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.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this story about Joanna, a woman mentioned in the Bible who we don't know a lot about. I love that the author filled in so much of the history surrounding that time and how she pieced together what we do know about Joanna, weaving together a beautiful story of hope. I especially appreciated how Joanna had to work through some difficult situations and how they prepared her heart for meeting and accepting the Messiah. There is a wonderful reminder of beauty coming from brokenness in this story.
I highly recommend this story to those who like historical fiction!
I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.
Click here to get your copy!
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.
More from Heather
Hello, Fellow Book Lover!
My heart behind the Women of the Way series is to highlight the beauty of Jesus through the eyes of some of his lesser-known female followers. In Before the King, we behold Jesus through the eyes of Joanna. Although she’s only named twice in Scripture, the little we do know about her is compelling. In Luke 8:1-3, we discover that Joanna was healed by Jesus of an infirmity and then followed him, supporting his ministry from her own means. What’s so shocking is that she’s the wife of Chuza, Herod Antipas’ steward! During my research, I discovered that her husband’s position is better translated “procurator,” someone in charge of financial affairs. Such a position suggests that Chuza was a prominent man within Herod’s administration. But the surprises don’t end there! My research also indicated that Chuza was most likely Nabatean. Nestled just southeast of Herod’s own territory of Perea, Nabatea was a major world power at the time of Christ.
The more I researched, the more my jaw dropped to the ground. How did a Jewish woman married to a prominent Gentile within Herod’s administration come to support Jesus of Nazareth? Did her husband know? Did he approve? Did Herod himself ever find out? You’ll have to read Before the King to see just where my imagination took me!
I depict Joanna as caught between two courts—that of Herod Antipas and that of Jesus Christ. She chooses to risk everything for her faith and that choice pays off. The second time we see Joanna in Scripture is in Luke 24:10 as an eyewitness to the empty tomb. Not only did she behold the empty tomb, she gazed upon the risen Christ, for in Matthew 28:9 we read that as the women left, they encountered Jesus himself. What an amazing privilege to be one of the first to meet the risen Lord in the flesh!
I hope Joanna’s story encourages you to live a bold faith that clings to Christ, despite opposition. Our world now isn’t so different from hers then. Christ’s Kingdom is still advancing in the midst of political unrest, social division, and rampant greed. May we pin our hopes upon King Jesus, who is worthy of our devotion. Like Joanna, may we place all we have within his hands, deeming him worthy of the cost.
While you read, consider listening to the Before the King playlist! It’s full of inspirational music that ties into the themes from the book. Give it a listen HERE. Happy reading (and listening)!
Surrendering with you to Him,
Heather
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 2
Stories By Gina, April 3 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, April 3
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 5
Life on Chickadee Lane, April 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 8
She Lives to Read, April 8
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impression, April 9
Cover Lover Book Review, April 9
Lily’s Corner, April 10
Bigreadersite, April 11
Inspired by Fiction, April 11
For Him and My Family, April 12
Pause for Tales, April 13
EmpowerMoms, April 13
Holly’s Book Corner, April 14
Inklings and notions , April 15
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Heather is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Title: An Unexpected Companion 
