Biblical Fiction Book Review: The Queen's Cook

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About the Book

Title: The Queen’s Cook 

Series: Queen Esther’s Court, Book 1 

Author: Tessa Afshar 

Genre: Historical Romance/Biblical Fiction 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: November 19, 2024 

Click here to purchase a copy of this novel. 

Publisher's Book Description

“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.”

My Review

The Queen’s Cook, by Tessa Afshar, is a thrilling work of Biblical fiction! As equally thought-provoking as it is touching, this book is utterly compelling and thoroughly entertaining. Blended with elements of history, imagination, romance, faith, drama, and intrigue, this novel features a story that is deliciously captivating and fragrant with inspiration. 

 

From the ancient historical settings, to the fascinating characters, to the gripping plot, Ms. Afshar produces a story that is richly detailed and wholly satisfying! Filled with unexpected moments and surprising twists, the story unfolds within the homes, neighborhoods, and palace courts of ancient Persia. Page after page, it beckons the reader back in time to experience a culture and a civilization from long ago.  

 

This novel is made especially memorable through dynamic characters who are consistently believable, authentic, vulnerable, and relatable. Living under the constraints of various cultural and religious expectations and obligations, these characters face confusion and unrest as a result of their choices, their beliefs, and their loyalties. As they move forward in uncertain times, they find they must face their fears, address their insecurities, pursue reconciliation, renew their hope, and nurture their faith all while the threat of harm looms dangerously over them. As the story develops, important themes of forgiveness, grace, courage, faith, and compassion are also explored. These themes enhance the novel and ensure that it is meaningful and uplifting. 

 

The Queen’s Cook is definitely a special novel! Well-researched and thoughtfully written, it is a novel that edifies and inspires while it also entertains. It is a pleasure to read and an experience to ponder and savor. It is a book worthy of praise and sharing. It is certainly a novel I recommend wholeheartedly, and I look forward to reading more books in this series. 

 

*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher and through NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

 

 

About the Author: Tessa Afshar

“Tessa Afshar’s ancient historical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into 12 languages. Her novel, Pearl in the Sand is the recipient of the ECPA’s Bronze Milestone Sales Award.  

Winner of the Christy, INSPY, Family Fiction New Author of the Year, and ECPA Christian Book Awards, Tessa’s books were also Carol, Christy, and ECPA Christian Book Award finalists.  

Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. She holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship for a year.  

Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.” --Biography from Tessa Afshar’s website.

Click here to visit Tessa Afshar's website.

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