up from dust | book review

about the book

"A biblical story with a heart for today's world, pulling out an array of joy and hope, sorrow and loss."--Mesu Andrews, award-winning author

"Taking us on an intriguing journey through heartbreak and healing, Heather Kaufman leads her readers directly to the joy of the empty tomb."--Connilyn Cossette, award-winning author

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.

publisher: bethany house publishers

release date: january 23, 2024

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review

a thought-provoking exploration of the biblical martha, perfect for the days leading to easter!

in up from dust, heather kaufman fleshes out martha's history to give possible context to the glimpses seen of her in the new testament. martha's losses and heartbreaks all have an impact on her relationships with her siblings, the role she plays in their family and society, and ultimately, how she approaches a changing faith.

i enjoyed this perspective on martha. kaufman creates a world around her, full of expectations and challenges, with great detail, and i was fascinated how, page after page, she becomes the familiar biblical figure—but with interesting depth and emotion.

if you love biblical fiction—or just want to consider a well-known character from a fresh perspective—definitely pick up up from dust.

i received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.