4 Stars ✨

Historical Fiction

“An open door does not always lead to an easy path.”

**Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this advanced audio copy of The Queens Cook by Tessa Afshar, in exchange for an honest review. **

This book made me hungry 😋. I love to cook, so I was excited to read this one. The Queens Cook takes place during the reign of Queen Esther. Afshar does what she always does, from the very start you are thrown into an ancient realm full of lush history and historical atmosphere. This author, is an automatic read author for me, because she does biblical fiction so well. You learn as you read and immediately want to go to your Bible when done to dive into whatever story she just put her spin on. She always amazes me with how she can take an ordinary story , one we’ve read a thousand times and make it come alive in a whole new way, without completely changing the original. It’s truly a gift. The characters in this story were likable and I really enjoyed the faith elements and sweet romance. Definitely one I would recommend!

Audio 🎧 5/5 ✨

The narrator’s did an excellent job bringing this story to life- told from two povs (male and female character) with an added narrative in between.

Let me preface this review that my mind has major struggle bus issues with books Pre 1980ish, so I pat myself on the back if I read an all too common WW2 or WW1 book. So asking me to reach back Pre-Jesus...whew thats askin' alot.
So I was hesitant to request this book, but I have always enjoyed the Bible Book of Esther so it pulled me enough to press that button. Sure enough, I enjoyed this fun historical fiction take on it.
I really enjoyed Tessa Afshar's writing and especially how she wove scripture into the beginning of each chapter. It was a great experience to read about how Roxhannah progressed from her position in the kitchen to being by Esther's side.
At times my interest did wane and I had trouble keeping up with all the ancient culture. The plot was good enough but I felt at times it dragged out too long. I honestly would have enjoyed this book a bit better if it was a tad bit shorter.
I did see this is part of a new series, and I will for sure check out book # 2.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to review The Queen's Cook. I was not influenced or paid in exchange for this honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. I wasn't sure I would at first because I didn't realize it was a religious story.

I loved the writing and the storytelling. I thought the Bible verses included were a nice touch.

I enjoyed the message without it being too in your face.

Roxannah and Aiden are the main players in the story. Roxannah is a noble woman who is trying to keep her family apart while trying to deal with her father's mounting debt and alcoholism.

Aiden is a Jewish doctor who helps Roxannah and her family in so many ways.

You get a little bit of historical fiction mixed in with the tale and I have to say, I'm definitely going to be looking up some of this stuff because I was intrigued enough to wasn't to know more about this time period.

The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar - 5 Stars

I have said it before and I will say it again, Tessa is the master of biblical fiction! I loved this story of Roxannah, the daughter of a once-privileged but now impoverished Persian lord, working in Queen Esther's kitchens. In this story, we see her determined to support her mother and repay her father's debts - she seeks out Adin to help her find work. Adin sees the need and secures her a position in the royal kitchens of Queen Esther.

Guided by Esther's grace and wisdom, she finds herself navigating prejudice and palace politics and deepening her bond with Adin along the way. As Roxanna goes up in the kitchen ranks, she and Adin uncover a plot targeting Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Queen's archenemy. This sets things in motion from here in the plot.

This book has a rich historical setting of ancient Persia - very vibrant and immersive. Also, the culinary details in this were - chef's kiss! I loved all the food and cooking details.

The relationship between Adin and Roxannah was very well developed. I personally loved seeing them on their journey of working together and developing that slow burn romance along the way. Adin was also a great guy inspiring Roxannah's faith journey to trust God.

Roxannah and Esther's friendship was beautiful to see as well. I loved the glimpses into Esther's POV.

Overall, highly recommend as another great biblical fiction by Tessa! Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Queen’s Cook is the first book I have read written by Tessa Afshar and I look forward to reading more. Tessa Afshar did an awesome job bringing the story of Esther to life and what things might have been like during this time. The research that was put into this book if obvious and this book is truly a work of art. I cannot wait until the next one comes out in the series.

The character development is great. I loved diving into Esther and her story through Roxannah and Adin. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It brought this portion of the bible to life. I loved peeling back the layers of Roxannah and get to really understand her.

The storyline was great and tracked with the bible times. It can be hard to write stories based on the bible because it can seem limiting, but Tessa Afshar did a great job bringing it to life.

The romance element was done really well. It gave a great view of what it would be like to marry someone of a different lineage and religious beliefs during bible times. Though also touching on the heart of the issue, just as when Ruth and Rahab were drafted into King David’s lineage (and ultimately Jesus). The romance was light, and appropriate.

The biblical and historical element was great and beautifully executed. This being set in the Old Testament it was full of Judaism. But it is always fun to look at the roots of Christianity and understand our faith even more. Tessa Afshar did a great job digging into scripture and bringing it to life. She did an amazing job staying true to the bible and using her own creativity to bring us a story about Esther and her court.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

4 Stars!

The first time I read a book by this author was around a year ago, and I remember thoroughly enjoying it, thus, I was so excited for this one and already knew I was going to love it.
Her ability to blend fiction with history, particularly her meticulous attention to biblical detail, captivates me. I found myself completely immersed, finishing the audiobook in a single day. The story itself was extraordinary—rich in historical depth, filled with a compelling plot, and brimming with moving inspiration.

4.5 stars

The narrators did a great job and were very easy to listen to. They spoke at a similar tempo so I didn’t have to change the speed when it switched narrators.

I haven’t read a lot of Biblical fiction, but Esther is a lifelong favorite of mine and so I was very intrigued by this approach to her story. I loved how the book was told primarily through the eyes of two other people who served in her court. It allowed leeway in the narrative while also giving meaningful glimpses and interactions with her. Esther still tells part of the story herself in entries interspersed in the book and I thought they were all the more powerful for their scarcity and impact.

I thought the setting and atmosphere were so well crafted. Everything felt rich and authentic. I especially loved the food aspects. The Persian food described all throughout left me very hungry!

This is the start of a series where each book will take a different vantage point from someone in Esther’s court and I will definitely be reading the next book!

Trigger/content warnings: alcoholic and abusive parent. Steam level is kissing.

The Queen’s Cook
Queen Esther’s Court #1
Tessa Afshar
Author Tessa Afshar transports readers back to Ancient Persia where Esther is the queen. Roxannah is talented in culinary arts. She is the daughter of a man that was once privileged. Her father was once kind and loving but after returning from the war he turned to alcohol; his personality changed and now he is cruel. Roxannah has bruises from his anger. When the king issues an edict the Jewish citizens are placed in grave danger. The king has given permission to kill the Jewish people and keep the spoils. Roxannah’s father sees the opportunity to get out of debt and increase his fortune. He planned to kill the Jewish physician, Adin, and take all of his belongings. The tables turned on the old Laird and he was killed. Roxannah and her mother are left destitute. They have mounting debts and can barely keep food on the table. Roxannah is determined to take care of her mother; She turns to Adin begging for employment. She is drawn to the gentleman. He assists her in finding employment in Queen Esther’s kitchen.
Roxannah moves into the magnificent palace. Her fellow kitchen workers resent her, after all she is a woman. She is an excellent cook and soon the head cook trusts her with more and more responsibility. When the cook becomes ill, she is appointed his replacement. Queen Esther trusts the young woman and mentors her. Queen Esther is a woman of great beauty, intelligence, wisdom, grace and faith. After six years of marriage the Queen has not conceived a child. Her life is one of political intrigue, treacherous plots, constant gossip. Adin and Roxannah overhear a plot to kill Amestris, the king’s most powerful wife and the enemy of Esther.
This is historical fiction based on fact. Author Tessa Afshar successfully incorporates scripture in this tale. Readers watch as Adin and Roxannah’s relationship slowly develops. The two main characters assist Queen Esther and Amestris. The author’s attention to details concerning Haman’s plot against Esther, life in the palace for the queen and the employees. The men working in the kitchen were rude, mean and cruel. Roxannah was not Jewish however, she came to believe in God and gave Him her heart. Beautifully written, The Queen’s Cook draws readers in and mesmerizes them with life in Persia.
I received a free copy of this book for a unbiased review.

As this is historically fiction it does give one an idea of the what Esther story could have been like after the book in the Bible. A reader of this book would really get more out of it if they have read the book in Bible of Esther first. It gives you more background information that could be necessary to understand certain parts.

Do you want to step into Queen Esthers' palace in Susa? You can if you listen to her story and the story of her and her friends' lives!
Roxannah, a young impoverished noblewoman, has to take care of her alcoholic soldier father and her courageous mother in ancient Persia.
Adin, a court physician,comes to treat her father and he is intrigued by her intelligence and her passion for creating delicacies out of humble ingredients.
Roxannah's father is plagued by creditors, so after his death she obtains a low position as an assistant in the kitchens of Queen Esther.
You will be mesmerized as you get caught up in palace intrigue, Roxannas' tumultuous rise in position and how she and Adin assist Queen Esther!

Have you ever wanted a book that combines political intrigue, scrumptious cooking, and Ancient Persia? If that interests you then I’d highly recommend 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤 by Tessa Afshar!

Out of the myriads of Esther retellings, this one stands out. I admit, sometimes authors inventing stories in the perspective of prominent Biblical characters makes me uncomfortable. However, the approach that Afshar wrote this Esther retelling really stood out as it’s mainly from the perspective of her fictional courtiers, and not from Esther herself.

Another part I loved was the food! The descriptions of the Persian cuisine was exquisite and well-researched. I also enjoyed the insights into Persian court and culture. I thought Roxannah had beautiful character growth, and I was very invested in her faith journey.

Regarding the audiobook narration, Rachel Botchan and Jonathan Todd Ross did an excellent job narrating. Nothing takes me out of a story more than a bad narrator, but a good one makes me want to listen to the entire book in one sitting! I’m happy to say that these narrators were of the latter kind.

Overall, I was wholly engrossed with this atmospheric book, and I loved every moment of it.

I wholeheartedly recommend!

*** I received a complimentary audio copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tessa Afshar’s The Queen’s Cook serves up a thoughtful blend of historical mystery, palace intrigue, and richly imagined culinary detail, set in the court of Queen Esther. Roxannah, a young Persian woman with a gift for cooking, seeks employment in the palace kitchens after the death of her abusive, alcoholic father. Struggling to rebuild her life while shielding her mother from poverty, Roxannah enters a world rife with political maneuvering and secrets. Allied with Adin, the palace’s Jewish physician, the two uncover a plot against Amestris, the king’s consort, whose envy of Esther has far-reaching consequences.

Haman’s infamous scheme against the Jews creates tension, directly impacting Roxannah and Adin’s growing relationship, but the story stays centered on the hidden dangers within the palace walls. Afshar balances themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and sacrificial love with Roxannah’s slow recognition of God as a refuge. “It takes time for your soul to learn these deeper truths,” a key character reminds her, reflecting the book’s steady focus on trust.

Afshar’s attention to detail shines most brightly in the food descriptions, which immerse readers in the textures and flavors of Persian cuisine. Though aromas remain tantalizingly out of reach, her prose captures the care and creativity of Roxannah’s craft, adding depth to the story. The audiobook, narrated by Rachel Botchan and Jonathan Todd Ross, enhances the experience with seamless dual narration, skillfully giving voice to both Roxannah and Adin. This novel will appeal to fans of biblical fiction, historical intrigue, and foodie fiction alike.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from RBMedia through Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.

My favorite parts of 'The Queen's Cook' are the rich descriptions Persian culture and food and seeing Gentiles turn to follow the God of Israel. Thank you, Tessa Afshar, for writing this riveting 5th century BCE era novel set in Susa. Though stories concerning biblical figures require creative imagination on the author's part, I found it encouraging to my faith in God and understanding of Old Testament context.

If you enjoy reading clean historical romance, then I recommend this audiobook to you! Though there are no accents to immerse me in the culture, Rachel Botchan's and Jonathan Todd Ross's narrations are clear and engaging.

Special thanks to RBmedia and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a treat to listen to an audiobook written by Tessa Afshar! I don’t think I’ve read any of her books that I didn’t give at least 4 stars.

The Queen’s Cook is a Biblical fiction set during the reign of Esther. The story follows the story Roxannah, a capable but vulnerable woman who is more skilled than she has received credit for. It is lovely to watch her grow and flourish in her changing and expanding roles.

To anyone who has felt undermined, abused, or neglected, I highly recommend checking out this book.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the opportunity to enjoy this audiobook!

Book Title: The Queen’s Cook
Series: Queen Esther’s Court Book #1
Author: Tessa Afshar
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Rachel Botchan and Jonathan Todd Ross
Publisher: RB Media
Genre: Historical Biblical Fiction
Pub Date: November 19, 2024
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages 400

I have read many Christian mysteries and always enjoy them. This story is actually Biblical Fiction which is a first for me.
Story is told from the POV of Roxannah, who is the daughter of a once-privileged but now impoverished Persian lord and Adin a Physician.

Roxannah’s father through his own foolishness loses his wealth and leaves Roxannah destitute. With desperation and determination to survive and support her mother while settling her father’s debt, Roxannah find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens with the help of the
physician Adin.
I hoped Roxannah and Adin were interested in each other – Then was hoping for a HEA!

Although not my typical read I did enjoy it. I loved the narrators - I thought they were great in performing the characters.


About the Author ~ Tessa Afshar’ has written twenty books which have been translated into 11 languages, Tessa was born in the Middle East and lived there the first fourteen years of her life before attending boarding school for girls in England. She fell in love with Jesus after moving to the United States. Tessa and her husband live in New England where they tend their mediocre garden.

Want to thank NetGalley and RM Media for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 19, 2024.

Another author that is a first read for me, and was phenomenal!

So, as I've mentioned before, any book that gets me to look into things while I am reading...or gets me emotional... or, just makes me think...well, that's a huge plus for me...and this one had me doing all of the above!

This book takes place in the times of Ancient Persia, and our FMC is Roxannah who comes from royal bloodlines, but is now just the impoverished daughter of a drunken lord...one who is NOT in the least bit nice to her, or her mother. But, Roxannah is a kind, sweet soul who always seems to see the best in people...

When her father's life is taken as he is on a crusade to the death, Roxannah falls into a depression, trying to figure out HOW she and her mother are going to survive. Her father was the one who brought home the money...even though most of it went to buying his liquor. Now, they have nothing.

BUT, she realizes that she does have something to fall back on. Her grandmother's cook taught her how to cook, and she has been creating amazing dishes since she was small. So now, she decides that this just might be the way to earn some cash and keep the debtors away.

She approaches a physician who was kind to her and her family, to see if he might need kitchen help. He does not, but he promises to ask if the Queen might just need help in her kitchen...

And so the book and it's origins begin...

This was NOT at all like I thought it was going to be. It was full of hope, and messages of love, and messages of God...as well as mentions and some details of the killing sprees that are interspersed, as so happens in times of war...and afterwards.

But the community that Roxannah, and the physician Adin created, from the kindness and caring that they continually showed others...well, that was worth just ALL THE STARS!

I'm going to stop here, but if you enjoy Historical Fiction, stories of Kings and Queens, and/or some thoughts of romance, then look 👀 no further! You have hit gold!! 🏆🏆

#TheQueensCook (Queen Esther's Court #1) [So...YAY...there will be more!!!]
By #TessaAfshar and narrated beautifully by #RachelBotchan and #JonathanToddRoss.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks to #NetGalley, #RecordedBooksMedia and #RBMedia for an ARC of the audiobook which is due to be released TOMORROW, 11/19/24, SO LOOK FOR IT THEN!!!!

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