Before the King

Joanna's Story

De: Heather Kaufman

Narrado por: Rachel Botchan

"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.

©2025 Heather Kaufman (P)2025 Recorded Books

Reseñas de la Crítica

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

Great Book for Easter!

A beautiful fictional telling of Joanna’s story! I was captivated from the start. The narrator was excellent. At any point during this story I would have given this review 5/5 stars. However, the ending felt abrupt. Technically all looses ends were tied up but I felt like the author was only allowed a certain word count and was told to wrap it up at the end. Still, I would highly recommend this book.

Chuza & Dahlia

Dangling with unfinished details I would like to have had. No spoilers for anyone reading reviews before reading the book, but a couple details smoothed over in the end, which I would have preferred to have… Still a good read!

Joanna - A Realistic Story

Rachel Botchen’s narration always brings a story to life and I love hearing a story snout Joanna that is credible.

Compelling biblical retelling of Joanna’s story from the New Testament!

More & more I’m coming to truly appreciate Biblical fiction! I love the insights & thoughtfulness that goes into each book. Before the King is Joanna’s story from the New Testament. Heather Kaufman thoroughly brings her to life in this heart-achingly beautiful story of faith, struggle, loss, & love.

From childhood, Joanna keenly feels the struggles of her sister who suffers from a seizure disorder. When she’s torn away from her & thrust into the politics of Herod’s court, she must learn to navigate her way through the jealousies of others & an arranged marriage. When tragedy strikes, Joanna finds herself in a new situation with a new suitor who offers her a marriage of convenience.

I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in this story. The author did a fabulous job breathing new understanding into Joanna. I loved her interactions with Jesus & His disciples & watching her faith grow. Joanna is a wealthy woman & it was interesting seeing how she’s viewed & treated at first.

Joanna’s marriage of convenience was so well done. I enjoyed the push & pull of their relationship as he’s determined to keep things strictly platonic. Her husband’s past is a bit of a mystery until it’s finally unraveled.

Joanna’s conversion story had me in tears. I enjoyed following her journey as she meets John the Baptist, Jesus, Mary of Magdala, the disciples, & others. She experiences the dangers of being a believer culminating in the death & resurrection of Jesus.

The audiobook version is fantastic. I enjoyed how the narrator infused just the right amount of emotion into the story. I also appreciated how she differentiated between each of the characters & really brought them to life.

It’s a compelling story that completely hooked me from the beginning. Highly recommend to fans of Biblical fiction & Bible retellings. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher but also purchased the audiobook version. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

Faith, family, social pressures and the healing love of Jesus

This fictional telling of Joanna’s story was gripping, entertaining and keeps you coming back for more. Which I think explains how I felt about the ending.
It ended very abruptly. I actually looked to see if I was missing a chapter or something went wrong.

Wonder

Ever wonder about the time during the transition of the common eras? This book narrates how one lady felt during that patriarchal age in the land of Israel. I believe her parents would have fit in to what contemporary people call the jewish aristocracy that remained subservient to Rome. It may have been several millennia ago. But the issues that people face are much the same. The story tells of Joanna, a woman who approaches the intimidating king and deals with her own personal tragedies.

Well written, great narrator

I really love her writing, she puts so much feeling into her stories and they’re m just wholesome too. The narrator does a great job translating the written dialog into realistic tones and feelings too. The only issue I had with this one was the end. I felt it needed a little more after where it ended (vague to avoid spoilers) to wrap up her individual story better, so it felt a little abrupt, otherwise I felt it was well done.

Beautiful

Such a beautiful story - I love when I am reminded of His grace in my life through another’s story - even if fictional.

Fantastic book!

Wonderful story, wonderful writer. The story comes alive with Heather’s skill. You will not regret the time spent on this story.

Loved It

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I wish the ending was more detailed. I don’t want to give it away. It was still great, just wanted more. Looking forward to the next book!