I enjoyed the book, but it is not my favorite from Tessa Afshar. This is less a story about Esther and more about what being in service to the king/queen during that time might have been like. There is some Biblical truth in the book and it's a good, well written, Christian book but again, not so much about Esther.
If you are looking for a good, Christian story, you will enjoy this book. If you are looking for a story mostly about Esther you will be disappointed.
The book does show Christian character and such. It is well written. There are few, if any editing errors and I do recommend it

I loved this book!
The setting, the biblical history, the romance, the characters.
I always love reading biblical fiction because it feels like stepping into the bible and i love that.
Tessa is a master with words and tells every story so well

New to the Biblical fiction genre, this was a well-written glimpse behind-the-veil, if you will, into the historical context of Esther's world. Many details were biblically accurate with an imagining of some details that we aren't told.

The main female character, interestingly, was not a believer. She was a good, responsible girl in a bad situation ~ her home life. She does what she can and my favorite thing about her was the tenderness in which she looked out for others, especially her mother. Her talent finds her within the palace kitchens as the only female among hostile men. :)

My favorite aspect of the book were the words of an older, practically forgotten Esther, speaking of what once was and what is to come.

I know that's probably confusing. It confused me too in the first chapter until I figured out the flow of the book. Loved loved Esther's insight.

No profanity or spice. Trigger wise there is talk of Jewish annulation, fighting, death, plots to take the lives of others, etc.

Love the writing style of the author.

The audio is FABULOUS!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Queen’s Cook in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly, I loved Tessa Afshar’s dedication to biblical history. I felt so immersed in the romance story of Esther and Xerses through the eyes of Esther’s cook, Roxannah. If you’re looking to learn more about the story of Esther through this fictional account, it reinforced the story of Esther for me. I enjoyed reading Tessa’s descriptions of palace life and its rules. This book certainly is not only exciting but also educational.

Next, I loved Roxannah and Adin’s friendship that also romantic feelings. It was so sweet and I loved Adin’s gentle respect for her. I also loved Roxannah’s growth and faith journey in which Adin assisted. This was extremely moving. I also liked that certain dangerous events forced the pair to work together. This was so intriguing! I am a mayhem reader after all 🤣

Finally, I loved that Tessa emphasized over and over again that the Lord is steadfast in trials. These moments in the story truly touched my heart and spoke to me. Because of my own personal testimony, I know this to be true and I admired that Tessa chose to focus on the Lord’s love and steadfast nature in the hardest parts of our lives.

Happy reading,
Bethany the Bookworm Girl

How have I never read a Tessa Afshar book before this?
The Queen's cook was excellent!
Roxannah is an eldest (and only) daughter who has suffered abuse, but maintained a soft heart. She sees to the needs of those around her - even when they have been unkind or harmful.
Adin is a Jewish physician who lives in integrity because of his love for the Lord.
Although they are immediately drawn to one another, tragedy causes a rift. Yet, God's plan is greater still.
This book has intrigue, beauty, sweet and magnetic romance, stunning world building and historical detail.
I loved the intertwine with Queen Esther's story.
Adin's faithfulness to the true God and Roxannah's salvation story are beautiful.
I cannot wait to read the other stories in this series.
Also, be prepared to be hungry while reading this
book.
The descriptions were So good!
Pistachio cake, anyone?

Fantastic story! I am not always a fan of Queen Esther stories, but this one was different. I enjoyed the characters and their stories. A beautiful story all around! Can't wait for the next one! Highly highly recommend!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely 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.
A beautiful, immersive story that will captivate the mind of the reader and carry them to ancient Persia! The themes of love, redemption, betrayal, and intrigue are woven like silken threads throughout the novel. The ability to transport readers to another time and place and completely capture the imagination are the trademarks of a truly brilliant writer of which Tessa Afshar is master! This remarkable story is told through the viewpoints of both Esther and Roxannah. Their stories are intricately intertwined and compelling. I felt as though I were cooking alongside Roxannah and standing next to Queen Esther in her throne room. I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the ARC of this book. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions within this review are my own.

The Queen’s Cook, by Tessa Afshar, is a thrilling work of Biblical fiction! As equally thought-provoking as it is touching, this book is utterly compelling and thoroughly entertaining. Blended with elements of history, imagination, romance, faith, drama, and intrigue, this novel features a story that is deliciously captivating and fragrant with inspiration.

From the ancient historical settings, to the fascinating characters, to the gripping plot, Ms. Afshar produces a story that is richly detailed and wholly satisfying! Filled with unexpected moments and surprising twists, the story unfolds within the homes, neighborhoods, and palace courts of ancient Persia. Page after page, it beckons the reader back in time to experience a culture and a civilization from long ago.

This novel is made especially memorable through dynamic characters who are consistently believable, authentic, vulnerable, and relatable. Living under the constraints of various cultural and religious expectations and obligations, these characters face confusion and unrest as a result of their choices, their beliefs, and their loyalties. As they move forward in uncertain times, they find they must face their fears, address their insecurities, pursue reconciliation, renew their hope, and nurture their faith all while the threat of harm looms dangerously over them. As the story develops, important themes of forgiveness, grace, courage, faith, and compassion are also explored. These themes enhance the novel and ensure that it is meaningful and uplifting.

The Queen’s Cook is definitely a special novel! Well-researched and thoughtfully written, it is a novel that edifies and inspires while it also entertains. It is a pleasure to read and an experience to ponder and savor. It is a book worthy of praise and sharing. It is certainly a novel I recommend wholeheartedly, and I look forward to reading more books in this series.

*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher and through NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

“You can allow your father to rule you for the rest of your life. Or you can rise from under his shadow. I tell you again, you can run my kitchen. You can stand up to those sniveling assistants. They don’t have a fraction of your talent. But you must learn they are not your father. You must stop acting as if they are.”

What a beautiful story Tessa gave us. The Queen’s Cook is the first book of a future series and I can’t wait to read the rest.
The story takes place when Queen Esther helps to save her people from being murdered and it also has a viewpoint from Esther 30 years later. The book is set in ancient Persia and the author draws us to the rich colours and flavours of this culture and time.

Roxannah is a magnificent cook who has one dream, to cook for the queen one day. She lives a difficult life with her father who is physically abusive to her and her mom. Because of this abuse, it is hard for her to find herself and to speak and defend herself. As the author writes at the end, It is the story of a woman who through hardship finds friendship, love, and a life-changing relationship with God.
The love story between Roxannah and Adin is so beautiful. My favourite part of the book was how the author brought in the book so many recipes and gave so much detail about the food Roxannah was cooking. Being a book about a cook the author did an amazing job describing this. And wow you can tell she did great research for this book. It was a great historical fiction and it was written beautifully. I can’t wait to read more books from her.

WARNING!
- Parental physical abuse

The Queen’s Cook is a gripping tale about Roxannah the “little cook” in Queen Esther’s court and the journey she goes on in uncovering a deadly secret and falling in love.

The descriptions are beautiful, the storyline gripping, and the romance sweet and satisfying. I loved the “Secret Scrolls of Esther” sprinkled through the pages, they were a nice touch to deepen the storyline even further. If you’re someone who enjoys gripping Biblical fiction, I think you will enjoy “The Queen’s Cook.”

(I was gifted a copy of this book by the author/publisher but was not required to leave a favorable review.)

This beautifully written book provided me with a totally immersive reading experience. Each time I opened the book, I entered the town of Susa in Ancient Persia. Through imaginative writing, I was able to see the sights and the beautiful colors, I was able to hear the many sounds and I was able to smell and taste what was being created in the kitchens.

I so enjoyed the many layered and deeply developed characters. Much thought and care was poured into the relationships between the characters… so very well done.

Because Ancient Persia was part of a broken world, populated by some broken people, there were storylines of danger, treachery, deceit and loss. The endurance and bravery shown during rough times added much to the good outcomes of this rich story.

There were so many really good life lessons woven into this book. Those carrying around the burden of undeserved guilt need the hand of forgiveness to heal. Loving and loyal friendships are truly golden. Intentional acts of kindness can heal hurts and calm rough situations.

Read this book and be blessed, I know I was!

I received complimentary copies of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own

I love Tessa Afshar's books. This one did not disappoint. It transported me into the Old testament and into the court of Queen Esther (one of my favorite stories of the Bible). I fell in love with Roxannah, Adin, Sisy, and friends. The friendships, lessons and growth are beautiful and real, providing a wonderful reminder of who our God is and what only His presence can do for us. I highly recommend this book, or anything by Afshar!

Oh this was wonderful! I truly never expect anything different from an Afshar novel, though, to be honest. She is my favorite author for a reason. :)
I was absolutely captivated and fully taken in by this beautiful story, and read it as quickly as I could, all the while wishing I could make it last longer.
Tessa Afshar has such a beautiful way of writing God-inspired stories that never fail to encourage, uplift, and challenge me too. There is always some profound truth to be mined in the pages, and I find it such a delight to experience those.
Not to mention the characters are always so realistic and admirable, and the plot superb.
I could rave about her books all day, I think. XD
But I will refrain from doing so here. Or at least I'll try to.
The Queen's Cook gives a lovely glimpse into Queen Esther's life through the lense of a servant girl, Roxannah, as well as the palace physician, Adin. All the Biblical and Historical details really came to life in this novel, and certainly encouraged me to revisit the familiar Biblical account of this Jewish Queen.
I loved Roxannah and Adin both. They were truly marvelous characters, and I loved their relationship in all its seasons. Roxannah grew so much during the story, and I loved seeing her inner character shine and see how she came to put her faith in God as well.
I had to read this as an ecopy but I can't wait till my print copy arrives and I can transfer my tabbed favorite quotes, and read it again in another form.
One of the greatest take-aways I got from The Queen's Cook for me personally was the reminder that the Lord is faithful always - even in moments we wouldn't consider successes or victories. He's faithful in the pits and the lows too, and He stands beside us through every single season, working all things for our good. We can trust Him for our safety, and for our comfort as well.
As with all Afshar's other books, if you're looking for some wonderful reading and fantastic Biblical fiction, I don't hesitate to recommend you check this one out!

I received a copy of the novel from the publishers as a part of the launch team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

This was a book that I could not put down. I was transported to ancient Persia and the court of Queen Esther. I learned about the inner workings of the palace and was fascinated by the girl Roxannah and how she rose to assistant cook for Queen Ester.
It also included a memoir of Esther, looking back on the events surrounding her rise to Queen and being able to save her people from evil Haman. I learned how far reaching and how limited her position was in the household of the King.
I enjoyed the characters of Roxannah, the servant girl Sisy and one of the royal physicians, Adin. The romance unfolding between Roxannah and Adin was a treat. I was intrigued by the dishes that were cooked and the ingredients available in that part of the world. Who knew that marsh mallow sweets dated back that far?
The story was not only informative but included palace conspiracy and political machinations. The author presented a realistic picture of the setting and time frame. She also showed the spiritual struggle of Roxannah and how Adin won not only her heart but helped her to believe in the one true God.
I am glad there will be other books in the series that takes place in the court of Queen Esther.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

I was excited to read this one after enjoying her previous book last year. The Peasant King was a delightful read, so going into this one, my hopes were pretty high. Tessa Afshar not only met them, but exceeded them in nearly every way! I don't tend to enjoy biblical fiction where major people in the Bible become main characters, there's too much chance of changing things and leading people to believe things that aren't true and aren't biblical as if they are. This can be done accidently as well as intentionally, and I'd rather just avoid the whole thing in those cases. Afshar does have Esther play a rather prominent role in this one, but admits in the back on the book some of her sources and reasonings, and where she deviates from scripture in ways that are entirely possible, but no proof is given either way. I appreciate this extra effort on her part, and that she did her upmost to remain true to the biblical accounts we do have. She also used historical sources, and spoke on those briefly there as well.

I also adored meeting Adin and Roxannah in this one, and getting to see their adventures and friendships made along the way. They have quite the story and plenty of twists and surprises to keep me reading long into the night! Who know so much can happen in a simple walk between the kitchen and the living areas of a palace? Intrigue and challenges face Roxannah at every turn, and I loved seeing the character growth and spiritual growth that takes place as their story unfolds.

Tessa Afshar concocts a beautiful Queen Esther story in her new release, The Queen’s Cook. This installment of the Queen Esther’s Court series focuses on Roxannah, daughter of an impoverished Persian noble, whose work in the kitchen is an aberration from the way things are done among women of her station and whose talent draws attention of both the favorable and unfavorable kind. Forced to work in order to keep a roof over her mother’s head, Roxannah is thankful for her position in the queen’s kitchens and does not want to jeopardize this security, but it does not take long for her to stand out in her own way. Such great talent draws Roxannah into the presence of her queen and then into the drama and intrigue of court life when she and the Jewish physician Adin learn of a plot against Amestris, Queen Esther’s nemesis and the powerful wife of their king. Opposition seems to come from all sides, and yet through the faithful encouragement of Adin and Esther, Roxannah comes to find the life and the light in the midst of her darkness. With delicate storyline layers of bitter struggle and sweet redemption, Afshar crafts a delicacy worthy of royalty.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

My first book by Tessa and I was blown away! She brought Biblical times to life and gave a fantastic fictional story wrapped in facts. I savored the entire thing. I loved the historical elements and learning about the time period from the importance of cooks in ancient Persia to how a queen, such as Esther, would have been treated. Our main characters overcame their own backgrounds of heartbreak with healing at the Father’s hands. God’s faithfulness was on display front and center the entire time. Fantastic story!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was an amazing, amazing book.

The story was captivating and very inspiring. I love how Tessa Afsar writes her books. Like the others, this one points to the work and redemption that God does in the lives of those who follow Him.

Roxannah was so inspiring. I love how she thrived despite what life threw at her. She took her challenges in stride and with the help of God even when she didn’t believe in Him. Her relationship with Adin was just the sweetest. I enjoyed their reading about them.

This book reminded me of one important truth, to thrive and blossom where God has placed me. Roxannah, Adin, and Queen Esther were placed where they were for such a time as this.

I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.

The Queen’s Cook read like classic Tessa Afshar, which is to say… it was a thoroughly entertaining novel with romance, truth, and beautiful themes. From the start, Afshar’s prose flowed easily as it unpacked information. Her writing felt confident and was crafted so that the scenes always moved the story forward in some way. Like Roxannah creating her pistachio cake, Afshar deftly added the ingredients of historical details, longshot romance, delectable meals, palace intrigue, character growth, and spiritual truths to create a five-star reading experience.

To elaborate on the elements in The Queen’s Cook, I’ll start with the historical setting. Roxannah’s noble status and experiences in Esther’s royal kitchen richly depicted the Persian court under Xerxes, an environment where palace intrigue swirled amid every level of social status. As Roxannah and Adin were drawn into the mystery and danger, they faced underhanded workers in the kitchen, a cunning wife of Xerxes, and power dynamics among the royal court. Quite a perilous blend.

As expected, The Queen’s Cook included culinary delights. I found the exotic dishes interesting even for a non-foodie like me. Naturally, food played a part in establishing and perpetuating the romance between Adin and Roxannah. I enjoyed Adin’s kind and thoughtful treatment of Roxannah despite the hard issues between them. It was lovely to watch their romance unfold.

Being raised in Persian nobility, Roxannah showed herself to be morally upright, loyal, and clever, but she did not devote herself to any deity. Even so, Afshar weaved in spiritual themes as Roxannah’s past trauma and current circumstances moved her toward knowing the Lord’s mercy and love. Roxannah’s faith journey felt genuine, and I loved that her faith served to make her stronger.

The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar commenced her new series, Queen Esther’s Court. Though the novel felt complete and held a satisfying ending, Esther’s secret scrolls cleverly tie the series together. I am eager for the next novel. Five stars for The Queen’s Cook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

“Even this failure could serve as a thread in God’s faithful weaving if she allowed it.”

When I first heard that Tessa Afshar (one of my very favoritest authors) was writing a series set in Persia, in the court of Queen Esther, I could scarcely contain my excitement. I’ve long wanted this author to write a story involving Esther, and I suspected that this one would exceed my already high expectations. The people of Persia are also very precious to me and I knew that Afshar would once again make the culture come alive through her impeccable skills in scene setting, language use, characterizations, and – especially in the case of The Queen’s Cook – the food! I am extremely happy (though not at all surprised) to report that I was 100% correct in my pre-reading assessment.

From the opening lines of “Let me tell you a secret: Being queen will break your heart,” to the paragraph that introduces us to Roxannah, “Sunsets had a lot in common with cats if you lived in Lord Fravartish’s house; Roxannah never knew what they might drag in. This one had wrenched in the mangled corpse of her hopes for the evening,” and all the words in between and thereafter, I was completely enthralled by the descriptive language. I’ve always loved Afshar’s writing but I think The Queen’s Cook is her most exquisitely penned to date. I fought with myself from beginning to end on whether to devour it all at once or slow down to savor the rich sentences waiting on every page. This will definitely be added to Land of Silence as one of the books I re-read when I want to appreciate the beauty of a story well told and well written.

I loved the dual perspective that Afshar incorporates into this story, switching seamlessly from the ‘secret diary’ (totally fictional but totally captivating) 1st person POV of Queen Esther to the 3rd person narrative that follows Roxannah from wounded daughter to honored woman. Building off her knowledge of the culture, her study of the times, and her love for the Word of God, the author brings Queen Esther vibrantly to life – and I enjoyed exploring the possibilities that all of Afshar’s research and a healthy imagination offers us. But I also adored Roxannah, and I love that she is the heroine of this novel in more ways than one. Her journey toward following the One True God, her romance with the swoony Adin (who himself is a wonderful character with a layered backstory), and her progress in finding her own voice and purpose were all highlights for me.

Bottom Line: The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar is a delectable feast for the senses, for the soul, and for a weary world. The richness of the writing and the multidimensional quality to the characters deeply immersed me in this story, and I was reluctant to leave even after I’d turned the last page. Faith in rubber-meets-the-road practice, in all its messiness and tender beauty, unites these three souls from very different walks of life – the Persian daughter of a disgraced nobleman, a Jewish refugee soldier turned royal physician, a Jewish orphan who became queen – and the unlikely friendships between them made my heart smile. Put The Queen’s Cook on your must-read-ASAP list while I go off in search of some tahdig, my fave Persian treat. Mouthwatering food shares the page with gorgeous descriptors and royal etiquette, as well as humor, romance, and even a bit of mystery, making this a well-rounded novel and delightful in every way.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)