 Author: Tessa Afshar Genre: Biblical Fiction Series: Queen Esther's Court #1 Pages: 400 Release Date: November 19, 2024 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens. In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance.
 Reviewer: Marie Edwards Tessa Afshar was my introduction to biblical fiction with her novel, Daughter of Rome. I was immediately drawn in and mesmerized so much I couldn’t put it down. I was on the launch team for Jewel of the Nile. I enjoyed it so much, I read it inside of a 24-hour period. Since those two books, Afshar has been one of my “must-read” authors in biblical fiction. This book was no different. The cover drew me right in, and the story held me in place. This is a reader's introduction to those inside Queen Esther’s court. Readers should be aware this has some disturbing themes to it—drunkenness, domestic violence, war, and antisemitism. As she usually does, Afshar immerses the reader into biblical times, bringing the bible and its people to life. Afshar transports readers to the various locales with descriptions of sounds, sights, even aromas. Even the food sounds mouth-watering and can make one hungry while reading. The opulence of palace life is written in stunning detail. Afshar expertly draws readers into the plight of the Jewish people with such startling reality it is as if one is experiencing it with them. This is told by two POVs—Roxannah and Adin. The chapters are short, which keeps readers like me turning the page. This doesn’t give a timeline such as AD68 or the like, merely years into a certain ruler’s time. Intermittently, the secrets scrolls of Esther are another POV. Each chapter starts with a bible passage that works into the chapter itself—almost like a biblical lesson. As with any biblical stories—there are moments of peril, messages of redemption and salvation, obviously trusting in God is a main theme. There was a moment of levity between Roxannah and Adin that caused me to laugh. “Excuse my horse. He has no manners.” For some reason, that had me in a fit of giggles. That’s not to say this is a funny story, it was a light moment in the story. This is not just a glimpse into turbulent times, but it is a love story. The story of love between Roxannah and Adin, as well as God and his people. Even though this is the first book of a series, this works well as a standalone read. I am sure fans of the author, and those who loved this book, will no doubt want to continue reading future installments of this series. I know I will be waiting for it. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Kimberlee Sams The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar is a Christian historical novel set in Persia (present-day Iran) during the reign of Queen Esther. The author skillfully weaves in a lot of information about historical events, daily life, and the mindset of various parts of society. I enjoyed the new things I learned, and the book never felt like a history text. All the information shared was a natural and easy-to-read part of the story. I enjoyed the viewpoints of both main characters, Roxannah, a young woman working in the palace kitchens, and Esther herself, who often shares her thoughts with the reader via the inclusion of her secret scrolls. Each had a unique perspective on the anti-Jewish policies of the time, and both shed a great deal of light on the topic. The subtle romance between Roxannah and Adin was a joy to experience. From their first interaction (Roxannah going to Adin for help after the death of her father) throughout their uncovering of a palace plot, each interaction makes the slowly blossoming relationship more believable. The author wrote the entire relationship realistically and cleverly, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about it. Queen Esther has always been one of my favorite Biblical characters, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read a book set in the palace during her reign. The story picks up after Esther is already a queen and focuses more on palace life and intrigue than on how she rose to that position. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book, and am happy to see that it is the first in a series set in Queen Esther’s Court. I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers, through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Nikita Wells “Cooking gave her what life often did not: the satisfaction of being in control. Even when a recipe went wrong, she had another chance—an opportunity to learn from her mistake and make an improvement in the next batch.” Esther has always been my favorite Biblical heroine, so when I heard that there was a new book about her, I had to read it. This story is set in Ancient Persia, which is now known as Iran. The culinary aspects of this book were perfection- *chef’s kiss* and made my mouth water with every new dish that Roxannah created. The book cover is neatly done and had a lot of nice details and rich color. The writing style made this a quick and enjoyable read. Not once did it drag on or leave me bored. Even though I’ve read many books on Esther and her awesome story, this book’s unique plot was so intriguing and fresh that I could not put it down! The Queen’s Cook is an exquisitely written closed-door romance I adored, and I definitely plan to add it to my library in paperback. Kudos to the author on a brilliant start to a new series! Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary e-book I received to review through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own. Reviewer: Linda Klager Oh, how I love reading Esther’s story in the Holy Bible. And, I recently saw the Sight and Sound presentation of “Esther.” Tessa Afshar made Esther’s life come alive! In the book every so often, Esther would relate information about her life with King Xerxes. At the beginning of each chapter, the author also included a Bible verse. The story centered on Roxannah and Adin. Roxannah became an excellent cook because she was mentored by her grandmother. I was fascinated by learning the names of various Persian dishes. I also thought I would like to taste these dishes. Roxannah’s father became a different person after he fought in battle. He was very mean and became physically abusive. He never told Roxannah that she was worthy. So, Roxannah had a very low self-esteem. When Roxannah’s father became ill, Roxannah went in search of a physician. The doctor she found was a God-fearing man. Roxannah could not pay Adin for his services because her father drank heavily and used up all the money. The events of the Biblical story of Esther were explored. There was much intrigue and drama in Esther’s life. Esther stayed true to the true God. For my honest review, I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Adriann Harris Tessa Afshar has crafted a brilliant story, The Queen’s Cook, that endures long after the last page is turned. This extraordinary story follows the book of Esther with an intriguing touching tale of what may have also happened after the actual events depicted in the Bible. The Queen’s Cook is the story of Roxannah, who becomes Queen Esther’s cook, and her deeply inspiring journey to a trusting relationship with God. Throughout her journey from a nonbeliever to a believer, Roxannah heard the word of God from Esther and Adin, who both encouraged her along her own path to putting her life in His hands. Told through the eyes of Roxannah and Adin, the court physician, Afshar transports her readers to ancient Persia, drawing us into a world filled with delightful rich flavors, intrigues, mystery, love, and faith. All of her remarkably strong characters, both fictional and real, had concerns and fears relatable to those we all experience today. I was in awe witnessing their growth as they progressed along their paths, together and separately, giving this reader newfound insight into the power of faith not only in God but in each other, too. Afshar constantly reminds us that God’s purpose for us is revealed on His timeline, not ours, and it may occur in the most unexpected place, and when we least expect it. I highly recommend The Queen’s Cook, a fictionally depicted exquisite story based on the Bible. Tessa Afshar penned a truly unique perspective on a popular Bible story, bringing Queen Esther’s court to life in this first book of her must-read Queen Esther’s Court Series. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own. Reviewer: Conny Withay “You have earned this position, Roxannah. But you must prepare for the price you will pay for it. An open door does not always lead to an open path,” Esther tells the young woman in Tessa Afshar’s novel, The Queen’s Cook. The first book in the Queen Esther’s Court series, this four-hundred-page historical Christian novel, targets those interested in a fictionalized story encircling the Biblical account in the Old Testament. With no profanity, topics of verbal and physical abuse, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. Using the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible, the NIV and NLT are also referenced. The ending includes the author’s note, ten discussion questions, acknowledgments, a teaser about the next book in the series, and the author’s biography. When Queen Esther intervenes on the Jew’s behalf to save a nation, the gentile Roxannah who has a knack for cooking seeks Adin, the royal physician, for help with her drunken Persian father, who is determined to kill all Jews. It is through Adin that Roxannah and her impressive cooking skills are brought to the attention of Queen Esther. In the queen’s kitchen, the young woman not only earns the trust and friendship of her queen, but she also helps Adin uncover a devious plot against Amestris, the king’s most powerful wife. While the two battle their fears and insecurities, they both find the answers when trusting God. This tender love story focuses on fictional supporting characters surrounding Queen Esther and her triumphant stand in saving the Jews in Persia. I enjoyed reading how the queen’s kitchens were handled and why cooking was so important, yet exhausting. The growing relationship between Roxannah and Adin was emotional while explaining the Jewish traditions and political challenges of a royal reign. The story is easy to follow, having chapter titles involving the two main characters, as well as short scroll notes written decades later by Queen Esther. Those who know the account of Esther in the Bible may be put off by the made-up secondary individuals who supported and handled the palace’s ongoings, but their existence enhances how Jews were treated during the time and how politics, power, and hierarchy were the norm. Some may not like the fragility versus control Roxannah faced as she dealt with her father and her job. I wish more novels were written that promoted the Word of God and what it teaches in a venue that is Biblically related. I prefer all pronouns of God capitalized for reverence. If you are looking for a tasty twist to Biblical Esther’s volatile reign as queen in Susa, this delicious read involving a Jew and Gentile as they taste God’s ample provisions will whet your appetite for the next book in the series. Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. Reviewer: Mindy Houng “But sometimes the doors that open before us are not the ones we long for.” With impeccable research and masterfully woven words, Tessa Afshar once again transports us into the pages of the Bible—this time to Persia ruled by Xerxes. This story is laid out a little differently from the other books I’ve read by the author. The first-person voice belongs to Esther and her diary-like words many years after Xerxes’ rule are fascinating, wise, and humorous. Roxannah and Adin have third-person voices during the reigns of Xerxes and Esther. Their story follows the citizens of Susa’s reaction to Xerxes’ terrible decree and the melee that ensues, but this is just a small portion of their journey. Roxannah finds herself in Queen Esther’s kitchen as a cook, and the beautiful tale of forgiveness, faith, trust, and realization of dreams unfolds from the kitchen. I loved learning about the spices and types of food that likely existed during Esther’s Persia. And the characters! Watching Roxannah grow a backbone and step into the path God prepared for her was delightful. Adin offered steadfast, godly, patient friendship and his honorable character was a gem. Roxannah and Esther’s friendship was sweet. The dangerous palace intrigue that catches Roxannah and Adin unaware is suspenseful and exciting, even if it was purely fictional and not based on Biblical or historical information. I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Tessa Afshar has a gift of bringing the pages of the Bible to life in vivid color, complete with tastes, smells, and sounds. Every time I read her book, I live in the shoes of the characters and am richly rewarded - spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually - for having done so. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Rick Norris In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire’s Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the Persian daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin—the man whose kind eyes haunt her—who helps her find employment in Queen Esther’s kitchens. In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king’s most powerful wife and Esther’s archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther’s reign hangs in the balance. The author’s impressive writing style intersperses biblical history, fiction, and a romantic relationship. What makes the story more interesting is that it touches on the class struggle between Persian royalty and their peasantry in the 5th Century BC, interjecting it with Jewish antisemitism. As an added bonus for those who like to cook, you can find a few Middle Eastern cooking recipes within the text. (I will try a couple of them myself.) Tessa Afshar effectively developed her characters, as in “She studied the Scriptures, not like a scribe for the knowledge, but with a sweet devotion that guided her life.” Also, the story creates periods of relatable high tension like: “Without her work, she could not support her mother. They would not be able to keep their home. Without her work, they would be destitute…” My favorite line is “Guilt could be so sticky!” A religious theme runs through the book, not only in the story but in Scripture cited at the beginning of each chapter. These insertions juxtaposed the main character’s struggle to believe in God. The author wrote this great line that continues to ring true even today: “The religious rules of my childhood did nothing to help me. God seemed more like an empty hoax than a source of our salvation.” Since this story took place in Persia during the late 5th century BC, the author was careful to not cite Scripture that had not been written yet like that of the New Testament. The good thing about biblical historical fiction is that it brings the biblical characters to life, developing their motivations and inner thoughts. The danger in doing that is the possibility that the story contradicts the Bible. The author seemed careful not to do that. I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for an unbiased and objective review. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar is an uplifting and captivating look at Queen Esther and her “little cook” Roxannah. The author, who, as her website states, “was born in the lands of Cyrus, Darius, Nehemiah, and Esther,” brought an interesting perspective of what life was like during biblical times. Her knowledge of the area, the history and especially the foods, gave a genuine feel to a fictional account of life in the palace. The story of Esther, a Jewish virgin who was taken into the palace to become a wife to King Ahasuerus, cleverly entwines the story of Roxannah, a young Persian girl with a talent for cooking, who faced almost daily abuse from her father. Roxannah meets the royal physician Adin ben Zerah, a Jew whose life is in danger because of a royal edict from the king that all Jews should be annihilated in the land. A series of events happen and Roxannah finds her dreams coming true as she becomes a palace cook. Palace intrigue, along with Roxannah’s cooking skills, keep this book flowing and hard to put down. The author does a fantastic job of putting you in the palace kitchens, cooking right alongside Roxannah. She has to prove herself because the kitchen is run by men, so she has a lot to overcome. Her growth, both emotionally and spiritually, is inspiring. The slow-burn romance between Adin and Roxannah was also powerful and the faith-element was spot-on. I could not put this book down! If you enjoy Biblical fiction, you will love The Queen’s Cook. I highly recommend it! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest review. Reviewer: Ewurabena Wilson
Tessa Afshar has once again shown her prowess in Christian historical fiction writing. There are two things that one is assured of when reading Tessa Afshar’s books, history, and mouthwatering recipes. The Queen’s Cook, Tessa Afshar's latest novel, is no exception. In fact, this is one novel which will cause you to want to love cooking. No, this is not a mistake, the book under review is a novel, not a cookbook. The premise of Tessa Afshar’s The Queen’s Cook is in the period of the Persian empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus. Roxannah is a noblewoman living in Susa whose family have fallen on hard times and lives in constant fear of her abusive father, Lord Fravartish. Her comfort from her father’s constant abuse is cooking. An incident brings Adin ben Zerah, a royal physician, into her life. The entrance of Adin and the plot against Jews by Haman become openings that usher a timid Roxannah who has a passion for cooking, to realize a long-cherished dream of cooking for Queen Esther. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. The themes of fear, romance, faith, intrigue, and forgiveness were carefully blended to make this novel worth reading. Tessa Afshar’s evocative style of writing is sure to thrill newcomers to her books. Fans of her will not be disappointed as this novel delivers on the style of writing consistent with this author. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Leave a Reply. |
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