Tessa Afshar has crafted a brilliant story, The Queens 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 Queens Cook is the story of Roxannah, who becomes Queen Esthers 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 Gods 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 Queens Cook, a fictionally depicted exquisite story based on the Bible. Tessa Afshar penned a truly unique perspective on a popular Bible story, bringing Queen Esthers court to life in this first book of her must-read Queen Esthers 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.

Tessa Afshar's latest, THE QUEEN'S COOK is my favorite so far! Think the Food Network meets political intrigue during the reign of Queen Esther in Persia. Our main characters are Roxannah--a Persian noble who is now a cook, and Adin a Jewish physician. The unlikely duo delve into secrets they happen across and work with Queen Ester to save an enemy of hers from an assassination plot. The delicious romance, suspense, dishes, and faith journey make this book a real keeper in the library. One to read again and again.

I'd love to see a companion Bible Study.

Highly recommended for fans of Tessa Afshar, Biblical fiction, food, political intrigue, faith journeys, and romance. A clean read for the family.

I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.

This was a book that I could not put down. I was transported to ancient Persia and the court of Queen Esther. I learned about the inner workings of the palace and was fascinated by the girl Roxannah and how she rose to assistant cook for Queen Ester.

It also included a memoir of Esther, looking back on the events surrounding her rise to Queen and being able to save her people from evil Haman. I learned how far reaching and how limited her position was in the household of the King.

I enjoyed the characters of Roxannah, the servant girl Sisy and one of the royal physicians, Adin. The romance unfolding between Roxannah and Adin was a treat. I was intrigued by the dishes that were cooked and the ingredients available in that part of the world. Who knew that marsh mallow sweets dated back that far?

The story was not only informative but included palace conspiracy and political machinations. The author presented a realistic picture of the setting and time frame. She also showed the spiritual struggle of Roxannah and how Adin won not only her heart but helped her to believe in the one true God.

I am glad there will be other books in the series that takes place in the court of Queen Esther.

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

Tessa Afshar concocts a beautiful Queen Esther story in her new release, The Queen*s Cook. This installment of the Queen Esther*s Court series focuses on Roxannah, daughter of an impoverished Persian noble, whose work in the kitchen is an aberration from the way things are done among women of her station and whose talent draws attention of both the favorable and unfavorable kind. Forced to work in order to keep a roof over her mother*s head, Roxannah is thankful for her position in the queen*s kitchens and does not want to jeopardize this security, but it does not take long for her to stand out in her own way. Such great talent draws Roxannah into the presence of her queen and then into the drama and intrigue of court life when she and the Jewish physician Adin learn of a plot against Amestris, Queen Esther*s nemesis and the powerful wife of their king. Opposition seems to come from all sides, and yet through the faithful encouragement of Adin and Esther, Roxannah comes to find the life and the light in the midst of her darkness. With delicate storyline layers of bitter struggle and sweet redemption, Afshar crafts a delicacy worthy of royalty.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

Be prepared to be immersed in the ancient world of Persia, in the time of Queen Esther and King Xerxes. And with that all the drama, court intrigue, and political machinations that were taking place. I certainly would not want to live in that palace or be part of that royal family no matter the opulence and riches that looked so appetizing from the outside. I think people had better chances of survival outside the royal court than inside.

I have read the true accounts of Esther from the Bible and many fictional stories based on her story. I like how author Afshar gives us a different perspective of the account. Especially regarding the terrible edict that the king allowed from Hamman.

The story is mostly told from Roxannah's point of view. She is a poor daughter of a Persian lord. However, due to wars and drinking, her father is not the good man he once was. And this leads to daily trouble for her and her mother, and difficult choices later.

We also get the royal court physician's and Jewish man Adin's point of view. With that we are also treated to forbidden love story between Roxannah and Adin.

To top it all off, we are given a peak into Queen Esther's secret scrolls many years later that add an extra layer of insight into the court goings on and more.

What really stood out to me was when the edict of annihilation of the Jews was proclaimed. Though this story continues from that particular catastrophe that was stopped, just the feelings that Roxannah felt, though she a Persian when it was proclaimed. The horror and the unbelief that this was the world she was living in was powerful. However, so was the God who was going to intervene on the Jews behalf. Quite a powerful look at an important time of history.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.