Member Reviews
What an excellent book! I enjoyed reading about Queen Esther, but this book focuses on her cook, Roxannah and her background. Roxannah learns to survive in her father's household by avoiding conflict with her father, who has fallen in the social ranks due to his fondness for drinking. She learns to be useful and is the household worker and cook. They meet a young Jewish physician. This is a story of personal growth and faith development. I liked how the queen encouraged her cook to learn new strategies to lead her cooking staff instead of her former way of dealing with trouble. This book left me further impressed with the author's insights and writings.
I appreciate being able to read this advanced reader copy, compliment of the publishers. The thoughts expressed are my own.
This is a five star listen for sure!
I enjoyed the dual POV storyline between the FMC and MMC being narrated by a female & male respectively. I felt the voices of these actors mirrored the personalities of the characters they were portraying and helped me into the story well.
This book was at once a historical fiction, tangent to the time period of Esther’s reign as queen in Persia, as well as a gentle, sweet romance. Roxanna, the daughter of an abusive and alcoholic Persian Lord, finds herself in a desperate situation in need of employment and ends up working in the Queen‘s kitchens. Adin, a Jewish physician and widower, meets Roxanna after one of her father‘s falls. together they become embroiled in dangerous Court politics , particularly a plot to harm the princess and king Xerxes.
Both Roxanna and Adin face the darkness of their past with grace and hope for the future. Roxanna finds her voice where she had once run to hide from the cruel man who towered over her life. Aiden’s heart softens to allow love once again.
I found myself legitimately gushing over Aiden and Roxanna’s stolen glances and admiration for each other. There were too many instances of characters, making the choice of courage rather than fear, and I loved the way all of those choices wolf together to create the storyline of this book.
My gratitude to NetGalley for providing access to the audiobook version of this story.
Super interesting and unique premise of a couple of characters in Queen Esther's court during and mostly after her time recorded in the Book of Esther.
I had gone into it thinking it would just be sort of simultaneous to the story of Esther, but instead the book more fleshed out Esther as a queen and told more of a fictional story of afterwards. I really enjoyed it - it was unique, felt like it gave me more of a rounded concept of Esther, even though she was more peripheral than anything, and had some really great concepts of forgiveness, bravery, and trust.
I thought the characters of Aiden and Roxanna were fleshed out well, and were written in a way that felt relatable and endearing. It wasn't a simple concept of everything easily working out for Roxanna, but showed great character growth in her learning how to deal with her fears and confidence.
I also loved that it continued the story past the book of Esther. It gave me more of a feel for what could have happened and the landscape the Jews were in after the fact, as well as Esther and Xerxes.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. All opinions are mine.
There were parts of this I liked and other parts I didn't. The audiobook narrators do a good job but I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I would hope.
I did like learning of the food preparation and various dishes that would have been consumed during the time of Esther. I also really appreciate the immense amount of research done by the author to give the biblical events more depth and context.
This is not a story could read compulsively but one listened to little bits at a time.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to read several books that centered around biblical stories but included just enough fiction so that the stories and characters were reimagined in a whole new way. That was what Tessa Afshar has done in The Queen’s Cook (Queen Esther’s Court #1). She has taken the familiar bible story of Queen Esther and Haman to another dimension. It was both captivating and fascinating. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed the elements of the mystery that were woven into the story. It was extremely well written. The Queen’s Cook took place in the ancient Persian Empire. I listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by Rachel Botchan and Jonathan Todd Ross. The story drew me in immediately. I was hooked from the very beginning.
Roxannah was the daughter of a once privileged Lord. Her father had fallen on hard times though. He often indulged in drinking now and more often took his frustrations out on her gentle mother. Roxannah had given up all hope of a good marriage prospect for herself. With her father’s downfall, Roxannah had no dowry to offer anyone suitable. Roxannah had accepted her fate. Then one night, her father came home hurt and was in need of a doctor. She was sent to get the Jewish doctor and bring him back to treat her father. When Roxannah located Adin, the very handsome physician, she was unnerved by the feelings she felt in his presence. Soon after meeting Adin, Roxannah learned about an edict that the king had passed pertaining to the Jewish people in Persia. She went to warn Adin about it and her father’s part in it. Roxannah’s father was determined to kill Adin and take all he had to pay off his debts. Things went terribly wrong that night and Adin was left with no choice but to kill Roxannah’s father. The guilt he felt for that act tortured Adin even though he was given no choice in what he was forced to do. After that, Roxannah found herself needing a job to support herself and her mother. She also had to pay back her father’s debts. Adin was able to help Roxannah get a position as an assistant’s assistant to the cook for Queen Esther. He was well acquainted with Queen Esther and he himself was the physician at the palace.
Roxannah was excited and nervous about her new position. She knew that she had a lot to prove to the kitchen staff before they would accept her and recognize her talents. Roxannah was met with skepticism, negative reactions and ridicule. She and Adin often found themselves in the same room. A friendship slowly developed between them. Over time, Roxannah and Adin discovered a sinister plot that was aimed at the King’s first and most powerful wife, Queen Amestris. Adin and Roxannah worked together to uncover who was behind it. The romance that gradually grew between Roxannah and Adin was beautiful. Over time, Roxannah forged a bond and a strong relationship with Queen Esther as well and Roxannah’s culinary skills were given the chance to shine.
I really enjoyed listening to The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar. Each chapter began with a biblical verse that pertained to the part of the story in that chapter. The characters were all very well developed and defined. I really enjoyed all the detailed descriptions of the food Roxannah and the kitchen staff prepared for the Queen. The Queen’s Cook examined adversity, trust, relationships, friendships, family, differences in religious beliefs and rituals, prejudice, acceptance, tolerance, respect, romance and greed. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and I highly recommend this one.
Thank you to RB Media for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version of this book. The story telling was riveting and brought the time period to life. The excerpts from Esther were a nice touch and I found myself looking forward to those chapters. I would highly recommend this book.
3.5 Stars. “The Queen’s Cook” was my first book by Tessa Afshar, but I will definitely look for others by her!
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia | Recorded Books for my advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
I loved this book about a young woman with few options who gets a chance to do what she loves while supporting her family. This is biblical fiction, set in the Persian court during the reign of Xerxes. A man who feels responsible for what has happened to her family helps her get a job in Queen Esther's kitchen. He is Jewish. She is not.
The author does a brilliant job in researching the time period, giving an authentic feel to the setting. The court intrigue is very well done as are the conversations about God and faith.
I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone with enjoys biblical fiction with a side of romance.
I listened to the audiobook which was excellently narrated by Rachel Botchan and Jonathan Todd Ross.
"The Queen's Cook" was my first foray into the work of Tessa Afshar, but it certainly won't be my last!
From the warmth of a quaint kitchen to the wonder of an ornate palace, Afshar's vivid descriptions make the time of Queen Esther come to life, whisking readers on an immersive tour of the Persian Empire. Tactile details and hypnotic prose create a sensory experience, engaging the imagination to the fullest, while multifaceted characters with nuanced emotions, captivate the heart.
Fragrant with the truth of Scripture and rich with the complexities of ancient history, this riveting tale drew me in from the first few pages and keep me utterly riveted until The End.
If you're in the mood for a page-turning Biblical fiction novel, allow me to introduce you to "The Queen's Cook!"
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.
The Queen's Cook immerses readers in the vibrant and perilous world of ancient Persia, where palace intrigue, political maneuvering, and personal loyalties collide. The novel follows Roxannah, a young woman from a struggling Persian family, who finds herself working in Queen Esther's kitchens. What begins as a chance to escape poverty soon evolves into a thrilling, high-stakes journey as Roxannah teams up with Adin, a Jewish royal physician, to uncover a dangerous conspiracy that could cost the life of the Princess Amestris.
The book’s historical setting is one of its greatest strengths. The opulent palace of Susa comes alive, and the complex dynamics within the royal court are depicted with great detail and authenticity. The looming threat to the Jewish community, set against the backdrop of Esther’s reign, adds an urgent and gripping layer to the story. Queen Esther is portrayed with wisdom and grace, and her leadership provides a strong counterpoint to the treachery unfolding within her court.
Roxannah is a compelling protagonist—resourceful, brave, and determined to do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones. Her partnership with Adin is equally engaging, though at times their budding romance feels a bit underdeveloped compared to the more thrilling aspects of the plot. The chemistry between them is palpable, but the romantic tension sometimes takes a backseat to the unfolding mystery. That said, the relationship still provides a nice emotional anchor for the story.
The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with the first half offering a slower buildup of tension as Roxannah navigates the complex politics of the palace. Once the conspiracy plot is revealed, the story picks up speed, and the stakes become even higher. The suspense is expertly maintained throughout, with twists and turns that keep the reader on edge until the very end.
While the plot is strong, there are moments where the development of secondary characters could be improved, particularly some of the other cooks and court figures who play a role in the intrigue. These characters often feel like mere plot devices rather than fully realized individuals. However, this is a minor issue in what is otherwise a tightly woven and engaging story.
Overall, The Queen's Cook is a captivating historical fiction novel that expertly blends romance, suspense, and a richly detailed setting. With a strong central narrative and well-crafted tension, it is an enjoyable read for anyone who loves stories of palace intrigue, forbidden alliances, and the courage to stand against tyranny. While not flawless, it is a thoroughly engaging story that will keep readers hooked until the final page.
Loved this book! Such a fun way to bring in a biblical story. The characters were great and I enjoyed the palace intrigue plot more than the romance. Sometimes the scriptures included feels like they're taken out of context. And I didn't always like how certain characters were always dainty.
this book was so cozy. did heavy things happen? yes. this book was comforting to me like downton abbey was! you to know each character and their inner thoughts as well as see how they all work together to accomplish something within this kingdom.
roxannah had every right to have grown up to be mean and secluded, but we wanted to provide for her family now that her father was gone. she had to struggle with the feeling of being relieved that he was no longer hurting her family, but she also lost a father.
adin is brought into roxannah’s life at the perfect time. he was the reason for her dad’s death, but only for protection of others. he teaches roxannah about God and his faith, as well as, protects her along the way of her new life in the castle.
reading about roxannah’s life before and after working with the queen was such a treat! you couldn’t help to root for her in both her personally and professional life. This was a biblical fiction that was heartwarming and well written. My only grip is i feel like some of it was a little long winded, but I would definitely recommend this to a friend!
i received this as a complimentary, advanced audio copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. thank you to both the Bethany House and NetGalley for this opportunity!
The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar is exquisite! Set in Persia, Roxannah has been brought low due to her father’s penchant for ruby red liquid courage, debts, and temper. Despite once holding a higher status, her kindness continues to flourish, and she cares for her mother and father by cooking for her neighbor and befriending merchants. She is gifted and talented in the kitchen and bring ingredients together to create masterpieces. After an accident introduces her to Adin, a royal physician, life events move things along very quickly. Queen Esther weaves her tale throughout the story, and it brings insight to how Roxannah and Adin found themselves in the midst of the chaos of Xerxes’s decree to kill all the Jews by a certain date. An immediate friendship is kindled despite Roxannah being Persian and Adin being Jewish. She finds herself in the royal palace in the Queen’s kitchen, cooking alongside Cook and all the other talented assistants. She does not expect to forge a friendship with the Queen and even in this, she serves her well. I loved the story woven throughout of Esther as well as Amestris. Despite being royal, these are fallible humans who have hearts and emotions that are portrayed beautifully. The mystery drawing all these characters together is well done. I loved how so much Biblical history is threaded throughout, from start to finish; my faith was challenged and bolstered.
The dual narration was well done and brought the story to life as I listened.
I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
"Only God can open impossible doors."
The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar
I enjoyed listening to this fictionalized Biblical story of Queen Esther and those that serve in her court. Roxannah's and Adin's story was unique and refreshing and so intriguing. There is mystery, conspiracy and plotting, lots of food, romance, and ancient history.
This was a lovely story about rising above jealousies and prejudices and being your best self. I loved all of the themes and messages Tessa weaved into this one.
The only thing I found it lacking was an Author's Note at the end explaining what she fictionalized or a bibliography with a list of books to do more research. The only information about Queen Esther I know about is from the account in the Bible, so it would be nice to know whether she pulled info from other sources and what those sources were.
This was my first by Tessa, and I will definitely be reading more books by her.
Thoughts on Audio:
Rachel and Jonathan did an amazing job narrating this book. If you pick this book up, I definitely recommend getting the audiobook.
Book Info:
Series: Queen Esther's Court Book 1
Genre: Historical Romance; Biblical
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Publisher: Bethany Book House
Narrators: Rachel Botchan & Jonathan Todd Ross
POV: Multi-POV
Content Guide:
mistresses & concubines (mentioned throughout), feelings of attraction, passionate kissing (non-descriptive), Mild violence-fighting involving daggers, conspiracy, murder (accidental), Substance Use-Moderate-Father drinks and is drunk, Prejudices-Mild-Anti-Semitism, persecution due to jealousy, Religious Content: Christian and Jewish themes are very prevalent as it is the main theme, Other Warnings: Death, infertility, feelings of guilt
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy of the audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
I love Tessa Afshar! Therefore, I could not wait to listen to this and do book! I love the story. However, I thought the narrators did not match the story! I found their voices to be flat and monotonous. Therefore, good story but deserved better performers!
I discovered Tessa Afshar earlier this year and absolutely loved the first book I read so I was excited to read this newest release and The Queen's Cook did not disappoint! It had it all - history, romance, self-exploration, mystery, intrigue and faith. Roxannah is a woman who has lived a life in fear of her father's outbursts, when he dies, she goes to work in Queen Ester's kitchen. While she befriends the physician Adin early in the book, their paths are increasing thrown together. I enjoyed learning about life in the time of Queen Ester through Roxannah and Adin's experiences. There were 3 different perspectives portrayed through the narrative which added to the richness of the storyline.
Love love loved this! The male narrator was a bit off at times and the ending felt sudden but it was great!
This is a beautiful book that follows Roxannah and Adin. This is a Biblical fiction book and it was well written. While it was a beautiful story, I could not get "into" it. I think I would rather read this physically instead of audibly. I do highly recommend if you like Biblical fiction. I don't want to give this a bad rating because it is an incredible book, but just not for me. I will rate it 5 stars because I believe it is a 5 star book; despite not being something I would own.
Thank you NetGalley for the ALC of The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar
What a beautifully written story! Every aspect from the food to the romance was perfectly seasoned with Biblical truth and what might have been. This is my first Biblical romance and it won't be my last. I enjoyed "visiting" Queen Esther's court and the behind the scenes look at historical and Biblical events. Highly recommend.
The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar is the first book in the Queen Esther's court series, Biblical fiction about Esther's story from several perspectives. I love how Tessa Afshar brings Biblical stories to life, with evidently detailed research, that helps us to understand the context, background, etc. of Biblical stories. The Queen's Cook is a great read and I enjoyed it. I got the audiobook from Netgalley and it was well-narrated. All opinions expressed are mine