblical accounts. This balance of fact and fiction is quite powerful. Seeing these stories from a unique perspective had me thinking about these Biblical truths in a fresh way and thinking about aspects of these stories that I had never thought about before. It really did make dead bones come alive in an exciting new way.

This is a devotional that I could see reaching many. With short chapters and truths that hit home, Across the Lake will help you see Jesus’s time in ministry from a unique perspective and remind you of timeless truths that are still applicable today.

My Rating: ★★★★★

About the Author

Barbara M. Britton is an author of Christian Fiction who loves to bring little-known Bible stories to light. She has taught the Bible in church and schools for thirty years. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website barbarambritton.com.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an Across the Lake book box which includes a paperback copy of Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee, a Hebrews 12:2 Scripture Rock, a necklace with cross and GRACE tag, a print copy of the Shelter in the Night devotional by LoRee Peery, a Philippians 4:13 notebook, and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 26, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 2, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!