This is the story of Queen Esther from the bible fleshed out into a novel. I have read other similar versions of this story but love every one. This one is particularly rich in details of the time and place and the characters are all fleshed out to the point that they seem very real. Jill Eileen Smith always tells a great story and this one is no exception.

I highly recommend this book to all lovers of historical and Christian fiction.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The story of Esther has always been one of my favorite Bible stories, so I jumped at the chance to preview this new historical novel by Jill Eileen Smith. It was a beautiful and intriguing read. The decision to include the POV of additional characters like Vashti and Xerxes added enlightening insights into the narrative. I was disappointed that the two days of fighting were glossed over, but including them would have made the book much longer -- perhaps too long. I definitely recommend it and appreciate the message of God's providence throughout.

Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful book. I loved this and felt like I stepped back in time and made friends with a girl made queen. Love and sacrifice, murder plots and jealousy this is a good read.

Received this book from NetGalley, all thoughts are my own

This was a beautifully done and well written account of the Biblical story of Esther.

In the Bible, the book of Esther is 10 chapters long. What appealed to me the most about this book is that the author fills in what could have happened in the time not mentioned. How Esther interacted with her family and community. What happened to Vashti once she was exiled. More details of Esthers year of preperations. And more.

Exquisite imagery, attention to details, and a quick pace storyline. This was a wonderful book.

The Star of Persia


By


Jill Eileen Smith




A must read! A fabulous book you will not be able to put down! The Star of Persia is a book that draws you in from the very first page. This is the second book I have read of Jill Eileen Smith and it defiantly won't be the last. She know how to pull you in from the very first page and I couldn't put it down.


Synopsis - In Xerxes world, he was wanting to complete a task that his father started. This task was finish his plans to win a war. While he was planning this war, there was trouble brewing between his two wives. Vashti and Amestris were by no mean friends. Vashti was the love of the kings life and Amestris and the kings mother couldn't stand that. Then there was a time that Hadassah was brought into the picture. Her name was changed to save herself and her people. Esther was born and a new queen was born in Persia. This story is filled with courage, love and duty to fulfill the past.


My thoughts - I could tell that a lot of research went into this book. Jill Eileen stayed to the story of Esther. I have to say that I don't remember a story that touched me more that this story of Esther. Esther showed real courage in a difficult time in the bible. One woman stood up and helped to save the Jews from destruction. It is through her love and faith of God that helped her and protected her.


I will give this book a 5 out of 5 stars


I will be recommending this book to friends and family


I received this e-book from the publisher through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to do a review. All thoughts and feelings are mine own.

I've read several fictional versions of the book of Esther, and this one's tied for first place. I love how beautifully unique it is, while staying true to the Biblical narrative.

Compassion was a theme that stood out to me in Star of Persia. Vashti's decision not to go before the king was compassion. Xerxes even showed compassion in a couple of instances that, while out of historical character, were still within a believable line. And naturally, Esther's compassion and kindness are what won her such favor.

Mordechai's wisdom and influence cannot be underestimated and is something we as parents can learn a lot from. (yes, even in a novel!)

There was one scene that really got me upset-as in: How could she write that, that's got to be an error!!- but it was a carefully devised plot point that is explained a few pages later. So if you find yourself in the middle of the book going "WHAT!!!????" then keep reading. It's okay! All will be fine :)

Star of Persia is the newest novel by Jill Eileen Smith, and it’s about Esther. We all know the story of how a Jewish girl became queen in the Persian’s king court and saved her people from the evil Haman who would see all the Jews annihilated. I love Esther’s story, it is one of my favorites, and I actually know it quite well, so I was curious to see what this story would bring.

This was a very fast read for me, I just flew through the pages. Jill paints a very vivid picture of the court, and also the position and daily life of the Jewish community. I love her interpretation of Mordecai, how he first is very secretive with his heritage, but finds the courage to speak out. The story of Esther was very moving, too, and I really enjoyed it.

For me, there were a few minor flaws though. The first chapters are from Vasthi’s view point, which I really liked, and I thought we might get a side story featuring her, but she then disappears from the page. I also would have liked to see more interaction with the other women, this story focusses heavily on the romance, but I would have liked to see more about her daily life and harem intricacies.

But all in all, I really liked this story, it was very entertaining and a good mix of the Biblical story and history, with interesting characters.

i received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Star of Persia is the story of the Queen Esther.

The story start when Hadassah is a child living with her adoptive Father Mordecai and her aunt. They live in Persia where Xerxes is King and Vashti Queen.
When the Queen Vashti refuse to appear at her banquet given by her husband she is banished.
In order to replace her, an edict is made for all the young virgins to be taken to the palace and receive beauty treatment before meeting the King. Hadassah is among them.
She finds favor with the people on the palace and the King who choose her to be Queen.
Hadassah hid her true nationality as Mordecai had told her and used the Persian name Esther meaning star.
But a plot arise against her people and she must find the courage to step forward and answer God’s call over her life to save them.

I like this story. I find it interesting how Jill Eileen Smith describe the different characters and they lives from Esther childhood, Vashti relationship with Xerxes until her exile, Mordecai love’s to her adoptive’s daughter his devotion to God to Amman pride. Xerxes seemed to have a quick temper and sometimes weak. He needed to have people able to help and guide him.

The story of Hadassah is about courage, faith and answering God’s call for our lives knowing that he will deliver us from every attack of the ennemy.
Nothing is hidden from the Almighty One. God choose Hadassah and place her in a position where he could use her and her obedience change the history of her people.

Star of Persia by Jill Eileen Smith, an engaging read that draws you into the story of Esther. Historical Fiction that stays very true and yet brings the characters to light in numerous ways

“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

Award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith’s latest biblical fiction novel, Star of Persia: Esther’s Story, is a fascinating look into the life of the beautiful Queen Esther, whose favor with King Xerxes is put to the ultimate test as she risks her life to save her people from death. Jill Eileen Smith is a master at bringing Scripture to life and authentically filling in the details, which encourages her readers to dig deeper into the Bible and discover more about the word of God.

The story of Esther has been retold many times in biblical fiction, but Jill Eileen Smith’s account is by far my favorite. She used Scripture along with details from secular history in writing Star of Persia, as several of the individuals from the Book of Esther in the Old Testament are also historical figures.

Jill Eileen Smith is my go-to-author for biblical fiction, and she consistently shares the incredible stories of women from the Old Testament in such a powerful way that has me pulling out my Bible and wanting to read more of the Scripture. In Star of Persia, Jill Eileen Smith also shares the message that even in his silence, God is always watching and willing to guide us. Star of Persia is highly recommended for readers of biblical fiction and historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book by Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

“Take good care of her. She is one who could come to great favor or great harm for her beauty.”