About the Book
Author: Heather Kaufman
Series: Women of the Way, Book 2
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Joanna's wealthy family aspires to Herod's inner circle, but when her father's esteemed position in the Sepphoris Sanhedrin is threatened, her family resorts to harboring a dark secret. As Joanna navigates the complexities of aristocratic life and an arranged marriage, she is caught between loyalty to her family and her own desires. When tragedy strikes, leading to a life-altering injury and a startling encounter with Herod's financial minister, Joanna must grapple with a new future--one that challenges her sense of duty and hope for love.
Years later, Joanna is forever changed when a rabbi comes preaching a new kingdom and healing the sick. Yet, she treads a perilous path between a court that mocks Jesus of Nazareth, a community of believers who views her with suspicion, and a husband who guards his own secrets. As pressure increases, Joanna must protect her allegiance to the Christ, whose message is as compelling as it is dangerous.
In this gripping narrative, rising author Heather Kaufman weaves a tale of faith, resilience, and love amid the danger of King Herod's court.
Years later, Joanna is forever changed when a rabbi comes preaching a new kingdom and healing the sick. Yet, she treads a perilous path between a court that mocks Jesus of Nazareth, a community of believers who views her with suspicion, and a husband who guards his own secrets. As pressure increases, Joanna must protect her allegiance to the Christ, whose message is as compelling as it is dangerous.
In this gripping narrative, rising author Heather Kaufman weaves a tale of faith, resilience, and love amid the danger of King Herod's court.
My Thoughts
Oh wow! I fell in love with Heather’s writing with her book Up from Dust and have been eagerly awaiting this book Before the King and it did not disappoint. If you have been following me for a while you know that I like to call Biblical Fiction the “what-if” writing. I call it this because it truly puts you into a position where you are wondering what if that could have happened. I mean you read the Bible but you don’t get to see the nitty gritty of every day of life or in this case learn about the characters such as Joanna who is only mentioned in the Bible a handful of time.
Oh this story… it’s so wonderfully written. The first part of the book we learn about Joanna and her life with her family. The relationship with her sister was so special. I won’t give it away but make sure you have the tissues on hand. The second part of the story it evolves to her as a wife and a follower of Christ in Herod’s kingdom. It was so great to see her talk to John the Baptist and of course encountering Jesus as he heals her body. Chills is what I got when that moment occurred… again to think of the what it would have been like for Jesus to call you by name and heal your body. To hear Jesus speak about who He is… wowza!
A million kudos to Heather Kaufman for writing such an amazing stories. For all the research and following God’s calling to write it. Praying he gives you many more stories to tell so that we may also be blessed by them.
If you enjoy Biblical Fiction go grab this book and her first one! You will love them!!
Thank you for having me on your release team! I was not required to post a positive review. All views are my own.
Oh this story… it’s so wonderfully written. The first part of the book we learn about Joanna and her life with her family. The relationship with her sister was so special. I won’t give it away but make sure you have the tissues on hand. The second part of the story it evolves to her as a wife and a follower of Christ in Herod’s kingdom. It was so great to see her talk to John the Baptist and of course encountering Jesus as he heals her body. Chills is what I got when that moment occurred… again to think of the what it would have been like for Jesus to call you by name and heal your body. To hear Jesus speak about who He is… wowza!
A million kudos to Heather Kaufman for writing such an amazing stories. For all the research and following God’s calling to write it. Praying he gives you many more stories to tell so that we may also be blessed by them.
If you enjoy Biblical Fiction go grab this book and her first one! You will love them!!
Thank you for having me on your release team! I was not required to post a positive review. All views are my own.
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.
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