#SaturdaySpotlight is on Barbara Britton & Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee

Good Morning,

Welcome to our first Saturday Spotlight of 2026 that isn't a Christmas book. I love doing our All Christmas thru Christmas feature but, as with life, it's nice to get back to 'normal' after the holidays LOL!

Our guest today is no stranger to the blog but always brings us a great read and today is no exception. Take it away, Barbara...

Thank you for having me back on the blog, Pam.

My latest book project is different than any other book I have written. My setting is the New Testament instead of the Old Testament. My main character is Jesus which means I can’t expound on dialogue or inner thought. I managed to make one of the stories a romance, but the other stories highlight the love of family members, and the ultimate love of Jesus.

How does a writer add emotion to a story that includes Jesus? I used the disciples and the people Jesus healed to reflect the awesomeness of Jesus.

The shortest book I wrote to date was 50,000 words. This project is half the length, but I wrote six short stories. Another first.

After each story is a reflection from my time visiting the Sea of Galilee in March of 2023. I took copious notes, but if I had realized I was going to write this book, I would have taken more notes. A family emergency called us home after touring the Sea of Galilee. I’m so thankful I had four days in this area of Israel. I hope you enjoy how I shared its impact in “Across the Lake.”

OH Wow, Barb, this sounds amazing! Visiting Isreal is on my bucket list. Give us more please...

Sure. Here's the Blurb: 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.

And an Excerpt: (After the woman bleeding for twelve years is healed by Jesus. Mark 5:21-34)

“Daughter, your faith has healed you.”

 Daughter. Her chest seized on the word her own father had forgotten.

 “Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

 Gone. Her suffering was all gone. She was free to walk among her people and worship God without blame and banishment.

 Jesus eased away and carried on as a runner approached. The man sought the synagogue ruler accompanying Jesus.

 In this moment, she didn’t bother herself with the concerns of the synagogue. The Messiah was here in Capernaum, and she had touched Him and talked to Him.

 Suddenly, she was wrapped in an embrace. Phoebe wept into Lydia’s breast. Her friend clutched her tight.

 Lydia need not fear becoming faint from Phoebe’s embrace, for she was not the frail woman who had hobbled into the crowd. Her skin glowed with health, and she was able to move forthright.

 As she and Phoebe made their way toward their cart, Elon emerged from the shade of the terebinth tree. His cheeks were tear-stained, but his smile rivaled the grandeur of the sea.

 “You saw?” Lydia asked, elation bubbling inside her chest.

 “I saw.” His smile grew. “It was all I could do to keep myself from lifting you into Jesus’s arms.”

 “I’ve been in God’s arms every day since the bleeding started. Some days I forgot that truth, and other days it seemed like my prayers were swept far from God. He reminded me that I needed to hold firmly to my thread of belief. The wise counsel of my friend and my betrothed convinced me to seek Jesus.”

 Elon eased closer. He glanced around before caressing her cheek. “We need to plan a wedding feast.”

 Phoebe giggled. “And fast. The way you two are looking at one another, this tree is going to be set ablaze.”

OH, I LOVE it, Barbara! Thank You for sharing. Now please give us your bio and info on how to connect with you and where to find Across the Lake...

Thanks again, Pam. I am a multi-published author of Christian Fiction. My Tribes of Israel series brings little-known Bible characters to light. You can also travel to Whispering Creek, Tennessee with my sweet romance duology, Christmas at Whispering Creek.

I have a nutrition degree from Baylor University but love to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about me and mybooks on my website barbarambritton.com.

I am also active on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee can be found at Amazon (FREE in KU), in Paperback and Hardcover.

WONDERFUL, Barbara. Wishing you the best of luck and God's blessings on this new release as well as your other works!

Friends, check out Barbara's other visits to our blog HERE.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT