The Hidden Prince is truly a gem of a story! This was my first book by Tessa Afshar but will not be my last! I am really enjoying all the Biblical fiction that I've been reading lately and will definitely look for more by Tessa in the near future! I read and listened to the audio version of this book. Pilar Witherspoon is an excellent narrator and I will be looking for more books that she's narrated as well.

Once I got started I just had to keep going...I found it very engrossing and had to find out what happened to Keren and Jared after the tragic accident that split them a part. I love how books like this one really brings the Bible times to life.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 8 November 2022

Love Tessa Afshar's books always. This one was intriguing and engaging. Excellent storyteller. Would love to hear more about new books as well.

Really enjoyed reading “The Hidden Prince”!!!! It was very well written and kept my attention. I could not put the book down. Each character was written and described so well that you felt like you knew them and were right there with them. I love reading historical fiction books and this one did not disappoint! The author wove in the historical facts and the fictional characters with finesse, and it read like an action packed novel. Wish the book had not ended!!! This is definitely one of the BEST books I have EVER read!

The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar is excellent historical fiction set in the time of Daniel from the Bible. I loved the character of Keren and Jared. The plot was sound and made for a very enjoyable story. Ms. Afshar created beautiful settings that brought the past to life. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

So brew up some tea and settle in for a fabulous read.

I was given a copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

Such a wonderful read. Tessa did a great job bring the words of the Bible off of the page and into a story where you could feel yourself right there in the pages.

'The Hidden Prince' follows Keren, Daniel's - 'Daniel in the Lion's Den' - former female scribe, as she teaches a young servant boy who is destined to be the next King.

I noticed a lot of Info dumping at the beginning of the book, but my Mom reminded me that this could be the author's attempt to immerse the reader in Bible times. It diminishes towards the middle of the book.

I also found the lines between Daniel and God blurring at the beginning of the book and in some such sections later on, but this also diminished towards the last half of the book. Outside of those things, it took a while for me to figure out what Keren's internal conflict was, and if she even had any. But as the story progressed, I looked back at the prologue and began to make some connections that made me realize her deepest desire was for a purpose. This helped me to understand her character on a deeper level, and care about the events in the story.

There was the occasional cheesy moment, but overall the story felt very natural. Also, foreshadowing was blunt, but I found I liked it. It was a unique style. As far as romance, I've learned to appreciate Tessa Afshar's romances as subplots rather than the main plot.

Overall, 'The Hidden Prince' was a very interesting read. I would definitely recommend it.

I received and ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Hidden Prince retells the early life of King Cyrus the Great. The story is told from the perspective of Keren. She is a Jewish captive in Babylon who was sold to Daniel. Because of her intelligence, she becomes Daniel’s scribe. One day, she accidentally injures her childhood friend and aristocrat named Jared. Keren is sent to Ecbatana and becomes a tutor to a young prince named Cyrus who is disguised as a shepherd. Could Keren help Cyrus fulfill his destiny as the promised king who helped free the Jews from captivity?

Keren is a fascinating protagonist. She is very flawed. She can be jealous and possessive at times. She also feels like she is always lacking. However, I loved her intelligence and tomboyish personality. I also love her friendship with Cyrus. She is willing to risk her life to save him. Thus, she was a very lovable character, and I rooted for Karen to find her own happiness.

I also loved Jared as Keren’s love interest. He could not forgive Keren for injuring him. Throughout the course of the novel, he has to struggle with his wound as well as forgiving Keren who had deeply hurt him. He has to move beyond his pain and grow to love Karen for who she is. Jared eventually accepts Keren for her strengths and her weaknesses. Thus, I really admired how he grew as a character. I thought that he was the perfect match for Keren.

Overall, this novel is about friendship, forgiveness, and grace. The message of this book is to always trust your instincts and that God always has a plan. I loved all the characters. They seemed to be very realistic. I also loved Mrs. Afshar’s eloquent prose! The story started out very slow. However, I was soon enmeshed in Mrs. Afshar’s world of ancient Babylon! The Hidden Prince is a provocative and inspiring novel that will captivate you from the first page! I can’t wait to read the sequel! I recommend The Hidden Prince for fans of Mesu Andrews, Rachael C. Duncan, and Connilyn Cossette!

I thought this was a very good book. It did a great job of taking us back in time to when the Jews were captives in Babylon. I loved how it was written mostly from a woman’s perspective who was trained in an untraditional way. I loved learning more about this time period and learning things I didn’t know before. I loved the characters and how they helped to bring a hidden prince back to his family. I thought this was a good biblical fiction and one worth reading.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Tessa can do no wrong for me when it comes to her biblical fiction. She has a way with the words she writes on the page. It grips you. It makes you question your stance. I loved it. I honestly can't even put my thoughts into a cohesive written review lol.

The story follows Keren and her friend Jared as they grow up from teens to adults. As teens they both have feelings for one another that is evident to the reader, but they don't admit it to one another for fear of different reasons. However, one day something happens that pulls them apart and on a road of increasing in their faith.

Keren is a woman of faith and integrity. She is sweet and pure. I loved her heart and willingness to do things. I loved her passion for writing -- I love writing myself! Keren was absolutely my favorite character.

Jared frustrated me with how he allowed his anger to settle in, but he was a real character I could relate to. I loved his faith journey and all that he explored throughout this book.

Daniel was amazing and inspiring. His wisdom was everything and more to me!

The storyline was amazing. The romance was clean and swoonworthy. The adventure was everything! Overall, I enjoyed this novel and look forward to the next release from Tessa in 2023!

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book (without cover and back cover blurb) so had no idea what it was about until I clicked on it to begin reading. It is a fascinating premise – the main character, Keren, was sold into Daniel’s household and she eventually became Daniel’s most trusted scribe. She was given lessons and swordsmanship training alongside his sons and their best friend, Jared.

A tragic accident means Keren finds herself in a foreign country, knowing no one – and being given a secret task – to teach a shepherd boy how to be a lord. She discovers the boy’s real identity and realises she also needs to protect him from the grave danger he is in.

The story went in directions I could never have imagined and I was absolutely gripped. Tessa is a master at this sort of writing, providing incredible details and also managing to challenge the reader to the core as well as entertain. She covers the themes of forgiveness and bitterness, as well as duty, and putting others’ needs before your own. I am looking forward to the next title in this series!

Another great book from Tessa Afshar featuring a fascinating and often forgotten slice of history. This time it is about the early years of a young Persian boy who turns out to be a hidden prince of the royal blood. In fact, not just any prince, by Cyrus the Great. He was hidden from his grandfather who at one point wanted him killed. Sounds like something out of a fairytale doesn't it? Except that this much might have been true and all the political machinations can get pretty dark.

Then there's our protagonist, Keren, a female scribe: something of a tomboy who enjoys sparring with the sons of the household, but also a woman of great intelligence and learning. It is easy for characters like her to be a little too perfect, but the author manages to avoid it by making her flawed and relatable.
Although most of Mrs Afshar's books are romances, the romance doesn't always feature prominently in the story and other figures or events are more important. I honestly prefer things that way. Straight out historical fiction instead of things getting mired down with romance.

An enjoyable work of Biblical or speculative fiction set in Ancient Persia. This is a good accompaniment of some of Tessa Afshar’s other books including Harvest of Gold and Harvest of Rubies, although it is not part of the same series.

Thanks to Tyndale House for approving my request for this title on Netgalley. This didn’t influence my review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Tessa Afshar flawlessly merges real and fictional characters in this biblical-based adventure that's filled with romance, mystery, and inspiration. I was transported to Persia and Babylon during the time of Daniel the Prophet and King Nebuchadnezzar and quickly engaged in the exciting journey that awaits Keren and Jared. Afshar kept me turning the pages to learn the identity of The Hidden Prince!

Some people may never read The Holy Bible but reading a book by this author is another way to introduce them to God's Word! I wanted to dig deeper into the scripture that Afshar shares, and I was inspired by the hope, faith, and forgiveness that are such major points in this story. I was reminded that God recognizes our abilities, and He will use us if we are willing to obey. The journey may not be what we imagined but it will be worth it! The Hidden Prince is a stunning story and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

Sometimes God gives you a book at just the right time. Actually, it happens a lot for me, but this one is extra meaningful. There is a quote in the book that talks about allowing God to help you climb a mountain. Talk about a punch in the gut. Because of my current circumstances, this quote spoke volumes to me. And while I understand this may not be the same for you, I’m sharing because perhaps there is something else in the book for you, or perhaps you need this very thing.

Afshar is a master story teller. Her biblical fiction novels never cease to amaze me. She makes the bible come to life. She makes it relatable to my own life, like above. You can feel the love she poured into this book, the time she invested in checking the details, and the research she did to make sure it rings true to the time period. She makes me want to pull out my bible and start reading – and I think that’s the highest compliment we can give to biblical fiction authors. Their stories should make us want to learn more about the bible, and this one absolutely does.

I highly recommend The Hidden Prince to you. Share it with your friends. Buy copies for your church. Read it even as a book club book. Just read it. You won’t be sorry you did! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tessa Afshar does not disappoint in this new novel. I loved that it focused on a non-traditional female, a scribe, and included Daniel as a character. The plot was complex enough to be interesting but not too complex. It made the characters and the biblical time period come to life.

A masterpiece of storytelling! The story follows Keren and her friend Jared as they grow up from teens to adults. As teens, they both have feelings for one another. However, one day something happens that pulls them apart and on the road to increasing their faith. a beautiful story of bravery, forgiveness, and trust in God... I enjoyed every moment of the story, the adventure, the drama, and the romance, the story was easy to follow, fast-paced, and pulls you in from the beginning, The characters were all complex, relatable, and well-written. Highly recommended it to readers who enjoy reading biblical historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own

I've read all of Afshar's historical fiction books. She understands the culture, and extensively researches the ancient context of these beloved Bible stories. Unlike some hf books, you don't feel like you're reading a bunch of facts. She's a gifted storyteller. In this book, she brings Daniel and his Babylon to life. Excellent as usual.

Thank you NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for accepting my request to read and review The Hidden Prince.

Author: Tessa Afshar
Published: 11/08/22
Genre: Christian -- Historical Fiction

Where have I been? My first Afshar book and definitely not my last. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with The Hidden Prince. The perfect storm -- a lovely story, mug of coffee, comfy clothes, and nothing scheduled.

The story was easy to follow. There are scriptures given at the front of each chapter. There are also moments when the characters discuss needing prayer.

The author writers an intriguing, possible scenario. I took issue with a class line in her story; however, not so much that the overall pleasure was decreased. She made it work. There is not much that can be said without spoiling.

I would classify this as an adult-themed Christian based warm/cozy historical fiction. Definitely giftable.

Simply amazing! I’ve loved every book by Tessa Afshar and this one might be my new favorite. Tessa Afshar is a master at bringing the Bible to life in extraordinary ways. Every time I read one of her books, I go back and read the corresponding book in the Bible. The Hidden Prince is about a deliverer who Jeremiah prophesied would help free the Israelites out of Babylon and how two unlikely friends help him along the way. This book is very fast-paced and pulls you in from the beginning. The main characters- Keren and Jared are easy to love, yet they are very relatable with human imperfections. Very very highly recommend this wonderful book!

* I received an e-ARC copy from Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wow, what a read! This is another beautifully crafted biblical suspense novel by Tessa Afshar! She is an absolute master of storytelling. I could hardly put this book down it was SO good! A captivating tale set during the latter part of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, this novel tells of how even in Babylon, God was with the Jews in their suffering and heard their cries for deliverance.

I would recommend this to older teens and adults due to brief bits of violence that were not inappropriate, but wouldn't be great for young readers.

Other older teen/adult content: a mention of a lecherous king and his grasping fingers going after women. A mention of a girl admitting to herself she was as flat as a stick. A flirtatious and lewd girl cruelly teases and harasses the young men with her maturing figure and risque clothing. She is later found worshipping in the pagan temple of Inanna, the Mesopotamian goddess of love and other things. (The same pagan goddess is known in other places in the world as Freya, Diana, Aphrodite, etc.)

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers, the author, and Netgalley for this complimentary e-book. A positive review was not required of me, and the thoughts above are my own.

I adored the many messages dispersed throughout the narrative. Touching upon a few themes Afshar demonstrates - the power of true forgiveness, grace, and trusting in God completely. All are expertly woven within a mesmerizing plot by strong endearing characters. I enjoyed all the characters but my heart was especially taken by Artadates. A young man full of sensitivity, strength, and wisdom. He instantly steals your heart and remains with you. Overall, another wonderful book crafted by a very gifted author. Afshar pours a great amount of detail into each of her books and this latest is no different. I respect the fact she explains what is fiction and what is factual along with the direction and reasoning incorporating a creative storyline. Afshar proves time after time she possesses accomplished writing skills not to mention ingenuity while dominating the biblical fiction genre. Anxiously awaiting her next stellar project.