captivating readers and pointing them back to the Bible.
Biblical fiction has become a diverse sub-genre of
historical fiction. A common thread that is found among authors of Biblical
fiction is their desire to share truth through stories. These seven authors are
taking well-known Bible stories and breathing life and imagination into each
one—inspiring readers to rediscover scripture.
Mesu Andrews writes from a deep understanding of
what it means to suffer. In her debut novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell), Andrews follows the story of Job.
Because she has experienced ongoing chronic illness for several years, she
understands what it means to struggle with pain. Her fourth novel, In the Shadow
of Jezebel (Revell), will release in March.
Jill Eileen Smith has a strong interest in the
women of the Old Testament. She is the author of The Wives of King David
series, which follows Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba (Revell). In her new series, Wives of the Patriarchs,
Smith follows four of Israel’s matriarchs. Rachel (Revell), the third book in the series, released last February.
Coming from a diverse background, Tessa Afshar writes Biblical fiction from a unique perspective. Living in the Middle East
for 14 years, Afshar has the ability to convey the customs and culture with
first-hand knowledge. Coming this July, Afshar’s fourth novel, In the Field of Grace (River North),
follows the story of Ruth.
Accomplished author, Lynn Austin, has written
several books, putting good use to her passion for history and archeology. In
her previous Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings (Bethany House),
Austin retold the story of King Hezekiah. Because readers asked, Austin has
recently begun a new Biblical fiction series, The Restoration Chronicles, which
is a retelling of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Return to Me (Bethany House), the first book in the series, is now
available.
Husband and wife duo, Bodie and Brock Thoene, have
written more than 65 books together.With their combined experience and knowledge, they write compelling
fiction that is historically accurate. Their latest book, When Jesus Wept (Zondervan), is the first in The Jerusalem
Chronicles, which centers on Jesus and Lazarus’ friendship. Take This Cup (Zondervan), the second
book in the series, will be available this March.
Regina Jennings’ reimagining of the story of Ruth
and Boaz was originally inspired by a church production. Sixty Acres and a Bride (Bethany House) tells the story of Ruth set
in nineteenth century Texas. Jennings brings a new perspective to this story by
adding twists and subplots to a familiar Bible narrative.
Former bookseller and debut author, Kate Breslin,
will have her first book published this April.Set in 1944, For Such a Time
(Bethany House), is the retelling of the Biblical story of Esther set in World
War II Europe.