The Queen's Cook: Queen Esther's Court Series Book #1 By Tessa Afshar-Historical Fiction Book Review

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Queen’s Cook 

Series: Queen Esther's Court #1 

Author: Tessa Afshar 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: November 19, 2024 

Genre: Historical Fiction, Biblical 

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

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 is the first book in the new Queen Esther's Court series. While it centers around Queen Esther from the Bible, it also tells the story of a young Persian woman named Roxannah. Despite her tough past with an abusive father, Roxannah remains kind, caring, and loyal. She learned to cook from her grandmother and has honed her skills. This passion for cooking leads her to work for the Queen. Then there's Adin, a Jewish physician who comes to help Roxannah's father. He becomes fascinated by the nobleman's daughter, who dresses simply, fears her father, and is talented at cooking and baking. I enjoyed the slow-burning romance and the relationship that unfolds between them, filled with ups and downs.

The setting of ancient Persia was captivating, and I found the look at the Persian court during Queen Esther’s time to be incredibly interesting. The political and historical aspects of the story are truly intriguing. Readers also get to see journal entries from Queen Esther's perspective, written thirty years later. These entries are cleverly woven between the chapters about Roxannah and Adin. I appreciated Tessa’s "Authors Notes" at the end, which explained what was fact and what was fiction. I always enjoy when authors provide notes because it encourages me to learn more about the time period after I finish the book.

Roxannah's journey was inspiring. She gains strength, wisdom, and faith throughout the story. I liked her from the beginning, but seeing her face challenges and overcome fears with the help of a great man and her love for God made me admire her even more.

Tessa Afshar has created a wonderful Biblical story that lingers in your mind long after you finish reading.The blend of wealth and poverty during this time offers a valuable history lesson.  Readers will appreciate exploring Roxannah’s journey and her search for the "Jewish" God. This book is highly recommended for those who enjoy Biblical fiction and historical romance.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Tessa Afshar's award-winning biblical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into twelve languages. 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. Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.

Connect with Tessa by visiting tessaafshar.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of The Queen's Cook and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight December 4, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 11, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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