| To reach the kingdom of Heaven, they must unlock the gates of Hell. Discover the Journey. Rediscover Your Faith. On their journey to Jesus’s crucifixion, Hannah and her brother perish in a tragic accident, plunging into the enigmatic afterlife of Paradise. Jesus sends them, along with the “good thief” Dismas and a mysterious angel, on a perilous quest to retrieve scattered fragments of the key to Hell. This ragtag team races through the epochs of biblical history, trying to outwit Lucifer’s forces at every turn. Can they restore the key in 63 hours? Or will Lucifer destroy them all Experience the power of the Christ’s resurrection in a way you never imagined. Genre: Fantasy/Speculative Fiction Release date: March 4, 2025 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with Susan
1) How long did it take to finish writing this book?
It’s been a 13-year journey! I had the idea and wrote the outline in 2012, and a messy draft of the manuscript. In 2019, I found an editor who taught me so much about improving my writing. Then, in 2023, I signed with a publisher but left because of creative differences. Thankfully, a mutual friend connected me with Abundance Books in 2024, and 63 Hours in Hell is finally out in the world.
Sometimes I wonder if the process took so long because God was working on me. When I began writing, I’d only been a Christian for five years, and there was so much I still had to learn about trusting Him. Throughout this journey, I’ve discovered the beauty of setting aside my own plans and embracing His. It wasn’t always easy—in fact, I learned the hard way that God’s plans are always better than mine!
But through it all, I’ve grown in faith and trust, knowing His timing and purpose are perfect.
It’s been a 13-year journey! I had the idea and wrote the outline in 2012, and a messy draft of the manuscript. In 2019, I found an editor who taught me so much about improving my writing. Then, in 2023, I signed with a publisher but left because of creative differences. Thankfully, a mutual friend connected me with Abundance Books in 2024, and 63 Hours in Hell is finally out in the world.
Sometimes I wonder if the process took so long because God was working on me. When I began writing, I’d only been a Christian for five years, and there was so much I still had to learn about trusting Him. Throughout this journey, I’ve discovered the beauty of setting aside my own plans and embracing His. It wasn’t always easy—in fact, I learned the hard way that God’s plans are always better than mine!
But through it all, I’ve grown in faith and trust, knowing His timing and purpose are perfect.
2) What drew you to write in this particular genre?
The miraculous and mysterious moments in the Bible have always captivated me—like Ezekiel’s vivid vision of living creatures and the chariot wheels within wheels, or the incredible ways angels reveal God’s power. These awe-inspiring stories sparked my imagination and made me wonder what it might have been like to witness them firsthand.
When I began writing 63 Hours in Hell, I wanted to weave these rich biblical elements into creative storytelling. Christian Fantasy—and more specifically, Speculative Biblical Fiction—gives me the freedom to reimagine scriptural themes while remaining faithful to the Word. My hope is to inspire readers to experience God’s wonders with a renewed sense of awe, both in scripture and in their daily lives.
The miraculous and mysterious moments in the Bible have always captivated me—like Ezekiel’s vivid vision of living creatures and the chariot wheels within wheels, or the incredible ways angels reveal God’s power. These awe-inspiring stories sparked my imagination and made me wonder what it might have been like to witness them firsthand.
When I began writing 63 Hours in Hell, I wanted to weave these rich biblical elements into creative storytelling. Christian Fantasy—and more specifically, Speculative Biblical Fiction—gives me the freedom to reimagine scriptural themes while remaining faithful to the Word. My hope is to inspire readers to experience God’s wonders with a renewed sense of awe, both in scripture and in their daily lives.
3). What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I wanted readers to experience Jesus’ death and resurrection, up-close, and personal.
63 Hours in Hell meets people where they are. Readers have shared that the story speaks to them in unique and personal ways—whether it’s offering hope during dark times, renewing their sense of purpose, strengthening their faith, or reassuring them of God’s presence in their lives. My greatest hope is that every reader walks away with a message that touches their heart and deepens their connection to Christ.
I wanted readers to experience Jesus’ death and resurrection, up-close, and personal.
63 Hours in Hell meets people where they are. Readers have shared that the story speaks to them in unique and personal ways—whether it’s offering hope during dark times, renewing their sense of purpose, strengthening their faith, or reassuring them of God’s presence in their lives. My greatest hope is that every reader walks away with a message that touches their heart and deepens their connection to Christ.
4) How did you name your characters?
I drew many names from extra-biblical sources to add depth and authenticity to my story. For example, the name of the good thief on the cross is traditionally known as Dismas, and the Book of the Giants inspired the inclusion of Mahway's name.
When it came to angelic beings—both good and fallen—I turned to A Dictionary of Angels, Including the Fallen Angels by Gustav Davidson for inspiration. I also relied on A Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names by J.B. Jackson, which delves into the meanings and origins of biblical names. Using this resource, I carefully matched the meaning of a name to the traits and role of each character to give them a deeper significance within the story.
I drew many names from extra-biblical sources to add depth and authenticity to my story. For example, the name of the good thief on the cross is traditionally known as Dismas, and the Book of the Giants inspired the inclusion of Mahway's name.
When it came to angelic beings—both good and fallen—I turned to A Dictionary of Angels, Including the Fallen Angels by Gustav Davidson for inspiration. I also relied on A Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names by J.B. Jackson, which delves into the meanings and origins of biblical names. Using this resource, I carefully matched the meaning of a name to the traits and role of each character to give them a deeper significance within the story.
5) If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
I used to live in torment, stuck on the should haves, could haves, and would haves of my life. But everything changed after I read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. That book hit me hard—it taught me that everything in my life happened exactly as it was meant to.
And that’s the true power of books. Sometimes, one sentence—or an entire story—can shift your perspective. Today, I wouldn’t change a thing. All my mistakes, my experiences, the good, and the bad—each has shaped me into who I am now.
I used to live in torment, stuck on the should haves, could haves, and would haves of my life. But everything changed after I read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. That book hit me hard—it taught me that everything in my life happened exactly as it was meant to.
And that’s the true power of books. Sometimes, one sentence—or an entire story—can shift your perspective. Today, I wouldn’t change a thing. All my mistakes, my experiences, the good, and the bad—each has shaped me into who I am now.
More from Susan
Thank you so much for being part of this incredible journey. I am grateful for your support in helping to share my debut book!
I’m thrilled to introduce readers to more than just a novel—this is a journey into God’s love and mercy, reaching even the darkest places. Rooted in scripture, infused with traces of Jewish folklore, and written with the utmost respect for Jesus, 63 Hours in Hell examines themes of faith, forgiveness, redemption, and the healing of broken relationships.
If you’re a fan of The Chosen series, this book will resonate with you. It imagines what happened during Jesus’ three days in the depths of hell. The story follows a jilted bride, her brother, and the good thief on a quest: finding key fragments, freeing hell’s prisoners, fighting the devil, and facing their own inner demons.
A Special Message
Readers have shared how they found a personal message within its pages—something they needed to hear at just the right moment. I pray 63 Hours in Hell offers encouragement to you as well.
An Inspired Journey
As you can see in the photo, my furry companions have been a steady source of joy throughout my writing journey. (Fun fact: my majestic, wolf-like dog even inspired the demon dog in the book!)
An Invitation
I didn’t truly discover Jesus until later in life, which makes me even more in awe of His boundless love, sacrifice, and resurrection—and His patience throughout my personal transformation. This book is more than a story; it’s an invitation to understand why Jesus’ death and resurrection remain pivotal—yesterday, today, and forever.
Thank you for joining me on this journey and for sharing this book with others. Your support means the world to me!
Happy reading,
Susan L. Davis
I’m thrilled to introduce readers to more than just a novel—this is a journey into God’s love and mercy, reaching even the darkest places. Rooted in scripture, infused with traces of Jewish folklore, and written with the utmost respect for Jesus, 63 Hours in Hell examines themes of faith, forgiveness, redemption, and the healing of broken relationships.
If you’re a fan of The Chosen series, this book will resonate with you. It imagines what happened during Jesus’ three days in the depths of hell. The story follows a jilted bride, her brother, and the good thief on a quest: finding key fragments, freeing hell’s prisoners, fighting the devil, and facing their own inner demons.
A Special Message
Readers have shared how they found a personal message within its pages—something they needed to hear at just the right moment. I pray 63 Hours in Hell offers encouragement to you as well.
An Inspired Journey
As you can see in the photo, my furry companions have been a steady source of joy throughout my writing journey. (Fun fact: my majestic, wolf-like dog even inspired the demon dog in the book!)
An Invitation
I didn’t truly discover Jesus until later in life, which makes me even more in awe of His boundless love, sacrifice, and resurrection—and His patience throughout my personal transformation. This book is more than a story; it’s an invitation to understand why Jesus’ death and resurrection remain pivotal—yesterday, today, and forever.
Thank you for joining me on this journey and for sharing this book with others. Your support means the world to me!
Happy reading,
Susan L. Davis
 Susan L. Davis | Susan L. Davis is an author, speaker, and blogger whose journey from skepticism to faith began unexpectedly at a funeral. Her debut novel, 63 Hours in Hell, explores the three days Jesus spent in Hell, offering a fresh perspective on biblical events. Susan lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, two children, and their mischievous dog. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of
a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
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Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 1
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 2 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, April 3 (Author Interview)
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Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5
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Stories By Gina, April 7 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 8 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 9
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 10 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, March 29 (Author Interview)
Inspired by Fiction, March 30
Simple Harvest Reads, March 31 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, April 1 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 1
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 2 (Author Interview)
Blossoms and Blessings, April 3 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, April 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5
Artistic Nobody, April 6 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, April 7 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 8 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 9
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 10 (Author Interview)
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