Join Heather Kaufman at Rendezvous ’25

Rendezvous with readers and writers in St. Louis on November 7-8, 2025, to celebrate stories and enjoy encouraging fellowship. Heather Kaufman is attending as a participating author!

About the Writer

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.

You can learn more about Heather Kaufman and her books on her website at hmkstories.com.

Genre: biblical fiction, historical fiction

Currently reading: As Sure As the Sea by Jamie Ogle

A note from Heather: Meeting readers has been THE highlight of this author gig! Deep connections are forged over the written word, and I’m so looking forward to making more connections this fall!

About the Featured Title

Before the King: Joanna’s Story (Women of the Way #2)

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.

More in this Series: Up from Dust: Martha’s Story

All featured Rendezvous titles are listed on the JustRead Amazon Storefront, or visit the author’s website for more information. Learn more about JustRead Rendezvous… why (About page), what, where, who, and how (Event page). We invite you to join us and/or support the event (Sponsorship and Promotional Opportunities page). 

Have you read any of Heather Kaufman‘s books? Let us know your favorites and which titles you add to your TBR!