This beautiful book, “Before the King” by Heather Kaufman is so good! It is a deeply, rich story about Joanna, Wife of Chuza set in Jesus’ time. It is filled with life lessons, forgiveness and just good storytelling.

"Come and see."
Book 2 in The Women of The Way series can be read without reading Book 1.

The cover is stunning and has a unique, textured feel. This story was wonderful and well done. I felt like I was there standing in a hidden corner watching and listening to all the events. There is a slow-burn romance and I thought it was beautiful. I liked that the general unrest in the political climate was made a part of the story. The story took me on a journey into Jesus’ time and gave glimpses into what might have happened.

The ending did feel abrupt and there is a bit of a cliffhanger, but that could just be because I wanted more time in this story. I am already excitedly anticipating Book 3.

If you only read one biblical fiction book this year, make it this one! 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 is absolutely un-put-downable. The setting is so immersive that it feels like you’re walking in Joanna’s shoes, seeing the world through her eyes, and experiencing the life-changing, soul-piercing moments she did.

It’s difficult to even write a review because I feel that no matter what I write, it won’t do it justice. I was completely engrossed, staying up late into the night reading, and was deeply moved. The story is so vivid that it felt like a movie playing in my head, with me in the role of Joanna. Seriously, readers, this story is more than just a story—it’s an experience. I loved it and didn’t want it to end.

With central themes of hope, love, and faith, this powerful story reveals that God is always near.

First Line: He’s sitting in the center of the room when I enter, his parchments and pots of ink scattered across a scarred table.
Series: Women of the Way, book 2
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Author: Heather Kaufman
Page Count: 352

#CoverLoverBookReview received an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
A 2025 Fav♡rite
❤❤❤❤❤

A powerful story of hope, love and restoration.

Torn apart by tragedy and married out of convenience, Joanna is curious to learn more of a mysterious teacher who preaches of a coming kingdom and holds the power to heal.

A moving and evocative tale that explores the time that Jesus walked the earth through Joanna, a woman mentioned briefly in Scripture as a woman who supported the ministry of Jesus from her own means. Joanna is a beautiful woman, who has suffered a great deal of loss, while her family seeks to position themselves well among society. Her story is brought to life, as we see her go from a uncertain young woman to a devoted follower of Jesus. I could feel her heartaches, through the emotionally rich storytelling, and strong character arc throughout.

This is the kind of story that sucks you in from the very beginning and doesn't let go until the final page is turned down. I was quickly drawn into the life of Joanna and that of the people surrounding her. I especially liked the unique point of view, that the story explores.

Overall, a compelling and well done work of Biblical fiction, with wonderful attention to accuracy and detail. A gripping novel, with well developed characters, and a powerful message of faith, hope, and love. Highly recommend!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In January 2024, I read a debut novel that remained with me the entire year and now, I already have my "talk-about-novel" for 2025! Before the King is the story of a young woman mentioned only twice in the New Testament so extensive research was required for a narrative based on only three verses of Scripture. Heather Kaufman successfully weaves facts and fiction to share this powerful story! Joanna's social status appeared privileged, but her life was anything but. Her dear sister's illness (epilepsy) and her family's efforts to keep it secret scarred Joanna emotionally, her marriage to Chuza began as a marriage of convenience, and Joanna herself endured a physical ailment. Kaufman vividly portrays her emotional turmoil, doubts, and fears, until she learned about a man named Jesus!

I loved this peek into King Herod's court, the Sanhedrin, and Joanna's life of privilege, and my heart swelled during the accounts of Joanna's interaction with Jesus and His interaction with others. Scripture tells us of Jesus's love for children, his ability to understand hearts and thoughts, and his total acceptance of everyone but Kaufman's interpretation increased my insight. This is a captivating tale of hope, belief, and acceptance, and tissues are recommended for the poignant ending!

Before the King verifies Kaufman's talent for sharing God's Word through fiction and she's now on my list of favorite authors of Biblical Fiction. I look forward to book three in the Women of the Way series!

I received a copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.

Before the King is such an impactful book! Every page of this book kept me enthralled as I read of Joanna’s story. Joanna is mentioned just twice in the Bible, but it was so interesting to read what her life of faith could have been like. Heather Kaufmann’s research is evident through her writing, and the author notes attest to that as well.

This is my second book I’ve read from Kaufmann, and I think my favorite aspect in both of those books is that the voice of the main character shines through in such a beautiful way. In this case Joanna’s voice completely captures my attention throughout the book. I could feel her emotions as she waded through her sister’s epilepsy, the difficult path to marriage, and her own injury.

Overall this is an impactful Biblical read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to see what a disciple of Christs life could have been like during his time. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

I read this breathtaking, phenomenal and 5 star book, Before the King, by Heather Kaufmann, at a time of great grief & darkness in my life, and as I read each page, I realized it was literally a gift from God that brought me a much needed beacon of hope in the love, forgiveness, tenderness, and peace that I saw in this fictional telling of Joanna, wife of Chuza from the Bible.  I really needed to be reminded of all that during this time, and I was, as I turned each page of this book!!  I was also reminded of the great redemption from sin in the characters of Joanna, her sister Dalia, and eventually her husband Chuza had received from Jesus who freed them both from the tyranny of grief, fear, guilt and shame!  They found such love and grace in Christ that carried them through the winds and waves of life, both of them learning that opening their hearts to Christ and His love and grace helped them deepen their own relationship! They both realized love was so worth the risk!  Also, they found the only way to true freedom from their deep wounds was found at the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the One who gave His life so they could be free of those wounds that had a very tight grip on their lives.  I found the same in my own life!!  Jesus' message, strength, and love became real through the restoration of Joanna, which began through her relationship with her dear sister Dalia, who pointed her to the One who could bring all those gifts thru His grace, and it was beautiful to read God's restoration power in every part of their story!

Also, I was so touched by Joanna's sister Dalia's faith in the midst of suffering! She taught Joanna to see the circumstances of her life not as the end of her story, but as a way to know the faithfulness of her Abba, Father God, who was faithful every day to intimately walk with her thru her suffering, and so strengthen her faith in Him, giving her courage to share that hope she received daily with her sister. She wanted to share the intimacy she found in God that would one day lead her sister Joanna to Christ!  Oh may the Lord use me like that in my own remaining sister's life, to be a beacon that leads her to Christ!
So I say all that to show that this book was such a gift to me, and I am forever thankful to Heather Kaufmann for writing it, and cannot recommended it highly enough. This review is my own opinion, and I received no compensation for it. I gladly give it freely!

Here's a quote from Joanna in the book, one of many, that I felt the Lord whisper to my own broken heart, that brought me much needed hope and strength from Him,
"Yahweh! I called upon the name He gave to Moses, His sacred, covenant name. Yahweh! I stared hard at the wall with gritted teeth. If this is to be a new beginning, then I cannot walk into it without Your strength. It was the one thing I knew, and so I clung to it. I cannot do this without You! My heart cried and cried again as it learned to talk to Him in a new way— as someone who was claiming Him for herself. In the midst of the cries came a quietness, a hush— the memory of comfort carried by the voice that named me Daughter."

4.5 stars

“…for my heart had yet to learn its greatest lesson – that God is as near as our own breath.”

Before I gush about this book, you need to know something about me (if you don’t already know it). I’m super picky about Biblical era fiction and there are only a few authors of this genre that I do read, a total of which I can count on one hand. I regret that I haven’t read the first book in this series yet (I will!) but with Before The King Heather Kaufman now has a firm spot on my short list of Biblical fiction authors I will read & highly recommend.

“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” (Luke 8:1-3)

Other than telling us that Joanna was also one of the women who first discovered that Jesus had risen from the dead, Scripture is quiet about her beyond the above verses. But Luke nevertheless felt her worthy of mentioning by name more than once, so Heather Kaufman uses careful research, study, and creativity to breathe life and personality and backstory into the layers that Luke left up to our imagination. As I came to know this fleshed-out version of Joanna, I saw her as less of a nebulous name and more as she was – a real person with feelings, dreams, family dynamics, friendships, pain, joy, sorrow, fear, attraction, and love just like me. In so doing, I also saw my own shortcomings more clearly and the tenderness of Jesus more acutely, as well as gaining a new perspective on the political climate of the time and the power of a simple invitation – ‘come and see’.

Bottom Line: Before the King by Heather Kaufman paints a touching picture of a life changed by an encounter with Jesus. The author’s engaging prose and multidimensional characters kept me absorbed in the story, my heart breaking and falling in love and rejoicing right along with Joanna’s. This thoughtful imagining of the kind of layered backstory (including a swoony, slow burn, marriage of convenience) that might have led this Biblical figure (and her Gentile husband) to Jesus wrapped around me like a comforting quilt, giving voice to questions that I’ve asked more over the last few years than ever before… and pointing me lovingly to the reminder that God is ever close – even when we can’t see His hand – and that we can rest in His immense love for us – even when we don’t see the answer we want. A compelling novel for fans of Tessa Afshar, Connilyn Cossette, and Mesu Andrews!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This Biblical fiction story is amazing! I loved reading more about what Herod's court was like. The author did a wonderful job of bringing to life the story of Joanna, who is mentioned just a couple of times in the New Testament. I highly recommend this book!

This was my first read by this author and I thought it was great! I love the writing style and how it flows so well and easy to read. I was captivated from the beginning and didn’t want to stop reading. I finished in a day, so you know it’s good. This is Joanna’s story and since we don’t know that much about her, this gives the author a lot of freedom to make up a backstory/story. I really liked the story, and how there was a love story involved. I loved Joanna and I also loved that her husband Chuza was shown in a positive way. I also enjoyed seeing things Jesus did through the perspective of Joanna. Overall I thought this was an amazing Biblical fiction story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley and the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I loved everything about this exquisitely written work of Biblical fiction. The author’s skillful writing brought this time and the characters to life for me in such vivid ways.

I was drawn to the bond between Joanna and her sister, Dalia. Life’s difficulties and decisions out of their control caused a lengthy separation. Their soul-deep, close relationship proved to be stronger than any distance or passage of time. Their conversations about faith were an encouragement to me.

Joanna’s first encounter with Jesus was so beautifully written. I read it through the tears in my eyes. I felt as though I was on that dusty road with them.

A strong desire and need to be known forged deep relationships between characters. Siblings, parents, friends and spouses grew closer to one another as they listened to, respected and loved one another.

While reading this book, I was reminded that compassion interrupts. When we surrender to compassion, it can interrupt gossiping, bullying, jealousy, pride and the urge to seek revenge. Compassion opens the way to forgiveness and restoration.

I highly recommend this excellent book!

I received complimentary copies of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A well done, fictional take on Joanna, who is only mentioned twice in the Bible. The author did a good job in creating a story within the parameters of what the Bible tells.

This was incredible. The way Kauffman weaves the story has you wanting more. She’s a talented writer especially with this series of historical fiction. This one will not disappoint..

Before the King was my first book by Heather Kaufman and it totally captivated me. 5 stars!

This book is more than just a historical novel, it's a journey through love and loss, painful acceptance with glimmers of hope. By story's end I felt like I suffered along with the characters and experienced a spiritual awakening like they did. I could see Jesus so clearly as a man here on earth and yet the Lord of heaven and earth He truly is.

I am a collector of meaningful quotes and Before the King is full to the brim with them. Several of my favorites:
"Faith is founded on Adonai Himself and not on the condition that He act in a certain way at a certain time."
"...so I decided that instead of seeing my life as ending, I would see it as a new beginning. A place where He does new and unexpected things, a place of delight."
"He is also Yahweh-Rapha-the Lord who heals in both body and soul, pardoning our iniquities."

All the best biblical books send a call to explore the well-loved stories again, wanting to learn more about the people that lived during that time. Before the King did that so well. The interactions with Jesus touched me deeply. If I had to use one word to describe this book it would be, Powerful!

I'm going back to Kaufman's debut book in the Women of the Way series to read Up from Dust: Martha's Story. I love Heather Kaufman writing style and now count her among my favorite biblical authors with Tessa Afshar and Connilyn Cossette.

I appreciate Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley, making a copy available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

More & more I’m coming to truly appreciate Biblical fiction! I love the insights & thoughtfulness that goes into each book. Before the King is Joanna’s story from the New Testament. Heather Kaufman thoroughly brings her to life in this heart-achingly beautiful story of faith, struggle, loss, & love.

From childhood, Joanna keenly feels the struggles of her sister who suffers from a seizure disorder. When she’s torn away from her & thrust into the politics of Herod’s court, she must learn to navigate her way through the jealousies of others & an arranged marriage. When tragedy strikes, Joanna finds herself in a new situation with a new suitor who offers her a marriage of convenience.

I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in this story. The author did a fabulous job breathing new understanding into Joanna. I loved her interactions with Jesus & His disciples & watching her faith grow. Joanna is a wealthy woman & it was interesting seeing how she’s viewed & treated at first.

Joanna’s marriage of convenience was so well done. I enjoyed the push & pull of their relationship as he’s determined to keep things strictly platonic. Her husband’s past is a bit of a mystery until it’s finally unraveled.

Joanna’s conversion story had me in tears. I enjoyed following her journey as she meets John the Baptist, Jesus, Mary of Magdala, the disciples, & others. She experiences the dangers of being a believer culminating in the death & resurrection of Jesus.

The audiobook version is fantastic. I enjoyed how the narrator infused just the right amount of emotion into the story. I also appreciated how she differentiated between each of the characters & really brought them to life.

It’s a compelling story that completely hooked me from the beginning. Highly recommend to fans of Biblical fiction & Bible retellings. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher but also purchased the audiobook version. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

“I have to believe,” came her simple reply. “In order to live, I have to believe that He is present and that He cares.”- Dalia

What a Biblical fiction adventure this book is! Before the King: Joanna’s Story by Heather Kaufman brings us into an influential Jewish family’s life during the time of Herod Antipas and Jesus. ( Having read Kaufman’s debut Biblical novel, Up from Dust: Martha’s story, I knew I wanted to read Kaufman’s second novel, too!)

“I am an ordinary woman whom God chose to put in extraordinary places. Any strength to be found in my story is His alone. I only did what I could with what I had, and this, I now know, is how His Kingdom advances. Each of us doing what we can with what we have by His power. So no, I am not brave. I am needy—desperate for Adonai to meet me with His strength. My story is how He did just that.”- Prologues can be wealths of information, tone, and general direction setting of the novel. Kaufman’s prologues are not to be missed!

Though the story is told in first-person by Joanna, I find Joanna’s sister Dalia very central to the novel. Dalia has a serious illness, and the family decides to hide that fact in order to prosper in Herod’s court. Joanna rises to prominence and hopes for an advantageous love-match, yet her sister is never far from her mind. How can one sister have nothing and yet be happy, while the other has the world at her fingertips, and is still searching for that elusive feeling?

I love this novel because it shows how Jesus can reach down and touch any life, transforming even one that seems hopeless. It also shows, as does Kaufman’s debut novel, how Jesus cares about women’s needs for love, significance, and security: needs that were totally ignored and trampled in that society.

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy for the keeper shelf . No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“You are frightened to accept God’s abundance, as was I once. You say His mercy is what drew you to Him, and yet you push that mercy back in His face.”

“Then we would be in God’s hands—…“An infinite God who promises His presence is worth trusting.”

“You must release them from whatever untruths they knowingly or unknowingly harbored. You must do this for yourself.”

“What do we do when God doesn’t give us what we want?”“Well . . .” Dalia had scrunched up her nose in thought. “I suppose we trust Him to give us what we need instead.” “But what if He doesn’t answer us at all?” “Oh, He does, Jojo. You just may not hear it because it’s not what you expected.”

“God is as near as our own breath.”

“What others think of me has no bearing on who I am…What people think changes all the time. What is true never changes.” -Dalia

This book was very well written, it grabbed my attention right away, I felt like the characters were real, and I got very invested in them.
This is the first book I have read by this author. I am so glad that I gave this book a chance. It was so incredible. I will definitely be looking for more books from her.

My Quick Takes:
- 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️‍🔥 closed-door
- Content 🤔 chronic illness, past child loss, family deaths

I enjoyed getting to know a fictional take on Joanna. I always love a biblical fiction and getting immersed into a time period of the bible. Before the King follows Joanna from youth to grown woman and culminates in a beautiful redemption arc.

While this is the second book in the Women of the Way series, this book can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first book, Up from Dust and was able to follow the storyline easily.

If you’re a fan of the Chosen, A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers, or historical fiction in general add Before the King to your TBR.

Another amazing novel from Heather Kaufman!
Before the King takes place during the lifetime of Jesus, and Joanna, the main character, has a friendship with him and his followers. I was immersed in the biblical setting, and I was encouraged by the stories of Jesus' miracles and his love.

The story is full of of deep relationships that bring both hurt and love. There's betrayal, insecurities, forgiveness and restoration. There are several suspenseful scenes, so don't think this story is calm or boring! Joanna's romance story caused a bit of anguish, but the causes (wrong thinking) were dealt with.

My favorite aspect of Before the King is how I can relate to Joanna: my spiritual relationship with Jesus mirrors Joanna's "in real life" relationship with Jesus. For example, she said, "I'd allowed myself to become defined by the wound. Could I learn to be defined by His joy?" I can say this about myself.

The novel closes with the author giving further explanations about her research and where she took creative license. She encourages us to go back to the Bible and read the story for ourselves. There are also questions for a book club. Highly recommended!

I...I have no words. I took notes, but I am so profoundly moved by this book.

I have nothing. I took quotes. So many quotes that I finally stopped typing them in my phone because my fingers were cramping.

Profoundly moved isn't a strong enough statement. I have no words.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~