Across the Lake by Barbara M. Britton: Book Review

Alt text: "Promotional image for 'Across the Lake' by Barbara M. Britton. Features a person in a robe by a boat on a tranquil lake at sunset. The background shows a calm sea with vibrant orange and yellow hues in the sky. Text reads 'Blog Tour' on the left, 'January 26-30' on the right, with 'JustRead' logo. Peaceful, contemplative mood."

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee by Barbara M. Britton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Cover of "Across the Lake" by Barbara M. Britton. A person in biblical attire gazes at a wooden boat on the Sea of Galilee at sunset, evoking a peaceful, spiritual tone.

Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee by Barbara M. Britton
Publisher:  Scrivenings Press
Release Date: January 6, 2026
Genre:  Biblical Fiction Devotional

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.

If you know Jesus, fall in love with Him all over again. If you haven’t experienced Jesus’s power and love, jump in His boat and engage with the Creator and Savior of the world.

PURCHASE LINKS:
Goodreads | Scrivenings Press | Amazon |
Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub


I like stories that paint a picture for the unsaid things in the Bible. As long as we remember it is fiction and not gospel, it is another way to look at things and be inspired by God’s Word. Britton did a good job of balancing this in Across the Lake. The stories themselves were, for the most part, in line with the Gospel of Mark. They are familiar stories for those who have been a part of the Christian church for a while and stories that a newer member should know. I particularly enjoyed Holding on to a Thread, which focused on the woman who bled in Mark 5:21–34. While fictional, you could really see the research that Britton put into this tale, making it more vivid and relatable. By understanding things from the perspective of the time when the Bible was written, it provided me with new insight that made me really look at this biblical account from a fresh perspective. Whenever I read Christian fiction, I think in terms of on camera and off camera, and aside from one instance that left a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth, the stories were true to the on camera narration from the Bible and my comfort level grew with each narrative. Overall, this book offers a thoughtful and engaging approach to familiar biblical accounts. Readers who enjoy biblical fiction that stays close to Scripture will likely appreciate this book.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
All opinions are my own.


Smiling woman with wavy brown hair, wearing a purple blazer and necklace. The background is a textured, muted brown, creating a professional tone.

Barbara M. Britton is an author of Christian Fiction who loves to bring little-known Bible stories to light. She has taught the Bible in church and schools for thirty years. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website barbarambritton.com.


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  1. Nancy P Avatar

    Congratulations on your lovely book.

    Like

  2. Shelly Peterson Avatar
    Shelly Peterson

    I can’t wait to read this.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. briefsecretlye9774b649b Avatar
      briefsecretlye9774b649b

      Thank you for joining us, Shelly. I hope you enjoy “Across the Lake.” It was a joy to write.

      ~Barbara

      Like

    2. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I’m so happy to hear that!

      Like

  3. @justreadtours Avatar

    thanks for sharing your thoughts, Carla!

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      Thanks for connecting me with Barbara.

      Like

  4. tarter95 Avatar
    tarter95

    This would make a great gift.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. briefsecretlye9774b649b Avatar
      briefsecretlye9774b649b

      Hi Tarter. Thank you for joining us. “Across the Lake” can be read anytime, but with Easter coming up, it would make a nice study to focus on Jesus.

      ~Barbara

      Like

    2. Carla Bruns Avatar

      I hadn’t thought of that but you’re right. Thanks for the idea. 😊

      Like

  5. Rita Wray Avatar
    Rita Wray

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the book.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. briefsecretlye9774b649b Avatar
      briefsecretlye9774b649b

      Hi Rita! Thank you for being so faithful this week on the blog tour.

      Like

  6. Reading in the Heartland Avatar
    Reading in the Heartland

    This sounds like a unique book

    Liked by 1 person

    1. briefsecretlye9774b649b Avatar
      briefsecretlye9774b649b

      Hi Reading! I had so much fun writing this Bible study/devotional. It’s a bit different, but I think readers will learn a lot from the study. Thank you for joining us.

      ~Barbara

      Like

  7. mjeanpike Avatar

    Barbara is an amazing author. I was privileged to read the ARC for this book. I really loved the way it brought the people to life for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. briefsecretlye9774b649b Avatar
      briefsecretlye9774b649b

      Hi Jean! Thanks for joining us. Your kind words warm my heart. I’m so glad you enjoyed “Across the Lake.”

      ~Barbara

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Carla Bruns Avatar

      That’s so great to hear, Jean. This type of devotional/Bible study is new to me. I enjoyed having the different perspective.

      Like

  8. briefsecretlye9774b649b Avatar
    briefsecretlye9774b649b

    Thank you for being part of my blog tour, Carla. “Holding on to a Thread” is a reader favorite. I appreciate your support.

    ~Barbara

    Like

    1. Carla Bruns Avatar

      My pleasure, Barbara! I have a much longer post drafted that I want to get out this month that focuses on using your book in a Bible study. I think it would be a great resource and so much fun in a group setting.

      Like

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Welcome to Carla’s Book Crush where I share my favorite clean, Christian reads. I review everything from Amish and historical romance to suspense, contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and the occasional devotional. If it has heart, hope, and a message that points back to Christ, it’s probably on my shelf. I also love chatting with authors and featuring interviews that give you a peek behind the pages. Whether you’re looking for a new release, a cozy weekend read, or just something uplifting and well-written, you’re in the right place. Clean stories. Encouraging faith. Books worth reading.