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Heather Kaufman joins us on the podcast this week to talk about her newest release, Before the King. We chat about what got her interested in writing novels instead of nonfiction, how she manages to write fiction in which Jesus makes an appearance, and what is the best part of living in St. Louis. Patrons will hear what she would love to do if she wasn't writing - and if she had the talent for it! 

Before the King by Heather Kaufman

"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.

Get your copy of Before the King by Heather Kaufman.

Heather Kaufman is the author of Up from Dust: Martha’s Story and Before the King: Joanna’s Story, the first two books in her Women of the Way series with Bethany House Publishers. A former editor turned writer, Heather worked eight years in the publishing industry while earning her master’s degree and spinning tales late into the night. When she fell in love with studying the Bible through a cultural lens, the words of Scripture came springing to life, and Jesus became even more astoundingly beautiful. Now she crafts stories that imaginatively enter the lives of biblical characters and compel readers deeper into the Bible. 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.

Visit Heather's website.