Susan M B Preston

“I have lived long enough to have experienced a lot of things,” said Susan MB Preston, multi-award winning author.

She admits to using those experiences in the books – but she hastens to assure, the situations are not in the book, only what she learned from them.
If you think you recognize yourself, or your situation in Susan Preston’s writing then it is because she has the knack of taking ordinary people in ordinary situations and then walking in the shoes of her characters.

Yes, her books are Christian, historical fiction but it is true that there is nothing new under the sun.

Susan Preston left her home town of Peebles in the Scottish borders and through a series of changes now lives in Perth, Western Australia. The chronic illness of her husband eventually led to his death, something that ‘rocked her world.’

Continuing on, she makes regular trips overseas, and has collected book awards for three of the books in the Apostle John Series.

With a few projects to finish off, Susan has her eye on another series, this time set farther back in time. Before that – expect a few novellas about some of the people in the series.

Hold the Faith

Christian historical fiction

To be a Christian in 1st century Ephesus, under Roman rule, is dangerous. The arena awaits, a background threat… one that candidates for baptism are reminded of. The decision might cost them their lives. All it takes is the refusal to burn a pinch of incense and declare that Emperor Domitian is lord and god, and Roman ire declares they are subversive, rebels. Jews are exempt from this edict, but not the followers of the Way. Sometimes Jews will denounce these Christians. They have, after all, turned from the traditions of the fathers, to follow the sect established by an untrained country preacher. Join Benjamin, great-grandson of the Apostle John, as he discovers the faith of his family is not enough. He needs to make the choice for himself. He faces another choice… After his father is attacked in the market place, should he help in his father’s shop, or keep his commitment to accompany his great-grandfather, the apostle John, as he prepares to set out to walk around the other six fellowships in the Roman province of Asia Minor? Smyrna, Pergamum, Sardis, Thyatira, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Meet the cunning false brethren as they try to lure people into their Gnostic beliefs. Walk in the shoes of the first believers, see how they lived, what they battled with, and how they coped with the choices and challenges of daily life. Early Christianity comes to life in this ‘fiction-based-on-fact’ book.

Grow in Grace

Christian historical fiction

Benjamin knows he is running away. As he struggles with his emotions he remains determined to follow through on his commitment to work as a grape picker.
His mother is overwrought and cold toward him, but he must go. Deep inside, he is questioning his faith. Life in Ephesus continues. The Cypriot brethren bombard the Apostle John with questions as he continues writing his memories which would become the Gospel of John. Grieved and despairing, Deborah discovers she has no choice but to accept her parents’ plans. Returning after twelve weeks in the vineyard Benjamin is anxious about his reception by his mother and great-grandfather. His anxiety increases when he finds his father’s booth is now the booth of a cloth seller. Fear and guilt assail him. Has his whole family been taken by the Romans? A lot has happened in his twelve weeks away, and much more will happen. Alexander has to deal with painful news at the same time as the Apostle John is arrested again. Refused food or water unless he makes the ‘act of worship’ to the Roman Emperor, Domitian the brethren fear for the apostle’s safety. But God has a task for John which is not yet complete

The Light of Truth

Christian historical fiction

Elizabeth, wife of Meshua, and daughter-in-law of ‘Old Simon’ is a woman living in the time of the Apostle John. A member of a traditional Jewish family, she knows that she would be considered a heretic and disowned from her family for showing any interest in his teachings. But she does. She was warned in the past by her father-in-law. Keeping the Feast of Tabernacles with family, the desperate illness of the baby son of her niece and nephew calls for dramatic action. On a mission to obtain medicine for him, her path crosses with that of the Apostle John. In desperation, she approaches him, risking being disowned and shunned by her family. Events are set in place that will change the lives of her family, and the Apostle John’s family. Read this action-packed book to find out what happens

Keep the Flame

Christian historical fiction

‘Inspirational story with characters that leap of the page’
The questions as we follow the characters into this book are…

Does Rachel convert to Christianity or will her doubts win?
Will Benjamin marry?
Is it true>? Is one of the brethren murdered?

Persecutions and betrayals;

Love and hope via with each other.

Plots are hatched and false teachers continue their attack on the church established by Jesus Christ.

Words are twisted but sound plausible... can the brethren withstand the pressures?
Are John's predictions true? Is he taken to Rome?
Will this be the end for the believers in Ephesus?

Join the characters in this action-packed and dramatic novel in the Apostle John Series.

Experience life as they might have lived it

Hell Shall Not Prevail