The Queen's Cook

series: Queen Esther's Court

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"A tender and touching tale. Tessa Afshar has given us two wonderfully charming heroines."--ANGELA HUNT, New York Times bestselling author of The Emissaries series

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.

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 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...

    Continue reading about Tessa Afshar

Reviews

"Afshar brings biblical characters alive in their own times, with scrumptious descriptions of food and the devious machinations of palace life. Afshar gets better with every book, and her characters grow in faith, gaining the courage to stand firm when everything around them bids them to fall... Readers will not want this book to end, but works by Connilyn Cossette and Christine Dillon may tide them over until the next release."

Library Journal starred review

"Afshar kicks off her Queen Esther's Court series with a rich and resonant retelling of the Purim story.... A twisty plot full of intrigue and divided allegiances, set against an intricately rendered ancient Persia seething with power struggles and violence. Fans of biblical fiction will be captivated."

Publishers Weekly

"From disloyal spies and religious persecution to aromatic spices and braised meats, The Queen's Cook is a sensory accomplishment that blends gripping palace drama with immersive culinary artistry... A fresh angle on the familiar biblical story of Esther."

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