The book is described as an intriguing read that keeps them hooked until the end. Readers praise the spiritual content and character development, mentioning how Chuza and Susanna grow in faith.

Before the King by Heather Kaufman is the second book in the Women of the Way series and a definite must read if you love historical Biblical fiction.
Before the King is Joanna's story. Joanna struggles to find her way living an aristocratic life, worrying about maintaining appearances and an arranged marriage. However, then tragedy strikes, and she must shift gears and learn to accept a new future.
Years later her life is forever changed when she meets a rabbi who comes preaching about a new kingdom while healing the sick. Joanna finds that following the Christ is just as dangerous as it is compelling, and she must make the choice that protects her relationship with Him.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

Heather Kaufmann has written a story worthy of reading! While it is a work of fiction, so much light is brought to this Biblical time period and to the life of Joanna, a little-known character in the Bible. With many trials and adversities, Joanna's life is anything but easy. When her life is changed due to a permanent physical injury to her body, Joanna must choose how to proceed and what to believe. After an encounter with Jesus, Joanna knows her life will never be the same.

I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves Biblical fiction based in truth and who needs to know that Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life!

Like the television series The Chosen, which helps you imagine biblical times, Before the King by Heather Kaufman shines a light on a Bible character I’ve never thought much about—Joanna.

In Kaufman’s telling, Joanna comes from a wealthy family that hopes to be a part of the ruler Herod’s inner circle. The complexities, manipulations, and politics of the day drive Joanna’s mother and father, a member of the Sanhedrin, and conspire to trap Joanna in an arranged marriage with a man she doesn’t respect or love.

Themes of duty, honor, family secrets, love, and hope swirl around the story, propelling the reader to see how Joanna's decisions—and those made for her—shape and prepare her to meet Jesus of Nazareth.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for an advance review copy of this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author or publisher via LibraryThing and NetGalley. The following is my honest review.

5 Stars

This was my first Heather Kaufman novel, and it did not disappoint. The author takes you through Joanna's (the main character) growing up years. Though she's raised in a wealthy, politically prominent family, there's loss and extreme heartache. Her parents are counting on her to make a good match in marriage to a member of King Herod's inner circle. When tragedy strikes again, Joanna encounters followers of Jesus, and, eventually Jesus himself.

It was remarkable to "see" inside the culture of Israel and King Herod's court. I also loved how the author portrayed the various disciples and their personalities. This is a must read both for fans of Biblical fiction.

I went into Before the King without knowing exactly what to expect, and I was very pleasantly surprised! Heather Kaufman delivers an engaging and richly detailed biblical historical fiction that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Set in first-century Israel, the novel weaves together faith, love, and resilience in a story filled with political intrigue, family secrets, and deep emotional healing. The marriage of convenience trope is handled beautifully, adding both tension and tenderness to the story, while the romance subplot is a lovely complement to the action-packed narrative.

Kaufman does a fantastic job bringing the historical setting to life, immersing readers in the sights, struggles, and customs of the time. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys—both physical and spiritual—are compelling and heartfelt.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong themes of faith and redemption, high-stakes drama, and a touch of romance, Before the King is a must-read. Highly recommend!

Quote: "All my life, Faith had been a flickering flame threatening to snuff out, but then Jesus had breathed upon that flame.”

“How did he always do this? He seemed to know exactly where I was and refused to let me stay there.” 🥹

Last year, I read the first book in Heather Kaufman’s “Women of the Way” series called Up from Dust. This story followed Mary and Martha, with an emphasis on Martha.

I knew after reading one book that I needed to give Kaufman another shot, so I was excited to pick up Before the King, which follows Joanna’s story.

Not much is known about Joanna. In fact, there are only two places in scripture where she is mentioned. With not much to go on, but with much research and prayer, Kaufman was able to craft a beautiful, endearing story of faith, hope, truth, and love.

Joanna’s character captivated me. Seeing her honest struggles, her awareness of the goodness of God, and her deepening faith from childhood to adulthood was powerful. While we don’t know exactly what her real life looked like, I think Kaufman did a phenomenal job of pulling together what we know from history and scripture to share a story I believe will lead many to dive deeper into the Word and heart of God.

This beautiful book, “Before the King” by Heather Kaufman is so good! It is a deeply, rich story about Joanna, Wife of Chuza set in Jesus’ time. It is filled with life lessons, forgiveness and just good storytelling.

"Come and see."
Book 2 in The Women of The Way series can be read without reading Book 1.

The cover is stunning and has a unique, textured feel. This story was wonderful and well done. I felt like I was there standing in a hidden corner watching and listening to all the events. There is a slow-burn romance and I thought it was beautiful. I liked that the general unrest in the political climate was made a part of the story. The story took me on a journey into Jesus’ time and gave glimpses into what might have happened.

The ending did feel abrupt and there is a bit of a cliffhanger, but that could just be because I wanted more time in this story. I am already excitedly anticipating Book 3.

If you only read one biblical fiction book this year, make it this one! 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 is absolutely un-put-downable. The setting is so immersive that it feels like you’re walking in Joanna’s shoes, seeing the world through her eyes, and experiencing the life-changing, soul-piercing moments she did.

It’s difficult to even write a review because I feel that no matter what I write, it won’t do it justice. I was completely engrossed, staying up late into the night reading, and was deeply moved. The story is so vivid that it felt like a movie playing in my head, with me in the role of Joanna. Seriously, readers, this story is more than just a story—it’s an experience. I loved it and didn’t want it to end.

With central themes of hope, love, and faith, this powerful story reveals that God is always near.

First Line: He’s sitting in the center of the room when I enter, his parchments and pots of ink scattered across a scarred table.
Series: Women of the Way, book 2
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Author: Heather Kaufman
Page Count: 352

#CoverLoverBookReview received an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
A 2025 Fav♡rite
❤❤❤❤❤

A powerful story of hope, love and restoration.

Torn apart by tragedy and married out of convenience, Joanna is curious to learn more of a mysterious teacher who preaches of a coming kingdom and holds the power to heal.

A moving and evocative tale that explores the time that Jesus walked the earth through Joanna, a woman mentioned briefly in Scripture as a woman who supported the ministry of Jesus from her own means. Joanna is a beautiful woman, who has suffered a great deal of loss, while her family seeks to position themselves well among society. Her story is brought to life, as we see her go from a uncertain young woman to a devoted follower of Jesus. I could feel her heartaches, through the emotionally rich storytelling, and strong character arc throughout.

This is the kind of story that sucks you in from the very beginning and doesn't let go until the final page is turned down. I was quickly drawn into the life of Joanna and that of the people surrounding her. I especially liked the unique point of view, that the story explores.

Overall, a compelling and well done work of Biblical fiction, with wonderful attention to accuracy and detail. A gripping novel, with well developed characters, and a powerful message of faith, hope, and love. Highly recommend!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In January 2024, I read a debut novel that remained with me the entire year and now, I already have my "talk-about-novel" for 2025! Before the King is the story of a young woman mentioned only twice in the New Testament so extensive research was required for a narrative based on only three verses of Scripture. Heather Kaufman successfully weaves facts and fiction to share this powerful story! Joanna's social status appeared privileged, but her life was anything but. Her dear sister's illness (epilepsy) and her family's efforts to keep it secret scarred Joanna emotionally, her marriage to Chuza began as a marriage of convenience, and Joanna herself endured a physical ailment. Kaufman vividly portrays her emotional turmoil, doubts, and fears, until she learned about a man named Jesus!

I loved this peek into King Herod's court, the Sanhedrin, and Joanna's life of privilege, and my heart swelled during the accounts of Joanna's interaction with Jesus and His interaction with others. Scripture tells us of Jesus's love for children, his ability to understand hearts and thoughts, and his total acceptance of everyone but Kaufman's interpretation increased my insight. This is a captivating tale of hope, belief, and acceptance, and tissues are recommended for the poignant ending!

Before the King verifies Kaufman's talent for sharing God's Word through fiction and she's now on my list of favorite authors of Biblical Fiction. I look forward to book three in the Women of the Way series!

I received a copy from the author, publisher, and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.

Before the King is such an impactful book! Every page of this book kept me enthralled as I read of Joanna’s story. Joanna is mentioned just twice in the Bible, but it was so interesting to read what her life of faith could have been like. Heather Kaufmann’s research is evident through her writing, and the author notes attest to that as well.

This is my second book I’ve read from Kaufmann, and I think my favorite aspect in both of those books is that the voice of the main character shines through in such a beautiful way. In this case Joanna’s voice completely captures my attention throughout the book. I could feel her emotions as she waded through her sister’s epilepsy, the difficult path to marriage, and her own injury.

Overall this is an impactful Biblical read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to see what a disciple of Christs life could have been like during his time. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. A review was not required.

I read this breathtaking, phenomenal and 5 star book, Before the King, by Heather Kaufmann, at a time of great grief & darkness in my life, and as I read each page, I realized it was literally a gift from God that brought me a much needed beacon of hope in the love, forgiveness, tenderness, and peace that I saw in this fictional telling of Joanna, wife of Chuza from the Bible.  I really needed to be reminded of all that during this time, and I was, as I turned each page of this book!!  I was also reminded of the great redemption from sin in the characters of Joanna, her sister Dalia, and eventually her husband Chuza had received from Jesus who freed them both from the tyranny of grief, fear, guilt and shame!  They found such love and grace in Christ that carried them through the winds and waves of life, both of them learning that opening their hearts to Christ and His love and grace helped them deepen their own relationship! They both realized love was so worth the risk!  Also, they found the only way to true freedom from their deep wounds was found at the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the One who gave His life so they could be free of those wounds that had a very tight grip on their lives.  I found the same in my own life!!  Jesus' message, strength, and love became real through the restoration of Joanna, which began through her relationship with her dear sister Dalia, who pointed her to the One who could bring all those gifts thru His grace, and it was beautiful to read God's restoration power in every part of their story!

Also, I was so touched by Joanna's sister Dalia's faith in the midst of suffering! She taught Joanna to see the circumstances of her life not as the end of her story, but as a way to know the faithfulness of her Abba, Father God, who was faithful every day to intimately walk with her thru her suffering, and so strengthen her faith in Him, giving her courage to share that hope she received daily with her sister. She wanted to share the intimacy she found in God that would one day lead her sister Joanna to Christ!  Oh may the Lord use me like that in my own remaining sister's life, to be a beacon that leads her to Christ!
So I say all that to show that this book was such a gift to me, and I am forever thankful to Heather Kaufmann for writing it, and cannot recommended it highly enough. This review is my own opinion, and I received no compensation for it. I gladly give it freely!

Here's a quote from Joanna in the book, one of many, that I felt the Lord whisper to my own broken heart, that brought me much needed hope and strength from Him,
"Yahweh! I called upon the name He gave to Moses, His sacred, covenant name. Yahweh! I stared hard at the wall with gritted teeth. If this is to be a new beginning, then I cannot walk into it without Your strength. It was the one thing I knew, and so I clung to it. I cannot do this without You! My heart cried and cried again as it learned to talk to Him in a new way— as someone who was claiming Him for herself. In the midst of the cries came a quietness, a hush— the memory of comfort carried by the voice that named me Daughter."

4.5 stars

“…for my heart had yet to learn its greatest lesson – that God is as near as our own breath.”

Before I gush about this book, you need to know something about me (if you don’t already know it). I’m super picky about Biblical era fiction and there are only a few authors of this genre that I do read, a total of which I can count on one hand. I regret that I haven’t read the first book in this series yet (I will!) but with Before The King Heather Kaufman now has a firm spot on my short list of Biblical fiction authors I will read & highly recommend.

“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” (Luke 8:1-3)

Other than telling us that Joanna was also one of the women who first discovered that Jesus had risen from the dead, Scripture is quiet about her beyond the above verses. But Luke nevertheless felt her worthy of mentioning by name more than once, so Heather Kaufman uses careful research, study, and creativity to breathe life and personality and backstory into the layers that Luke left up to our imagination. As I came to know this fleshed-out version of Joanna, I saw her as less of a nebulous name and more as she was – a real person with feelings, dreams, family dynamics, friendships, pain, joy, sorrow, fear, attraction, and love just like me. In so doing, I also saw my own shortcomings more clearly and the tenderness of Jesus more acutely, as well as gaining a new perspective on the political climate of the time and the power of a simple invitation – ‘come and see’.

Bottom Line: Before the King by Heather Kaufman paints a touching picture of a life changed by an encounter with Jesus. The author’s engaging prose and multidimensional characters kept me absorbed in the story, my heart breaking and falling in love and rejoicing right along with Joanna’s. This thoughtful imagining of the kind of layered backstory (including a swoony, slow burn, marriage of convenience) that might have led this Biblical figure (and her Gentile husband) to Jesus wrapped around me like a comforting quilt, giving voice to questions that I’ve asked more over the last few years than ever before… and pointing me lovingly to the reminder that God is ever close – even when we can’t see His hand – and that we can rest in His immense love for us – even when we don’t see the answer we want. A compelling novel for fans of Tessa Afshar, Connilyn Cossette, and Mesu Andrews!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This Biblical fiction story is amazing! I loved reading more about what Herod's court was like. The author did a wonderful job of bringing to life the story of Joanna, who is mentioned just a couple of times in the New Testament. I highly recommend this book!

This was my first read by this author and I thought it was great! I love the writing style and how it flows so well and easy to read. I was captivated from the beginning and didn’t want to stop reading. I finished in a day, so you know it’s good. This is Joanna’s story and since we don’t know that much about her, this gives the author a lot of freedom to make up a backstory/story. I really liked the story, and how there was a love story involved. I loved Joanna and I also loved that her husband Chuza was shown in a positive way. I also enjoyed seeing things Jesus did through the perspective of Joanna. Overall I thought this was an amazing Biblical fiction story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley and the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I loved everything about this exquisitely written work of Biblical fiction. The author’s skillful writing brought this time and the characters to life for me in such vivid ways.

I was drawn to the bond between Joanna and her sister, Dalia. Life’s difficulties and decisions out of their control caused a lengthy separation. Their soul-deep, close relationship proved to be stronger than any distance or passage of time. Their conversations about faith were an encouragement to me.

Joanna’s first encounter with Jesus was so beautifully written. I read it through the tears in my eyes. I felt as though I was on that dusty road with them.

A strong desire and need to be known forged deep relationships between characters. Siblings, parents, friends and spouses grew closer to one another as they listened to, respected and loved one another.

While reading this book, I was reminded that compassion interrupts. When we surrender to compassion, it can interrupt gossiping, bullying, jealousy, pride and the urge to seek revenge. Compassion opens the way to forgiveness and restoration.

I highly recommend this excellent book!

I received complimentary copies of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are entirely my own.

A well done, fictional take on Joanna, who is only mentioned twice in the Bible. The author did a good job in creating a story within the parameters of what the Bible tells.

This was incredible. The way Kauffman weaves the story has you wanting more. She’s a talented writer especially with this series of historical fiction. This one will not disappoint..