My rating: 4/5
Helplessness and despair have a way of debilitating hope and faith. The beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that despite our shortcomings, sins, and sorrows, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is the insurance of grace, mercy, and redemption. Before the King by Heather Kaufman wonderfully portrays the sovereignty of Christ through His ministry, as well as the life of a woman greatly impacted by the abounding mercy of Jesus.
Mentioned only twice and quite briefly in the Bible, author Heather Kaufman meaningfully captured the life of Joanna while maintaining the integrity of the biblical text. In this fictional account of Joanna, readers meet the primary character whose family of wealth and esteem is infatuated with maintaining an unscathed reputation and relentless desire for honor. An unfortunate event occurs, in which her family forces her to harbor a distressing secret that keeps her constrained by regret for numerous years. A sudden and unfortunate injury overcomes her, leaving her riddled with sorrow and dismay. As a result, she is encouraged into a marriage where she yearns for unrestrained love. Joanna experiences a radical experience with Jesus that eternally changes her life, leaving her suspended between a society that mocks the power of Christ and a community that believes in the true identity of Jesus.
“Faith is founded on Adonai Himself and not on the condition that He act in a certain way at a certain time”. –Before the King
Before the King is a superb novel, with well written historical references of biblical accounts. Adept descriptive narratives provide an authentic element to the plot. Included in the novel is a beautiful love story that depicts two individuals living under the tyranny of fear and guilt, bound by shame from their pasts, and anchored by the healing power of forgiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and appreciate the inspiring message of courage and faith it elicited. An absorbing page turner, I highly recommend this to others.
With gratitude, I received a digital advanced reader copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley. The opinions in this review are unbiased and my own.
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