Beyond the Jordan: Dry Places, Misunderstood Peoples, and Imperfect Attempts at Prayer

By Heather M Surls

Beyond the Jordan is a memoir-in-essays reflecting on a decade of life in Jordan and the Holy Land. Through a blend of nonfiction styles, Heather takes readers on spiritually rich journeys across the region, immersing herself in its heritage, customs, and landscapes. Along the way, she forms deep connections with Jordanian, Palestinian, Syrian, and Iraqi women, offering an intimate look at their lives and stories.

While much of Beyond the Jordan observes the world with curiosity and wonder, it also grapples with the harsh realities of poverty, displacement, and suffering. Through it all, Heather explores how the Middle East has shaped her faith and spiritual life.

In a world where conversations about the Middle East often focus on conflict, Beyond the Jordan offers a different perspective-one that highlights the resilience, generosity, and humanity of its people. With vulnerable and evocative storytelling, Heather invites readers to seek glimpses of God in unexpected places and to embrace his majesty and mystery in their personal deserts.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1632968037
• ISBN13: 9781632968036
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Lucid Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful stories of a shared humanity in a different culture

Heather has the ability to paint a picture with all the feels. Her heartfelt storytelling is relatable. The desert comes alive and you hear the goats behind you. You root for the flowers' enduring beauty in the desert. You search with her through the darkness of the suffering to find the light in her own humanity and that of her neighbors. Fascinating stories of two cultures meeting and the beauty in the both of them. 10/10. Can't wait for her next book.