
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Anna of Bethsaida by Susanne Blumer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book

Title: Anna of Bethsaida
Series: The Arimathea Chronicles #2
Author: Susanne Blumer
Publisher: Sutton Avenue Press
Release Date: March 16, 2026
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Anna believed choosing Andrew meant gaining a home. Instead, she finds herself on the dusty roads of Galilee, under the watchful eyes of hostile Pharisees, walking ever closer to miracles that both heal and unsettle.
As a healer traveling with Jesus's ministry alongside Andrew, Anna takes her place among the women who follow, forming bonds that offer strength as the journey grows harder. While crowds press close to hear the Teacher's words, a different kind of attention gathers. In Jerusalem, her father Joseph of Arimathea, walks an impossible line within the Sanhedrin, and with each miracle Jesus performs, the net draws tighter around them all.
The cost of discipleship, Anna discovers, is not counted in miles walked or comforts surrendered. It is measured in the space between what she hoped following Jesus would be and what it actually demands.
Some journeys test what you believe.
Some reshape who you become.
Anna's does both.
This is Book 2 of The Arimathea Chronicles. Begin Anna's journey from the beginning with Book 1, Anna of Arimathea, where a scarred, isolated young woman discovers healing, first love, and purpose in the footsteps of Jesus.
Anna of Bethsaida is perfect for readers who love:
- Deeply researched biblical fiction with authentic period detail
- The untold stories of women in the early church - Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and the community that sustained Jesus's ministry
- Love stories tested by faith and dangerous callings
- Political intrigue woven through spiritual transformation
- Character-driven narratives where personal loss intersects with world-changing events
More in This Series
About the Author

Susanne Blumer lives her life surrounded by stories—some she writes, and some she sells. As the CEO and Founder of Sassafras on Sutton LLC, she is the owner of three magical indie bookstores nestled in the North Carolina mountains of Black Mountain and Waynesville and Beaufort, South Carolina. One even has a full coffee bar. Oh, happy day!
She is the author of The Arimathea Chronicles, a series set in first-century Judea and centered on the life of Anna, the daughter of Joseph of Arimathea. The first two books, Anna of Arimathea and Anna of Bethsaida, are available now. The third book, Anna of Calvary, will be available later this year. She's also written several children's books, including the award-winning Bell Tower Bible Adventure series she co-wrote with her husband. Her new children's picture book series, The Story of You, will release its first book late Spring 2026 called Before Your Story Had A Name.
When she’s not writing or doing other entrepreneurial tasks, you can usually find her hanging out on the floor of one of her stores, drinking coffee and learning the stories of her customers or spoiling her eight chickens. Susanne splits her time between Waynesville, NC in her beloved mountains and Beaufort, SC on the enchanting Lowcountry coast.
Connect with Susanne by visiting susanneblumer.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Review
Anna of Bethsaida is the second book in The Arimathea Chronicles. This biblical fiction helped bring the bible to life in a new way. I look forward to reading book three, as this one left us slightly on a cliffhanger. Though because we have the bible, I do know parts of what will happen, but I am excited to see how Susanne Blumer will portray it.In book one, we leave off at Anna and Andrew’s wedding, and book two picks up right where we left them. Anna and Andrew are trying to figure out life as newlyweds while also jumping back into serving alongside Jesus. The call is not easy. Days can be really hard, short on food, long travel days, and as the Sanhedrin feel the slip of their power, they are out to destroy Jesus and all of his followers. Anna and Andrew find out they are pregnant.
It deals with some of the different emotions that might have occurred among the disciples. Andrew feels jealous of Simon Peter. Which made me think how the disciples felt about the inner circle when Jesus took Simon Peter, James, and John. There was also some tension towards Judas. This story definitely provoked some more thoughts. It was interesting seeing Jesus' ministry from a different point of view.
I am not one to post trigger/content warnings, but this one does deal with premature stillbirth and the grief following. The scene will definitely evoke emotions.
*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.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Bookshop gift card and a signed copy of Anna of Bethsaida!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 17, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 24, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
























