The Queen's Cook
The Queen’s Cook was another Tessa Afshar novel that did not disappoint! This beautifully written biblical fiction novel illustrates the story of Esther from several unique perspectives, plus it may inspire you to try some new recipes. One of my favorite parts of this book was that it was written from three different perspectives, Roxannah, Adin, and Queen Esther. The chapters narrated by Queen Esther take place more than thirty years later, providing an unconventional outlook to the biblical account of Esther.
Roxannah is a young Persian woman who becomes intertwined with trying to protect her Jewish friends from the approaching attack and evil plan of Haman. Learning to overcome the scars left from her abusive father, she embarks on her dream of becoming a cook at the royal palace. She faces many trials that require courage, forgiveness, love, loyalty, and the development of a true faith in God. The relationship between Roxannah and Adin seems too complicated to have a happy ending. Yet, they are forced to work together to uncover a mysterious malicious plot against Amestris, the mother of the crown prince. As the main characters’ lives come together, they rely on their faith and trust in God to give them strength.
Tessa Afshar’s impeccable details, including the intricate delicacies created in the royal palace, make the characters come to life in this book, taking you back 2500 years. As one of my favorite authors, I can’t wait to read the second book in the Queen Esther’s Court series: The Royal Artisan.
By: Katie K.
