"Heather Kaufman gives us a biblical story with a heart for today's world, pulling out an array of joy and hope, sorrow and loss. Ultimately, this book consumed me with absolute delight."--Mesu Andrews, Christy Award-winning author
"Taking us on an intriguing journey through heartbreak and healing, this strong debut from Heather Kaufman leads readers directly to the joy of the empty tomb."--Connilyn Cossette, Christy Award winner and ECPA bestselling author
No stranger to adversity, Martha of Bethany is a woman of dust, undone and unseen in her hurt and loss. After her mother's untimely death, the responsibility for raising her siblings--Lazarus and Mary--lies heavily on her shoulders. She finds solace in a new friendship and the beginnings of first love, but her father's disapproval and unforeseen hardship leave Martha broken and guarded.
Twelve years later, when her friend's husband contracts a severe disease, they send for the new rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth. Martha recognizes the miraculous Healer from a story she heard many years ago, and the life-changing encounter reawakens Martha's hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.
With impeccable research and a keen eye for detail, Heather Kaufman delivers a moving narrative of Martha's life in this hopeful story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.