The Royal Artisan (Queen Esther's Court Series) By Tessa Afshar-Christian Historical Fiction Review

 

Book Synopsis

Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her Sazana is one of the Jews he despises. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. In an unexpected reversal, at Haman's downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place. But her troubles are not over. The loss of their inheritance has enraged Haman's ten sons, so the queen assigns one of her men to the workshop, posing undercover to root out any spies.

Sazana is shocked to discover that the queen's agent is none other than the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. On assignment from the queen, Jadon safeguards the workshop, yet the situation escalates with the need to discover an ancient artifact. Can Jadon and Sazana set aside past heartache and unearth the secrets that will allow them to thwart the impending tragedy threatening their people?
 
Rooted in biblical truths and detailed historical research, Tessa Afshar paints a moving and captivating tale of life, love, and intrigue in Queen Esther's royal court.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers
• Genre : Christian Historical Fiction
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 4, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764243705

• ****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.****

My Review

I read the first book in the "Queen Esther's Court" series, and it was amazing. The second book, The Royal Artisan, is along the same lines. This series is not specifically all about Queen Esther, but about those with whom she associates. I loved the diary entries that were in Queen Esther's words. It gave me new insight into who she truly was.

I loved the story of Sanza and Jadon. There is a rich biblical history in this novel. The feeling overall is one of fear, hope, and faith. The mystery and political intrigue behind the plot shed new light on ancient Persia during the reign of King Xerxes I. Sanza is gifted at making high-quality pottery but has suffered many losses in life: her family and her betrothed. When she and her uncle are threatened by Haman, Queen Esther sends a member of her security called the Immortals. Jadon goes to his new appointment to only find his lost love. This aspect brought about a beautiful depiction of a second-chance romance.

Readers will immerse themselves in the drama, mysteries, heartache, risks, and sweet romance of this heartfelt biblical tale. I look forward to reading book three and more stories within Queen Esther's Court.

****Meet 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. Tessa’s books have received the Christy, INSPY, and ECPA Christian Book of the Year (Bible Study category) Awards, and are 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.

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