Up from Dust - (Women of the Way) by Heather Kaufman (Paperback)

"There was no grave He could not plunder, no darkness He could not pierce, and there was no one so lost that He could not find her and lift her up." Wow, just wow!! This is my first read by this author, and it was epic!! Up From Dust is a bittersweet and moving tale of love, loss, and new-found hope. I love how the author told this story of Martha, Mary and Lazarus with understanding, compassion and gentle yet powerful truths. This is a perfect read for fans of writers like Mesu Andrews and Jill Eileen Smith! This book is one I definitely will want to re-read, and I enjoyed it so much, I plan to pick up a paperback of it later. Thank you to the publisher for the complimentary e-book I received to review through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and the thoughts above are my own.

What a beautiful story that fills in the what might have happened in the life of Martha and her siblings of Mary and Lazarus. I found it very thought provoking and the perfect week to read as you feel like you are traveling the road with this family as the crucifixion of Jesus approaches. I had never considered how they must have felt and endured. I must say I was so engaged in this story that I felt like I was there viewing the life of Martha and all the hurts and scars that made her who she was. I could identify with her and how she over compensated in working to hide her pain. It was joyous at times and heartbreaking at others so make sure you have tissues. I love this quote from the prologue, I see His hand in my story like a weaver’s shuttle through the warp, steady and sure, pulling here, loosening there, doing the work necessary for beauty. God does create beauty from the ashes of our lives and this book creates and crafts a beautiful story of healing. A well written and flowing story that ebbs into your heart and mind and leaves you contemplating it for days afterwards. I was blessed in reading and look forward to more by this debut author. I highly recommend adding to the top of your must read pile quickly. You will not be disappointed. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

This is the first book I've read by Heather Kaufman, and I'm very glad I was given the opportunity. You can never be sure with biblical fiction if it will be written well (though I know many that are), but Heather did a beautiful job of bringing familiar characters like Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to life on the page. While we see them a few times in the Bible, there are of course many gaps in their stories (since the Bible isn't about them), but Heather has done an excellent job of imagining more of who they were and how they became the people we saw in the Bible. Whether you tend to sympathize more with Martha or Mary when you read about them in the Bible, I think this is a beautiful imagining of who they were and how Jesus changed their lives. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

“Up from Dust” transported me back to Bible times where I walked in the shoes of Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Mary. Like Martha, I was placed in a mother-like role after my mother died, so it was effortless to step in her shoes, see her perspective, and connect with her heart. There isn’t a part of this story where I wasn’t fully engaged. I loved this journey and witnessing how Jesus comes to us where we are and responds to us all in different ways, but always in love and mercy. I love biblical fiction, but it’s rare (for me) to find a setting during Jesus’s time on earth. What a blessing to delve into that period and see things through Martha’s eyes and see the gulf between the lost and the found. This is a beautiful redemption story, and I enjoyed it tremendously. With elements of hope, courage, and love, this book reveals the love, mercy, and hope we have in Jesus. #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

The is the story of Jesus' friends, siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, with the forcus on Martha--and the things that shaped their lives. When the three grew up, their harsh father, along with a tragic event, effected all their lives. Martha's life is changed even more when she meets Uri. He works as a lowly shepherd, a despised job, while she is a member of a prosperous family. Are they doomed from the start? The two sisters adore their brother, Lazarus, but Martha is often frustrated by her little sister, Mary, who is wild as a weed. Daily, Martha must try to keep Mary out of trouble. There is much talk about a man called, Jesus, rumors and gossip fly. When they finally meet him, nothing is the same. Their association with him brings them both the best and the worst experiences. The author weaves the story of Jesus into the many things happening in Mary, Martha, and Lazarus' lives--friendship loss, slanderous lies, and danger. The result is an awesome chain of events that gives a fresh way of looking at the Biblical accounts. You will be drawn in to this marvelous story, and feel like you are there, too. I loved seeing Jesus and his miracles through the eyes of people who were hearing it for the first time. Because this is fictionalized history, some of the things or people in this account are real, while other things are the author's idea of what might have to been. This five-star book will be enjoyed by fans of great stories, and wonderful writing. Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

This book has given me a depth of understanding and a new perspective on the people of Jesus' time. Oftentimes when I read the Bible I just think about those particular stories and those single instances, I don't often consider the moments leading up to the stories in the Bible. Sometimes the people become pretty one dimensional to me and just another "story". This book brought to life Martha, Mary and Lazarus in a way I've never considered before and their relationship with Jesus was so amazing to read. The struggles, the joys, the everyday life are all written in a way that makes me want to spend more time with them. I know it's fiction and is one person's ideas of what life was like but the research and storytelling is phenomenal and made me do some digging into the scriptures. This story brought more understanding to what I've read in the Bible. It is SO worth your time and money.

Heather Kaufman has authored a beautiful story of the three siblings Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. She has woven Biblical facts with fiction in a truly captivating story that gives a new view on the relationship of Martha and Mary. Her depictions of life and cultures of ancient Israel had me feeling like I was there. I fell in love all over again as I read her words describing Jesus. I could close my eyes, see His gentle eyes, and feel his love. Disciples and Jewish families populate the pages and I felt both the love and the anger and fear that Jesus brought to places He traveled. Heartache, love, sibling rivalry, unforgiveness, healing, both physical and emotional, and the journey of faith are all part of the amazing story. It is a story that touched me deeply. I have included four quotes below. “Leaving the dark confines of our home for the open road was akin to leaving the arm depths of a blanket to enter a chilly and uncertain world.” “Humankind was destined to change under the touch of an unchanging God.” “Immanuel – God in the form of an ordinary carpenter, who was, even now, opening his arms to my brother with the widest of smiles on his face.” “Tears fell down my cheeks. While I’d viewed her as a problem I couldn’t solve, she’d viewed me with love and a desire to protect my happiness.” Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

There are times when I find myself searching for words to describe a book, and this is certainly one of them. How can I do it justice? Will I be able to convince others that Up from Dust is a book that they need to read? This captivating and thought-provoking story has given me a whole new perspective on an event mentioned in Luke 10:38-42. I will never again read these four verses and not think about this book. Finally, I understand Martha of Bethany!! Up from Dust is this author's debut novel and it's obvious that she's been guided by His special hand! Author Heather M. Kaufman fills this book with biblical truths and deep emotions, and she's created a stunning tapestry of fact and fiction. The beautiful prologue and part one lay the perfect groundwork for the second part, which is a chronicle of the special relationship between Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and the teacher from Nazareth. Kaufman allows us to feel the sorrow, the hope, and the overpowering love, as she vividly describes their friendship and also the events that led to Jesus's death and resurrection. It has become one of my favorite books ever! I highly recommend Up from Dust and I look forward to reading more of this author's books. I received a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

This was an amazing novel from Ms. Kaufman! It’s Biblical Fiction at its best and I can’t wait for more books from her if they are like this one! There might be several fictional stories about Martha of Bethany, but this is my first one and I loved it! I’ve always wondered about the dutiful sister who was affectionately reprimanded by Jesus, and who was so close and trusted him so much that she respectfully protested to him about not being present in the most painful of circumstances. I don’t want so spoil the story, and you have the blurb of the book, in case you want to know more about the story before reading it. I just want to say that it was beautifully told, and that it seemed so well researched that I felt transported to Jesus’s era, with their customs and way of living. The main characters -Martha being the first-, but also Lazarus and Mary, were so realistic and relatable: the three siblings so different between themselves, yet with such a strong bond that I think was strengthened by being orphaned of mother and having a demanding and estranged father. I loved their traits, how being so different, they were all so lovable and admirable. They felt to me as a family I was rooting for. The story is heart-wrenching at times, yet always full of hope. I loved how Jesus was portrayed too, not only when they get to befriend him, but also in a few of scenes when one of the characters encounters him when Jesus was still young and not publicly known. I loved the connection Martha and Uri had with Jesus through the feather pendant. The faith inspired message of the book is so beautiful and humbling that it made me think about my own relationship with him, about my trust in Jesus, despite things not always happening as I would wish or even pray for. This book left me inspired to be as friendly, trusting, and loving to Jesus, as the siblings of Bethany were, each in their own way and unique relationship. I cried and sighed in satisfaction after reading this story. I only wish there was a sequel, so I could know more about this loving and dear character, but my imagination already has its own stories to imagine. Maybe in Heaven will know the real story and more. I liked this story so much, that I’m not sure I want to read others about these siblings. I loved how Ms. Kaufman deeply and humanly portrayed them. Their relationship was not devoid of difficulties and misunderstandings, yet their love was steadfast, and grew stronger through hardship. The ending was so inspiring and redemptive! Many things to learn from these siblings journey, particularly Martha’s! I highly recommend this story to all lovers of Biblical or Historical Fiction. An amazing story to be sure! I received a copy of the book from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I never was a fan of Martha until I read this book! As a child, I was always taught to be more like Mary, not Martha. I loved how this book showed how there is more to the story. This book immersed me into the world of Martha and I felt like I understood her so much better after reading this book. I loved all of the details that really placed you into ancient Israel. As the oldest child in my family, I was able to connect with Martha and the struggles that she faced. There was a serene beauty in every interaction with Jesus in this book that really just showed the wonder of the salvation we have in Christ. I'm so glad I picked up this book because it reminded me of the assurance that I have in Christ. --I was provided an advance reader copy by the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.--

An extraordinary book that offers the background of Martha, Lazarus, and Mary. Wow! The story of these siblings has always fascinated me, and Heather Kaufman brings Biblical history to life! The story is unique and interesting. I love Martha. I enjoyed the way she was portrayed in this book. The elder sister, competent, hardworking, longing for love. I liked the interaction between the siblings. There's love, some jealousy, and an inclusiveness in their relationship. The glimpses of Jesus and his ministry are wonderful! I especially liked the part where Mary anoints his head and feet with perfume. It's a holy moment that is imprinted on my heart. Another favorite part was the time when Lazarus rose from the dead. Such a celebratory time! This book awakened me to want to not only read scripture but to let it touch my heart. Heather Kaufman is a new author to me, but she is now a favorite! I look forward to reading more of her books!! I was provided a copy of the book from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have not read a story that has elicited so many emotions from me, one right after the other (and with such strength!), as this book has done in a long time. The adherence to Biblical accuracy was astounding and really enhanced my enjoyment of the story immensely. I loved that the author was able to take several very familiar Biblical accounts and weave them into the events of the story in such a way that they felt so fresh, like I was seeing them in a completely new way! This book gets a DEFINITE recommendation from me. It was sooo good! It was not typical and it really stood out in a unique way. I am totally enamored with Up from Dust and will be impatiently awaiting whatever this author will be offering us next with the Women of the Way series! I was provided an advance reader copy by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman is an outstanding story about standing in the presence of Jesus and allowing Him to heal you, body and soul. I was enthralled the entire time I read it. Join Martha, Mary, and Lazarus as they meet Jesus and learn what it means to be truly known and loved. The story focuses on Martha and what her life would have been like. I loved the character growth and development. I loved the tenderness displayed. I loved the heart for Jesus that was apparent on every page. This is definitely worth the time and investment! I will be looking forward to many more stories by Kaufman! I am grateful to NetGalley and Bethany House for the chance to read and review this story. #upfromdust #womenoftheway #heatherkaufman #bhpfiction

I haven't heard of many books about Martha of Bethany, probably partly because we only see a few glimpses into her life in Scripture. But we know she was a hardworking woman of faith, and had a close relationship with Jesus, along with her brother and sister. In Up From Dust, Heather Kaufman gives a beautiful glimpse into more of who Martha might have been, and creates a woman with whom many of us can relate: someone who has endured loss, suffering, and grief, and who has struggled to have faith in Jesus as a result. But just like He does with us, Jesus doesn't leave Martha in that place of doubt and pain. The powerful, life-changing, personal love that Jesus has for Martha is the same love he has for all of us. While we may not be privileged to look Him in the face yet, believers in Jesus get to look forward to the joyous day when we can do just that. And in the meantime, we can be confident of His great love for us. The powerful reminder of that love, and of the redemption and restoration Jesus brings to our lives, is the best part of this delightful book. I was provided an advance reader copy by the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was provided an advanced reader copy, all opions are of my own. I really enjoyed reading this book. It captured me from the beginning and I finished it quickly. I never really thought of why Martha wouldn't have been married or why Lazarus would be in charge of his two sisters. This book really made me pause and think about that and what role Jesus played in their lives. Even after Lazarus was raised, taking a look at what they must of felt as Jesus was crucified. The author did a really good job of weaving a story that will make you stop and reflect on Martha's story.