On Living Stone by Heather Kaufman Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Title: On Living Stone

Series: Women of the Way

Author: Heather Kaufman

Publisher: Bethany House Fiction

Released: January 20, 2026

Genre: Biblical Fiction

“A beautifully told and imagined story.”–Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author on Before the King 

“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 on Up from Dust 

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 read for fans of The Chosen, Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt.

About the Author

Heather Kaufman lives in the Midwest with her husband and three children. She holds a BA from McKendree University and an MA from the University of Missouri—St. Louis. When not reading or writing, she can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee and exploring new parks with her family.

My Impressions

“You can trust Adonai to make you into who you need to be.”

What a wondrous story of Biblical truth, writer imagination, and astounding character growth Heather Kaufman crafts in On Living Stone! This novel reached into the deepest part of me and forced me to examine my life. Were there are similarities to Salome and her unmet needs? From a wild loner of a disparaged girl to a devoted follower of Jesus. How does Salome get from point A to point ( not just B, but I think Z)?! I was constantly challenged as I read: have I ever had even a smattering of the harmful attitudes that Salome had adopted? Have I, like Salome, slowly allowed the love of the Master to transform me?

What an emotional book, as we follow outcast, young, motherless Salome who is mockingly called, “Wild girl with the glowing eyes.” How Salome wishes she could be like either of Naysa’s daughters. Naysa is a neighbor woman, her deceased mother’s best friend who tries to look out for Salome and her injured father. Salome deeply resents Naysa’s comparisons and attempts at care. Salome’s father alone seems to understand his child, and shares God’s esteem for her and His knowledge with her in pleasant ways. 

One of the themes this book sets up is how our Heavenly Father loves us. We see two very different fathers, Salome’s and Zeb’s. Their consistent treatment of each of their children has profound effects on their children’s lives, far into adulthood. It is hard to see God as a loving Father if you have not had that experience. 

Salome begins to grow and mature beyond her wildness as she joins Naysa’s house, something she’d never wanted. Yet, she begins to slowly see how, as life trickles by, God has placed her exactly where he wants her for the best growth. It is hard-earned. I myself finally learned to love Naysa, which surprised me. She could have a biting tongue and give a “backwards compliment”, as we used to say. Yet, in Naysa’s house, Salome forms important relationships for the future, not the least of which is her realization that Zeb might be more than a brother. Relationships begins to turn. “I may not understand what you’re going through , but I don’t have to understand to love you.” – Naysa

Yet, even as Salome progresses through life and its ever/changing seasons, Salome finds that the love of family and friends ( and Keturah! What a friend) is not enough. 

Adonai has been calling. Salome has been listening. As her sons, James and John are born, each with their struggles and joys, they mature until as young teens, they hear of a Messiah. They begin to follow. Salome, with her fierce maternal love, begins to investigate this Jesus, whom James and John soon believe is indeed the Messiah. While the people questioned , “‘Who is this man?’ …the demons knew. The Holy One of God.”

Salome begins to understand that following Jesus requires worship. And that worship may cost her everything. Is Jesus worth it?! 

My  heart was wrenched out of my body, wrung out, and hung out to dry before I finished the book. But I pray, that, I, too, would exude the new perfume that Salome wore-the aroma of surrender to Christ, no matter the cost. 

I received a copy of the book from the author and Bethany House Fiction via NetGalley. I also ordered my own beautiful copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own. 

Notable Quotables:

“Every day is a choice to let go and cling.” -Deborah

“It is not the quality of the stone that matters but the skill of the mason’s hands.” – Salome to Peter after denial

“He’s worth the cost.” – Salome 

“I trust him. I trust Him with my boys- with all of them.”- Salome

“To be with Jesus is to be changed.” – Deborah

My Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Superior all the way!!

Forced to pick a fave book for January reads, On Living Stone won in my book. And there were many great ones!!

I have an extra paperback copy of On Living Stone I would like to gift to a reader. Must be a resident of contiguous United States. Leave a comment on my blog between now, Jan. 28th and midnight, February 2nd. Be sure and leave your email so you can be contacted for your address if you are the winner!