"But sometimes the doors that open before us are not the ones we long for."

With impeccable research and masterfully woven words, Tessa Afshar once again transports us into the pages of the Bible - this time to Persia ruled by Xerxes. This story is laid out a little differently from the other books I've read by the author. The first person voice belongs to Esther and her diary-like words many years after Xerxes' rule are fascinating, wise, and humorous. Roxannah and Adin have third person voices during the reign of Xerxes and Esther. Their story follows the citizens of Susa's reaction to Xerxes' terrible decree and the melee that ensues but this is just a small portion of their journey. Roxannah finds herself in Queen Esther's kitchen as a cook and the beautiful tale of forgiveness, faith, trust, and realization of dreams unfolds from the kitchen. I loved learning about the spices and types of food that likely existed during Esther's Persia.

And the characters! Watching Roxannah grow a backbone and step into the path God prepared for her was delightful. Adin offered steadfast, godly, patient friendship and his honorable character was a gem. Roxannah and Esther's friendship was sweet. The dangerous palace intrigue that catches Roxannah and Adin unaware was suspenseful and exciting, even if it was purely fictional and not based on Biblical or historical information.

I can't wait for the next book in the series! Tessa Afshar has a gift of bringing the pages of the Bible to life in vivid color, complete with tastes, smells, and sounds. Every time I read her book, I live in the shoes of the characters and am richly rewarded - spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually - for having done so.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews and JustRead Tours via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I was expecting more of an Ester themed storyline but I really enjoyed this tale! The Queen's Cook, follows Roxannah and her life as a young Persian. We get to see an outsiders perspective on the edict that all Jews will be killed and what follows next. I enjoyed the details of life at the time, imagining the yummy concoctions created by Roxannah and falling in love with Adin as she did. A wonderful book for Christian romance, historical fiction readers.

When I found out that Tessa Afshar was penning a series about Queen Esther told through the points of view of the servants in her court, I was immediately intrigued. Ms. Afshar masterfully immerses her readers in the world of ancient Persia from the very first page. I adored the descriptions of the royal court and definitely the foods. But most of all, I love the fact that although this is fiction, the author does not deviate from the truths in the Bible. She skillfully fleshes out the fictional portion of her story with her research of ancient Persia.

Roxanna has suffered under the hands of an abusive father. She masters her culinary skills in the safe confines of her kitchen. As circumstances force her to support her family, she seeks employment in the royal kitchens. While the intrigue in the court was fascinating, I was drawn by Roxanna's story. Throughout, she is transformed into a young woman of quiet strength. Her journey of faith is a beautiful picture of forgiveness and mercy. She is strengthened by her faith, when she realizes that God is faithful through the good and the bad.

Fans of historical fiction, will be delighted by this story filled with political intrigue and romance. But mostly one with spiritual themes that are applicable regardless of time or place.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

First of all, thank You netgalley for the ARC granted. Another great story from Tessa! I love how the author can make a fictional setting insed a real historical elements and characters. With such compelling and poetic narrative, Esther's story became such a incredible journey to follow up. Super recommended!

From the very first words of The Queen’s Cook, Tessa Afshar immerses us in the opulence of ancient Persia, drawing us into a world filled with rich flavors, divine providence, and an unwavering call to faith. As a lover of both historical fiction and Christian faith, this story captivated me in a way that only the best novels do—by making me reflect deeply on God's presence in the midst of our most challenging circumstances.

Roxannah's journey is nothing short of transformative. At the start, she is a young woman caught between the despair of her father’s reckless decisions and the fear of impending doom hanging over her Jewish friends. Her decision to seek out Adin, the royal physician, leads her into the service of Queen Esther, where she discovers a world of culinary mastery but also a fierce spiritual journey. The kitchen becomes a sacred space in its own right—filled with the prayers and silent whispers of a heart seeking to navigate adversity with grace.

What I loved most about this book is how Afshar weaves together Roxannah’s growth with the tangible details of Persian food and the bustling palace kitchens. The food isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a metaphor for Roxannah’s spiritual and emotional nourishment. Each dish, carefully crafted in the heat of the kitchen, serves as a reflection of her transformation, from a humble servant to a woman of faith, resolve, and bravery.

Esther’s brief yet powerful appearances in the story are reminders that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, often when the stakes are highest. Through Roxannah’s eyes, we see Esther not only as the queen on the throne but as a sister in faith—one who too has learned to trust God even when the path forward seems impossible. Afshar doesn’t manipulate Scripture but stays true to the essence of biblical truths, painting a portrait of Esther that is both relatable and inspiring. I especially cherished the way the narrative begins with Esther’s poignant words: “Being a queen will break your heart … There is a peace that comes when you lose everything. Once I wielded the power of an empire to save my people. That knowledge is my crown, the throne I sit upon when my losses haunt me. I survived the sharp edge of palace intrigue long enough to complete the hard tasks that God lay before me. And somehow, on that arduous journey, I made a handful of true friends. You might even say I changed a few lives.” It sets the tone for a story rooted in the real, hard truths of life, yet wrapped in the hope of God’s unshakeable provision.

Adin, the Jewish physician, is just as compelling. His relationship with Roxannah evolves gently, like the slow simmer of a stew over an open flame. Their bond isn’t rushed, and neither is the deepening of their faith. One of my favorite moments is when Adin says, “This is one of those moments when God alone is the answer. Our friends can accompany us through the journey, and that too is a gift. But only God can open the impossible doors like this.” It’s a reminder that in our darkest moments, only God can truly make a way where there seems to be none.

Throughout the story, Christian faith themes are rich and potent. I appreciated how the characters wrestle with their doubts, yet they continually choose to trust God’s timing and provision. Roxannah’s growth is something that resonates deeply. She begins with so many questions, fears, and insecurities, yet through God’s grace, she becomes someone who, like Esther, understands that “God’s provision undergirds the times and places of our lives.” This message is so timely—reminding us all that God’s faithfulness isn’t bound by our circumstances but is present in every moment.

I can’t help but be drawn to the authenticity of Roxannah’s faith journey. Her conversion from unbelief to belief and fear to courage, is believable and deeply inspiring. As she slowly learns to trust God, the story makes space for those “impossible doors” to open, just as they do, by God’s powerful hand, in the lives of the biblical figures we know and love.

And let me tell you, the food descriptions in this book? Absolutely mouthwatering! From Persian stews to delicate pastries, every meal feels like an invitation to taste and savor the richness of the world Afshar has created. I found myself pausing to look up recipes and even read more about the Persian kitchens. Yes, The Queen’s Cook had me reaching for my Bible, a history book, and a recipes all in one sitting!

This book is a true feast for the soul. The Queen’s Cook offers a window into a world of royal intrigue, spiritual growth, and the beautiful, sometimes messy, journey of living a life anchored in faith. Tessa Afshar has crafted another brilliant story, one that lingers long after the last page is turned. If you're a fan of historical fiction with a strong Christian message, rich characters, and a sprinkle of culinary delight, this book is an absolute must-read.

If you're ready to be transported to ancient Persia and see the world through Roxannah's eyes—watching her navigate challenges with faith and courage—then don’t miss this book. It's a reminder that God’s purpose for us is often revealed in the most unexpected places and, sometimes, even in the heart of a bustling kitchen.

I received a digital ARC via the author, publisher, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on how true it is to Scripture, the writing style, the pacing, and the content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Allow Tessa Afshar to transport you to the Persian Empire and immerse you in the intriguing life of ancient palace life - the opulent kitchens of Queen Esther.

✨Three reasons why Christian historical fiction readers will want to read this book:

Firstly, you’ll be inspired to take inventory. I welcomed the opportunity to investigate my heart and see if there was anything that prevented faith from settling, taking root and growing. In this book, you’ll read about someone who could have allowed doubt and fear of the political climate to reign in her heart but instead chose to feed faith. We need this message more this week than ever before.

Secondly, you’ll be encouraged in your struggle. It was good for me to be reminded that I'm not the only one with an ‘uphill walk’ at the moment and that my circumstances don’t need to dictate my attitude. You’ll read about someone who had a difficult home life and was afraid of what the new edict meant for her Jewish friends. Even when she relocated to the palace in Susa, she faced difficult circumstances. Her grace in adversity allowed her to flourish because she anchored her soul to something bigger than her circumstances. Her patience when her faith was but a seedling allowed God time to turn “the threads of her failure into a precious moment of redemption.”


Lastly, you’ll feel encouraged in your spiritual walk. I appreciated reading about those who doubted but continued to be a good ambassador for God. Esther was in the place God needed her to be, and her continual stepping out in faith despite the customs of her empire inspired me. She learned that “God’s provision undergirds the times and places” of her life and that gave her peace in the valleys of her life.

“Sometimes the doors that open before us are not the ones we long for.”
“Some blessings can only be born of disappointments.”

This book had me reaching for three things:
✔Google to understand the Achaemenid dynasty a little more
✔my bible to reread Esther’s account,
✔and a recipe book to see if I had a recipe for Persian pistachio cake.

I won’t forget this book any time soon as I connected with Roxannah in more than one way. She learned how to reevaluate the indicators of success, how to fill the gaps in meaningful ways, and how to move on when she had outgrown one of life’s seasons.

You’ll want to put this series, Queen Esther’s Court, on your radar. Afshar has planned a trilogy; each book focussing on one of Queen Esther’s friends. Afshar promises to highlight unique professions and show us how Esther changes each friend's life.

I was gifted this copy by Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Afshar never disappoints me. I love her stories and I think this one will be my favorite.
I love how she shows that Biblical lives aren't that much different than ours today.
Esther is one of my favorite people in the Old Testament Bible. She's truly a remarkable character.
Roxannah is just as amazing as Esther is. Honestly, this book made me drool with all the wonderful food that she cooked. Yum.

What a captivating first book in the "Queen Esther Court" series by famous author Tessa Afshar! What a great story!

My Thoughts - The story flows nicely and the characters are likable Take a look at the wonderfully woven story of Queen Esther and one of her cooks. The story bring together the biblical period of Esther and all she did for her people as well as the life of Roxannah her cook. I always know when I read Tessa Afshar book's that it will transport me into the time period of the bible. I have always love the story of Queen Esther and how she saved her people. This book has it all! There's history, murder plot and a friendship between Esther, Roxannah and Adin a Jewish physician for the royal court.

Rate - 5 out of 5

Disclaimer - I received this advanced copy from the publisher for a honest review. All thought and opinions are mine and mine alone.

The Queen’s Cook is a great first part of a series on the Esther, although Esther is not the main character of the series. Tessa Afshar writes yet another novel with a love story, made captivating by the descriptions of the culture and food back in the day. Though the book features parts that are actually factual (and these were interesting for me to learn), it is a fiction book — but a great one at that. I always love Afshar’s characters and the plot of the book is very interesting. All in all, this was yet another great story from Afshar and, as always, pleasant to read.

I really loved this book! The familiar threads from Esther combined with the story of Roxannah and Adin made for a captivating tale of coming to faith and falling in love. It's the beginning of a new series The Queen's Court, and the thought of more Esther stories is very exciting. I liked the way the romance between Adin and Roxannah grew slowly over time with the growth of their relationship and interaction with each other. It didn't hit you over the head with the romance, and there was plenty more to the story as that developed. It was completely enchanting and much-needed during a time when I really needed a good book to raise my mood.

The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar is an uplifting and captivating look at Queen Esther and her “little cook” Roxannah. The author, who, as her website states, “was born in the lands of Cyrus, Darius, Nehemiah, and Esther,” brought an interesting perspective of what life was like during biblical times. Her knowledge of the area, the history and especially the foods, gave a genuine feel to a fictional account of life in the palace.

The story of Esther, a Jewish virgin who was taken into the palace to become a wife to King Ahasuerus, cleverly entwines the story of Roxannah, a young Persian girl with a talent for cooking, who faced almost daily abuse from her father.

Roxannah meets the royal physician Adin ben Zerah, a Jew whose life is in danger because of a royal edict from the king that all Jews should be annihilated in the land. A series of events happen and Roxannah finds her dreams coming true as she becomes a palace cook.

Palace intrigue, along with Roxannah’s cooking skills, keeps this book flowing and hard to put down. The author does a fantastic job of putting you in the palace kitchens, cooking right alongside Roxannah. She has to prove herself because the kitchen is run by men, so she has a lot to overcome. Her growth, both emotionally and spiritually, is inspiring. The slow-burn romance between Adin and Roxannah was also powerful and the faith-element was spot-on. I could not put this book down!

If you enjoy Biblical fiction, you will love The Queen’s Cook. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest review.

The story of Roxannah and Adin fictional characters living in the time of Esther’s reign as Queen. A very enjoyable read. I always enjoy this author's work and promote it.

I became familiar with Tessa Afshar through a Bible study she authored on the book of Ruth. I thought I was pretty well-acquainted with this part of Scripture, but Afshar's insights were far beyond anything I'd encountered in previous studies. I requested The Queen's Cook from NetGalley based on the author--and then I realized that it was biblical fiction based on the book of Esther. I am not a fan of this genre, but this book captured by heart and mind from the first page! I couldn't put it down. Roxannah, a Persian girl with an abusive father, chooses to warn Adin, a caring Jewish physician, of her father's intent to harm him. This sets internal and external conflict into motion as Roxannah believes her action has led to her father's death at Adin's hand. In time, she learns to forgive Adin and to accept God's forgiveness for herself. Both characters grow in their understanding of God's faithfulness as they learn to trust God with their vulnerabilities. Queen Esther plays a minor but important role as she challenges Roxannah to trust in the God of Israel, a God who places people in positions "for such a time as this" and then empowers them to accomplish His will.

I found myself wanting to return to this story day after day to lose myself in ancient Persia! The details of the place and time, the flawed but likable characters, and the imagining of what day-to-day life may have been like during Queen Esther's reign captivated me!

I received an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I have been a fan of Tessa Afshar for many years and was excited to receive a digital copy of The Queen's Cook. I was not disappointed!

Of course we have no idea what really happened in between the Biblical texts, but the book of Esther is even more illusive. As a Christian, I have often wondered what happened to Esther after the book ends. Did she have a happy marriage to the king? Did she have any children? In The Queen's Cook, the author attempts to give us her imaginative guess on the continual story of Queen Esther.

The story begins with Roxannah, a young Persian woman attempting to hold her crumbling world together. Her family was once affluent but through her father's overindulgence of wine, they are now poor and their house is falling into shambles. When her father is injured, Roxannah seeks a physician to help him. Adin is a Jewish physician to the royal family but his loyalty to God leads him to help Roxannah for free. There is an immediate attraction between the two. Roxannah makes a decision to warn Adin of her father's plan to join the other Persians who will attack the Jews at Haman's command. This changes the course of Roxannah's life for the better. Adin finds her a position as assistant cook in Esther's kitchen. Here she excels and blossoms as she gets to cook three times a day and experiment to her heart's content. But with her position comes danger and intrigue. Adin has his hands full protecting Roxannah and Esther and guarding his own heart as well.

I would recommend any fan of Biblical fiction to read The Queen's cook! It was exciting and engaging! I will look forward to the next two books in this series.

The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar, takes you back to Queen Esther’s time on the throne. Tessa’s attention to history brings this era alive with beauty and charm. This isn’t the typical story of Esther and how she rose to the throne. We get to learn about her life at court through Esther’s own memories and people that were a part of her staff. Adin is a Jewish physician who works at the court. He is also friends with Roxannah who is a wonderful and innovative cook. Roxannah’s father presents her with some problems, which she deftly overcomes, but also leaves her with inner doubts. In typical Afshar fashion, we learn about these characters and their flaws along with bright threads of history and Biblical truth woven into the storyline. You will have your mouth water and the description of the food that is prepared in the story. You cheer and hurt with the characters as they struggle with the hard things of life. Most of all you see the grace and elegance of Queen Esther as she shares about the life of the Queen in Artaxerxes court.

I loved this book. I have always been fascinated by the story of Esther. I loved this new take on her reign, and learning about her life at court. I love how the characters grow and learn through hard experiences and how God is always there to help us find our true beauty if only we will let Him in to our lives and truly believe what he says we are. Just like these characters I have my doubts, but with each story my belief grows a bit more. Tessa always knows the right spices to add to the story to make it savory. For anyone interested in learning more about Queen Esther, this book is a must read. My tastebuds are awakened and wanting more of this series.

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for the e-copy of this book to review.

Tessa Afshar is a must read author for me. I didn't know what to expect out of The Queen's Cook, but I was so pleased. I was actually going through Esther in the Bible at the time when I read this ARC so it was even better than if I hadn't read it along with the Biblical text that this is written around. I never contemplated the tension Esther would feel with Xerxes other wives, but Afshar does a great job capturing this. Even though Esther is a character in the novel, she is not a main one, for which I appreciated.

Roxannah is a complex character, not without flaws, as is Adin. I appreciated Adin's struggle with his feeling for Roxannah, as she is a Persian and he a Jew. Many authors just write the romance in, but Afshar brings in the Jewish law and traditions that Adin would have followed at the time. She didn't rush things between the characters and let Roxannah work through her relationship with God.

Reading about the Persian Court and the kitchen was fascinating. I can't wait for the next one in this series.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for this ARC.

THE QUEEN’S COOK is the first novel in The Queen Esther’s Court series by TESSA AFSHAR It is the lovely story of the beautiful and brave Queen Esther and her friendship with her beautiful and brave “Little Cook” Roxannah. The queen speaks to her as a friend as she encoutages her and praises her cooking, and we read of Roxannah that “She had come to love Esther, the fragile queen who held her world together with nothing but threads of love and grace.” I felt as though I was savouring a delicious meal, with the scriptures heading each chapter, the gorgeous setting and the lovable and strong characters.
Adin, the palace physician, is a strong and godly Jewish man who trusts the Lord, but the death of his wife has made him guard his heart, not wanting to lose a loved one again.
Roxannah, who has spent most of her life hiding from her abusive, drunken father, tends to either hide or run away when things get tough, but as she comes to know the Jewish God, “The God who had gven her mother peace and Darab dignity and Esther courage and Adin healing,” she becomes stronger and when she and Adin help Amestris and Queen Esther thwart a vicious plot she feels that, like Esther, the Lord has put her in the palace “for such a time as this.”
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I cannot recommend this beautiful and inspirational book strongly enough and am looking forward to the next novel in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Oh my soul! Tessa Afsher is an auto buy author for me, and her latest novel was no different! The story she wove of Esther, Roxannah, and Adin was spellbinding. Everyone has hurts and trials in life that affect them. Those hurts and difficulties shape us and affect our decisions, sometimes poorly. But with love and the grace of God, as Adin, Esther, and Roxannah found, we can allow God to use those hurts and trials to grow us, draw us closer to Him, and shine His light to bless others. Go, get this book right now and read it ASAP!

Told from the point of view of a mistreated Persian woman who becomes a cook in Queen Esther’s kitchen, and a Jewish physician, The Queen’s Cook is unique. Tessa Afshar weaves a masterful tale for a captive audience.

Roxanna’s journey to confidence and safety inside her own skin will resonate with anyone who’s had to learn to appease and avoid to remain relatively safe. Her growth and accomplishments lend hope to others who’ve found themselves boxed in and under such careful control.

Solving a mystery she didn’t ask for has all kinds of consequences, twists and turns that kept me up far too late a couple of nights, as I didn’t have time for daytime reading.

I received a copy of this book from @netgalley and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

I loved the first instalment to the Queen Esther's Court series! Roxannah was wonderful. I loved the vivid descriptions of the foods of the time and the historical setting felt so really. I really liked the angle Afshar took for her version of the Esther story; it was plausible and enjoyable. I have to admit, going into the book I thought it was going to have something to do with Roxannah from Afshar's book Harvest of Gold, but I don't think there was any connections to that...I should reread that series to see though. Anyway, Adin was a lovable character as well. I always like Tessa Afshar's characters, and I didn't feel any different about Adin and Roxannah. All in all, I really liked this book. The descriptions had me enthralled to the end!

I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.