Women of the Way: Book 1
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Martha of Bethany is no stranger to adversity. After her mother’s untimely death, Martha shoulders the responsibility of raising her siblings—quiet and studious Lazarus, and wild and rambunctious Mary. She finds solace in friendship and the beginnings of first love, but just as Martha begins to imagine a new future, hardship strikes again and her dreams crumble into dust.
Ten years later, Martha’s friend pleads for the new teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, to come and heal her husband. When Martha discovers that the carpenter-rabbi is connected to her past, she’s not sure she can trust him with her future. But as he continues to perform miracles, the invitation to believe becomes harder to resist, renewing Martha’s hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.
From a biblical perspective, the story of Mary and Martha delivers a valuable lesson about priorities. The sisters, along with their brother, Lazarus, were followers of Jesus.
Author Heather Kaufman offers a fictional account of the siblings’ backstories, with a focus on Martha, the eldest.cUp from Dust serves as a fascinating journey into Martha’s path to becoming a believer.
As the first installment in the Women of the Way series, Martha’s story is a compelling piece of historical fiction. While the author notes the first part is largely fictitious, it provides an interesting framework of events that shaped Martha’s personality.
The second part, however, pulls from scriptural accounts with the introduction of Jesus of Nazareth. The visits with the siblings are detailed as the ministry gains momentum. Martha’s evolution as a believer is powerful and uplifting.
Up from Dust combines an intriguing backstory for one of the most fascinating women in the Bible while weaving in factual details leading to Christ’s resurrection.
Heather Kaufman is the author of multiple books and devotions, praised by Kirkus Reviews for writing “a charming and well-crafted tale.” She delights in highlighting the goodness of God through storytelling. 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.
