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: 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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