Sign-In
Cart
The Steward's Wife: A Novel of Joanna, Herod's Court, and the Empty Tomb
Paperback
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Apr 22 2026
Pages: 472
Weight: 1.24
Height: 1.17 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
A biblical historical novel of Joanna, Herod's court, and the empty tomb.
In The Steward's Wife, Samuel Ashford brings to life the story of Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward-a woman named in Scripture, yet left with much of her private path untold. Set against the tension of Herod's court and the growing movement around Jesus, this Christian historical fiction novel follows a woman standing at the meeting point of political power, personal fear, and holy devotion.
Joanna knows how to survive inside guarded rooms. In a world of silk, ceremony, and careful speech, composure is protection. But the court around her is uneasy. John the Baptist's rebuke has stirred fear and resentment. The rulers nearest power are unsettled. And beyond the palace walls, another voice is calling people into a kingdom no earthly house can control.
As Joanna is drawn toward the company of women who follow Jesus, the life she has built begins to fracture. What begins in palace tension and private questions deepens into a story of healing, discipleship, quiet generosity, and the cost of remaining near the truth when truth becomes dangerous. This biblical fiction novel does not invent a different Gospel story. Instead, it imaginatively enters the unwritten spaces around Joanna's life, tracing the inner cost of moving from protected status to costly witness.
From Herod's court to Galilee, from the shadow of political fear to the sorrow of Jerusalem, The Steward's Wife offers an immersive ancient historical novel shaped by grief, loyalty, and spiritual courage. It is a women's biblical fiction story rich with atmosphere, emotional tension, and Scripture-rooted reverence. What does it mean for a woman tied to power to be changed by grace? What happens when the guarded life no longer feels like the true one?
This Christian biblical fiction novel carries readers through household strain, moral pressure, and deepening faith toward the world-changing reality of the resurrection morning. Without spoiling the power of its final movement, the novel promises a reading experience marked by emotional depth, historical atmosphere, and a strong thread of hope. Readers can expect a faith-filled historical novel that honors the biblical record while imagining Joanna's interior journey with care, restraint, and conviction.
For readers who want biblical fiction with depth, dignity, and spiritual weight.
This book is for readers who:
- enjoy biblical fiction centered on women in Scripture
- want Christian historical fiction rooted in the New Testament world
- are drawn to stories of quiet courage and costly faith
- appreciate ancient historical fiction with court intrigue and spiritual tension
- want a Joanna Bible story novel that leads toward the empty tomb
- enjoy character-driven fiction shaped by grief, healing, and witness
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- biblical historical novels
- Christian women's fiction with historical depth
- Scripture-centered fiction with emotional realism
- stories set in Herod's court and first-century Judea
- novels about the women who followed Jesus
- faith-filled fiction with a reflective, literary tone
Some stories begin in power. This one begins in a guarded heart.
Open the pages of The Steward's Wife and walk with Joanna from the shadowed chambers of Herod's house to the dawn that changed the world.
Also from
Ashford, Samuel
365 Night Prayers from the Bible: Daily Bedtime Prayers for Peaceful Sleep, Calm Thoughts, and Rest in God
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
365 Morning Prayers From the Bible: A Daily Christian Devotional for Peace, Guidance, Wisdom, and Trust In God
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Enoch's Map of the World: the Book of Enoch's Sacred Geography, Fragrant Tree, and Jerusalem at the Center of the Earth
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Prophets And The Promised King: Isaiah, Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and the Hope of the Messiah
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Church Beneath His Gaze: The Seven Churches of Revelation and Christ's Call to Repent, Endure, and Remain Faithful
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
365 Bible Wisdom for Starting Over: A Daily Christian Devotional for Anxiety Relief, Comfort, Courage, and Peace
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
365 Prayers for the Sick and Suffering: Daily Prayers for Healing, Peace, and Hope
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The First Witness: A Novel of Mary Magdalene, Deliverance, and the Empty Tomb
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Wise Woman of Carmel: A Novel of Abigail, David, and the Cost of a Second Chance
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Crown Of Silence: A Novel of Esther, Hidden Identity, and Courage Before the King
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Reordered: Reflecting on Life, Desire, and Grace through the Ten Commandments and the Seven Sins
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Woman at the Window: A Novel of Michal, David, and the Fall of Saul's House
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Earliest Witnesses to Jesus: What Ancient Manuscripts Reveal About His Life, Death, and Resurrection
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
What It Means to Be Human: Genesis, the Image of God, Human Dignity, and Purpose
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Work Without Worshiping It: A Christian Guide To Burnout, Productivity, And Keeping Your Soul
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Loved Before You Perform: A Christian Guide to Identity in Christ, Approval, and Achievement
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Lead Without Needing Control: A Christian Guide to Servant Leadership, Humility, and Letting Go of Control
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Covenant Of Promise: Abraham, Isaac, Faith, Blessing, and God's Plan for the Nations
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Passover And Deliverance: Exodus, Redemption, and God's Rescue from Bondage
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Holy Spirit And The New Life: Pentecost, Regeneration, Sanctification, and Power for Witness
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Church Formed By The Gospel: Acts 2, Fellowship, Worship, Unity, and Mission
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Final Rebellion: Gog and Magog, Armageddon, and the Nations Against God
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Kingdom Lens: Judgment, Righteousness, and the Final Meaning of the Enoch Series
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Last Shared Key: A Novel of Divorce, Boundaries, and Choosing What Comes Next
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Wife He Thought Would Stay: Subtitle: Marriage, Money, and the Cost of Being Useful
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Woman Behind No One: A Novel of Marriage, Invisible Work, and Reclaiming Her Name
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
When the Battle Feels Ordinary: Putting On the Armor of God Without Fear, Speculation, or Self-Reliance
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Christlike In Ordinary Life: Growing the Fruit of the Spirit Where Life Reveals Us Most
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Good Law for a Free People: How the Ten Commandments Shape Worship, Character, and Love
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Desires Beneath the Sins: The Seven Deadly Sins, Their False Promises, and the Virtues That Set Love Free
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
When Egypt Learned His Name: The Ten Plagues, Passover, and the God Who Leads His People to Freedom
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Three Pulses: A Missing Sister, a Child's Memory, and the Evidence Left Behind
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Possession Gap: The Tapes, the Medical Record, and the Death of Anneliese Michel
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Possession Defense: A Connecticut Killing, a Claim of Demonic Control, and the Evidence That Remained
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Ready at Home: A Calm Family Guide To Blackouts, Supply Disruptions, Cash Shortages, And Everyday Emergencies
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Garden That Was Lost: Genesis 3, Sin, Shame, Judgment, and the Promise of Redemption
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Win Without Wounding: A Christian Guide To Conflict, Emotional Maturity, And Christlike Courage
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Woman He Left at Home: The Marriage She Held Together-and the Life She Chose Next
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Marriage He Traded Away: After Twenty Years Behind His Success, She Builds a Life in Her Own Name
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Work in Her Own Name: A Novel of Marriage, Ownership, and Starting Over
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Threat She Accepted: When a Husband's Repeated Threat Becomes His Wife's Way Out
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
What She Would Not Sign: A Marriage Built on Rescue-and the Life She Chose Instead
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Mother They Forgot to Thank: A Novel About the Work a Family Never Saw-and the Woman Who Finally Names It
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
The Story They Sold: A Novel of Rescue, Control, and the Right to Tell Your Own Story
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Marked Dark: The Vallow-Daybell Murders and the Evidence Behind Claims of Possession
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
When Satan Entered the Evidence: The Fall River Murders and the Testimony Behind the Cult Allegations
Ashford, Samuel
Paperback
Also in
Bible Studies
The Early Versions of the New Testament: Their Origin, Transmission, and Limitations
Metzger, Bruce M.
Hardcover
The Apostle and the Empire: Paul's Implicit and Explicit Criticism of Rome
Heilig, Christoph
Hardcover
The Kabbalistic Mirror of Genesis: Commentary on the First Three Chapters
Smith, David Chaim
Paperback
Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks, Expanded Edition: A Year-Long Bible Study
Spangler, Ann
Paperback
The King Is Coming Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: It's Time to Prepare for the Return of Christ
Bevere, John
Paperback
Where to Find It in the Bible: The Ultimate Resource for Quick-And-Easy Biblical Reference
Anderson, Ken
Paperback
Becoming Like Jesus Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: A Bible Study on the Beatitudes
Chandler, Matt
Paperback
Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds
Fugelsang, John
Hardcover
Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You
MacArthur, John F.
Paperback
The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-To-Face with Jesus
Johnston, Jeremiah J.
Paperback
Experiencing the Heart of Jesus for 52 Weeks Revised and Updated: A Year-Long Bible Study
Lucado, Max
Paperback
The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion: With Selected Prayers from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska
Michalenko, Seraphim
Paperback
The Meaning of Marriage Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video, Updated Edition: A Vision for Married and Single People
Keller, Timothy
Keller, Kathy
Paperback
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, Large Print Edition: Discovering God's Love for You (Large Print Edition)
Keller, W. Phillip
Paperback
Revelation: An Insightful Chapter-by-Chapter Journey Through the Book of Revelation
Dewaard, Erica
Paperback
Every Thought Captive Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: How Renewing Your Mind Can Change Your Life
Idleman, Kyle
Paperback
The Women of the Bible Speak Workbook: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today
Bream, Shannon
Paperback
Revelation: An Insightful Chapter-by-Chapter Journey Through the Book of Revelation
Dewaard, Erica
Hardcover
Parables Workbook: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told
MacArthur, John F.
Paperback
Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter: Expanded Second Edition
Freeman, Lindsay Hardin
Paperback
Twelve Ordinary Men Workbook, Revised and Updated: How Jesus Shaped His Disciples for Greatness and What He Wants to Do with You
MacArthur, John F.
Paperback
Making Your Case for Christ Bible Study Guide: An Action Plan for Sharing What You Believe and Why
Strobel, Lee
Mittelberg, Mark
Paperback
The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
Catholic Book of Prayers: Popular Catholic Prayers Arranged for Everyday Use (Large Print Edition)
Fitzgerald, Maurus
Paperback
Nothing Is Impossible with God: Eleven Heroes. One God. Endless Lessons in Overcoming.
Bream, Shannon
Hardcover
The Beginner's Bible Study Guide: An Introduction to All 66 Books of the Bible
Trimble, Cameron
Paperback
Liturgies for Resisting Empire: Seeking Community, Belonging, and Peace in a Dehumanizing World
Armas, Kat
Paperback
The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Philippians: Even When Things Go Wrong, You Can Have Joy
Wiersbe, Warren W.
Paperback
Evidence That Demands a Verdict Bible Study Guide: Jesus and the Gospels
McDowell, Josh
McDowell, Sean
Paperback
Brain Games - Large Print Bible Word Search: The Words of Jesus
Publications International Ltd
Brain Games
Paperback
The Complete Orthodox Ethiopian Bible in English: A Comprehensive Collection of Scriptures and Apocrypha Including the Book of Enoch, Ezras, Jubilees,
Press, Covenant Sacred
Hardcover
The Promise of Heaven Bible Study Guide: Why You Can Get Excited about Your Eternal Home
Jeremiah, David
Paperback
The Complete Ethiopian Bible in English: The 88 Books Canon Including The Book of Enoch, Jubilees, Meqabyan, Ancient Biblical Apocrypha and More Ortho
Various Ancient Authors
Hardcover
The Westminster Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition with the Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books
John Knox Press, Westminster
Hardcover
No More Boring Bible Study: Why Taking Scripture Seriously Is Easier and More Exciting Than You Think
Womack, Faith
Paperback
Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Manners and Customs: How the People of the Bible Really Lived
Vos, Howard
Paperback
30 Life Principles Bible Study: An Action Plan for Living the Principles Each Day
Stanley, Charles F.
Paperback
The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible
Cobble, Tara-Leigh
Hardcover
El Poder de la Kabbalah: 13 principios para superar los desafíos y alcanzar la realización
Berg, Rav
Paperback
My Utmost for His Highest: Updated Language Paperback (a Daily Devotional with 366 Bible-Based Readings)
Chambers, Oswald
Paperback
Parables: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told
MacArthur, John F.
Paperback
God, AI and the End of History: Understanding the Book of Revelation in an Age of Intelligent Machines
Lennox, John C.
Hardcover
Brain Games - Bible Crossword Puzzles: Prayers, Parables & Prophets - Large Print
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
The Daily 5-Minute Bible Study for Women: 365 Focused, Encouraging Readings
Compiled by Barbour Staff
Paperback
Resilient Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times
Eldredge, John
Paperback
The Bible Says So: What We Get Right (and Wrong) about Scripture's Most Controversial Issues
McClellan, Dan
Hardcover
Grace Bible Study Participant's Guide: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine
Lucado, Max
Paperback
The Last Book: What You Need to Know About Revelation, the Rapture, and the End Times
Kaddis, James
Hardcover
Considering Sparrows: What Birds Teach Us about Who We Are, Where We're Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus
Burrell, Kevin
Hardcover
The Circle Maker Bible Study Participant's Guide: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears
Batterson, Mark
Paperback
When God's People Pray Bible Study Participant's Guide: Six Sessions on the Transforming Power of Prayer
Cymbala, Jim
Paperback
Believing Jesus: Are You Willing to Risk Everything? a Journey Through the Book of Acts
Harper, Lisa
Paperback
Everything You Need Bible Study Guide: Essential Steps to a Life of Confidence in the Promises of God
Jeremiah, David
Paperback
The Book of Signs Bible Study Guide: 31 Undeniable Prophecies of the Apocalypse
Jeremiah, David
Paperback
Talks to Farmers: Inspiring, Uplifting, Faith-Building Meditations (a Collection of Charles Spurgeon's Best-Known Sermons)
Spurgeon, Charles H.
Paperback
Reversing Hermon: Enoch, the Watchers, and the Forgotten Mission of Jesus Christ
Heiser, Michael S.
Paperback
Mysteries of the Messiah: Unveiling Divine Connections from Genesis to Today
Sobel, Rabbi Jason
Paperback