Book Reviews: And They Were Persuaded by Naomi Craig and Donna E. Lane

Greetings, 

I pray that everyone reading this is doing well. This blog has been quieter for a few weeks than I normally like, but that's all for good reason. Those of you on my email list will hear more about that when my monthly email goes out.

For this post, I have another review for you. And They Were Persuaded by Naomi Craig and Donna E. Lane, released on 1/27, and I was invited to be a part of their launch team. This review is my honest thoughts, and I was not persuaded (did you catch that) in any way to share my thoughts. I truly enjoyed reading this one and can't wait for you to read the book for yourselves. 

See you in the pages, 

M.J.E.

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Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Overall Description:

Four cultures. Four Corners. One Calling.

In the bustling cities and remote corners of the ancient world, four extraordinary individuals join the Apostle Paul to spread the transformative message of Jesus Christ and bring the gospel to life, facing relentless persecution and trials that test their faith and courage.

Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, stands unwaveringly by Paul's side, offering comfort and strength in times of adversity. Timothy, a young and eager disciple, learns to navigate the complexities of leadership as he shoulders the weight of Paul's teachings.

Epaphroditus is shaken when the Philippian jail is demolished on his watch. His life takes on new meaning as he discovers the God who truly knows and loves him. He pursues the Truth with the same vigor he applied in the Roman army. Damaris, a seeker of truth, finds herself drawn to the message of hope and redemption. Her journey from skepticism to faith mirrors the challenges faced by those grappling with the radical message of Jesus.

Against the backdrop of a world hostile to their beliefs, the characters confront persecution, political intrigue, and personal trials. The novel explores the bonds forged in the crucible of adversity and the enduring power of faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Their stories paint a vivid portrait of the challenges faced by the early Christian community, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith.

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My Review of the Book:

Have you ever read about the Early Church and wondered who those people are that Paul mentions in his letters, or why he even mentions them? Do you ever wonder what their stories might be? And They Were Persuaded by Naomi Craig and Donna E. Lane leans into those questions and offers thoughtful, imaginative answers.

Truthfully, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from my second visit to the world these authors have built around the stories I’ve known since childhood. When I read their first series of novellas, And Their Numbers Grew, I was intrigued by their ideas and their interpretation of the “story behind the story” of Acts. Those novellas resonated with me and showed me that these lesser‑known stories are worth telling.

This time, the stories felt different. They were deeper, more emotionally grounded, and willing to explore harder topics. And They Were Persuaded is a fast‑moving, spiritually rich collection that reimagines the lives of early believers with a creative energy that jumps off the page. The emotional depth in this series truly stands out.

What struck me most wasn’t just the historical detail or the beautifully woven connections across all four novellas. It was the thread of mentorship that runs deeply through every story. That theme becomes the backbone of the entire collection and reflects something true about the ministry of the Early Church. Each novella highlights how faith is shaped through relationships, and that made a meaningful difference to me.

These relationships show what it might have been like for early believers to balance humanity with calling, fear with discipleship, and grace with accountability. While every novella carries this theme, the mentorship between Timothy and John stood out the most. Their connection felt emotionally authentic and spiritually grounding, offering a beautiful picture of generational faithfulness.

There are moments where the pacing moves a little too quickly, and a few graphic scenes in the last two novellas may not be suitable for younger readers. But these are small notes in a much larger tapestry. Readers who enjoy biblical fiction centered on discipleship, spiritual growth, and character‑driven storytelling will find so much to appreciate here. This collection offers a heartfelt and imaginative look at the Early Church and the relationships that shaped it.

I encourage you to read it for yourselves.