On Living Stone

Author: Heather Kaufman
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Series: Women of the Way #3
Pages: 368
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Every stone sings as it finds its purpose. This is the lesson restless Salome learns from her father as she grows up by the Sea of Galilee. Known as the wild girl with the quick tongue, Salome is determined to silence the critics who claim she has no future. An unexpected romance and the gift of two sons, James and John, leave her hopeful and resolved to prove herself as a mother.

Salome's dreams are challenged, however, when her sons answer the call to follow Jesus of Nazareth. As James and John are drawn deeper into Jesus' ministry, opposition to his message intensifies, leaving Salome with a choice. Can her family continue down the path of discipleship when it might cost them everything? With threats abounding, Salome must confront her fears, even as she discovers her own worth in this most unexpected rabbi.

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Reviewer: Katelyn Sponaugle

Whoa. 

That’s what I said after reading Heather Kaufman’s poignant prologue that had me wholly committed to the book in only two pages. She does it to me every single time. 

The words leaped off the page as she unfolded the story of Salome’s life in vivid detail. Beautiful, real, raw, and yes, so poignant. Salome was a real, relatable woman experiencing things we either have ourselves or know someone who has. Kaufman’s style is so easy and pleasant to read, but has so much depth and substance. 

Later, we experience a different perspective of Jesus’ ministry from her other books, witnessing the calling of several of the disciples. On Living Stone was also so unique as it imagines what it must have been like to be a mother to part of Jesus’ inner circle. As with John and Salome after the resurrection, I feel my understanding has been opened in a new way. After reading one of Kaufman’s books, I always see the Gospels with fresh eyes and renewed eagerness, and this one especially so. 

The Women of the Way series has brought to life for me what it might have been like for the women who were there, experiencing, wrestling, clinging, and letting go. Supporting Jesus’ ministry in practical ways, but also supporting the disciples they knew intimately as aunt, mother, or wife. Watching as they were called to something bigger than themselves, encouraging them as they faltered or failed, and ultimately surrendering them to the hands of God, having counted the cost. Though unsung, they made a difference. After pondering this, I realized it is still our honor to be a woman of the way, perhaps unknown to anyone except those we have loved and our Savior, yet making a difference. 

This book outshines anything I’ve read since Heather’s last book, and I believe it’s her best yet. Absolutely put it at the top of your TBR list, along with the rest of the Women of the Way if you haven’t read them already. 

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

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“Salome’s dreams are challenged, however, when her sons answer the call to follow Jesus of Nazareth. As James and John are drawn deeper into Jesus’ ministry, opposition to his message intensifies, leaving Salome with a choice,” the online description states regarding Heather Kaufman’s novel, On Living Stone: Salome’s Story.

The third book in the Women of the Way series, this 367-page advanced reader copy targets those who like a Biblical story of Salmone, James and John’s mother, who is mentioned in the New Testament. Topics of depression, injuries, illnesses, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes an author’s note, acknowledgments, the author’s biography, and advertisements.

Born with unique eyes, twelve-year-old Salome has always been stubborn, opinionated, and loyal, while questioning her self-worth and fears of acceptance. When she marries Zeb, an Israeli fisherman, and they have two sons, she must consider the cost of them and herself following Jesus, the One who is the Messiah.

This fictional account is told in first person and includes the emotional heart of the protagonist, who fights depression, jealousy, and pride as she raises James and John, who have been chosen by Jesus to be His disciples. I appreciated her marital relationship and how the couple managed their expectations and frustrations. Adding the cherished prayers to Adonai was touching.

Some may not like a story that includes the importance of having a relationship with Jesus Christ, but it is not overdone. With Salome being the main character, she is often the person who has all the answers. The writer took advantage of artistic license regarding birds at the crucifixion and kissing Jesus’s feet before ascending to the Father.

Although there are prayers to God and quoted Scripture, the reason Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of our sins was missed. I prefer all pronouns of the Almighty capitalized for reverence.

If you want a tearful, emotional read of a mother learning to physically and emotionally let go of her sons to Jesus’s care, this one will tug at your heart while leaving you retrospective.

I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

Wow! More than 5 stars for this book. Heather Kaufman just took Biblical fiction to the next level. I was inspired and encouraged by this emotional story.

The characters are written brilliantly! I liked Salome instantly. As a young child, she is often mocked and ridiculed. The one constant in her life is the love of her Abba. As she begins to allow herself to think about the future, love finds her in unexpected ways. Zeb is amazing! He’s the strong, silent type. Someone who can be counted on to be loyal and steady. Some of the other characters are well known. James, John, Peter, Andrew and more. These 12 chosen disciples of Jesus.

Most of the book is written from the perspective of a mother. Salome loves her sons tenaciously. As she follows Jesus, she sees his tenderness and how he loves those he has been sent to save.

All of the followers of Jesus had to give up something. I like how Zeb explains this to Salome. “What are we to give to God other than our whole selves? Like Abraham offering his son, we hold nothing back from God. Some things are worth the cost.” This spoke to my heart in many ways.

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

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