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A Certain Man
Mara is a young Samaritan beginning to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father brokers a match with the cruel son of the wealthy High Priest of Shechem. When her loathsome betrothed is killed, her beloved Samuel must run for his life. Mara and Samuel struggle to survive and reunite during the treacherous and scandalous times of the Bible under the merciless rule of Rome.
Along the way, they are entangled within the snares of such notable figures as King Herod, Herodias, Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Salome.
The heartrending tales of Mara and Samuel are interwoven with their desperate love story. Before either meets Yeshua the Nazarene face to face. Before He sets the political, religious, and spiritual landscape on fire. And before either Mara or Samuel are immortalized in the gospels.
Along the way, they are entangled within the snares of such notable figures as King Herod, Herodias, Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Salome.
The heartrending tales of Mara and Samuel are interwoven with their desperate love story. Before either meets Yeshua the Nazarene face to face. Before He sets the political, religious, and spiritual landscape on fire. And before either Mara or Samuel are immortalized in the gospels.
426 pages, Paperback
Published August 13, 2024
144 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Linda Dindzans
2 books43 followersLinda Dindzans, M.D. is a writer with the heart of a healer who offers her readers stories of redemption and restoration. Though her compelling characters inhabit the treacherous times of the Bible, Linda believes there is nothing new under the sun. The hopes and struggles of her cast of characters still speak to hearts today. And only a profound encounter with the Son transforms her characters from victims to victors.
Linda is also a retired ENT surgeon who has a longstanding fascination with God’s Word and a commitment to in-depth Bible study. She is grateful for this time to lay down her scalpel and pick up her pen as she follows a call to write.
Several times per week, Linda can be found on the pickleball courts but has no aspirations to win a trophy. She is content to supply the comic relief .
Linda and her husband, a fellow physician, have been blessed with three adult children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. Wisconsin is home, but they travel across the world enjoying photography, birdwatching, and singing in choirs.
Linda is also a retired ENT surgeon who has a longstanding fascination with God’s Word and a commitment to in-depth Bible study. She is grateful for this time to lay down her scalpel and pick up her pen as she follows a call to write.
Several times per week, Linda can be found on the pickleball courts but has no aspirations to win a trophy. She is content to supply the comic relief .
Linda and her husband, a fellow physician, have been blessed with three adult children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. Wisconsin is home, but they travel across the world enjoying photography, birdwatching, and singing in choirs.
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January 7, 2025Review to follow
August 14, 2024
Linda Dindzans’ debut novel, A Certain Man, is a heartwarming story of intrigue, love, and redemption. Her fresh and seamless approach to combining beloved parables with believable characters and familiar settings kept me emotionally invested in the story and grounded in the truths of Scripture. Dindzans’ grasp and description of the customs and culture of first-century Judea gives credence to this captivating work of biblical fiction.
From the onset, Mara and Samuel’s love experienced a multitude of twists and turns that gripped my heart. From the first unfortunate blow of the blade of Samuel’s sickle to Mara’s encounter with a mysterious Jewish man at a well in Samaria, this story kept me guessing and turning pages well into the night. I highly recommend A Certain Man. Linda Dindzans is a gifted author to watch.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a review. The honest opinion is my own.
From the onset, Mara and Samuel’s love experienced a multitude of twists and turns that gripped my heart. From the first unfortunate blow of the blade of Samuel’s sickle to Mara’s encounter with a mysterious Jewish man at a well in Samaria, this story kept me guessing and turning pages well into the night. I highly recommend A Certain Man. Linda Dindzans is a gifted author to watch.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a review. The honest opinion is my own.
January 6, 2026
What a soul searching deep read. Following Jesus and listening to him has amazing rewards no matter how deep in sin you are he is waiting arms wide open for you!!! ❤️❤️
July 30, 2024
Even though Mara and Samuel's story is filled with grief and heartbreak, it is an interesting and inspirational story to read. The story has characters with many layers, a plot with surprising twists, and is set in the backdrop of the ancient world of biblical times.
The descriptions of the customs of that time appeared well-researched and kept me engaged in the story from the beginning. The biblical aspects of the story came through well. The story is told from a woman's point of view which I don't always find. Recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
The descriptions of the customs of that time appeared well-researched and kept me engaged in the story from the beginning. The biblical aspects of the story came through well. The story is told from a woman's point of view which I don't always find. Recommended.
I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
September 6, 2025
I really struggled with this book. On the one hand, it was probably fairly accurate with the pagan rituals and the plotline with Herod and Herodias. But, I really struggled with the LGBTQ character and thought it was unnecessary for a Christian Fiction book. The author could have been another reason why Mara divorced her fourth husband. I would have preferred more with Jesus in it and less of a focus on Mara and Samuel before meeting Jesus. It was just really heavy and not very hopeful until the last 20 pages.
June 10, 2025
Linda Dindzans’ A Certain Man is a strikingly heartfelt and vividly imagined piece of biblical fiction. It follows Mara, a Samaritan woman navigating the brutal constraints of her culture, her faith, and her heart during the time of Christ. Told through lush, poetic prose and an unflinching lens, the novel begins with a young love interrupted by betrayal and spirals into a gripping journey of survival, soul-searching, and transformation. With its backdrop of Roman-occupied Judea and familiar Gospel moments reimagined, the story weaves spiritual truths with deeply personal struggles, culminating in a powerful retelling of the woman at the well.
What stood out most to me was Dindzans’ writing. Her style is rich but never overdone, lyrical without losing clarity. She manages to make the ancient world feel immediate. There’s real grit in her characters, especially Mara, who is no porcelain saint. She’s bruised, desperate, fierce—and incredibly human. I felt every injustice, every small joy, every beat of her aching heart. The dialogue is often simple, but it hums with tension and longing. The scenes of violence, particularly those involving Mara’s forced betrothal, are hard to read but so crucial. They ring too true. You don’t just observe Mara’s suffering—you feel pulled under with her.
It’s the ideas that linger. The novel tackles faith, consent, justice, and freedom in a world built to deny those very things to women like Mara. And yet, there’s hope threaded through it all, not in neat resolutions, but in the idea of redemption. The figure of Yeshua appears in glimpses, each one filled with quiet power and startling gentleness. Dindzans doesn’t preach. Instead, she lays bare the deep hunger for mercy and lets the possibility of grace rise naturally. I was especially moved by how she links trauma with spiritual healing, not with platitudes, but through real, painful growth.
A Certain Man is for anyone who loves powerful women, deep questions, and stories that reach beyond their setting to hit something true. It’s especially for readers of biblical fiction who want more than sanitized retellings—this one is raw, brave, and beautifully unsettling. I’d hand it to fans of Francine Rivers or Mesu Andrews, or anyone longing for a story where faith doesn’t erase suffering, but shines all the brighter through it.
What stood out most to me was Dindzans’ writing. Her style is rich but never overdone, lyrical without losing clarity. She manages to make the ancient world feel immediate. There’s real grit in her characters, especially Mara, who is no porcelain saint. She’s bruised, desperate, fierce—and incredibly human. I felt every injustice, every small joy, every beat of her aching heart. The dialogue is often simple, but it hums with tension and longing. The scenes of violence, particularly those involving Mara’s forced betrothal, are hard to read but so crucial. They ring too true. You don’t just observe Mara’s suffering—you feel pulled under with her.
It’s the ideas that linger. The novel tackles faith, consent, justice, and freedom in a world built to deny those very things to women like Mara. And yet, there’s hope threaded through it all, not in neat resolutions, but in the idea of redemption. The figure of Yeshua appears in glimpses, each one filled with quiet power and startling gentleness. Dindzans doesn’t preach. Instead, she lays bare the deep hunger for mercy and lets the possibility of grace rise naturally. I was especially moved by how she links trauma with spiritual healing, not with platitudes, but through real, painful growth.
A Certain Man is for anyone who loves powerful women, deep questions, and stories that reach beyond their setting to hit something true. It’s especially for readers of biblical fiction who want more than sanitized retellings—this one is raw, brave, and beautifully unsettling. I’d hand it to fans of Francine Rivers or Mesu Andrews, or anyone longing for a story where faith doesn’t erase suffering, but shines all the brighter through it.
August 13, 2024
If you want a glimpse into the turbulent times in Palestine during the time of Christ, read this compelling story. Living in Shechem in Samaria, Mara and Samuel, a kind woodworker, eagerly anticipate their betrothal, but are prevented by a string of disturbing events. Instead, Mara’s drunken father schemes to marry her to someone else, while Samuel must flee for his life. His only recourse is seeking sanctuary with the evil, ill-tempered Herod Antipas.
As obstacles pile up, months turn into years. Mara, whose given name was the sweet Tamara—a date palm tree—now identifies more with being Mara—meaning bitter—which, sadly, was her father’s choice name for her all along.
Throughout the tale, effective imagery reflects character moods as well as the cultural flavor and setting. Just the right amount of foreshadowing unfolds surprising but fitting events. The plot was compelling not just because of the action, but because I cared about these characters as real people.
Seamlessly woven into the story are actual people from the Biblical narrative: Yosef (Joseph) of Arimathea, John the Baptizer, Herod Antipas, Herodias, and her daughter Salome, the Good Samaritan, and the woman at the well who meets the Living Water Yeshua (Jesus).
Ms. Dindzans integrates Biblical facts and situations with her imagination filling in the gaps of characters’ lives and plausible motives. It could have happened this way. Though Jesus sometimes speaks words apart from the Biblical context, he acts in accordance with His character.
Above all, this is a love story of two kinds: of a man for a woman, and, even more importantly, of God for His people.
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are my own.
As obstacles pile up, months turn into years. Mara, whose given name was the sweet Tamara—a date palm tree—now identifies more with being Mara—meaning bitter—which, sadly, was her father’s choice name for her all along.
Throughout the tale, effective imagery reflects character moods as well as the cultural flavor and setting. Just the right amount of foreshadowing unfolds surprising but fitting events. The plot was compelling not just because of the action, but because I cared about these characters as real people.
Seamlessly woven into the story are actual people from the Biblical narrative: Yosef (Joseph) of Arimathea, John the Baptizer, Herod Antipas, Herodias, and her daughter Salome, the Good Samaritan, and the woman at the well who meets the Living Water Yeshua (Jesus).
Ms. Dindzans integrates Biblical facts and situations with her imagination filling in the gaps of characters’ lives and plausible motives. It could have happened this way. Though Jesus sometimes speaks words apart from the Biblical context, he acts in accordance with His character.
Above all, this is a love story of two kinds: of a man for a woman, and, even more importantly, of God for His people.
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are my own.
December 15, 2024
A Certain Man is a Biblical fiction/historical romance that takes place in Samaria during Jesus’s lifetime. Samuel and Mara are in love, but Mara’s father is a horrible man, a greedy drunk. He sells Mara to the lecherous son of a high priest. All of Mara’s hope is dashed, but then things turn in Mara’s favor, but against Samuel … then for Samuel, and against Mara. There are SO many ups and downs in this book that I was eager to turn the pages and see what happened next.
Mara and Samuel are both characters that readers can cheer for. I really wanted them to get together. Even though this wasn’t a typical romance, I was still expecting a happily-ever-after ending. Dindzans takes the story where I didn’t expect, not that it isn’t a HEA ending (I won’t say whether or not they get together … spoilers), but it’s definitely not a typical romance story. It took a skilled writer to pull it off so smoothly.
Hope battles disaster, kindness fights cruelty. Dindzans can write some very, very cruel characters, so the tension is sky-high.
Themes of trust in God and the coming of the Messiah weigh heavy in the story without getting preachy. Have I mentioned how skillful Dindzans is?
I loved this book. It’s enthralling and will stick with me a long time. Five stars!
Mara and Samuel are both characters that readers can cheer for. I really wanted them to get together. Even though this wasn’t a typical romance, I was still expecting a happily-ever-after ending. Dindzans takes the story where I didn’t expect, not that it isn’t a HEA ending (I won’t say whether or not they get together … spoilers), but it’s definitely not a typical romance story. It took a skilled writer to pull it off so smoothly.
Hope battles disaster, kindness fights cruelty. Dindzans can write some very, very cruel characters, so the tension is sky-high.
Themes of trust in God and the coming of the Messiah weigh heavy in the story without getting preachy. Have I mentioned how skillful Dindzans is?
I loved this book. It’s enthralling and will stick with me a long time. Five stars!
August 14, 2024
One finds it difficult to believe this is a Debut Novel. Dindzans has written a mesmerizing story that immerses readers into the dangerous New Testament days when a father’s whim held more sway over whom a woman would marry than she did herself.
Readers of the Bible will note specific events in the life of Jesus and even His parables are woven into this well-written story.
Mara, the daughter of a drunkard, is only important to her father for the money he will receive from the bridegroom. Mara wants to marry her neighbor Samuel in two years when he has saved the bride-price. She’ll be fifteen then. Yet events take a terrible turn.
Dindzans’s depth of research transports readers back to Biblical days. Jewish traditions and culture enrich the storytelling.
The book is edgier than I normally read. There is violence and rape but it’s not explicitly shown. There are characters readers will love and others they definitely will not.
I could not put the book down.
I highly recommend this novel to lovers of Biblical novels.
I received a copy of the book from the author or publisher and was not required to leave a positive review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
Readers of the Bible will note specific events in the life of Jesus and even His parables are woven into this well-written story.
Mara, the daughter of a drunkard, is only important to her father for the money he will receive from the bridegroom. Mara wants to marry her neighbor Samuel in two years when he has saved the bride-price. She’ll be fifteen then. Yet events take a terrible turn.
Dindzans’s depth of research transports readers back to Biblical days. Jewish traditions and culture enrich the storytelling.
The book is edgier than I normally read. There is violence and rape but it’s not explicitly shown. There are characters readers will love and others they definitely will not.
I could not put the book down.
I highly recommend this novel to lovers of Biblical novels.
I received a copy of the book from the author or publisher and was not required to leave a positive review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 20, 2024
I just finished this novel and I liked it a lot. The story grabs you from the beginning and doesn't let go. In it both Mara, the heroine, and her beloved Samuel face one trial after another. They encounter many people, not unlike we do in our own lives. Characters that exhibit compassion, dedication, strong faith, wavering faith, revenge, anxiety, treachery, arrogance and deception.
The author beautifully and skillfully weaves biblical characters and customs into the storyline. Many characters take on the persona of different people of the Bible. I really liked this aspect of the story. The last few chapters had me in tears a few times. The ending surprised me in a wonderful way.
I like the rich use of words and the pictures that the author often paints. Metaphor and simile are used frequently and they are for the most part used well. There is more frequent use of simile but some of it, I felt, was distracting to the storyline. I would have liked to see more development of dialogue, or back story, than as frequent a use of simile.
I look forward to reading further books in this series by Linda Dindzans.
The author beautifully and skillfully weaves biblical characters and customs into the storyline. Many characters take on the persona of different people of the Bible. I really liked this aspect of the story. The last few chapters had me in tears a few times. The ending surprised me in a wonderful way.
I like the rich use of words and the pictures that the author often paints. Metaphor and simile are used frequently and they are for the most part used well. There is more frequent use of simile but some of it, I felt, was distracting to the storyline. I would have liked to see more development of dialogue, or back story, than as frequent a use of simile.
I look forward to reading further books in this series by Linda Dindzans.
October 12, 2024
Have you ever read about an intriguing biblical character and wondered about the backstory? I’ve always been curious about one of the most well-known encounters with Jesus. When Jesus meets a woman at a well and asks her for a drink of water, the conversation gets really deep, really fast. When Jesus asks her to get her husband, the woman tells him she doesn’t have a husband. I’m sure she was shocked when Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”
Many times, I’ve found myself wondering what this woman was like. How could she have been married five times? What’s her story? The Bible doesn’t give us many details, but Linda Dindzans has crafted a heart-warming, believable, historically accurate, and fascinating tale of what her life might have been like. The book is filled with plenty of characters that are real and raw, and we get a birds-eye view into the environment surrounding Jesus’ early ministry.
I highly recommend A Certain Man, and I eagerly await Dindzans next book.
Many times, I’ve found myself wondering what this woman was like. How could she have been married five times? What’s her story? The Bible doesn’t give us many details, but Linda Dindzans has crafted a heart-warming, believable, historically accurate, and fascinating tale of what her life might have been like. The book is filled with plenty of characters that are real and raw, and we get a birds-eye view into the environment surrounding Jesus’ early ministry.
I highly recommend A Certain Man, and I eagerly await Dindzans next book.
June 21, 2025
A huge thank you to Linda Dindzans who sent me a copy of this book to read while I recover from knee surgery. I actually started an interest in reading biblical fiction in late 2024. If you are someone who enjoys readibg Mesu Andrews, Angela Hunt, and Tessa Afshar then this is the book for you. This is her first novel so I can't wait to see what she releases in the future!
We are introduced to Mara who has always been unloved by her father and can't seem to even catch a break. A young man named Samuel and his family have always had a soft spot for her and always try to find an opportunity to help her out. When her father arranges for her to marry a disagreeable man Mara is deeply troubled.
However the man is killed but unfortunately for Samuel he must go on the run. Poor Mara is distraught over losing the one person who truly understood her. Although they are separated there is hope that maybe someday they will see each other again.
Overall I enjoyed this novel and found it intriguing. I found the characters to be well drawn out and reading about the details of the scenery was also a pleasure.
We are introduced to Mara who has always been unloved by her father and can't seem to even catch a break. A young man named Samuel and his family have always had a soft spot for her and always try to find an opportunity to help her out. When her father arranges for her to marry a disagreeable man Mara is deeply troubled.
However the man is killed but unfortunately for Samuel he must go on the run. Poor Mara is distraught over losing the one person who truly understood her. Although they are separated there is hope that maybe someday they will see each other again.
Overall I enjoyed this novel and found it intriguing. I found the characters to be well drawn out and reading about the details of the scenery was also a pleasure.
August 16, 2024
This new book is a fascinating blend of fictional details and biblical facts. As I continued to read about Mara's tragic life, I was reminded of another woman who seemed forever doomed to a life without love and happiness. And then, she met the One who promised to supply all of her needs with His Living Water!
I love the twists, turns, and intriguing hints that are seamlessly woven with parables from The Holy Bible. The well-defined characters possess the best and worst traits of mankind, and author Linda Dindzans shares their powerful interactions with people that we already know. including Lazarus, his sisters, Mary and Martha, and a charismatic Nazarene known as Yeshua.
It's hard to imagine that A Certain Man is a debut novel! I was totally invested in this wonderful story and I look forward to the next book in the A Certain Future series.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.
I love the twists, turns, and intriguing hints that are seamlessly woven with parables from The Holy Bible. The well-defined characters possess the best and worst traits of mankind, and author Linda Dindzans shares their powerful interactions with people that we already know. including Lazarus, his sisters, Mary and Martha, and a charismatic Nazarene known as Yeshua.
It's hard to imagine that A Certain Man is a debut novel! I was totally invested in this wonderful story and I look forward to the next book in the A Certain Future series.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.
November 27, 2025
I can't quite finish this book. It's just so long and issues keep repeating themselves. It is well written, and I do feel immersed in the New Testament setting, but I will mention an unsettling spoiler below.
***
This is the story of the woman at the well. I figured that out about halfway through the book. She is forced to marry a wicked man; he dies, she has to marry his brother. He dies, so she has to marry a third brother. Then this third husband is discovered "with" his manservant! There's nothing descriptive, and it was very brief, but it also isn't addressed as sin! It's stated he could be stoned, then his grandmother says to the wife "one day, when you are a mother, you will learn nothing can separate you from the love of a child." Um, I'm going to love my child, but I am not condoning sin in my child's life! And they help him run away with the manservant.
***
This is the story of the woman at the well. I figured that out about halfway through the book. She is forced to marry a wicked man; he dies, she has to marry his brother. He dies, so she has to marry a third brother. Then this third husband is discovered "with" his manservant! There's nothing descriptive, and it was very brief, but it also isn't addressed as sin! It's stated he could be stoned, then his grandmother says to the wife "one day, when you are a mother, you will learn nothing can separate you from the love of a child." Um, I'm going to love my child, but I am not condoning sin in my child's life! And they help him run away with the manservant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
A Certain Man, A Certain Future by Linda Dindzans took me by surprise—in the best possible way. Centered around the woman at the well, this story breathes life into a familiar biblical account with depth, imagination, and grace.
The writing is superb—truly on par with authors like Tessa Afshar. Every sentence feels purposeful and beautifully crafted. You can tell how much research and prayer went into this book, but it never feels heavy or forced. The historical and cultural details serve the story, not the other way around.
What I appreciated most was how fully realized the characters are. The woman at the well becomes more than a moment in Scripture—she becomes a person you care about, root for, and learn from.
If you love biblically based fiction that’s both faithful and emotionally rich, this one is a must-read. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
The writing is superb—truly on par with authors like Tessa Afshar. Every sentence feels purposeful and beautifully crafted. You can tell how much research and prayer went into this book, but it never feels heavy or forced. The historical and cultural details serve the story, not the other way around.
What I appreciated most was how fully realized the characters are. The woman at the well becomes more than a moment in Scripture—she becomes a person you care about, root for, and learn from.
If you love biblically based fiction that’s both faithful and emotionally rich, this one is a must-read. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 4, 2024
Dindzans drops you into Bible Times effortlessly and has you immersed in the love story of Samuel and Mara. Relationships could be tricky in the Bible, and Mara and Samuel do not escape the turmoil of a complicated relationship.
Mara and Samuel must go their own ways and come to grips with the scandal in their lives. Dindzans does a fabulous job of making you care for her characters. When fear and hatred rule in our lives, that is when we need Jesus the most. This story shows how much scarred people need a Savior.
This debut has it all: adventure, romance, and well-rounded characters.
If you're a Biblical Fiction fan, don't miss this debut. There's even more to come from Dindzans.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher, but all opinions are my own.
Mara and Samuel must go their own ways and come to grips with the scandal in their lives. Dindzans does a fabulous job of making you care for her characters. When fear and hatred rule in our lives, that is when we need Jesus the most. This story shows how much scarred people need a Savior.
This debut has it all: adventure, romance, and well-rounded characters.
If you're a Biblical Fiction fan, don't miss this debut. There's even more to come from Dindzans.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher, but all opinions are my own.
August 14, 2024
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. I enjoyed the author's creative writing skills as well as her attention to details that made her characters pop. This is a love story that will pull at the heart strings. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me to story from the beginning. They are connectable and I had no problems relating to them. They made the story easy to read and entertaining as well. There is great growth is great throughout which kept the story engaging. This is a fast paced story, hard to put down story and one you don't want to miss. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to see what is next for this author in the future. I highly recommend this book.
August 20, 2024
If you enjoy Biblical fiction, or even a good story well-told, you will love A Certain Man.
A fictional retelling, filling in all the blanks in the lives of the Woman at the Well, and The Good Samaritan, will leave you in awe of the way the author wove together all the colorful yarns into one cohesive, believable story. Historically well-done from clothing, to occupations, to food, and even the different religious traditions of the times, from pagan, to Jew, to Samaritan, this is a page-turner from the beginning to the end. A beautifully told story of redemption and God’s grace and mercy. Highly recommended. I’m looking forward to more books from this author.
A fictional retelling, filling in all the blanks in the lives of the Woman at the Well, and The Good Samaritan, will leave you in awe of the way the author wove together all the colorful yarns into one cohesive, believable story. Historically well-done from clothing, to occupations, to food, and even the different religious traditions of the times, from pagan, to Jew, to Samaritan, this is a page-turner from the beginning to the end. A beautifully told story of redemption and God’s grace and mercy. Highly recommended. I’m looking forward to more books from this author.
January 20, 2025
A Certain Man ! Is a Must Read!!!
This Book tells on First love in Old Testament In a Small City Shechem. the Good Samaritan is Samuel that Loved Mara is Whole life but Evil pull him away from her. Mara goes thru a life of Hell used by Man over & over married 6 times but loved one only out of loneliness. Her heart still loves & waits for her first love Samuel. Our timing is not always Gods timing but our path is set thru Our Lord Yahweh. This book has a great love story but also Redemption Forgiveness most of All Love !! I love this book made me cry - laugh - forgive !! It is full of Grace !!
This Book tells on First love in Old Testament In a Small City Shechem. the Good Samaritan is Samuel that Loved Mara is Whole life but Evil pull him away from her. Mara goes thru a life of Hell used by Man over & over married 6 times but loved one only out of loneliness. Her heart still loves & waits for her first love Samuel. Our timing is not always Gods timing but our path is set thru Our Lord Yahweh. This book has a great love story but also Redemption Forgiveness most of All Love !! I love this book made me cry - laugh - forgive !! It is full of Grace !!
August 8, 2025
This is the first Linda Dindzans book I have read. I found the first chapter or two challenging in terms of engagement but I am pleased I pressed on and found A Certain Man a good read. Set in biblical times this historical novel gives an excellent insight into the perils of living under Roman rule for everyone... but for women in particular.
Using her extensive historical knowledge, Linda Dindzans draws the reader into the world of Sumaritans living under the cruel governance of the Herodic dynasty and the dominance of their priests. There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader guessing throughout and plenty of strong and interesting characters.
Using her extensive historical knowledge, Linda Dindzans draws the reader into the world of Sumaritans living under the cruel governance of the Herodic dynasty and the dominance of their priests. There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader guessing throughout and plenty of strong and interesting characters.
September 17, 2025
A Certain Man
Wow!!! What a beautiful, wonderful, thoughtful book. I am in wonder of such a beautiful story. All through Samual and Mara’s life, they are tormented with heartache and disappointment. They loved one another even as life tore them apart.
This is the first book I have read of this author, Linda Dindzans. Most certainly it will not be the last. Biblical fiction is my most favorite choice in books. This one will have to be in my top 5 favorites. Thank you Ms. Dindzans for sharing your love of the Bible and would have been so amazing to have met Yeshua in the flesh.
Wow!!! What a beautiful, wonderful, thoughtful book. I am in wonder of such a beautiful story. All through Samual and Mara’s life, they are tormented with heartache and disappointment. They loved one another even as life tore them apart.
This is the first book I have read of this author, Linda Dindzans. Most certainly it will not be the last. Biblical fiction is my most favorite choice in books. This one will have to be in my top 5 favorites. Thank you Ms. Dindzans for sharing your love of the Bible and would have been so amazing to have met Yeshua in the flesh.
July 19, 2024
I love the way the author wove together several Bible stories we're all probably familiar with, fleshing out the characters, giving us more backstory, and bringing other ideas to life, all while staying accurate to the time these events would have taken place. These characters aren't perfect, aren't sinless. But they show us the yearning everyone had for Jesus back then, and still have today. It's a beautiful story of redemption and grace. I look forward to seeing where this author takes us next.
August 11, 2024
When I finished reading A Certain Man, I was left thinking of – and being thankful for – grace and forgiveness. The story of Mara and Samuel moves through heartbreak and difficulty, but always with a thread of hope. I love the way Linda Dindzans weaves in familiar Bible stories and people in a way that works to help me see the stories in new ways, without at all detracting from Biblical truth. In addition to readers of Biblical fiction, fans of all historical fiction will enjoy A Certain Man for the in-depth characters, intriguing plot and the rich details that bring the time period to life. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2024
I thought this was a well told story that grabbed your attention from the first chapter and made you want to keep reading. I thought the author did a good job of giving us insights into what life was like in biblical times. I liked the characters and I cared about what happened to them. I liked how well the author wove a story for us to love.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
September 25, 2024
This is not the type of book I would typically read, but I’m so glad I did. I immediately latched onto the lead characters and despite being written during tough biblical times, I felt a strong connection to lead character, Mara. This is a story of hope and patience and a reminder of how difficult life once was. The pacing throughout the book was executed to perfection and felt realistic. I cannot wait for more from Linda Dindzans!
October 13, 2024
Found a new favorite in this beautifully written book. This is the literal definition of a page-turner. I was so invested in each of the characters, who seemed to walk right off the page, and couldn't wait to see how things ended for each of them. A heart-wrenching story that emphasizes hope in the midst of trials and the One who can renew all things. I am in love and cannot wait for more from this author!
January 25, 2025
If you like Biblical Fiction, this is a must read!!
Not only is the story compelling, and clearly well researched, but the author's weaving of words kept stopping me in my tracks.
Instead of saying "the women couldn't wait to hear more gossip to spread," the author wrote:
"The rumor ravens turned their raptor eyes and sharp beaks, poised to pounce. Snatches of gossip rained down like orange cinders from a fire. Cinders that singed Shamara's heart."
So yeah, read this book!
Not only is the story compelling, and clearly well researched, but the author's weaving of words kept stopping me in my tracks.
Instead of saying "the women couldn't wait to hear more gossip to spread," the author wrote:
"The rumor ravens turned their raptor eyes and sharp beaks, poised to pounce. Snatches of gossip rained down like orange cinders from a fire. Cinders that singed Shamara's heart."
So yeah, read this book!
February 19, 2025
I've visited Israel nine times extensively and researched its history and archaeology and teach at the college level. Dindzans has done great in researching to recreate this world and her characters convincingly. I appreciated her accurate attention to detail and how her characters develop and the narrative builds. Well-done on this book, and I look forward to the coming titles in this series. Dindzans is a very dedicated, talented, and promising author to watch.
February 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this beautiful story blending the parable of “The Good Samaritan” and the “Woman at the Well.” My heart broke over and over for Mara and Samuel, while also rejoicing in the obvious ways that the author showed God’s care and love for each of them. The only thing that kept this book from a solid 5 stars was the ending left me hanging on a few characters/story lines. I’m hoping that means that there will be a book 2 that completes those few story lines.
July 19, 2025
This is another interesting take on the Samaritan woman at the well. Spanning about ten years of her life, we travel with Mara through the woes of five husbands in a time when a female had so few rights and choices and options.
The writing is clean and easy. The story flows well. The characters that are supposed to be sympathetic are, and the evil characters are. Jesus makes a few strategic appearances. As well as Herod, Herodias, her daughter, and John the Baptist.
The writing is clean and easy. The story flows well. The characters that are supposed to be sympathetic are, and the evil characters are. Jesus makes a few strategic appearances. As well as Herod, Herodias, her daughter, and John the Baptist.
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