Linda Ward's Biblical Novel Explores Two Men's Paths to Jesus

Linda Ward’s debut historical novel, Last Breath, First Day, transports readers to first-century Israel, a time of Roman oppression and messianic expectation. Published by Lucid Books, the story follows two men from vastly different backgrounds: Menashe, a shepherd’s son driven to vengeance after a brutal attack on his village kills his infant brother, and Sethur, a Pharisee’s son who rebels against religious constraints and enters Herod Antipas’s court, only to become entangled in the murder of a prophet. As whispers about Jesus of Nazareth spread, their paths converge toward a life-altering encounter.

Ward draws on her 23-year career as an elementary school teacher and her lifelong passion for storytelling to craft this fictional exploration of biblical history. Inspired by the Bible and authors like Francine Rivers and Kristin Hannah, she develops the lives of two unnamed scriptural figures, inviting readers to consider the experiences and motivations of those who intersected with Jesus. The novel probes themes of justice, hypocrisy, responsibility, and redemption, contrasting Menashe’s grief-clouded judgment with Sethur’s moral compromise. Ward hopes her work encourages readers to dig deeper into the people, places, and events surrounding familiar biblical stories when they read or re-read their Bibles.

Last Breath, First Day combines Ward’s love of history with her interest in the choices that shape individual lives. By looking beyond familiar names, she challenges readers to reflect on how an encounter with Jesus might upend their beliefs about justice, freedom, and hope. Lucid Books, an independent hybrid publisher in the Houston area, supports authors like Ward in inspiring, informing, and enriching readers’ lives. For more information, visit lucidbookspublishing.com.