A Certain Mercy

by Linda Dindzans

“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”Those stones are meant for Zara—the woman dragged through the dusty streets of first-century Jerusalem by the religious leaders— a woman condemned to die for adultery.

Trapped in a loveless marriage to Joram, a ruthless gambler, Zara finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have—Auriga Maximus, the famed charioteer enslaved by her husband. What begins as stolen glances ignites into forbidden passion—and when their secret is exposed, Zara faces death by stoning.

But in her darkest moment, standing before an angry mob in the Temple courts, a Galilean teacher named Yeshua offers her something she never mercy.

Spared from execution but shattered by shame, Zara must navigate a treacherous world of political intrigue, religious persecution, and her own haunting past.

From the opulent danger of Herod’s court to the quiet refuge of Bethany, from the shadow of the Cross to the glory of the Resurrection, A Certain Mercy weaves a powerful story of forbidden love, devastating betrayal, and the transforming grace of Christ.

Perfect for fans of Biblical Fiction like the works of Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt, A Certain Mercy invites you to walk the ancient streets, feel the dust rise beneath your feet, and witness a mercy as alive today as it was 2,000 years ago.

Experience Zara’s story of Redemption. Read A Certain Mercy today.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Biblical Fiction

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

Linda 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.

Reviews

[Delores Topliff]

Excellent historic research, memorable characters that live. This is a very worthwhile book readers will remember for a long time.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars does not do this remarkably written book justice, but suffice it to say that this book earns all of the stars and kudos. Taking place during much of Jesus’s ministry and including His crucifixion, this novel tugged at my heartstrings and my soul’s longing to have lived and walked with the Messiah on earth. The fictitious characters in this book do just that and are portrayed so realistically that they stepped out of the pages and right into my heart. Zera, Barid, Theo and others were relatable and flawed, just as all humans are. Zera’s story is one of great fear and turmoil as she is married to a man who belittles her and wants to use her money for his vices. The evil that Joram plans for Zera turns into blessing when she meets Jesus. The entire story is a blessing to read and I don’t want to go into a lot of detail about the plot since I encourage others to read and see for themselves how Biblical truth is woven deeply into the tapestry of the fictional story. The novel is totally absorbing, a fast read and one that would make a great gift or as a novel for a discussion group to consider. Those who are familiar with the Bible will recognize the characters like Lazarus and Simon and, like me, will enjoy seeing their humanity portrayed so well in a fictional book. This novel is pure enjoyment from beginning to end, with biblical history and personal drama all wrapped around the central story of the influence that Jesus had on the lives on people that He met. This is a novel that begs to be read, discussed and pondered upon as I considered what would I do if I were Zera. Thought-provoking and skillfully plotted, this book is not to be missed by fans of historical Biblical fiction.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Barbara M. Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Dindzans creates a compelling story about the forgiveness Jesus gives to the woman caught in adultery which Dindzan's names Zara/Zera.

Zara's husband manipulates their relationship in order to get his wife's money. Zara is caught in a scheme of deception and gives in to the passion she thinks a charioteer reciprocates. When Jesus offers her forgiveness, her life is changed.

The story takes us on the road to redemption and forgiveness for Zara whose name is changed to Zera, and another character, Theo, who Dindzans introduces the reader to in her first novel.

Zera follows Jesus and receives a second chance to right wrongs and find true love again. The story is set during Jesus's passion and resurrection. The forgiveness, power, and compassion of our Savior shine through. You will meet other important people in the Bible.

Dindzans expertly weaves action, emotion, and faith threads through this redemptive story.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

One of the reasons I enjoy reading biblical fiction is how the authors help me see the stories and people of the Bible – which I have known & loved since I was a toddler – in fresh ways and from a different perspective. And I think sometimes when we’re raised in church and in a family that makes Biblical literacy a priority, we can be SO familiar with the stories that we don’t stop to put ourselves in the sandals of those very real people who traveled with Jesus, those who loved Him, those who were transformed by Him. It’s easy to forget that human nature is still basically the same as it was when Adam and Eve first sinned, so when we read the Bible we can tend to be somewhat removed from the stories and characters. But, chances are, if WE would feel a certain way in that situation the Old Testament or New Testament people we’re reading about would have too.

All that to say… Linda Dindzans does a wonderful job in A Certain Mercy of crafting a compelling look at the last months of Jesus’ ministry, one that uses fiction to personalize the facts (while still staying true to the Bible) so I could FEEL the stories emotionally and not just spiritually or academically. This approach helped the woman caught in adultery, the man rescued by the Good Samaritan, and a host of other familiar men & women (including Mary, the mother of Jesus) become deeply relatable to me in ways I hadn’t considered before. Zara and Theo’s respective transformations in this novel are beautifully reflective of the redemptive work of Jesus in our own lives, and it was truly heartwarming to follow their fictionalized journeys of grace. By penciling in a name for the previously nameless, Dindzans brings them vibrantly to life and ensures you’ll never again read their Gospel accounts in quite the same way.

Not only did I really feel the emotions of these characters, but Dindzans has also clearly done her research on first century Israel and easily transports us there by writing for the senses. I could hear the buzz (and sometimes a roar) of conversations, smell the bread cooking, feel the ground rumble during the chariot races, see the colorful textiles, and taste the figs as I turned the pages of each scene. I loved too how Dindzans filled in some of the blanks that the Gospel writers left for us with ‘possibilities’… insights or connections that we can’t know for sure but were really touching for me to consider anyway. She does this really well all throughout the novel, but the most moving example for me is when Zara is brought before Jesus after being caught in adultery and He – oddly – writes in the dirt. I’ve always wanted to know what He wrote, and I can’t even begin to tell you how much I hope it was what He writes in A Certain Mercy. (And honestly I wouldn’t be at all surprised if that’s super close to what He actually wrote because it would be just like Him… no, it IS just like Him, according to Revelation 2:17.)

Bottom Line: A Certain Mercy by Linda Dindzans is an engaging novel that invites readers to slow down and ponder the well-known accounts of the Gospels anew through the power of story and thoughtful imagination. By giving possible names, backstories, and emotional texture to these familiar encounters with Jesus – stories that many of us have heard since we were in utero – the author reminded me that the people who met Jesus weren’t storybook figures or saints on an unattainable pedestal; they were broken, hopeful, fearful, longing humans… just like us. Dindzans writes with both reverence and imagination, the sights, sounds, and quiet in-between moments pulling me right into first-century Israel alongside those who followed Jesus as He walked this earth. The dialogue becomes narrative a bit more than I’d like, but overall it’s very richly written and I stayed engrossed in A Certain Mercy from beginning to end. Perfect for fans of The Chosen!

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Lisa M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The biblical story of the woman to be stoned who was brought to Jesus is one that most everyone is familiar with. Most of the western world educated in the Bible know her sin and know the mercy she received. But what did Jesus write in the sand by her? What was her story that led up to that point? Her thoughts when thrown to his feet? What did she do...next?

Linda Dindzans explores that and more in her next installment of the A Certain Future series with the character of Zara. Trapped in a loveless and childless marriage, Zara is desperate to be seen. Even if it's through a forbidden love. One night changes everything for her forever...in ways beyond her wildest nightmares...and dreams.

Follow Zara in a beautiful redemption story filled with grace and mercy. Along the way you will revisit characters from book one A Certain Man, including Theo who goes on his own redemption arc side by side with Zara.

While I may not 100% agree with some liberties taken from the biblical account (like the role of Zera washing Christ's feet with her hair), it didn't detract from the overall message.

5 STars for this story. I didn't want to put it down and I enjoyed exploring where it may go next in the series.

*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars rounded to 5

A Certain Mercy is the first book I have read written by Linda Dindzans. It was an intriguing look at the end of Jesus’ life. This biblical fiction was a great way to delve into the Bible on a deeper level and see what things might have been like.

The story is about Zara, the woman who is found in an adulterous relationship, who is brought before Jesus. She receives forgiveness from Jesus. But that is not the end of her story.  In this story, we get to see how the interaction with Jesus changed her life and how she followed him.
Linda has created such an interwoven story. We get to see so many bible stories come to life in one book. While also seeing the impact the miracles might have had on the people.

There were times when I found myself a little bit lost in the story. Linda uses the Hebrew names for characters, so Yeshua for Jesus, Miriam for Mary,  etc. That did throw my brain off a little bit. I did appreciate and love the amount of research that Linda Dindzans clearly did in creating this beautiful story that brought the bible to life. If you love biblical fiction, do not miss this story.    

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author.  A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Jenny Carlisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine living in the same time and place as Jesus. This book helps to bring to reality things that are so hard to fathom. We meet people like Mary and Martha, Lazarus, and even Jesus' mother. The main character puts a face to an un-named person. Her struggles are not much different from our own. The book includes a description of Jesus' crucifixion, which is hard to read, but impresses on us the suffering he endured for us. This author does a wonderful job with biblical fiction.

[Stephanie Mccall · Rating 4 out of 5]

After enjoying A Certain Man, I dove straight into A Certain Mercy. I feel safe saying it surprised me at every turn. For instance, Zara's pivotal moments with both sin and Jesus happen in the first third of the book. So I asked, "Okay, what are we doing for the next several hundred pages?"

As it turns out, Linda took those several hundred pages and gave me a richly detailed story. That story is both familiar and faithful to Scripture. Yet it "fills in the blanks" of Scripture in ways I didn't expect. Namely, I had never thought to ask, "What happened after the events of Jesus' parables, for the players, if they were real people? What happened after the encounter with Jesus for people like Zara?" Linda answered these questions and others with utmost care.

Specifically, Zara is a much deeper, more complex person than most retellings make her character--and I've read at least one great one. In A Certain Mercy, she instantly loves and is grateful to Yeshua--but she struggles with temptation and extremely human emotions. The trauma she endured is handled gently, but up close and personal. In the best way, I was never sure where her particular arc was going, what a "happy ending" would look like for her, if indeed one existed. (Well, with Yeshua involved, the answer is "yes," but His version of a happy ending is not always the human one, so yes, it's still complex).

Speaking of complex, Theo is one of the most complex heroes I've encountered so far this year. Not to spoil his story from A Certain Man, but let's just say, he seems like a character whose arc would be pretty simple. A Certain Mercy took what existed and expanded it so Theo becomes a sympathetic, flawed, and ever-growing person. For example, the discussions he has about forgiveness and hatred could easily have gotten preachy. Instead, they're presented as things every human deals with in some way--things they must deal with if they intend to follow God and serve Him well.

And yes, I'm going to say it: I applaud Linda for spending so much time on the growth of a disabled character and giving him so much development. In particular, with Theo, she achieves the balance of a disabled person dealing directly with grief and bitterness, while also building a life of trusted, beloved people, a niche where he fits, a personal landscape that makes room for what he needs, but also what he wants. I found his final decision particularly touching, but not saccharine. If anything, I nodded along and said, "Yeah, I've been there. I have to make a similar decision every day."

As with A Certain Man, the secondary characters are great too, but as with many books like Mercy, I hesitate to call them secondary. Yeshua and Lazarus are the big two, of course, and Linda makes them both their own characters and beautiful portrayals of the real people. The same can be said for Miriam (Mary, Mother of Jesus), Martha, Thomas, and several others. I especially loved how these characters were given several scenes "beyond" the Biblical texts in which they feature, so I could see more of who they were growing to be.

The plot of A Certain Mercy runs a little long and sometimes feels oddly paced, which I'll get to. Overall though, it's deftly written and speaks to Linda's love of Scripture and the surrounding culture. I can't go into much of the plot without spoilers, but I will say, I was amazed at how she brought so many "minor" Biblical characters together and gave them fictional, but entirely probable, connections. In a fairly subtle way, this speaks to how similarly, yet how personally, Yeshua affects everyone who meets, believes in, and loves Him.

As noted, A Certain Mercy is a little long. I might not have noticed, except that about 2/3 through, Zara disappears for several chapters on end. This isn't exactly a problem since she's sharing the page with Theo, Auriga, and several "big" Biblical characters. Yet I found myself asking, "Where did she go? I have unanswered questions." Something similar happened with the reintroductions of Yonah, Samuel, and their closest family and friends. I loved seeing them again, but sometimes wondered, "Does this subplot need to be here? I know Linda was going for Biblical epic, but..."

Add in the fact that the novel as a whole leaves some questions unanswered, when they were set up to be important, and I did get a bit pulled away from the story at times. However, as with A Certain Man, these are fairly minor notes (and, great news: I noticed the editorial mistakes went way down in this book). These observations might not affect others as they did me, and even if they do, A Certain Mercy is still a great story. I hope Linda Dinzandis sticks around and gives us several more books!

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Certain Mercy is a work of historical biblical fiction that follows Zara, a neglected wife in first-century Jerusalem, as she is drawn into a dangerous attachment to Auriga Maximus, her husband’s slave charioteer, while the story also moves in the shadow of Yeshua’s ministry and the moral weight of mercy, forgiveness, and redemption. The book sets personal longing against a larger sacred story, and that contrast gives it its shape and tension. Zara, Auri, Joram, Reah, and Yeshua all occupy that world in different ways, and the novel makes clear from the start that this is not just romance in costume. It is a story about desire, conscience, and what mercy might mean when people have already made a mess of things.

I enjoyed how earnest the writing feels. Author Linda Dindzans is clearly writing from conviction, and I think that matters here. The prose often leans into a formal, biblical cadence, and while that took me a little time to settle into, it eventually felt like part of the book’s atmosphere. There is a lot of emotional directness on the page. Zara’s loneliness is not subtle. Her hunger for tenderness, her shame, and her self-justifications are all laid out in full light, and that candor gives the novel a steady emotional pulse. I also appreciated how Reah functions as more than a side character. She becomes a moral counterweight, a witness, and sometimes the plainest voice in the room, which the book needs.

Dindzans says in her author’s note that she wanted to stay close to what people in that time would have known, feared, and misunderstood before the resurrection and before the Gospels were written, and that intention comes through. The novel is interested in doubt as much as belief, and in the gap between hearing truth and living it. That gave the book more texture for me. It treats mercy as something costly, almost abrasive at times, because it has to rub against betrayal, pride, fear, and wounded love. That part felt grounded. Even when the novel moves toward the openly redemptive, it has earned enough pain along the way that the theme does not feel pasted on.

I would recommend A Certain Mercy most strongly to readers who enjoy Christian historical fiction, biblical fiction, and character-driven stories that take faith seriously without losing sight of human weakness. Readers who like immersive period detail, moral tension, and stories that place intimate human drama beside the life and teachings of Jesus will probably find a lot to appreciate here. For me, the book worked best when it trusted that old, difficult truth at its center: people can be tangled, wounded, and very wrong, and still not be beyond mercy.

[Joianne Pettigrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

God’s Word gives us everything we need to know to live our lives pleasing to Him. It does not give us daily details in the lives of the people we meet in the Bible. That is not a “need to know”. God gives us the “need to know”. Linda Dindzans adds fictional aspects to make the story come to life in our mind. She adds Biblical Characters that may or may not have had input into this woman’s life along with characters that are purely fictional. In this book we read possible circumstances in the life of the woman referred to as the “woman caught in adultery”. She was obviously caught in willful disobedience. That is not glossed over but Jesus did not condemn her. We have a Woman lost in her sinful lust for a man who was not her husband. When caught, she knows her sin and assumes she will be stoned to her death in accordance with Hebrew Law. Jesus may not have condemned her but she condemns herself. The book walks us through the months of self condemnation and shame. The book does nothing to abscure the fact of sin but does paint circumstances that leade us to feel compassion. Compassion not condemnation is what God wants us to demonstrate. God will deal with sin. I believe you will find the book worth the read. I can imagine using the book in a small group of Christian women. As leader, my goal is two fold. First, we never know the circumstances in the life of those around us. Circumstances do not lessen the guilt of sin but do help us to understand. Second, how do I respond and how would God have me respond.

[D.M. Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brutish husband, temptation, and grievous sin open the pages of Laura Dindzans’ book A Certain Mercy, second in her A Certain Future series. Well-paced with a concise handling of prose, this book sheds imaginative light on God’s mercy. A familiar biblical scene springs to life with depth and impact, setting the foundation for the book in the first few chapters. A sinister plot slowly unfolds, taking the narrative in a gripping direction.

Layered characterizations highlight human struggles and circumstantial difficulties. This story takes you into the thrill and terror of chariot races, the power and oppression of royalty, and the depravity of sin. Plenty of known Biblical figures make cameo appearances, some more involved than others, as ‘found family’ and ‘restoration’ tropes hum in the backdrop of the plot. Themes waver between temptation, morality, judgment, mercy, and grace.

Not a light read, this story possesses depth, inviting spiritual reflection into the darkest parts of human nature. Yet, it leaves readers with illumination and heart-warming satisfaction. A reminder that God is good overarches the story. Reading this book offered me a new appreciation of grace. Fans of biblical fiction should add this to their TBR pile.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Rebecca Tellez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often in Scripture there is person mentioned that has no name and is mentioned only in one passage. But that person is not just there for a quick glance. They are mentioned for us to learn about mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Such is the woman caught in adultery that Jesus saved from stoning. Linda Dindzans has given us a beautiful story of that woman, how she might have ended up in that situation and what happened to her after her encounter with Jesus. The author’s thorough research is evident in her ability to transport us to first century Jerusalem through the pages of this story. This story is a lesson for us all that temptation is never far away but so is hope and mercy in the One who has the power to transform and renew us. I still find myself pondering this story and lessons learned as I read Zerah’s story. I highly recommend this story to anyone who has struggled with choices that ended up being the wrong ones. You will find hope in the One between these pages.
The author has also included maps and a list of characters that I found helpful.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Certain Mercy is the second book in the A Certain Future series. The previous book A Certain Man was one that I enjoyed reading very much! A Certain Mercy was just as wonderful and brings on an important message of not judging someone for their mistakes. I will say there was a good amount of character development in the story and I was quite impressed with the impact.

We are introduced to Zara who has been married to her husband for a couple of years. However, he is more interested in gambling and consorting with his mistresses than with her. She seeks comfort in the arms of another man and of course is caught. From there she is taken to the temple to face a stoning.

However, in a twist of fate Zara's life is spared when teacher named Yeshua decides to intervene. Zara then embarks on a journey of being shown mercy and given the confidence to move forward with her life. Overall this was a very uplifting novel

[Lisa LARSEN HILL · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Certain Mercy is a moving, thoughtfully written, and researched story that invites readers to sit with questions of compassion, justice, and grace. Rather than offering easy answers, the novel explores the complexities of human relationships and the quiet, often costly nature of mercy.

What stayed with me most in A Certain Mercy were the characters. They felt real—flawed, thoughtful, and deeply human—allowing the characters’ struggles and inner lives to unfold with authenticity. I found myself caring about their choices even when those choices were difficult or uncomfortable.

The writing is reflective and sincere, drawing the reader into situations that feel both intimate and universal. Themes of forgiveness and moral responsibility are handled with care, encouraging reflection long after the final page. This is a meaningful and compassionate novel that rewards readers with depth, heart, and honest storytelling.

[Rachel Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled right into this book, from the first page, and it made the world of the Gospels feel vivid and real.

The story imagines the backstory of the woman caught in adultery, and I found the author’s take both heartbreaking and compelling. Seeing how her life might have intersected with familiar figures like Lazarus and the Good Samaritan made the biblical world feel connected and alive. The plot moves quickly, but it’s clear the author did her research. The cultural details felt rich and authentic, and I enjoyed learning more about this time period.

I do wish I’d read the first book in the series before starting this one, and at times I wanted a deeper dive into the characters since the story is very plot-driven. Still, this was an engaging, immersive read that brings a familiar gospel moment to life in a fresh way. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys biblical fiction grounded in history and faith.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot I can say to recommend A Certain Mercy. This novel is well-researched, well-crafted and well-written. What I like best about it is how mercy transforms the main characters—and not instantaneously, but realistically. I found myself thinking about Zara as I read the novel and after I finished it, especially about the choices she made. I struggled initially with her deliberate wrong and life-altering decision. And even after she is mercifully saved from the punishment she deserves, she continues in some of her wrong thinking—just like the rest of us, I guess. A Certain Mercy is more than a good story. It is a word-picture lesson in mercy, and one that sticks with you after you reach the end.
I received an advanced copy of this book, but the review is my honest opinion. I enjoyed it so much I purchased a copy to share with friends.

[Lori Parrish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story of Jesus mercy and grace.
Only one thing I don't understand is why the letter f was substituted with hyphens. This is the only author I have seen do this. Almost makes the story hard to read! I understand that it's an Arc but goodness at least include the whole word please.
I however loved the storyline and the characters. Especially Jesus. I love reading about Him and getting to know Him better.
4 stars for the reasons I stated above. I'll reread the book when it's published because I love Biblical fiction.
The hope and grace that Jesus offers is fantastic. Im glad I know Him. Id be nothing without Him.
Except for the left out letters thanks for another wonderful story Linda. I loved every minute.

[The Bookish Pilgrim · Rating 4 out of 5]

You married for love: a rich, powerful man in Herod's court, a relative of the monarch. The first few years are blissful: you are so much in love, you can't have enough of each other... But slowly things begin to crumble: you remain childless, your husband has a new love: gambling that keeps him from you and your cold bed. You've ended up with the ashes of a once beautiful life.

Your husband won't divorce you: he loves your wealth too much...He flaunts the man you're secretly in love with before your eyes. You succumb and descend into your worst nightmare. Joram surprises you in your lover's arms and you are hauled up before the rabbi. A test to see if this upstart will condemn you.

Inexplicably, he begins writing in the dust. Pressed, he delivers his verdict. Slowly, your would be accusers leave, one by one, leaving you face to face with your Messiah.

This is Zara's (now renamed Zera) imaginary back story. Dindzans has taken a well known event from the Bible and woven a fantastic tale of greed, attempted murder, blackmail, chariot racing, gambling, hunting down a person to kill, against the Judean backdrop of a lowly Rabbi preaching, teaching, healing, casting out demons and proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

You see Zera develop in her faith and trust in Yeshua as she follows him. Zera's friends too develop and grow in their faith.

There are shades of Ben Hur's chariot race reproduced here. The novel is fast paced and well plotted, but the writing at times felt rather flat, especially when it irresistibly reminded me of the The Last Days of Pompeii. At times, it was rather ponderous, plodding 19th century style of writing, telling you the obvious, with faint moralizing overtones, rather than letting it flow easily from the story itself.

The story line is gripping and it's a page turner, but the writing style at times let me down. Still, it's a great story and one you will likely enjoy if you're a lover of biblical fiction as I am..

I was given an ARC to read and this is my personal opinion.

[Laura DeNooyer-Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Linda Dindzans has a beautiful way with words. From the dialogue to the fresh, strong imagery that immerses me in the setting, I really enjoyed this journey of Theo, Zera, and the rest. You’ll feel like you’re at the chariot races, or on the dusty road between Bethany and Jericho. Theo and Zera have great, believable character arcs, and I love how those wrapped up on the very last pages. Even though I’m very familiar with the events of Passion Week, this story had me guessing about how events were going to influence these unique characters, considering all their concerns and connections. Despite unlikely instances where Zera seemed to have more spiritual insight than the clueless disciples, this compelling story kept my attention throughout and is definitely worth reading.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very intrigued by this book's premise. Almost everyone knows the story of the woman caught in adultery who is thrown at the feet of Jesus. The author composes a story about her in this book. Zara/Zera is trapped in a loveless marriage. She starts to desire forbidden moments with her husband's slave. One such moment changes her life forever. Yeshua and His messages of love and forgiveness lead her down a new path. A path that offers a chance at real love.

There are many other interesting characters in the book. Theo, who represents the man who was beaten and robbed and saved by Baird, the innkeeper. Herodias plays a significant role too. I like the prevalent theme of forgiveness.

This is the first book that I've read by this author. I look forward to reading more by her!

[Amy Anguish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed this story even more than the first in the series.
Dindzans writes with grit and grace, weaving beautiful images to help the reader picture how things may have looked during Jesus's time. By getting into her characters and their stories, it gives the reader a different perspective and way of thinking about Bible stories we've read many times before. While these are imagining, it is easy to think things might have really happened this way. The history comes to life, and you feel like you were there. I look forward to seeing how she wraps up this series.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Certain Mercy by Linda Dindzans
Release Date December 9,2025

This is my first read by this author. And I was very impressed. The writing was exceptional. She made me feel like I was one of the characters in her books with the description. The characters were written very strong. I felt I was there!
I’m glad I read it at this time of year. Made me feel extra close to Jesus.

If you love a good Christian read, then I highly recommend this book!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the first book in the “A Certain Future” series, Linda Dindzans keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end with a compelling story line. The well-drawn characters feel authentic and stay true to themselves throughout. The reader is offered new insights and is
prompted to consider more deeply some of history’s most momentous events. With her descriptive prose and well-paced plot, the author has absolutely made the scriptures come to life.

[Sarah Freymuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Certain Mercy transports us deep into the 1st century and introduces us to a cast of living characters. Linda has well researched and thought out this novel, and she draws you in from the first scene. Linda is a storyteller, and brings a fascinating new way to see the steps of Jesus and those who were around Him.

[Cindy Pye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a page turner. I love the way Linda weaves fictional characters and their lives with Biblical historical facts. It brings everything to life in a way that I can't help but be immersed in the story she writes. The love, forgiveness, and mercy of Jesus are evident in Him and those who believe He is the Messiah and accept Him as such. Reading this book is a blessing.

[DEBBIE AGUILAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love & Grace , Redemption All in This Book !!

If Ever You have Tried to forgive someone An just had a hard time . This book shows you how like Jesus walks you thru it. Redemption & Forgiving yourself can be very hard. By The time I read both books in series . I forgive my self of past sins & learned not all heartship are our fault . A True Blessing !!!

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Certain Mercy…A Specific Story

Excellent novel. Well-researched & well-written. It was a hard book to put down as one chapter made you want to read the next. There is much to know about Jesus & other biblical characters, their stories & situations. I’m appreciative of authors who can create the fiction around the truth of what could have been.

[Mr John Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great sequel

Enjoyed the first book A Certain Man and so was pleased to read this, the sequel, with new characters, whilst connecting with those from the last book. The focus was on the woman taken in adultery and her total restoration as a follower of Jesus. Well written and I hope Linda will consider writing more biblical novels.
Penny Callaghan

[R.j. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very nice book. While I won’t give it to my 13 year old daughter yet, I do recommend it for adults. Fans of Tessa Afshar and Mesu Andrews will enjoy this author.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Katrina Hamrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Certain Mercy will transform you back in Biblical time, where you will be walking, living, experiencing the exciting time hearing of a man (Yeshua) that can heal the blind, lame, and even bring the dead back to life! A book so beautifully and skillfully written by my new favorite author.