The one thing above all else Tosca pours in heaping buckets into her writing is this: research. She does this not to show off her intelligence (of which she is), but for the benefit of us, the reader. With her attention to detail, the time frame, the context, you are effortlessly transported to the scene and setting. Three sentances in, you feel like you are there, in a palace surrounded by exotic sights, fragrances and culture. This can not be done by an average writer, or even a good author. This can only be accomplished by someone who loves to write what we love to read. This is a rare thing.
This is a story you know, but not a life you've experienced. From cover to cover you will be walking along side the life of this exceptional character. I wanted there to be more chapters, just so I could stay a little longer in this world.

The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen is my new favorite book by Tosca Lee! Sheba is a beautifully woven tale of the mysterious Queen of Sheba and her encounter with the biblical King Solomon. Tosca Lee has re-created the ancient world with all its splendor, so much so that one could almost smell the frankincense and myrrh, feel the exotic royal fabrics, and taste the gritty dessert sand along the trade routes. And if the magnificence of the ancient world doesn't pull you in, the account of Sheba's life certainly will.

What I love most about the narrative of Sheba is the depth and humanity of the Queen. She is not another royal no one can relate to, but a woman of character and strength. She is a lover of words and wisdom. She leads her people as one who has overcome her fair share (or more) of suffering.

Truly, there is nothing I disliked about Sheba except for when I read the last word of the last page because I didn't want the story to end!

If you're looking for a hot-off-the-press, brilliantly told story of love and loss, faith and hope, mystery and charm, I recommend The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen.

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.