Another wonderful book from Heather Kaufman that immediately immerses you into what the lives of Bible characters might have looked like. This book gave me so much insight into the life of Joanna and was an utter delight to read!

--I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.--

Before the King is a wonderful story about one woman living in the times of the Bible and how she finds faith and purpose. Obviously, there is a lot more than that, too, but I think that’s the short and sweet synopsis.

For me, Biblical fiction is a hit or miss. Either it’s amazing and I’m spellbound, or it’s dry and I can’t seem to get into it. This one is spellbinding. I felt the characters come to life. The settings came to life in my mind and I quickly felt like I was there. Joanna became a real person standing next to me.

Joanna had an interesting life.
She’s raised as a Sadducee. Her life is smoke and mirrors, though, and she’s not really who she portrays. That’s by design and how she is taught.

Dalia is a secondary character. But to me, she is amazing. I loved when she’d grace the pages. She has what we could call epilepsy, so she’s sent off to live with relatives in the country. Can’t have her ruining the family name now, can we? Joanna loves her and misses her.

When Joanna faces a hardship and becomes less than herself, she really has to dig in and find her own faith like Dalia has. It’s such a wonderful read. I hope you get a chance to read it as well.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

I am new to Heather Kaufman's writing, and when I picked up Before the King, I was unsure what to expect. The story of Joanna (mentioned in the New Testament of the bible of the wife of Chusa, Herod's finance minister) and her story. I love how she fleshed out her character and let us see her joys and struggles. It let us see her struggle with the faith of her Father when life was hard. The relationships with her family, the love of her sister and their precious relationship. Watching as she learns to love the man that she has married. The healing that came with submission, salvation at the feet of the Savior. I am looking forward to more from Heather and have recommended the book to others..

I think Biblical fiction must be a tricky genre to write. An author has to balance the truth of the scripture with conjecture of every day life events not mentioned in the Bible. I have found the novels by Heather Kaufman, author of two books in the Women of The Way series, to be excellent examples of the way it should be done. Kaufman presents a very convincing what-if in her latest book, Before The King. Set primarily in and around Herod’s court during the ministry of Jesus, this book is well-researched from the standpoint of the culture of the time and the Biblical record as found in the gospels. While little is really known about Joanna, the wife of an advisor of Herod, Kaufman has done a creditable job of fleshing out her story. Yes, the early life of Joanna is fictional, but the way it is portrayed in the novel reads as real and, above all, relatable to a modern reader. And when Joanna meets Jesus . . . Kaufman captures how someone must have felt — awe, wonder, reverence, devotion, and the reality of finally being seen. I loved the fictional storyline that Kaufman weaves of a woman looking for connection, but it is the spiritual truths that underpin the narrative that makes this book special. I saw Herod’s court and Jesus’s disciples in a new light, one that prompted me to open my Bible to find out the real story. I think that is the best thing Biblical fiction can do — point its reader to the Word of God, and Before The King certainly does that!

I look forward to discussing this book with the members of my Bible study/book club group. I can recommend Before The King to those who love historical fiction that makes the reader think and long to find out the rest of the story.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

Another great Biblical fiction book to recommend. This is my third one in the last two weeks, and I don't know how they were each so good. I adore the characters that Kaufman created: Joanna and all of the people (especially the other women) in her life, her journey through losses and trials. A journey that leads her to meet Jesus and into other adventures. The setting was beautifully depicted transporting me into Biblical times and places and the plot was well paced and kept me turning the pages too late into the night. I loved it and again, have to say I highly recommend it.

I thought this was a well written and well researched Biblical fiction. I loved how the author told a story about a woman who we know was a follower of Christ but who we don’t know much about and helped us get a feeling for what a follower of Christ would have been feeling as they heard him teach. I loved how the author showed us the change in Joanna’s beliefs as she heard Christ and discovered that there was more to live. I loved seeing her faith grow and seeing her change. I also loved seeing her sadness at the crucifixion but her joy at the resurrection. I thought this was a really good story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

This was my first time reading a biblical fiction story from this author and I really enjoyed it! Joanna is mentioned twice in the bible so of course most of this story is fiction but includes biblical facts and references to King Harrod, John and Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth. It follows the journey of Joanna and how she is healed by Jesus along with his preaching, death and rising from the tomb.

The bible comes alive when I read stories like this and the author did a beautiful job with the descriptions of people, emotions and the setting that I felt like I was there right along side them.

I liked reading about Joanna’s childhood, injury, marriage and interactions with King Harrod’s court and the friends and enemies she makes along the way. I could feel the emotion in the pages of her conversation when listening to Jesus preach and her being healed.

If you like reading biblical fiction stories, I think you will love this emotional, beautiful story! I loved reading it from beginning to end!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed reading this biblical fiction story about Joanna and how she may have interacted with Jesus and Herod. I loved that she was able to fight through many family obstacles as she found faith. I cried and laughed. I could not put the book down. I loved how Joanna and Eden help each other. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Before the King: Joanna’s Story by Heather Kaufman is the second book in the Women of the Way series. The first book, Up from Dust, was about Martha. I thought that was a beautiful novel as is this one. Author Kaufman has a marvelous perspective on what life might have been for these two ladies.

This book tells the story of Joanna and her sister Dalia. While not much is said about Joanna in the scripture, the author has used her imagination and research to fill in details for this follower of Jesus. I totally fell in love with this amazing woman.

The writing is extremely well done. I was whisked away to a time and place that I had never been. I appreciated the research done to make this story authentic. The characters and places came alive for me through the vivid details.

Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genre if it follows scripture. This one does. It has scripture woven throughout it and follows the story as best it can without having a lot of details to go by.

I loved the life and Christian messages tucked inside this inspiring story. Parts of it moved me to tears. I highly recommend this. It would make a fabulous reading group choice. There is so much to glean and discuss. It receives a 5 out of 5 star rating from this reader. A complimentary copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these were my honest words.

In the novel, Before the King, Heather Kaufman masterfully weaves together the tale of Joanna—as she comes to age in first century Galilee—with the amazing events that we all know from the Gospels.

However, this is a hard book to classify, it is at the same time a love story between a man and woman and tale of the sweeping love that God has for all humankind. The main protagonist of the tale is Joanna, a young girl from an influential Sadducee family in the fascinating time when the Jewish Temple still existed during the reign of the Roman Empire. This story follows Joanna through her ups and downs of adolescence as she struggles with the typical things that affluent young women in her time and place would wrestle. Her story contains many highs and lows but ultimately, she comes into relationship with the one person who can utterly change everything for her and make all things new!

I had the pleasure of reading this most beautiful novel during the Lenten season; and I found it to be a wonderfully deep reflection upon Sacred Scripture that I will carry with me for a long time. As such, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is familiar with the Gospels and is looking for an imaginative retelling of the stories we all know by heart, as well as a well-thought-out backstory that kept me turning the pages late into the night.

Many thanks to Heather Kaufman, Bethany House Fiction, and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are offered freely and are entirely my own.

Well, I found a new favourite author. There is so much to take away from this book in regards to the supportive advice of each of the characters. If you like Biblical historic fiction then you will most definitely enjoy this book about a girl named Joanna. She is one of two daughters of an elite Sadducee. In an historical context, Joanna was only mentioned two times in the Bible and not a whole lot is known about her. And this is where the author takes up pen and does an amazing job filling it in. Joanna is basically caught in the web of her parents lies and I like how this is addressed because lying is often taken so lightly. There are consequences to the lies of her parents and Joanna goes through many sufferings in her journey on earth that lead her eventually to the “Truth”. There is much scripture reference and I found myself tearing up a couple of times. This is Book Two of the Women of the Way and I look forward to reading more from this author. I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own. Recommend.
“What people think changes all the time. What is true never changes.” ~Quote from book.

Before the King captures the fear, intimidation and the selfish thirst that the Roman's may have had for seeing those in places of opposition squirm. Heather has masterfully woven a number of complexities into the story of Joanna including the lengths ones' parents might go to ensure that their daughter is in a good position to marry and the financial impact that rejection may have on the entire family, Read "Before the King" to discover how it's possible for arranged marriages to grow in love, if Joanna's absent sister ruins wedding plans when she arrives "uninvited" and how the woman on the outer circle of the disciples of Christ responded at his death and resurrection. Was all hope lost?

Before the King: Joanna’s Story is book 2 of the "Women of the Way" series. It is well researched, and detailed. It gives you a clear glimpse of life in Bible times.
I enjoyed watching Joanna's faith grow throughout the story. The twists and turns kept me reading, to find out what would come next.
If you enjoy Biblical Christian fiction, based on true people and events, you will certainly want to check out Before the King!
I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.
#bookreview #giveaway #celebratelit

I have not been so captivated by a fictional Biblical account like this one. The author sends readers right into the heart of the story. It was easy to visualize Joanna as her journey begins. I was sad as Joanna’s sister is left behind because she has an illness that her father is embarrassed about. He is so worried about his reputation that he decides to leave her behind to live with her aunt and uncle. I would never abandon a child because they had an illness. His heart is full of pride and Joanna can’t believe that her relationship with her sister will be fractured.

I loved seeing how Joanna is kind, gentle and faithful. She begins to adjust to her new surroundings and the attention of suitors. Her beauty is undeniable but she is very humble. As her father moves up in his new position, will the secret the family is hiding destroy them? Get ready for an illustration of forgiveness, redemption and God’s unconditional love.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Helplessness and despair have a way of debilitating hope and faith. The beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that despite our shortcomings, sins, and sorrows, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is the insurance of grace, mercy, and redemption. Before the King by Heather Kaufman wonderfully portrays the sovereignty of Christ through His ministry, as well as the life of a woman greatly impacted by the abounding mercy of Jesus.

Mentioned only twice and quite briefly in the Bible, author Heather Kaufman meaningfully captured the life of Joanna while maintaining the integrity of the biblical text. In this fictional account of Joanna, readers meet the primary character whose family of wealth and esteem is infatuated with maintaining an unscathed reputation and relentless desire for honor. An unfortunate event occurs, in which her family forces her to harbor a distressing secret that keeps her constrained by regret for numerous years. A sudden and unfortunate injury overcomes her, leaving her riddled with sorrow and dismay. As a result, she is encouraged into a marriage where she yearns for unrestrained love. Joanna experiences a radical experience with Jesus that eternally changes her life, leaving her suspended between a society that mocks the power of Christ and a community that believes in the true identity of Jesus.

“Faith is founded on Adonai Himself and not on the condition that He act in a certain way at a certain time”. -Before the King

Before the King is a superb novel, with well written historical references of biblical accounts. Adept descriptive narratives provide an authentic element to the plot. Included in the novel is a beautiful love story that depicts two individuals living under the tyranny of fear and guilt, bound by shame from their pasts, and anchored by the healing power of forgiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and appreciate the inspiring message of courage and faith it elicited. An absorbing page turner, I highly recommend this to others.
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A book by Heather Kaufman will always be a YES! for me. Her diligent research, masterful storytelling, and beautiful writing check all the boxes for a book that has a home on my keeper shelf. Before the King has twists I didn’t see coming - but should have because the set up was all there. I love being taken by surprise like that. And even when I suspected this or that might happen (no spoilers!) I was always surprised by the way the events unfolded. Kaufman’s writing keeps my mind engaged and entertained, and my heart absolutely entangled. In Part 1, the beauty of Adonai pursuing Joanna, in spite of her skepticism, is a beautiful reminder for all of us. In Part 2, Joanna’s encounter with Jesus…wow. Just wow. I cannot wait for Book 3 in this series!

I enjoyed this b0ok. It has been a while since I've read this author, and I really enjoyed her writing style. I thought the plot was fascinating. I liked it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Before the King: Joanna's Story is the second installment from Heather Kaufman's Women of the Way series. I really liked Joanna's story. The historical details were so vivid I felt as thought I was part of her world and seeing how she lived. I loved getting to know here and taking this adventure with her. I found this book to be a beautiful one of faith and greatly enjoyed it.

Before the King: Joanna's Story deserves a full five stars. I have no doubt historical fiction lovers, particularly of Biblical Fiction, will love it as much as me. I am hoping there will be more to come from the Women of the Way series.

I received a paperback copy of Heather Kaufman's Before the King: Joanna's Story from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

I am loving this series from Heather Kaufman, highlighting women who are briefly mentioned in the Gospels and getting to see an imagined version of what their lives might have been like and what things were like during the time of Jesus. Following Johanna's life in a well-to-do and high ranking family was a fascinating glimpse of a different side of things than we usually see in Biblical fiction. The book ended with some loose ends, so I'm really hoping that the next book will carry on another side of the story!

Before the King
Joanna's Story
by Heather Kaufman
Pub DateJan 21 2025
Bethany House |Bethany House Publishers
Christian| General Fiction \(Adult\)| Historical Fiction


I received a copy of Before the King as part of my review for Bethany House publishers and Netgalley:



Joanna's wealthy family wants to be a part of Herod's inner circle, but when her father's position in the Sepphoris Sanhedrin is threatened, the family harbors a dark secret. Joanna is caught between her own desires and maintaining appearances as she navigates aristocratic life and an impending arranged marriage. Joanna's sense of duty and hope for love are challenged when tragedy strikes.




Joanna's life is forever changed when a rabbi preaches a new kingdom and heals the sick years later. While she contributes to his ministry, Joanna treads a perilous path between a court mocking Jesus of Nazareth, disciples suspicious of her, and a husband who guards his own secrets. Joanna must decide where her allegiances lie and protect her relationship with Christ, whose message is as dangerous as it is compelling.


I give Before the King five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!