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 complimentary e-book to read in exchange for my review.
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