Before the King by Heather Kaufman Book Review

Last year my favorite read was Up From Dust by Heather Kaufman. I talked about that book all year long. That’s why I could not wait to read Before the King, the next novel in the series. It was by far the book I was most excited to read in 2025, though there are plenty of them! And guys, Kaufman did NOT disappoint. Even if you’re not a biblical fiction fan normally, I think you’ll like this book (and her debut novel for that matter). Trust me on this – you need to read it.

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About the Book

Before the King
Author Heather Kaufman
Published by Baker Publishing Group
on January 21, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Biblical, Fiction / Christian / Historical, Fiction / Religious
Pages: 352

"Heather Kaufman is a truly fresh voice in biblical fiction."--TESSA AFSHAR, bestselling author

"A beautifully told and imagined story of secrets, faith, love, and devotion. With a compelling plot and cast of characters, Before the King is a tale not to be missed."--TOSCA LEE, New York Times bestselling author

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.

Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

My Perspective

Before the King was pretty much #1 on my anticipated reads of 2025. I have been thinking about this book since I read Kaufman’s debut novel last year. I prepared myself for it, and made sure I had lots of reading time before I even opened to page one. I wanted to give this book all my time. I wanted my bible nearby. I wanted a pen to take notes nearby. And I wanted the Lord to speak to my heart as I was reading.

Friend, Before the King is a stunning, breathtaking, faith themed book that will absolutely speak to your heart. It is uplifting, convicting, inspiring, and so full of hope. Joanna is someone we don’t know a lot about, and I love the way Kaufman portrayed her character. Though we live in completely different eras, Joanna is completely relatable. Her journey to Jesus is one that we can learn from, even in its fictitious format. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Kaufman can bring the bible to life like no other. When reading her words you just want to jump in and be part of the story. You want to grab your bible and read and ponder what could have been. You let your imagination run a little wild, in a good way. Kaufman’s words are refreshing to the soul.

Before the King not only explores the could have been with Joanna, but other biblical icons such as John. Joanna’s scene with John in the prison – oh my. Tears were shed reading that. And while we’ll never know this side of heaven all the moments that happened other than what we get in the bible, Kaufman does an exquisite job of filling in some blanks. All while filling my soul with encouragement. This is not a book to pass by my friends. This is a book to cherish, to read over and over again. By yourself, with a friend, a bible study group – whatever you choose. Just promise me that you’ll read it. I promise you won’t regret it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Favorite Quotes

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

I am learning that sometimes God gives us things we cannot understand in order to shake us apart. To undo things we believe that we shouldn’t. To make room for things we must believe.

But here was this man who used his power to stoop beneath others and lift them up.

I am an ordinary woman whom God chose to put in extraordinary places.

About the Author

Heather Kaufman is the author of multiple books and devotions, praised by Kirkus Reviews for 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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