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The Arimathea Chronicles #1
Anna of Arimathea
Some wounds are carried in silence. Some healings require more than medicine.
Eighteen-year-old Anna bears the marks of a childhood tragedy that left her motherless, scarred, and lame. Hidden within the household of her father, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy councilman of the Sanhedrin, her days are measured in herb gardens and healing tinctures, in the steady work of hands trained to help others, and in the quiet safety of a world made small.
Then Andrew of Bethsaida arrives at her father's gate with urgent business for Joseph and talk of a teacher who calls ordinary people to extraordinary purpose. A fisherman turned disciple, Andrew follows the rabbi Jesus with a conviction that unsettles every long-held expectation—including Anna's own.
When Andrew's kindness cracks open the door to a larger world, Anna faces an impossible remain in the safety of her father's estate or risk everything for the possibility of healing, love, and a life she never dared imagine.
Set against the dusty roads and fishing villages of first-century Judea, where miracles unfold and mercy walks among the broken, Anna of Arimathea opens The Arimathea Chronicles—a richly imagined tale of faith, first love, and redemption in the footsteps of the Messiah.
Anna of Arimathea is perfect for readers who
Biblical and historical fiction with rich period detailRedemptive love stories that explore the cost of faithImmersive historical worldsCharacters who choose courage over comfort
Eighteen-year-old Anna bears the marks of a childhood tragedy that left her motherless, scarred, and lame. Hidden within the household of her father, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy councilman of the Sanhedrin, her days are measured in herb gardens and healing tinctures, in the steady work of hands trained to help others, and in the quiet safety of a world made small.
Then Andrew of Bethsaida arrives at her father's gate with urgent business for Joseph and talk of a teacher who calls ordinary people to extraordinary purpose. A fisherman turned disciple, Andrew follows the rabbi Jesus with a conviction that unsettles every long-held expectation—including Anna's own.
When Andrew's kindness cracks open the door to a larger world, Anna faces an impossible remain in the safety of her father's estate or risk everything for the possibility of healing, love, and a life she never dared imagine.
Set against the dusty roads and fishing villages of first-century Judea, where miracles unfold and mercy walks among the broken, Anna of Arimathea opens The Arimathea Chronicles—a richly imagined tale of faith, first love, and redemption in the footsteps of the Messiah.
Anna of Arimathea is perfect for readers who
Biblical and historical fiction with rich period detailRedemptive love stories that explore the cost of faithImmersive historical worldsCharacters who choose courage over comfort
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2025
9 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Susanne Blumer
22 books10 followersSusanne Blumer lives her life surrounded by stories—some she writes, and some she sells. She owns Sassafras Bookstores, three beloved indie shops nestled in the North Carolina mountains and the coastal town of Beaufort, South Carolina.
She is the author of several children's books, including the award-winning Bell Tower Bible Adventure series she co-wrote with her husband, and now is writing biblical fiction. Her forthcoming novel, Anna of Arimathea, brings first-century Judea to life and is the first book in the Arimathea Chronicles.
When she’s not hand-selling books or brewing another cup of coffee, she’s usually scribbling notes by on her dock or watching the leaves change. She splits her time between Waynesville, NC and Beaufort, SC.
You can connect with Susanne at susanneblumer.com and learn all about her bookstores at sassafraspost.com
She is the author of several children's books, including the award-winning Bell Tower Bible Adventure series she co-wrote with her husband, and now is writing biblical fiction. Her forthcoming novel, Anna of Arimathea, brings first-century Judea to life and is the first book in the Arimathea Chronicles.
When she’s not hand-selling books or brewing another cup of coffee, she’s usually scribbling notes by on her dock or watching the leaves change. She splits her time between Waynesville, NC and Beaufort, SC.
You can connect with Susanne at susanneblumer.com and learn all about her bookstores at sassafraspost.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 29, 2025
It has been a long while since I have read a book that is so well written and has such a great story line that has me stopping my world to read the entire book in one sitting. Anna of Arimathea was this book for me!
The descriptions throughout the novel are brilliantly woven into the narrative affecting all of the five senses. I felt like I was walking with Anna with dust on my clothes and feet; smelling the scents of the areas she traveled; hearing the despairs and happiness in her voice; feeling the pains in her broken body; and imagining the taste of the honey cakes to the point where I hunted down a recipe for the cake.
The story moves along all the way to last page with several surprises I never saw coming. Well Done! I am excited for the 2nd book in the series to be published
Kathy Diebold Author
The descriptions throughout the novel are brilliantly woven into the narrative affecting all of the five senses. I felt like I was walking with Anna with dust on my clothes and feet; smelling the scents of the areas she traveled; hearing the despairs and happiness in her voice; feeling the pains in her broken body; and imagining the taste of the honey cakes to the point where I hunted down a recipe for the cake.
The story moves along all the way to last page with several surprises I never saw coming. Well Done! I am excited for the 2nd book in the series to be published
Kathy Diebold Author
December 13, 2025
Anna of Arimathea is a great read! Perfect for lovers of historical fiction, biblical settings, and detailed characters. The story is well researched and imaginative, the love story is sweet, and the writing flows easily from one moment to the next. I found myself looking forward to my reading time to see where the story led, and wanting to know more about the world of Anna by doing my own research and imagining. This book is a great read for fans of The Chosen.
December 29, 2025
Such Beauty In Each Page !
If you live a life were pain is your daily friend , you feel each step with Anna . Ask Why Me ? Does The Lord see me knows my pain , This book is so alive with feelings of redemption & grace. Each page you can feel The Spirit Guiding you forward When Jesus speaks the words are for you . What A Gift Blumer has !! Can't wait for next book in March 2026
If you live a life were pain is your daily friend , you feel each step with Anna . Ask Why Me ? Does The Lord see me knows my pain , This book is so alive with feelings of redemption & grace. Each page you can feel The Spirit Guiding you forward When Jesus speaks the words are for you . What A Gift Blumer has !! Can't wait for next book in March 2026
January 9, 2026
Amazing, well written story!
This story takes place in Biblical times, but the author brings well known characters to life through her beautifully crafted writing. I could hardly put it down, and look forward to the sequel coming soon!
This story takes place in Biblical times, but the author brings well known characters to life through her beautifully crafted writing. I could hardly put it down, and look forward to the sequel coming soon!
December 13, 2025
WOWOWOWOOOWWO
January 5, 2026
Inspiring!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews