by Heather Kaufman
Publisher: Bethany House
Series: Women of the Way
ISBN: 9781540903570
I was SO thrilled to have been given the chance to be on Heather Kaufman's launch team for Before the King! This is the second book in her Women of the Way series and the cover immediately drew me in! Thanks to the author and publisher for the copy of my book.
Summary:
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.
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.
My Review:
What an incredibly powerful story! Where do I even begin to describe Before the King?
The beginning of the story had me in a jangle of nerves! Family dynamics can really be a struggle sometimes, but add a chronic illness and that adds a whole new layer of issues! I guess working your way up to Herod's court doesn't allow for anything but perfection. If you want to feel tension, you could've sliced it with a knife with Joanna's family.
All of the challenges that Joanna has to go through as she's growing up will break your heart, yet she tries to persevere. She's not made to live in the grandeur her father esteems himself to. She desperately just wants to be herself, and it plays out in the story. I loved the side character of Eden who is beside Joanna throughout the story!
As she gets older she prepares to marry, when tragedy strikes. Joanna doesn't have the heart to rise above the ashes, but circumstances force her to. I loved how the author shows God orchestrating Joanna meeting Chuza, a man who is already in Herod's court. He's also someone dealing with pain that he doesn't know what to do with other than keep people at a distance. The build up of romantic tension had me on pins and needles!
Yes, this is a work of fiction, but the author brings the New Testament time to life with the disciples, Jesus, Herod, and so many others. While nothing can improve on Scripture, this story gives us a glimpse into what their humanity might have looked like. I was especially moved by the scenes with Jesus! I was emotional when Joanna came face to face with Him. Trying to imagine what it must've been like to be in His presence, and I think the author captured it so beautifully.
I appreciated how well Scripture was used in the story and how she depicted several scenes, but adding a fictional piece to them. It was easy to visualize Jesus speaking to listeners or rebuking Pharisees or healing people. Seriously just so well done!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
The beginning of the story had me in a jangle of nerves! Family dynamics can really be a struggle sometimes, but add a chronic illness and that adds a whole new layer of issues! I guess working your way up to Herod's court doesn't allow for anything but perfection. If you want to feel tension, you could've sliced it with a knife with Joanna's family.
All of the challenges that Joanna has to go through as she's growing up will break your heart, yet she tries to persevere. She's not made to live in the grandeur her father esteems himself to. She desperately just wants to be herself, and it plays out in the story. I loved the side character of Eden who is beside Joanna throughout the story!
As she gets older she prepares to marry, when tragedy strikes. Joanna doesn't have the heart to rise above the ashes, but circumstances force her to. I loved how the author shows God orchestrating Joanna meeting Chuza, a man who is already in Herod's court. He's also someone dealing with pain that he doesn't know what to do with other than keep people at a distance. The build up of romantic tension had me on pins and needles!
Yes, this is a work of fiction, but the author brings the New Testament time to life with the disciples, Jesus, Herod, and so many others. While nothing can improve on Scripture, this story gives us a glimpse into what their humanity might have looked like. I was especially moved by the scenes with Jesus! I was emotional when Joanna came face to face with Him. Trying to imagine what it must've been like to be in His presence, and I think the author captured it so beautifully.
I appreciated how well Scripture was used in the story and how she depicted several scenes, but adding a fictional piece to them. It was easy to visualize Jesus speaking to listeners or rebuking Pharisees or healing people. Seriously just so well done!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
About the Author:
Heather Kaufman is the author of multiple books and devotions, praised by Kirkus Reviewsfor writing "a charming and well-crafted tale." She delights in highlighting the goodness of God through storytelling. When not reading, writing, or accumulating mounds of books, Heather can be found exploring new parks with her husband and three children near their home in St. Louis, Missouri. Learn more at HMKStories.com.
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