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If you could travel back to Biblical times, which portion of the Bible would you want to visit? Barbara Britton’s new novel, Jerusalem Rising, takes us back to the time of Nehemiah. This is the third in the Tribes of Israel series. (Barbara also shared Providence and Building Benjamin with us as they released.) I’m happy to have Barbara visiting today to tell us not only about the story, but a little about herself as well. Before we begin, let’s take a quick look at the story.
When Adah bat Shallum finds the governor of Judah weeping over the crumbling wall of Jerusalem, she learns the reason for Nehemiah’s unexpected visit—God has called him to rebuild the wall around the City of David.
Nehemiah challenges the men of Jerusalem to labor on the wall and in return, the names of their fathers will be written in the annals for future generations to cherish. But Adah has one sister and no brothers. Should her father who rules a half-district of Jerusalem be forgotten forever?
Adah bravely vows to rebuild her city’s wall, though she soon discovers that Jerusalem not only has enemies outside of the city, but also within. Can Adah, her sister, and the men they love, honor God’s call? Or will their mission be crushed by the same rocks they hope to raise?
Welcome back, Barbara! What inspired you to write Jerusalem Rising?
I had taught the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem several times in Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, but I skipped Nehemiah 3:12, where the daughters of Shallum are mentioned as builders of the wall. Women construction workers? This is unusual to see in the Bible. I thought the daughters needed their time in the spotlight. We don’t know how many daughters Shallum had, but I gave him two—Adah and Judith.
That is unusual, but a fun little tidbit to speculate about. Who is your favorite secondary character in this story?
My favorite secondary character is Telem. I haven’t mentioned this anywhere else, but I made Telem the book of Ezra. I placed the triumphs and troubles of the book of Ezra into Telem’s life. Poor guy. Telem is tough and can handle the conflict.
He’d have to be tough! We’d love to know a little about you personally. What is your:
Favorite season? Fall. I love the colors of the trees in Wisconsin. Raking the leaves isn’t as enjoyable.
Favorite writing snack? Dark chocolate.
Favorite movie? Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder.
Favorite vacation destination? Oahu.
Favorite ice cream flavor? Mint chocolate chip.
All the chocolate. 😉 Can you give any hints about what you’re working on now?
I’m working on another Old Testament Bible story. I like to bring little-known Bible characters to light. If a reader learns one new thing about the Bible after reading my books, then I feel I have done my job. It’s amazing how the Bible is new every day.
Some people shy away from Biblical fiction, but if a story can inspire us to dig into the Bible to determine whether or not it’s accurate, we might be surprised at all we could learn! If you could offer a word of encouragement to an aspiring author, what would you say?
I call aspiring authors “pre-published” authors. Never give up on your dream. It took me nine years to get a publishing contract. I amassed over 200 rejections, but I loved writing and every time I sat down to write, I was excited about my story. Find a group of writers to commune with as you go about your writing journey. Professional organizations and writing conferences are wonderful places to meet fellow writers.
Indeed! I enjoyed meeting you this past fall at the ACFW conference. 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to visit with us today, Barbara!
Your turn! Which Bible story/time would you most like to visit, if such a thing were possible?
More about Barbara:
Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and writes Christian Fiction for teens and adults. She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barb brings little known Bible characters to light in her Tribes of Israel series. You can find out about Barb’s books on her website, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Jerusalem Rising Giveaway:
Barbara has generously offered to give away a copy of Jerusalem Rising (winner’s choice of paperback or e-copy). Giveaways are subject to the Giveaway Policy.
I wold love to be able to visit with Martha and Mary. My mother’s pet name for me was Martha, so I would like to find out what we have in common.
Merry Christmas to You and Yours.
Hi Janet,
I think we could learn a lot from Mary and Martha since they were such close friends with Jesus. They ate with Jesus and mourned with him. I’d also like to talk with Martha about the time she was frazzled serving Jesus and the disciples, and was frustrated with Mary. Did they ever discuss that?
Thanks for stopping by.
Merry Christmas to you, too, Janet
Our book club (& I) love Historical fiction. I think I would agree & likewise say 1st Century Israel, as the church is getting started – to be amongst the disciples, Martha, etc. and early Church when Peter delivered his message on Pentecost & they were being sent out to share the Good news.
Thank-you for your gift of bringing the story to life.
Merry Christmas!
Hi Julia,
Merry Christmas! Thanks for joining us. Pentecost would be an exciting time to hear thousands of people speaking different languages. I wonder what Peter sounded like? Loud booming voice? And the Holy Spirit’s wind would be awe-inspiring.
Merry Christmas!
The Bible time I would most likely to visit is the time of Solomon when Isreal had so many years of peace. He often wonder what it was like for Solomon to govern the nation of Isreal.
I have never read any of your books, Barbara, but I am definitely adding them to my to be read stack.
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for joining us. Merry Christmas! Solomon is an interesting king .I would like to interview him about his family life too. Having David and Bathsheba for parents must have been fascinating.
I would like to visit the time of Ruth and Naomi. I’m sure it’s quite a challenge to write Historical Biblical. Thank you for the giveaway opportuniy.
Hi Perrianne,
It takes a lot of research to do Biblical fiction. An author not only has to think about the story, but they also have to think about theology. Yikes! The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of my favorites. Ruth is loyal to her mother-in-law and finds love with Boaz.. Thanks for joining us and Merry Christmas.
If it were possible, I would travel in time to visit with Naomi & Ruth as well as Esther, Mary Mother of Jesus and the woman by the well in Samaria where Jesus revealed who He was to her. I am fascinated by these amazing women in Scripture whose life of faith created a difference for God’s kingdom. They may seem small, obscure, or unimportant but, Jesus saw them so much more differently! As a woman, I am grateful Jesus did that!
Hi Diane,
You picked some amazing women to visit. I would like to know what happened with Esther and Xerxes after she saved her people.
There are so many stories in the Bible where God used women to do difficult and triumphant tasks. Thanks for joining us.
Merry Christmas!
I would like to be at the feeding of the 5,000. I bet that fish and bread lunch was delicious!
Hi Dianna,
What a miracle to experience. Those listeners didn’t have a McDonalds in close proximity. I’m with you. The food must have been fabulous. Thanks for sharing with us.
Merry Christmas!
Dark chocolate was one of my favorite snacks too! I think I’d most like to visit with Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Or even Abigail. There are so many great people of the Bible it’s hard to narrow it down.
Hi Becky,
Great choices–including the dark chocolate. Abigail has always fascinated me. Who wouldn’t want to be called beautiful and sharp for everyone to read! We don’t know how she ended up with Nabal. Poor woman. Thanks for joining us.
Merry Christmas!