I am so excited for you to listen to today’s episode! Not only is Jill a fabulous author, she is a client of mine and a dear friend! I loved chatting with her about faith and biblical fiction š
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About Jill
Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of many biblical novels, including her first series The Wives of King David.
Her newest book, A Deeper Well, the Story of the Woman at the Well, released in February 2026.
After twenty years of closed doors, she has published 25 books, fiction and nonfiction. She loves Jesus and His Word and all things related to learning more about the women whom God has immortalized there.
While she loves writing and researching, she is willingly interrupted by her west-coast children and adorable grandchildren. Traveling to Israel was a highlight of her life, but traveling west is her new favorite place to visit. When sheās not writing, she can be found reading stories that take her away, playing too many games and puzzles on her phone (call it down time), or snuggling her lovable, mischievous cats Kody and Kaelee.
Her favorite verse is Colossians 4:2 āDevote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.ā Jill has been married to the love of her life for 48 years and counting and lives in a quiet neighborhood in southeast Michigan.
Connect with Jill:ā ā
A Deeper Well
A Deeper Well Author Jill Eileen Smith
Published by Baker Books
on February 17, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Biblical, Fiction / Christian / Historical, Fiction / Historical / Ancient
Pages: 336
Amazon | Baker Book HouseHer broken heart thirsts for acceptance and love that seem out of reach--until an encounter at the well reveals what her soul truly longs for.
In ancient Israel, soon after Nessa is of marriageable age, her father gives her to a wealthy widowed friend, capitalizing on her beauty to bring in the highest bride-price he can find. Nessa is devastated, as she had begged to marry Lavi, who returned her love and saw more in her than her appearance. Nessa's betrothal leads to Lavi's departure, compounding her grief, and she can never forget her forbidden first love.Nessa tries to accept her fate, but after only a year of marriage, tragedy hits her new family. She is sent back to her father, who quickly finds a young man who wants to marry the most beautiful woman in Sychar. Misfortune follows Nessa as she is passed from one marriage to the next--until she meets an unusual Jewish rabbi at the town's well one afternoon, and her life is forever changed.
Jill Eileen Smith weaves a historically and biblically rich narrative of the New Testament story of the woman at the well. Bringing a fresh perspective of faith and redemption, this biblical-era fiction is perfect for fans of Mesu Andrews, Tessa Afshar, and The Chosen.
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