In simplest terms this is a creative retelling of the story of Esther from the Bible. The author has taken some creative liberties that do not destroy, but enhance the original story. We see Esther as a woman who reluctantly marries a man she never would have because of their differences in beliefs. The author took this opportunity to explore the love between Esther and the King. This is important because during that period in history we know that the King had many wives. Yet we see how much he loved Esther. The author also shows the king as a wise man and a kind man. Haman is a man with a hate for Jews and a grudge against a Jew the King likes named Mordecai. Mordecai is the uncle of Esther. In this book Mordecai is shown in a different light. His reasons for Esther’s marriage to the king come across as self-serving. The Bible shows him as a calm and peaceful man who is very loyal to the king. If I had one complaint that would be it. However, this was not enough to take away from the book. It is well written and I really enjoyed it.

A Reluctant Queen is a book sharing the story of Esther, the queen from the Bible. This story is fiction, based on some truths straight from the Bible but embellished to create a beautiful story about Esther. Through A Reluctant Queen you will find what Esther may have felt, her fear, her love for the King and her people and how torn she felt in her position. This book was a great read that I truly enjoyed.