Before the King

Author: Heather Kaufman
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Series: Women of the Way #2
Pages: 352
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

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 harbors a dark secret. Entangled in the complexities of aristocratic life and an impending arranged marriage, Joanna is caught between her own desires and maintaining appearances. When tragedy strikes, Joanna grapples with a new future 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. As she contributes to his ministry, Joanna treads a perilous path between a court that mocks Jesus of Nazareth, disciples who view her with suspicion, and a husband who guards his own secrets. With pressure increasing on all sides, Joanna must decide where her allegiances lie and protect her relationship to the Christ, whose message is as compelling as it is dangerous.

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Reviewer: Linda Klager

I was interested in this book because I knew little about Joanna from the Holy Bible. The photo on the cover is lovely.

Joanna and Dalia were sisters. They were very close to each other. Dalia suffered from seizures. This caused everyone in the family to be upset.

Joanna’s parents wanted her to marry an influential man in Herod’s Court. She did not like how he looked at her and refused to be betrothed to him. This caused a lot of scandal.

Later on, Joanna’s father found another suitable husband for Joanna. This man told Joanna some shocking information. Would he ever tell Joanna the truth?  

One day there was an uprising at a theater and Joanna and Dalia were caught in the middle. This event changed their lives.

Joanna met Jesus, and he took care of Joanna’s needs. Joanna became very interested in Jesus’ mission, leading to a wonderful friendship. After reading this book, I looked up more information about Joanna and I am glad that the author used the facts to create this novel.    

If you enjoy Biblical fiction, then I highly recommend this book.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

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 and 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.

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

Wow! I’d give this book more than five 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, where 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 heals 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 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 with a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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