Spotlight on 'Anna of Bethsaida' by Susanne Blumer

Happy St. Patrick's Day Bookworms!

Fun fact about yours truly: I found out a few months ago that I have quite a bit of Irish blood in me! Needless to say, this St. Patrick's Day feels a little more special.🍀 I don't really "celebrate" but I also don't like getting pinched either so...💚 Consider this your reminder to make sure you're wearing green! 

I am so thankful that you've stopped by today and I hope you enjoy the spotlight and excerpt from a new Biblical Fiction that has been released today! Also, don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Anna of Bethsaida by Susanne Blumer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Anna of Bethsaida 
Series: The Arimathea Chronicles #2 
Author: Susanne Blumer 
Publisher: Sutton Avenue Press 
Release Date: March 16, 2026 
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Anna believed choosing Andrew meant gaining a home. Instead, she finds herself on the dusty roads of Galilee, under the watchful eyes of hostile Pharisees, walking ever closer to miracles that both heal and unsettle. 

As a healer traveling with Jesus's ministry alongside Andrew, Anna takes her place among the women who follow, forming bonds that offer strength as the journey grows harder. While crowds press close to hear the Teacher's words, a different kind of attention gathers. In Jerusalem, her father Joseph of Arimathea, walks an impossible line within the Sanhedrin, and with each miracle Jesus performs, the net draws tighter around them all. 

The cost of discipleship, Anna discovers, is not counted in miles walked or comforts surrendered. It is measured in the space between what she hoped following Jesus would be and what it actually demands. 

Some journeys test what you believe. 

Some reshape who you become. 

Anna's does both. 

This is Book 2 of The Arimathea Chronicles. Begin Anna's journey from the beginning with Book 1, Anna of Arimathea, where a scarred, isolated young woman discovers healing, first love, and purpose in the footsteps of Jesus.  

Anna of Bethsaida is perfect for readers who love:

• Deeply researched biblical fiction with authentic period detail
• The untold stories of women in the early church - Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and the community that sustained Jesus's ministry
• Love stories tested by faith and dangerous callings
• Political intrigue woven through spiritual transformation
• Character-driven narratives where personal loss intersects with world-changing events

3

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.

13

Spotlight on 'Anna of Arimathea' by Susanne Blumer

Hello Bookworms!

Winter is here, baby, and boy, what an entrance it's making! I live in the southern United States and am currently bracing for a possible ice storm. I had plans this weekend, but it looks like those plans will be postponed, which means more time to relax, try to stay warm, and read!

Today I am shining a spotlight on a Biblical Fiction book with an excerpt from the first book in a new series and an amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours at the bottom of this post. I hope you enjoy and stay warm and safe wherever you are. 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Anna of Arimathea by Susanne Blumer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Anna of Arimathea 
Series: The Arimathea Chronicles #1 
Author: Susanne Blumer 
Publisher: Sutton Avenue Press 
Release Date: December 7, 2025 
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Some wounds are carried in silence. Some healings require more than medicine. 

Eighteen-year-old Anna bears the marks of a childhood tragedy that left her motherless, scarred, and lame. Hidden within the household of her father, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy councilman of the Sanhedrin, her days are measured in herb gardens and healing tinctures, in the steady work of hands trained to help others, and in the quiet safety of a world made small. 

Then Andrew of Bethsaida arrives at her father's gate with urgent business for Joseph and talk of a teacher who calls ordinary people to extraordinary purpose. A fisherman turned disciple, Andrew follows the rabbi Jesus with a conviction that unsettles every long-held expectation—including Anna's own. 

When Andrew's kindness cracks open the door to a larger world, Anna faces an impossible choice: remain in the safety of her father's estate or risk everything for the possibility of healing, love, and a life she never dared imagine. 

Set against the dusty roads and fishing villages of first-century Judea, where miracles unfold and mercy walks among the broken, Anna of Arimathea opens The Arimathea Chronicles—a richly imagined tale of faith, first love, and redemption in the footsteps of the Messiah.  

Anna of Arimathea is perfect for readers who love: 

    Biblical and historical fiction with rich period detail 
    Redemptive love stories that explore the cost of faith 
    Immersive historical worlds 
    Characters who choose courage over comfort  

5

Book Review of 'The Royal Artisan' by Tessa Afshar

Hello Bookworms!

The Queen Esther's Court series continues with The Royal Artisan, a newly published novel that not only captured my heart but also my imagination. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Biblical Fiction and let me know in the comments if you enjoy Biblical fictions. This is a genre that I've really started to enjoy this year and would love any recommendations for future reads.

About the Book

Title: The Royal Artisan

Series: Queen Esther's Court #2

Author: Tessa Afshar

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: November 4, 2025

Genre: Biblical Fiction

"Afshar's writing shines in this brilliant perspective shift on Queen Esther's story."--MESU ANDREWS, bestselling author on The Queen's Cook

Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman's sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place.

Yet her troubles are not over as Haman's sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover the identity of the queen's agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.

Experience the thrill and intrigue of secrets and romance within Queen Esther's royal domain in this biblical fiction tale that will appeal to fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt.

1

Spotlight on 'Survival Secrets' by Lana Christian

Happy Friday Bookworms!

Biblical Fiction has an uncanny way of bringing the Bible to life, and the book I am spotlighting today is no exception. I hope you enjoy a great excerpt from this newly released Biblical Fiction, 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 Survival Secrets by Lana Christian, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Survival Secrets 
Series: The Magi's Encounters #2 
Author: Lana Christian 
Publisher: Scrivenings Press 
Release Date: September 23, 2025 
Genre: Biblical Fiction

On the run from Herod and the Nabataeans, Akilah makes a desperate decision to venture into the unforgiving Wilderness of Paran. To reach Egypt’s safety, his caravan must survive the elements while maintaining their anonymity and protecting the secrets they harbor. Their knowledge of Yeshua is one of many secrets that jeopardize their lives. When calamity tears one Wise Man away from the others, the group’s resolve and newfound faith start to crumble. Farther from their goal of returning to Persia than ever before, they encounter Yeshua’s family again. Its ramifications raise the stakes for their cost of belief in the Hebrew God. 

Two thousand miles away, Akilah’s estranged cousin, Farzaneh, wrestles with the same as she tries to uncover secrets her husband took to the grave when he embraced the Hebrew faith. As life shifts radically for everyone, each person must risk trusting an unfathomable, sovereign God.  

8

Book Review of 'The Ark and the Dove' by Jill Eileen Smith

Happy Monday Bookworms!

I hope you all had a good weekend and had a Happy Father’s Day! Our celebrations were low-key since we weren’t feeling too well over here, not to mention some storms that rolled through that kept us homebound, but it was still a nice, relaxing day at home regardless.

Today I am featuring another Biblical Fiction that my husband actually chose for me to read this year. For those that don’t know, I have been struggling with my mental health this year, and my sweet husband chose some novels from my library that he thought might help.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Biblical Fiction and let me know in the comments if you’ve read any other good Biblical or historical fictions recently that you’d recommend for me.

About the Book

Title: The Ark and the Dove
Author: Jill Eileen Smith 
Publisher: Revell 
Release Date: February 27, 2024
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Zara and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps. It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder.

When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished and the animals have been shut up inside, Zara and her family embark on an adventure that will test their patience and their faith as they await deliverance and dry ground.

Experience the story of Noah and the flood like you never have before. With bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith as your guide, you'll never look at a rainbow the same way again.

0

Book Review of 'Lion of Judah' by Henry O. Arnold

Hello Bookworms!

Henry O. Arnold has been one of those authors whose words have touched my spirit recently. So far, I’ve only read his contemporary fiction, so I was excited to finally have the opportunity to read one of his Biblical fictions.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Biblical/Historical Fiction 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 Lion of Judah by Henry O. Arnold, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Lion of Judah
Series: The Song of Prophets and Kings #5
Author: Henry O. Arnold
Publisher: WhiteFire Publishing
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Genre: Biblical/Historical Fiction

The new king is crowned in triumph…
But his pride proves to be a fatal flaw…
And from out of his own house calamity falls upon him 

Once a shepherd, a captain, and a fugitive, David is now king. He left behind the dangers of life on the run and embraced the comforts of living in the palace. No longer known as the “giant-slayer,” but as the “lion of Judah,” King David enjoys the popularity and prosperity brought on by his victories. 

But peace in the nation of Israel has a double-edged sword. David’s pride subverts his judgment, and his desires overwhelm his heart leading him down a dark pathway. The king will go to any lengths to cover up his crimes, but disaster falls upon the House of David bringing this broken and contrite king to cry out to Yahweh for mercy.  

Lion of Judah continues the tale of triumph and tragedy, deepest love and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice…and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings. 

7

Book Review of 'The Queen’s Cook' by Tessa Afshar

Hello Bookworms!

I am so excited that you're here today and I'm even more excited to be sharing my thoughts on a novel by one of the best Historical Fiction authors out there: Tesssa Afshar.

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

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Queen’s Cook 

Series: Queen Esther's Court #1 

Author: Tessa Afshar 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: November 19, 2024 

Genre: Historical Fiction, Biblical 

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens. 

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance.

8

Book Review of 'Return of the Son' by D.M. Griffin

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

This year has been such a great year for the Biblical Fiction genre and today's featured novel is no exception.  This new release is also by an author that has just now came on my radar and all I can say is wow.  D.M. Griffin, you've got yourself a new fan!

I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this amazing novel 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 Return of the Son by D.M. Griffin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Return of the Son 

Series: The Encounter #4 

Author: D.M. Griffin 

Publisher: Independently published 

Release Date: October 10, 2024 

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Her life was perfect. At least her childhood was. Eve never wanted anything except her father's presence. As a prominent advisor to the evil King Herod, Eve's father was split between his duties to the king and his duties as the only living parent for his daughter. With no heir to claim his family's land, Eve's father did what any loving father would do. He arranged for her betrothal. But this wasn't just any betrothal. Her potential husband was related to the king she despised. With a rough marital journey ahead of her, she tenuously clings to the promises of God. 

Not sharing her father's enthusiasm or respect for the Herodian dynasty, Eve acted like the spoiled child she was upon first meeting her betrothed. With faulty expectations and prejudiced opinions, she did what she would to ruin the marriage before it began. It wasn't until it was almost too late that Eve's eyes were open and she saw the opportunity to experience love for the divine intervention that it was. 

Fraught with political intrigue and personal challenges, would Eve be able to fully surrender to the life God wanted her to live by loving a man she thought she could never love? When that man's shadows chase the family into the future, would Eve's son pay the ultimate price? Or would God intervene there too? Could He? Only a single, unforeseen encounter could answer Eve's impossible question. Does love truly conquer death? 

4

Book Review of 'Brave: The Story of Ahinoam' by Mesu Andrews

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic week so far.  My world is a little discombobulated due to Hurricane Milton heading straight for Tampa Bay, which is where my mom currently lives.  Her and my stepdad were able to evacuate further inland and more north, but with how massive and powerful this hurricane is the entire state of Florida is under the radar.  My heart goes out to everyone that is in the line of the hurricane, as well as those that are still dealing with the fallout from Hurricane Helene.  I can't help but wonder what my mom will come home to and pray for safety for all.

To keep my mind off of all of this insane weather I dove into an amazing series starter that I can't wait to tell you about, so I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this Biblical Fiction and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Brave: The Story of Ahinoam by Mesu Andrews hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Brave: The Story of Ahinoam 

Series: King David's Brides #1 

Author: Mesu Andrews 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: October 1, 2024 

Genre: Biblical Fiction

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a dagger-wielding Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.

Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel's next king?

9

First Line Friday Featuring 'The Ark and the Dove' by Jill Eileen Smith

Happy Friday Bookworms!

I have been in serious bookworm mode this entire month and have been reading some amazing novels, including the novel that I am featuring today for First Line Friday!  I know it's been quite awhile since I've participated, and I couldn't let another Friday go by without sharing my own first line.♥︎

I am participating with Carrie Schmidt at Reading is My Super Power and today I am featuring the first line from The Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith.  

I am also showing off this gorgeous cover today on my Instagram page with a giveaway opportunity from JustRead Tours, so be sure to stop by once you've read the first line from this awesome Biblical fiction here!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Ark and the Dove

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: February 27, 2024

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Zarah and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps.

It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder.

When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished and the animals have been shut up inside, Zara and her family embark on an adventure that will test their patience and their faith as they await deliverance and dry ground.

Experience the story of Noah and the flood like you never have before. With bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith as your guide, you'll never look at a rainbow the same way again. 

0

Book Review of 'And Their Numbers Grew' by Naomi Craig & Donna E. Lane

Happy Monday Bookworms!

Another week and another day closer to Christmas!  This season it's so easy to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday's but it's so important to remmeber why we celebrate in the first place: Jesus.  That's why I'm so excited to be sharing the review I am today!

I hope you all enjoy and have a wonderful Monday!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for And Their Numbers Grew by Naomi Craig & Donna E. Lane, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: And Their Numbers Grew
Author: Naomi Craig and Donna E. Lane
Publisher: Bear's Place Publishing
Release Date: November 7, 2023
Genre: Biblical Historical Fiction

Four lives. Four destinies. One gospel.  

Fans of Mesu Andrews and Connilyn Cossette will love And Their Numbers Grew.  

If you love The Chosen, the story continues in And Their Numbers Grew.

Rumors of the risen Christ spread through Jerusalem like a wildfire—and the Sanhedrin is paying attention. 

Their efforts to stifle the name of Jesus only fuel the cause until a young Pharisee gets involved, breathing threats of imprisonment—or worse. Stephen’s brutal stoning accelerates the persecution and sends the faithful fleeing the city for their lives. 

They are afflicted in every way, but not crushed. As the fledgling church disperses, their numbers continue to grow. Now, the apostles must train the new believers in the ways and words of Jesus—and what it means to live in God's Kingdom here on earth. 

The Kingdom of God spreads to Damascus, Joppa, Caesarea, Antioch, and Tarsus through the testimonies of Ananias, Tabitha, and Barnabas. While an outraged Saul sets out for Damascus to arrest them all, the followers press on fervently, with the help of the Holy Spirit—though it may cost them their lives.  

Four disciples whose lives are intertwined, told in four novellas, chronicling the birth pains of the early church.

13

Excerpt from 'A Divine Romance' by Ifueko Ogbomo

Happy Wednesday Bookworms!

After the week we had last week, with being iced in the entire week, this week has been a flurry of activity as we all try to play catch up.  That's why I'm so excited to step back and take a break for a moment and spotlight an incoming new release from author Ifueko Ogbomo that is perfect for all you Tessa Afshar fans.

Keep scrolling to read an excerpt from this amazing piece of fiction, as well as enter to win to your own copy!!

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Divine Romance by Ifueko Ogbomo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Divine Romance 

Author: Ifueko Ogbomo 

Publisher: InspiroLogos Publishing 

Release Date: February 14, 2023 

Genre: Historical Romance Biblical Fiction 

Hers is the flawless face no man has seen—except her father. 

His is the foreign face everyone reveres—save his family. 

The royal decree that couples this unlikely pair will make or break the history of an ancient empire.

Considered a gift from the sun god due to her arresting eyes, Asenath was veiled in childhood and destined to marry Egyptian royalty. The 17-year-old is resigned to a loveless future in the royal harem, when Pharaoh’s shocking declaration forces her to marry the new vizier of Egypt—a mystical foreigner with powers of divination. 

Known as Zaphnath-Paaneah, her husband turns out to be handsome, charming, and possibly insane since he worships an invisible god and expects her—the daughter of a high priest—to do the same. Facing a fate seemingly worse than that she grew up dreading, she desperately searches for a way out of the arranged marriage. The secrets she uncovers usher her into a world of intrigue and treachery that questions all her beliefs about men, gods, and love. Will theirs be the most monumental mismatch made in Egyptian history, or will her daring demand for a sign from his god make all her childhood fantasies come true? 

Combining original poetry with well-researched history, A Divine Romance is an Own Voices retelling of a beloved Biblical tale that takes readers on a riveting journey through Ancient Egypt and introduces them to a fresh, poetic voice in Christian fiction.

“In a writing style reminiscent of Tessa Afshar, Ifueko Ogbomo spins a breathtaking tale readers won’t be able to put down!”

~ Heidi Chiavaroli, Carol Award-winning author of The Orchard House and Hope Beyond the Waves 

“A Divine Romance that will resonate in our hearts well past the last page.” ~ Toni Shiloh, Christy Award-winning author of In Search of a Prince 

“Gifted storytelling brings an intricate cast of characters to life and portrays the greatest kind of love there is . . ." ~ Jenna Van Mourik, author of Jerusalem’s Daughter 

1

Book Review: Of Fire and Lions

Series: Prophets and Kings

Publisher: WaterBrook

Release Date: March 5, 2019

Genre: Biblical Fiction

0