Heather Kauffman is a delight both in person and on the pages of her New Testament biblical novels. Her current series, Women of the Way, describes some of the lesser-known women surrounding Jesus’s ministry. Each story is a standalone, but if you like reading a series in order…
- Book #1, Up from Dust: Martha’s Story
- Book #2, Before the King: Joanna’s Story
- Book #3, On Living Stone: Salome’s Story
Description of On Living Stone: Salome’s Story
Every stone sings as it finds its purpose. This is the lesson restless Salome learns from her father as she grows up by the Sea of Galilee. Known as the wild girl with the quick tongue, Salome is determined to silence the critics who claim she has no future. An unexpected romance and the gift of two sons, James and John, leave her hopeful and resolved to prove herself as a mother.
Salome’s dreams are challenged, however, when her sons answer the call to follow Jesus of Nazareth. As James and John are drawn deeper into Jesus’ ministry, opposition to his message intensifies, leaving Salome with a choice. Can her family continue down the path of discipleship when it might cost them everything? With threats abounding, Salome must confront her fears, even as she discovers her own worth in this most unexpected rabbi.
A journey of faith unfolds in this New Testament-inspired story of Salome, mother of Jesus’ apostles James and John. This compelling biblical fiction book explores themes of family, sacrifice, courage, and redemption, making it a stirring listen for fans of The Chosen, Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt.
My Review:
4 1/2 smiles! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 1/2
Heather Kaufman’s January 2026 release delves deeply into the story of Salome, the mother of James and John. The novel begins, however, when Salome is a precocious girl, who we follow through betrothal, marriage, and the struggle to bear a child. I was hooked by the vivid world-building of familiar Scriptures and the way Kaufman grabbed my emotional buy-in so quickly. I cried with Salome so many times as she learned the hard lessons of marriage, raising children (two unruly boys), and the harsh world in which they lived.
Salome’s struggle was real. She was so proud of her sons, who had been chosen as two of Jesus’s twelve disciples. But as opposition against Jesus rose, so did this Jewish mama’s protectiveness of her sons. What might happen to them all if the angry mob turned on all His followers? Honestly, I dreaded the end of the book because I realized Salome was among the women attending Jesus’s crucifixion. But I’m so glad I kept reading. Heather Kaufman handles our Salvation story of Palm Sunday, Jesus’s trials, crucifixion, and resurrection beautifully. Yesterday was Palm Sunday–what a great time to read this book! Thank you, Ms. Kaufman, for making my holy week experience all the more precious.
Find Out More
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