On Living Stone, the third book in the Women of the Way series published by Bethany House Fiction, is a wonderful read for individuals who like well-crafted Biblical fiction. If you enjoy well-researched and biblically grounded fiction, this book is for you.

The main character, Salome, is the mother of James and John who were not only some of Jesus’ apostles, but also part of his inner circle.  Kaufman takes you on a journey of Salome’s life, from her young childhood, through tumultuous years of questioning herself, to her journey as a mother. The final part of the book focuses not only her relationship with others, but also on her relationship to the rabbi who has called her sons to follow him.

Salome was raised by her father after her mother’s death. As a stone mason he taught her that it was the stone mason’s job to shape the rock with care and give it over to its purpose. For her, stones took on a magical and reassuring quality. When her life intersects with The Cornerstone, everything she knew about faith was challenged.

This book took me through a journey that brought out all the emotions. I was frustrated with her stubbornness, cheering for her recognition that love was a gift being offered to her even while she felt like she was being passed by, and weeping for her choice to trust someone else—the Messiah– with her sons.

This book is well worth reading and once you finish, you will be glad you picked it up and read it. I enjoyed it so much, I ordered copies for some of my friends.

I received a copy of the book from the author through Bethany House Fiction. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. #hmkstories.com/OnLivingStone, #BethanyHouseFiction

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1540903583?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tpbk_2&storeType=ebooks

Add it to your Good Reads Shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236304633-on-living-stone?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=hdVX4SakJo&rank=10

Bethany House Press: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540903587_on-living-stone

Stand Tall Little Twig is a charming story told by Mary Ann Featherston and illustrated by Tammy Jennings. Both the story and the illustrations tell of the journey of Twig, a small twig who eventually realized his purpose in life. As readers, we follow the life and growth of Twig and young Oliver, who sits under his branches. This book leads the way for discussion about life, purpose, and friendship. I highly recommend it for children, grandchildren and the young at heart.   

I am pleased to know Heather Kaufman and am SO excited for her new book that is coming January 23. Up From Dust (part of the Women of the Way series) by Heather Kaufman is a must-read for anyone who likes Biblical fiction. This story focuses on Martha, the sister of Lazarus. The author takes us on a journey from Martha’s life and includes her trials and challenges, the complexities of a female living in Biblical times, and complicated family relationships. Her life-changing encounters with Jesus reflect what we read in the Bible. Kaufman’s easy-to-read writing style and meticulous research help the story have an authentic Biblical era feeling. The ending made me want to throw my fist in the air and shout, “Yes!” I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for her next one in the series.

Add it to your Goodreads shelf here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/184493681-up-from-dust

Vote for Up from Dust here: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/188697.Most_Anticipated_Christian_Fiction_2024

Add it to BookBub here: https://www.bookbub.com/books/up-from-dust-women-of-the-way-martha-s-story-by-heather-kaufman

Start the year off strong by diving into a good book! #upfromdust, #heatherkaufman, #bhpfiction.