Up From Dust by Heather Kaufman ~ Book Review

About the Book 

Book: Up from Dust

Author: Heather Kaufman

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Series: Women of the Way, Book 1

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: January 23, 2024

No stranger to adversity, Martha of Bethany is a woman of dust, undone and unseen in her hurt and loss. After her mother's untimely death, the responsibility for raising her siblings—Lazarus and Mary—lies heavily on her shoulders. She finds solace in a new friendship and the beginnings of first love, but her father's disapproval and unforeseen hardship leave Martha broken and guarded.

Twelve years later, when her friend's husband contracts a severe disease, they send for the new rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth. Martha recognizes the miraculous Healer from a story she heard many years ago, and the life-changing encounter reawakens Martha's hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.

With impeccable research and a keen eye for detail, Heather Kaufman delivers a moving narrative of Martha's life in this hopeful story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.

My Thoughts 

"Before I can share the many ways I was found, I would have to begin with the day I was lost…"

 What a beginning to the powerful story of Martha. The past couple of years I have enjoyed reading Biblical Fiction. It’s always interesting to see how an author captures the essence of a Bible story and Heather Kaufman did such an excellent job. She truly gives you a peek at the what-if questions that surround the relationship between Jesus, Lazarus, Mary and Martha. 

Goodness this book definitely tugged my heart. I teared up at the heartache that Martha goes through in this story and it gives you a possible idea why she may have been so frustrated with Mary. I thoroughly enjoyed the growth that we see in her throughout the book and how we see her eyes open to who Jesus truly is and we see her faith grow. The characters that help her do so despite them being fictional were so great in aiding her belief and strengthen my faith as well. 

Goodness the portrayal of Jesus was beautiful and I couldn’t help imagining what it would be like to physically sit near him and be in his presence. 

If you enjoy biblical fiction and authors like Connilyn Cossette and Tessa Afshar I definitely think this book and author need to be added to your TBR list! 

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Heather Kaufman lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three children. She holds a BA from McKendree University and an MA from the University of Missouri—St. Louis. When not reading or writing, she can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee and exploring new parks with her family.