The Queen's Cook

By: Afshar, Tessa

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of a once-privileged but now impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news. Her father sees this edict as a stroke of good fortune, an opportunity to settle his mounting debts by killing the Jewish physician, Adin, and seizing his belongings, but instead he meets his own untimely end, leaving Roxannah...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764243691
• ISBN13: 9780764243691
• Release Date: November 2024
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Biblical fiction at its finest

"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 reign 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 was 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 through Interviews & Reviews and JustRead Tours via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.