I find I’m struggling to put into words how much I loved “Before the King.” I feel as though my own words are inadequate and won’t do justice to this heart rendering story. Biblical fiction is my favorite genre as it often convicts me and helps me learn and grow in my own faith, Kaufman did just that through her beautifully crafted story of Johanna. Kaufman poured her heart into Joanna’s story and it flowed straight from the pages into the readers heart and mind. From garden to garden, and everything she experienced between, Johanna’s story blossomed and captured my heart. I cried so many times through the heartache and joys she experienced. Watching her find healing inwardly and physically, watching her struggle in faith and grow in faith, and watching her find forgiveness and give forgiveness was the greatest joy. My expectations for “Before the King” were extremely high after reading “Up from Dust,” and H. Kaufman far surpassed every expectation I had and has left me pondering this story from a Biblical sense even more so.

*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review, only one that was honest. The opinions I have expressed are my own and personal thoughts on this book.

Excellent biblical fiction! I so enjoyed this story about Joanna, her early life, the troubles she goes through, how she follows Jesus, and her encounters with Him.

She’s a wealthy daughter of a Sadducee in the Sanhedrin; her parents think everything centers on how rich they are and the people they mix with. They’re thrilled to be close to Herod. Joanna’s parents arrange a marriage for her that she’s not too sure about.

Joanna’s life is changed by the unexpected and she withdraws from life. She hears about Jesus from a friend who was healed and is intrigued. What could Jesus mean in her life?

We’re with Joanna as she follows Jesus and experience the joy He brings her. As her faith grows we’re there with her. Through all the difficulties in her life we’re rooting for her. When Jesus is crucified she is shattered; no one wants to believe God would allow that. But then there is the Resurrection!

I loved every bit of this amazing book! And if you love this, don’t miss Heather Kaufman’s Up From Dust: Martha’s Story (Martha of Bethany). I’m looking forward to this author’s next book!

Before the King, by Heather Kaufman, is a brilliant biblical fiction novel that immerses readers in the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry. The novel is told through the eyes of Joanna, a beautiful yet resilient woman whose life is changed through horrific events. Through this character, the author weaves a tale exploring doubt and confusion about life, love, God, and why He allows suffering.

Her sister, Dalia, struggles with what can only be described as epilepsy. This disease was often viewed as demon possession. Dalia’s parents go to extreme lengths to hide their daughter from the prying eyes of King Herod’s court and the Sanhedrin, much to the distress of Joanna.

Yet, Dalia’s faith in God and her unwavering love and trust in Him vibrate throughout the pages of this book. It is this faith that her sister Joanna will look to as she faces struggles in the years ahead.

Kaufman excels at creating vivid and sensory descriptions that place you in the heart of the Holy Land. But it is her ability to get inside her characters that drive this story. I felt like God had opened a window to the past and said, “This happened. Use it for your story.” This is how real this story felt.

Pulled from the pages of history, the secondary characters, from King Herod to the disciples to Jesus Himself, created a cornucopia of feelings that will live within me for quite some time. The author’s understanding of the human soul with all its foibles was refreshing.

But the one thing that stood out most for me in this book was how lovingly she wrote about Jesus and His interactions with others. I cannot say what happened (spoilers) but when healing was offered to a certain character, this entire scene had my heart racing and crying because I am disabled. The author’s description of this moment in time reflected everything my heart desired and everything I questioned about my faith and whether I would ever be healed. Well done, Ms. Kaufman! You have given me hope.

This book is compelling and captivating, and will never let you go. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest review.

Heather Kaufman’s Before the King offers a thoughtful portrayal of Joanna, a woman named only twice in Scripture, as she navigates the complexities of faith, identity, and sacrifice during the ministry, death, and resurrection of Christ. This second book in the Women of the Way series builds on the author’s reputation for weaving biblical accounts into richly imagined narratives that remain reverent and historically grounded.

Joanna’s place in Herod’s court highlights the tension between the allure of power and the transformative message of Jesus. Her marriage to Chuza is portrayed with nuance, emphasizing mutual respect while acknowledging the strain of secrets. Joanna’s interactions with the disciples and her growing allegiance to Christ provide a unique lens into the challenges faced by early followers navigating societal constraints.

Themes of faith in uncertainty, wrestling with God’s silence, and learning to trust His sovereignty appear throughout the book. These moments come to life through Joanna’s reflections on her sister Dalia’s courage and her struggle to accept Christ’s mercy after years of loss and shame.

Set during one of history’s most pivotal periods, the novel remains deeply personal, focusing on Joanna’s choices and their eternal significance. The author’s respect for Scripture and skill in crafting relatable characters make this book a strong addition to biblical fiction.

This is an excellent choice for book clubs, offering opportunities to discuss faith, relationships, and the cost of discipleship. Kaufman has earned her place among the genre’s top authors, and I eagerly await what she writes next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Wow! I'd give this book more than 5 stars if I could. It's extraordinary! My heart was touched on such a deep level; I will be pondering this book for a while. I was immediately transported to Israel at the time when Jesus was just beginning his ministry.

The main characters are complicated people. They are people with hopes and dreams. Dreams that come at a high price. I connected the most with Joanna. Her life is one of loneliness. She yearns to have a deeper faith in God. She soon finds a community among Jesus's disciples that heal her heart. Dalia is sweet and wise. Her affliction helps her cling to the Lord. Chuza has built high walls around his heart, but he shows that he can be honorable and compassionate.

The parts of the book that touched me the most were the ones involving Jesus. What a privilege for those who talked and walked with Him! To see the miracles of healing and become a part of His life. His death was not the end, for He is risen!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“God is fanning the smoldering wick of my faith into a bright flame.”

This is a heartfelt and inspiring story that follows two sisters and explores how one sister’s powerful faith impacted the other.

Dalia and Joanna, daughters of Itamar the Sadduccee, chief priest in Sepphoris, are raised to live unauthentically and the burden has surprising outcomes. Weaving between 60 AD Rome and 13 AD Israel, this story explores and wonderfully opens up biblical history and shows us how to love the life we’ve been given and bear fruit in unexpected places.

I loved the reminders that happiness takes time to harvest but we need to be busy nurturing it in the growth period, that fear and pride are the two sides of the same coin, and that there’s always a purpose when God gives us things we cannot understand.

I’ll remember this book because of what it taught me about having a faith that clings to God despite my circumstances.

My highlighter was working overtime and my emotions were on high alert as I read this touching, phenomenal biblical fiction story highlighting the life of Joanna from Luke 8 and Luke 24.

I’m looking forward to Salome’s story next!

BEFORE THE KING by HEATHER KAUFMAN is well written Biblical fiction, based strongly on the Bible and on the Author’s research on the time in which Joanna lived. I cannot recommend this beautiful read strongly enough. With Joanna’s experiences faithfully following the Scriptures, and her thoughts and emotions well portrayed, this novel is a gem which should not be missed. The other characterd are also very well portrayed particularly as we see their various responses to Jesus and the Word of God.
We are made aware of the difficulties and dangers of life at the time, the falseness and cruelty of the earthly king Herod as opposed to the love and mercy of God the Father shown in Jesus Christ as He walked amongst men, many of whom reviled Him, the entitlement of the upper class and the error in the teachings of most of the Pharisees and Sadducees………
Joanna and Chuza each have a secret that threatens their marriage……
I’m not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I found Before the King most inspirational and a story to be savured.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I really love this quote that I'm starting my review with so I thought I'd share it.
"But faith in what? Faith that Adonai would heal me at a certain age? That's not really faith Joanna. Faith is founded on Adonai himself and not on the condition that Je act in a certain way at a certain time. " Amen I couldn't have said this better myself.
I love Dalia she's a sweetheart even though she has seizures. Poor girl. But I love her stalwart faith in God
This book has gently reminded me of that.
Blessed are those who have faith but have not yet seen.
I was unable to put this wonderful book down. I took my time and savored it because I love Biblical fiction.
I didn't want this story to end for it has touched my heart deeply. I love these two sisters one who has strong faith and is a teacher in her own her own right. God uses ppl in many ways and using Dalia was one of them. She's independespenible.
Kaufman is a wonderful author and I love how she brings her characters to life and makes you feel as if you're there with them.
People really haven't changed all that much from Biblical days just the technology.
5 stars from me for keeping my interest
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine