The Queen's Cook

series: Queen Esther's Court

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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 destitute and adrift. Desperate and determined to support her mother while settling the debt, Roxannah approaches Adin--the man whose kind eyes still haunt her--to help her find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah strives to overcome prejudice and adversity as she ascends through the ranks in the royal kitchen. Her culinary talent earns her the trust and mentorship of Queen Esther herself, a woman of grace and wisdom, who is navigating treacherous palace politics and whispers of her inability to produce an heir after six years of marriage. Amid this unfolding connection, Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Amestris and Esther's reign hang in the balance.

Endorsements

"What an extraordinary story of Esther! This tender and touching tale of what might have happened in Esther's later years is simply--well, delicious. A wonderful depiction of life in Persia and the Jews who continued to live in that ancient land. In Roxannah and Esther, Tessa Afshar has given us two wonderfully charming heroines."

Angela Hunt, New York Times bestselling author of The Emissaries series

"I loved this book! Tessa's brilliance shines on these pages. In her signature way, Tessa tells stories, weaves biblical themes, and unearths traumas we can all relate to. The Queen's Cook reminds us that our pain and past will impact our present until we face them head-on. And that our identity is God-given and God-breathed, not attached to who we've been. This story made me cry, cheer, and pray that all who are hurting will be healed and established in God's best purpose for them. Enjoy this book. What a great read!"

Susie Larson, talk radio host, national speaker, and bestselling author

"Afshar's writing shines in this brilliant perspective shift on Queen Esther's story. I loved all the detailed recipes (like only Tessa could do) and the weaving of characters' lives in a way that reflects the true complexity of our everyday existence. Searching biblical fiction relatable for today's reader."

Mesu Andrews, bestselling and Christy Award-winning author

The Author

  1. Tessa Afshar
    © Emilie Haney

    Tessa Afshar

    Tessa Afshar's biblical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into twelve languages. Tessa's books have received the Christy, INSPY, and ECPA Christian Book Awards, and are Carol, Christy, and ECPA...

    Continue reading about Tessa Afshar