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)

This delightful Biblical historical fiction novel takes place in ancient Persia. Roxannah has a difficult past and dreams of one day being able to cook for the king and queen. She ends up getting a job in Queen Esther's kitchen, where despite being a woman, she quickly establishes her brilliance in the kitchen and rises in the ranks. This book is really well written and kept my attention throughout. I will definitely be looking for the other books in this series.

The author included a section at the end where she talks about what was historical and what she imagined for this book.

I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.

I really enjoyed Roxannah and Adin's stories and all the fictional people they encountered. I loved learning about the different cultures of diaspora Jews and how they interacted with each other and with the Persians! And it was so fun to be in an ancient Persian kitchen! The author did an amazing job with all the sights, smells, and tastes! I felt like I was actually there!

I always love stories of Gentiles joining themselves to Israel, and there are several of those in this story, so they were a highlight for me! The only thing I didn't really love about this story was the way Queen Esther was portrayed. I often have this problem that I don't enjoy biblical fiction about real people, and that was the case for me with this book. I just don't like it when authors fictionalize real people and guess at their motives and thoughts. Esther was particularly difficult for me because she was so different from the Esther in the Apocryphal Greek version. It was mostly her relationship with her husband the king that I didn't enjoy. I did, however, enjoy the role she played in Roxannah and Adin's lives. I am looking forward to further stories set in this world and hope to get to visit Roxannah and Adin again soon!

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.

"Cooking gave her what life often did not: the satisfaction of being in control. Even when a recipe went wrong, she had another chance— an opportunity to learn from her mistake and make an improvement in the next batch."

Esther has always been my favorite Biblical heroine, so when I heard that there was a new book about her, I had to read it.

This story is set in Ancient Persia, which is now known as Iran.

The culinary aspects of this book were perfection- *chef's kiss* and made my mouth water with every new dish that Roxannah created.

The book cover is neatly done, and had a lot of nice details and rich color.

The writing style made this a quick and enjoyable read. Not once did it drag on or leave me bored.

Even though I've read many books on Esther and her awesome story, this book's unique plot was so intriguing and fresh that I could not put it down!

The Queen's Cook is an exquisitely written closed-door romance that I adored, and I definitely plan to add it to my library in paperback. Kudos to the author on a brillant start to a new series!

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary e-book I received to review through Netgalley and Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.
Content Review

There's a thing I didn't mention previously that I probably should have, but was kinda embarrassed to because of the nature of it.

A hateful character made a crude comment:
“No need to get your bowels in a twist, girl. I meant no offense.”

And there's a couple times someone calls another person a fool. Minor, but worth mentioning.
Because of this, I'm changing my rating from 5 stars to 3.

I liked the way the author brought me to Persia and shared Esther's story. It touched my heart. The novel's strong female main characters, political scenarios, and their revelation of secrets captivated me, and I couldn't help but enjoy the splash of romance.

Roxannah is Queen Esther's cook, and she is the main character. Esther and Adin guide Roxannah's journey to faith, imparting knowledge about God without appearing forced or preachy. What Roxannah said about her faith was real and from the heart. It encouraged me. I liked how her friendship with Adin grew and became almost as dangerous as the royal plan.

The novel transports readers into the Queen's kitchen by exploring her life, eating habits, and cooking techniques used back then. In author notes, Tessa shares biblical-era recipes. The author's notes are followed by discussion questions.
This is the first book in the Queen Esther's court series. If you like biblical fiction, you'll appreciate this story. It works well for a book club; there is so much to talk about.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

I received a complimentary copy of this book through LibraryThing via NetGalley. The following is my honest review.

The Queen's Cook is easily in the top five books I've read in 2024. From the first page you're immersed in the culture of ancient Persia, the world of Queen Esther and the protagonist, Roxannah. Roxannah, an abused young lady, gets the chance of a lifetime to serve in the Queen's kitchen as an assistant cook's assistant. She's immediately caught up in plots and political intrigue. Her character shines, along with her new friend, Adin.

Even if cooking isn't your thing (it really isn't mine), you'll love The Queen's Cook!

Trigger warning: parental abuse

The Queen’s Cook was such an engaging and intriguing read! Like most stories by Tessa Afshar, this novel is an immersive experience with descriptive imagery and characters that you feel are part of your world. It truly brings the Biblical story of Queen Esther to life in such a beautiful way while also telling a story of love, forgiveness, and cooking.

Tessa’s powerful writing had me locked in from the beginning, feeling actual rage at Roxannah’s father and his treatment of her and her mother. The juxtaposition between him and Dr. Adin, the man with a heart of gold, is vivid and shows the author’s incredible talent to evoke such emotion in me. This was just the beginning of the joy I felt reading all the details of this story, especially the descriptions of the food. It’s clear that there was a lot of research done to bring this world alive and it was done masterfully.

I feel so grateful that I was able to read this novel as it was truly a pleasure. The Bible verses at the start of each chapter kept the focus where it needed to be and the chapters that were devoted to Esther’s point-of-view were by far my favorites. This is the first novel that kicks off a new series and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Queen Esther’s Court.

Be prepared to be immersed in the ancient world of Persia, in the time of Queen Esther and King Xerxes. And with that all the drama, court intrigue, and political machinations that were taking place. I certainly would not want to live in that palace or be part of that royal family no matter the opulence and riches that looked so appetizing from the outside. I think people had better chances of survival outside the royal court than inside.

I have read the true accounts of Esther from the Bible and many fictional stories based on her story. I like how author Afshar gives us a different perspective of the account. Especially regarding the terrible edict that the king allowed from Hamman.

The story is mostly told from Roxannah's point of view. She is a poor daughter of a Persian lord. However, due to wars and drinking, her father is not the good man he once was. And this leads to daily trouble for her and her mother, and difficult choices later.

We also get the royal court physician's and Jewish man Adin's point of view. With that we are also treated to forbidden love story between Roxannah and Adin.

To top it all off, we are given a peak into Queen Esther's secret scrolls many years later that add an extra layer of insight into the court goings on and more.

What really stood out to me was when the edict of annihilation of the Jews was proclaimed. Though this story continues from that particular catastrophe that was stopped, just the feelings that Roxannah felt, though she a Persian when it was proclaimed. The horror and the unbelief that this was the world she was living in was powerful. However, so was the God who was going to intervene on the Jews behalf. Quite a powerful look at an important time of history.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this Biblical fiction by Tessa Afshar. I liked how the author took us into the world of Queen Esther court and showed us what life may have been like for the people. I liked how well researched the story was and how relatable the characters were. I like how her books draw us in and make us want to keep reading to know what will happen next. I thought this was a well told story and would recommend.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Disclaimer: Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead tours for giving me a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The review written below is my honest opinion.

I absolutely loved this book! It was such an immersive historical read and really made the book of Esther come to life in my opinion!

I Loved 🩷:

I loved Adin and Roxannah. Both characters were multilayered and I loved how Roxannah's character grew over the course of the novel. I also loved how there are ties in this book to the Hidden Prince (another book by Tessa Afshar). What are they you might ask? You'll have to read the book to find out 😉

Additionally the plot was so addictive and the pacing was so well done. I loved the intertwining of Adin and Roxannah's POVs as well as Esther's POV of the whole story in later years through her "secret scrolls".

I loved Tessa Afshar's narrating style and honestly this was such a good read!

I would recommend this to:

People who love biblical fiction in rich immersive historical settings and people who enjoyed the Hidden Prince!

Content Warnings: domestic violence, abuse and violence

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫: 29/24
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Biblical Fiction
𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞:
Let me tell you a secret: Being queen will break your heart.
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞: Hatred only birthed more hatred.

Okay, I may be a bit biased since she belongs to my top3 fav BibFic authors.
All books I have read from her are all so good!
All are shelf worthy!

If you want a new "taste" without ruining the real story of Queen Esther, this book is for you. All foods mentioned made me want to eat it. 😋
I love the character development of Roxannah, how she broke free from her trauma, and how she has found the One who sees her worth.

The story reminded me of God's perfect timing, of how He uses every situation not just for our or others own good, but for His glory. 😊
Definitely worth the read.

An immersive novel that brings Queen Esther's Court to life through the eyes of a talented cook, kind physician, and the queen herself.

Beautifully written, compelling, with characters that captured my heart. Roxannah grew up hiding in the shadow of her father's cruel ways, but her talent for flavor may be her family's only hope after her father leaves them destitute. I admired her determination, and her loyalty, as she works to prove her self in the royal kitchens. I especially liked her gentle natured way if winning others with honesty and kindness.

A richly woven novel with evocative descriptions and an attention to detail that bring the story to life. I loved how the novel was told in the midst of things, as well as from memory looking back, which added a depth of personality to the storytelling, and a unique touch. I loved the fresh take on one of the Old Testament's most beloved stories, as the author draws from extensive research, and historical details to vibrantly bring the court to life. I enjoyed the themes of standing up to your enemies in the face of opposition, something that sounds good, but in reality is much harder to practice!

Overall, a riveting and compelling tale that will grab you by the heartstrings, and have you hanging on to find out what happens next, as Queen Esther's story is told through fresh eyes, with enduring themes of forgiveness, faith, and facing your fears.


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

Have you ever tried to express how much you love a book and knew that you couldn't give it the praise that it needed? I was captivated by The Queen's Cook from the beginning sentence and my interest never waned in this fascinating fictional story of Roxannah, a young Persian woman who became a cook in Queen Esther's kitchens. I loved reading the descriptions of the delicious food and how it was prepared, along with Roxannah's difficulties in a male-dominated kitchen! As her story unfolded, readers were also given a glimpse of Queen Esther's life. I've always loved the true story of this young Jewish woman who bravely worked to save her people from annihilation. Her powerful story is related in the Old Testament, in the Book of Esther, and Afshar's talent for weaving fictional details with historical facts has never been more evident!

The Queen's Cook is the first book in the Queen Esther's Court series, and it's left me yearning for more! I loved Roxannah's strength and determination. her sweet romance with the wonderful Adin, the other dynamic characters, and of course, Esther's story! There's mystery and subterfuge that links Roxannah and Esther's intriguing relationship but most of all, there is faith, trust, and obedience. I was mesmerized, entertained, and deeply inspired by The Queen's Cook and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my opinions.

When the Persian empire puts out a kill order for the Jews, Roxannah and her family are devastated. When her drunken father is injured, Roxannah seeks out a Jewish physician, Adin, to help her. Roxannah and Adin have an instant connection, one they both fight. When her father is killed, Adin finds a position for Roxannah as a cook’s assistant for Queen Esther.

It took quite a while for the story to build and the plot to come together. While the main characters were well developed, the secondary characters felt a bit stereotypical and flat. The plot twists were resolved quickly with predictable results. Overall, a well written book, but the story could have used some work. 3 out of 5 stars.

I was drawn to Tessa Afshar’s latest book for two reasons. One being that Biblical fiction is one of my favourite genres to read and I have enjoyed reading many of Tessa’s previous books. The second reason being that the book of Esther in the Bible is one of my favourite books of the Bible.
Roxannah is a Persian who has experienced trauma since childhood. Her past has impacted who she is as a grown young woman. She is a gifted cook who enjoys cooking for her parents, and has always dreamed of cooking for the King of Persia and his Queen. It seems an unlikely dream to come true, yet through various events, she finds herself working in the Queen’s kitchen.

Roxannah becomes friends with the royal physician, Adin, who is Jewish. Due to certain events it looks as though their relationship is doomed from the beginning, but you will need to read the book to discover what happens between them.

Through Adin and Esther she begins her own journey of faith in the one true God. She notices how they cling to God, even through the difficult times. They have proved that God is with them and doesn’t desert them in those hard times, but actually draws them closer to him. We also see her grow and develop in confidence in an environment where it is usual for a man, not a woman, to run the kitchen. She is encouraged by the cook and others to stand up to those she would usually cower to and find her own place in Queen Esther’s kitchen.

Roxannah struggles to forgive Adin for one particular action he takes, and she also struggles to forgive herself, consumed with guilt over a decision she made and she blames herself and Adin for the outcome, even though neither of them are to blame. God takes her on a journey where she can forgive both Adin and herself.

As I read, I was pleased to see how the book was in keeping with Esther’s story. For example, within the book of Esther we see how there are plots and intrigues which are uncovered by Mordecai. In this novel, there is a similar plot which is uncovered by Adin and Roxannah. They are in the right place and right time to then be of help to another of the King’s wives, Amestris. God has seen to it. God is working behind the scenes, just as he did in the book of Esther.

In my opinion, Roxannah was the main heroine, with Esther the secondary one. Queen Esther was not quite as I had always envisioned her to be, but as I felt the difference was minor, this did not spoil my enjoyment of the novel.

Tessa naturally and gently includes spiritual insights within the novel. They are neither forced or out of place and I always find they touch my heart and can both encourage and challenge me.

If, like me, you enjoy reading biblical fiction and love the Bible story of Esther then I definitely recommend this book to you. You will not be disappointed.

This story hooked me with its premise and kept me ravenous with the storyline and beautiful characters. I am always amazed at Afshar's willingness to dig deep into the Bible and the culture of the time then add her creativity to bring us an amazing story.

The main female character, Roxannah, is a heroine in every sense of the word. She has dealt with truly heartbreaking circumstances, yet she doesn't shirk responsibility or make excuses. Roxannah is Queen Esther's cook.

There's mystery, suspense and deception along with a bit of romance.

My favorite biblical lesson was about God's faithfulness, using the example of Joseph. Sometimes God's faithfulness is hard, not quick in coming.

My favorite quote "An otherworldly peace replaced the roar of fear. A sweet silence reigned within. This was safety. God with her. God for her. God ruling over all."

I learned so much from this story, from the Bible and about myself! This is the first in a series about Queen Esther, and I look forward to reading the other perspectives. Highly recommended!