An extraordinary book that offers the background of Martha, Lazarus, and Mary. Wow! The story of these siblings has always fascinated me, and Heather Kaufman brings Biblical history to life! The story is unique and interesting.

I love Martha. I enjoyed the way she was portrayed in this book. The elder sister, competent, hardworking, longing for love. I liked the interaction between the siblings. There's love, some jealousy, and an inclusiveness in their relationship.

The glimpses of Jesus and his ministry are wonderful! I especially liked the part where Mary anoints his head and feet with perfume. It's a holy moment that is imprinted on my heart. Another favorite part was the time when Lazarus rose from the dead. Such a celebratory time!

This book awakened me to want to not only read scripture but to let it touch my heart. Heather Kaufman is a new author to me, but she is now a favorite! I look forward to reading more of her books!!

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

In Up from Dust, Heather Kaufman expertly crafts a soul-stirring tapestry of heartbreak and healing, seamlessly weaving threads of adversity and the transcendent hope emanating from the empty tomb. Kaufman skillfully guides us through Martha's poignant journey of responsibility, love, and shattered dreams, creating a narrative that is both haunting and profoundly hopeful. As Martha encounters Jesus of Nazareth, unexpected connections to her past unravel, unveiling a thorough exploration of trust, belief, and the tender renewal of a once-hardened heart. Kaufman's storytelling brilliance, coupled with timeless themes, crafts an emotionally charged and uniquely uplifting experience, resonating with the ineffable spirit of enduring hope.

I love historical fiction and this book is one great book. If you like historical Biblical fiction you will not be disappointed. Heather Kaufman did a good job of combining the little bit we know about Mary, Martha, and Lazarus and creating a very believable story. She stayed as true to facts as possible while fleshing out the characters and background story.

The editing was very well done. This is important to me because poor editing can really mess up your reading enjoyment.

I was given a copy of this book through LibrayThing. I am not required to leave a review and this review is my own opinion.

Heather Kaufman's debut novel with Bethany House has put her on my list as a new favourite author. Up From Dust answers all the right "what if" questions that surround the relationship between Jesus, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. And it adds a side story that brings a little more intrigue to keep you reading.

This first book in the Women of the Way series centres on Martha and answers all the questions as to why she might have been so focused on Mary not helping her prepare a meal when Jesus came to visit. You can read about this little interaction in Luke 10:38–42.

I loved the backstory of Martha and her family. It just made her frustration with Mary all the more believable. And it made Jesus' response to her frustration understandable. The love interest between Martha and Uri was a brilliant idea and tied in with so many of the lessons Martha needed as she grew in her faith and understanding of who Jesus was.

If you like biblical fiction, you need to add this one to your shelf! It brings the Bible to life with incredible storytelling and impeccable research. I can't recommend it enough!

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

This telling of Mary, Martha & Lazarus really reminded me of some truths about Jesus and God's love towards me. Its good to imagine some of what it would have been like for them as a family in those days.

I loved this quote from Up From Dust
"And why the feather," Martha asked.
“I asked him that when he gave it to me. He said it was a reminder that Yahweh would cover me with his opinions, and under his wings I would find refuge.”
I really loved this story about Martha and her siblings. It gives us a deeper insight as to what their thoughts and lives might have been like.
Miss Kaufman has done a remarkable job in bringing this biblical story to life and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I think my favorite character is Lazarus.
I enjoyed in getting to know him and I loved his absent-minded ways. I sometimes laughed at him and other times I wanted to shake him for aggravating his older sister Martha.
Martha is bossy and she tries so hard to keep her family together and I really admired her for that.
Here's another quote
“Beacons of light,” I mused. “Yahweh keeps providing beacons of light in your life to guide you when you need it most. First Jesus, then Meir.”“And then you,” he murmured. "It's been a winding path."