biblical fiction – Historical Bookworm

March 29, 2026March 29, 2026

Episode 124 The Royal Artisan — Guest: Tessa Afshar

About the Author

Tessa Afshar’s award‑winning novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists and have been translated into thirteen languages. A recipient of the ECPA Bronze Milestone Award, the Christy Award, the INSPY Award, and the ECPA Christian Book Award for her Bible study The Way Home, Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she served as co‑chair of the Evangelical Fellowship.

Born in the Middle East to a nominally Muslim family, Tessa came to faith in Christ in her twenties. She is a devoted wife, a self‑proclaimed mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.

Questions:

Let’s start with something fun. Would you rather read a book series out of order, or watch the movie adaptation before reading the book?
What practices help keep you grounded when life gets crazy?
Do you keep a journal? If so, what journaling practices work for you? If not, what reflective practices do you use instead?
Is there anything especially meaningful you haven’t shared in other interviews—perhaps something God has laid on your heart that you’d like to share with readers?

About the Book

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. 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 that the queen’s agent is Jadon—the man who once left her heart in ruins. But danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, far more than their hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.

A story of intrigue, romance, and faith set within Queen Esther’s royal domain—perfect for fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt.

Questions

Your novel is set during the Persian period when Esther is queen. How did you research the historical and cultural details of Susa to create an authentic backdrop, and what discoveries surprised you most?
Your book blends biblical events with romantic and suspenseful plotting. What challenges did you face in balancing faithfulness to the source material with crafting an engaging fictional narrative that includes mystery?
What do you hope readers take away from this blend of biblical history, romance, and intrigue?
What’s next for your writing?
Tessa, where can listeners learn more about you?

You can connect with Tessa on her Newsletter and on Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram.

July 20, 2025July 20, 2025

Exploring Biblical Legends: Dana McNeely’s Journey through Fiction

Dana McNeely, a passionate writer of biblical fiction, invites readers into a world where ancient Bible stories come alive with adventure, danger, and romance. Despite never visiting the Holy Land personally, she relies on a vast collection of books and videos to authentically bring ancient tales to life. Whether you’re a long-time fan of biblical fiction or new to the genre, Dana McNeely invites you to deepen your faith through the power of storytelling.

Discovering Inspiration in for Authentic Settings

KyLee and Dana discuss how Dana’s Arizona home, with its varied landscapes and desert climate, parallels the vivid settings of her novels. This real-world inspiration bridges the gap between past and present, enriching her storytelling with grounded authenticity.

Beyond the Writing Office

Family traditions, particularly during Christmas, hold a special place in Dana’s heart. She shares how her family gathers to celebrate in grand style, complete with elaborate decorations and nativity scenes collected over the years. These cherished moments with family are a theme reflected in her stories, as well.

The Journey to Biblical Fiction

Dana’s journey into biblical fiction was paved with other genres that just didn’t quite captivate her interest. Her spiritual practices—spending quiet time with the Bible—sparked the inspiration for her writing. The story of the prophet Elijah bringing the widow’s son back to life captivated her imagination, laying the foundation for her debut novel. Her writing endeavors aim not only to entertain but also to inspire readers to explore the Bible themselves, overcoming misconceptions and diving into the source material with renewed curiosity.

A Shift to the New Testament

Dana’s first three books, including Mantle which is featured today, have been drawn from Old Testament stories. For her next project, she steps into the New Testament to tell the story of Anna, the prophetess. Excited to bring to life an older woman’s perspective, Dana delves into a narrative enriched by Anna’s experiences, wisdom, and the unique relationships she forms in the temple.

Connect with Dana McNeely at her website and on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and BookBub. Sign up for her newsletter to receive a free novella, “The Eyes of the Lord,” a prequel that offers more depth to her beloved series.

In the aftermath of Elijah’s fiery ascension, the mantle of prophecy rests heavily on Elisha’s shoulders. Called to shepherd Israel through turbulent times, he faces challenges from rulers, prophets, and even the people closest to him.

Jaedon, who has shadowed Elisha since boyhood, is torn between loyalty to the prophet and his deepening desire to right a grievous wrong. As the young vintner struggles to understand why Yahweh allowed his family’s murders, he considers a step toward revenge that will jeopardize his relationship with the man he regards as an elder brother.

Gehazi, whose faith sometimes flickers, is tempted by the promise of wealth and power. His actions threaten to tear him away from the very blessings he sought to protect.

Meanwhile, Ziva, an innocent girl in the sleepy settlement of Gischala, is swept into a world filled with uncertainty and danger. With unimaginable loss behind her, she struggles to look beyond her grief to find God’s will. It is then she realizes only one path remains.

Faith. Redemption. The cost of leadership. Will the next generation rise to the challenge and uphold the legacy of Elijah, or will they falter under the weight of the mantle?

Bookworm Review

Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle, reviewed by Angela Bell

Listen to the full episode A Bookchat about Of Love and Treason with Jamie Ogle

March 9, 2025March 30, 2025

Exploring the Depths of Faith: Jill Eileen Smith’s Journey Through Biblical Fiction

In this episode we had the pleasure of conversing with Jill Eileen Smith, an esteemed best-selling author known for her biblical novels. Jill has enthralled readers with her series on the Wives of King David and is now set to release a new novel, Dawn of Grace, which navigates through the life of Mary Magdalene, slated for release in February 2025.

Highlights from the Interview

A Writer’s Process: Jill shared her meticulous process of researching and crafting her novels. She uses tools like Scrivener to create detailed character profiles and often spends significant time researching biblical texts to enrich her narratives.