
Member Reviews

I started reading this “devotional” because I’ve enjoyed the Book of Esther. Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed (and triggered).
The author’s tone in this “devotional” book is full of misogyny against women and wives. Though we’re supposed to be focused on Esther and edifying women, there’s an overall shaming, demeaning, devaluing, and even degrading tone against the gender of the targeted readership. The repetition of “beautiful young virgins” and the multi-page focus on that made the text feel angled through a sinful “male gaze” rather than focused on blessing women and honoring noble, royal Esther.
I wouldn’t call this a devotional. I’d call this a compilation of inner thoughts that aren’t helpful for other readers. And, as if the author doesn’t understand prescriptive (commands) and descriptive (story-telling) aspects in the Bible, she gives biblical stories from Genesis as commands to women. In this way, there are unwise concepts treated as God-ordained, like “women, get married fast!” (my paraphrase; see her ideas early in the book about Rebekah and Genesis 24). She uses manipulative wording like “God would have you” do this or that throughout the book.
Worst was her implication that God was behind the rounding up of virgins to be raped in the story of Esther. I was utterly offended that she would depict God as seeing women as this author depicts them ("ripe and ready virgins," "lucky ladies") and that she would imply God was behind such an evil victimization of God’s treasured women—co-image bearers.
I received a free e-copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I love anything that is based on Esther and this book did not disappoint. I loved reading it and would recommend!

I started this book but it wasn’t how I’d. imagined it would be. I thought it’d be more of a reflection of Esther’s story. I prefer to just reread Esther’s story in the Bible.

The Secrets of Esther is a book that will take you into an different perspective as to what the book of Esther (in the bible) speaks to us about. Donna challenges the reader to take Esther and see who she is within ourselves. We also have the courage, strength and the opportunity of faith within us each and every day. I would recommend this devotional for anyone who wants to take a deeper dive into the book of Esther who may not have done a previous study.
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for the e-ARC of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Secrets of Esther is a wonderful devotional built on the biblical story of Esther that inspires, motivates, and fortifies the spirit. A lovely, faithful read that lifts the soul.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for Donna K. Maltese’s read of, Secrets of Esther.
Opinions expressed are my own.

I didn’t like this one. There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with it it just didn’t click with me.
It drags it points and I just found it very interesting
I kept wanting to like it I really did but I just kept not
Sadly 2 1/2 stars
Thank you to Natalie for sending me that review copy

“God has placed you where you are today.”
This wonderful devotional for women offers inspiration to emulate this beautiful queen and courageous heroine’s example of strength. Author Donna Maltese walks readers through Esther’s story and encourages them to find their own place and purpose. She understands that we may have a little bit of Esther in each of us…feeling a little uncomfortable at stepping out of our comfort zone to take a risk or perhaps unable to see an opportunity when it’s first presented. It’s because of this that she gently writes to inspire readers so that we can experience growth like Esther. You’ll appreciate the short readings which are stuffed with biblical wisdom and timeless encouragement. Maltese’s passion for words and her innate desire to encourage others shine through this encouraging book.
Publishes December 1, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Donna K. Maltese, Barbour Publishing Inc, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

A huge thanks to Barbour Books for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Secrets of Esther is a devotional based on the life of Esther. .It is part encouragement and part inspiring allowing us to relive the story of Esther. I thoroughly enjoyed the biblical wisdom from this devotional and how the autho0r structured it.
Highly recommend it!

Love this study on Esther. Esther just happens to be my second favorite book of the Bible right behind Ruth. This study gave me new insights to the book of Esther.

This devotional is so beautiful and inspiring. The book of Esther is fantastic and this is the prove that it contains important lessons for Us. I loved it!

Donna K. Maltese’s Secrets of Esther, a devotional for women, tells the story of Esther from the Old Testament. Organized thematically, this devotional helps readers get to know Esther through her courage, strength, and faith. What a great way to start each day with this uplifting and inspiring devotional!