I liked the way the author brought me to Persia and shared Esther's story. It touched my heart. The novel's strong female main characters, political scenarios, and their revelation of secrets captivated me, and I couldn't help but enjoy the splash of romance.

Roxannah is Queen Esther's cook, and she is the main character. Esther and Adin guide Roxannah's journey to faith, imparting knowledge about God without appearing forced or preachy. What Roxannah said about her faith was real and from the heart. It encouraged me. I liked how her friendship with Adin grew and became almost as dangerous as the royal plan.

The novel transports readers into the Queen's kitchen by exploring her life, eating habits, and cooking techniques used back then. In author notes, Tessa shares biblical-era recipes. The author's notes are followed by discussion questions.
This is the first book in the Queen Esther's court series. If you like biblical fiction, you'll appreciate this story. It works well for a book club; there is so much to talk about.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

I received a complimentary copy of this book through LibraryThing via NetGalley. The following is my honest review.

The Queen's Cook is easily in the top five books I've read in 2024. From the first page you're immersed in the culture of ancient Persia, the world of Queen Esther and the protagonist, Roxannah. Roxannah, an abused young lady, gets the chance of a lifetime to serve in the Queen's kitchen as an assistant cook's assistant. She's immediately caught up in plots and political intrigue. Her character shines, along with her new friend, Adin.

Even if cooking isn't your thing (it really isn't mine), you'll love The Queen's Cook!

Trigger warning: parental abuse

The Queen’s Cook was such an engaging and intriguing read! Like most stories by Tessa Afshar, this novel is an immersive experience with descriptive imagery and characters that you feel are part of your world. It truly brings the Biblical story of Queen Esther to life in such a beautiful way while also telling a story of love, forgiveness, and cooking.

Tessa’s powerful writing had me locked in from the beginning, feeling actual rage at Roxannah’s father and his treatment of her and her mother. The juxtaposition between him and Dr. Adin, the man with a heart of gold, is vivid and shows the author’s incredible talent to evoke such emotion in me. This was just the beginning of the joy I felt reading all the details of this story, especially the descriptions of the food. It’s clear that there was a lot of research done to bring this world alive and it was done masterfully.

I feel so grateful that I was able to read this novel as it was truly a pleasure. The Bible verses at the start of each chapter kept the focus where it needed to be and the chapters that were devoted to Esther’s point-of-view were by far my favorites. This is the first novel that kicks off a new series and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Queen Esther’s Court.

Be prepared to be immersed in the ancient world of Persia, in the time of Queen Esther and King Xerxes. And with that all the drama, court intrigue, and political machinations that were taking place. I certainly would not want to live in that palace or be part of that royal family no matter the opulence and riches that looked so appetizing from the outside. I think people had better chances of survival outside the royal court than inside.

I have read the true accounts of Esther from the Bible and many fictional stories based on her story. I like how author Afshar gives us a different perspective of the account. Especially regarding the terrible edict that the king allowed from Hamman.

The story is mostly told from Roxannah's point of view. She is a poor daughter of a Persian lord. However, due to wars and drinking, her father is not the good man he once was. And this leads to daily trouble for her and her mother, and difficult choices later.

We also get the royal court physician's and Jewish man Adin's point of view. With that we are also treated to forbidden love story between Roxannah and Adin.

To top it all off, we are given a peak into Queen Esther's secret scrolls many years later that add an extra layer of insight into the court goings on and more.

What really stood out to me was when the edict of annihilation of the Jews was proclaimed. Though this story continues from that particular catastrophe that was stopped, just the feelings that Roxannah felt, though she a Persian when it was proclaimed. The horror and the unbelief that this was the world she was living in was powerful. However, so was the God who was going to intervene on the Jews behalf. Quite a powerful look at an important time of history.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this Biblical fiction by Tessa Afshar. I liked how the author took us into the world of Queen Esther court and showed us what life may have been like for the people. I liked how well researched the story was and how relatable the characters were. I like how her books draw us in and make us want to keep reading to know what will happen next. I thought this was a well told story and would recommend.

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.

Disclaimer: Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead tours for giving me a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The review written below is my honest opinion.

I absolutely loved this book! It was such an immersive historical read and really made the book of Esther come to life in my opinion!

I Loved 🩷:

I loved Adin and Roxannah. Both characters were multilayered and I loved how Roxannah's character grew over the course of the novel. I also loved how there are ties in this book to the Hidden Prince (another book by Tessa Afshar). What are they you might ask? You'll have to read the book to find out 😉

Additionally the plot was so addictive and the pacing was so well done. I loved the intertwining of Adin and Roxannah's POVs as well as Esther's POV of the whole story in later years through her "secret scrolls".

I loved Tessa Afshar's narrating style and honestly this was such a good read!

I would recommend this to:

People who love biblical fiction in rich immersive historical settings and people who enjoyed the Hidden Prince!

Content Warnings: domestic violence, abuse and violence

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫: 29/24
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Biblical Fiction
𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞:
Let me tell you a secret: Being queen will break your heart.
𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞: Hatred only birthed more hatred.

Okay, I may be a bit biased since she belongs to my top3 fav BibFic authors.
All books I have read from her are all so good!
All are shelf worthy!

If you want a new "taste" without ruining the real story of Queen Esther, this book is for you. All foods mentioned made me want to eat it. 😋
I love the character development of Roxannah, how she broke free from her trauma, and how she has found the One who sees her worth.

The story reminded me of God's perfect timing, of how He uses every situation not just for our or others own good, but for His glory. 😊
Definitely worth the read.

"Cooking gave her what life often did not: the satisfaction of being in control. Even when a recipe went wrong, she had another chance— an opportunity to learn from her mistake and make an improvement in the next batch."

Esther has always been my favorite Biblical heroine, so when I heard that there was a new book about her, I had to read it.

This story is set in Ancient Persia, which is now known as Iran.

The culinary aspects of this book were perfection- *chef's kiss* and made my mouth water with every new dish that Roxannah created.

The book cover is neatly done, and had a lot of nice details and rich color.

The writing style made this a quick and enjoyable read. Not once did it drag on or leave me bored.

Even though I've read many books on Esther and her awesome story, this book's unique plot was so intriguing and fresh that I could not put it down!

The Queen's Cook is an exquisitely written closed-door romance that I adored, and I definitely plan to add it to my library in paperback. Kudos to the author on a brillant start to a new series!

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary e-book I received to review through Netgalley and Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are my own.

An immersive novel that brings Queen Esther's Court to life through the eyes of a talented cook, kind physician, and the queen herself.

Beautifully written, compelling, with characters that captured my heart. Roxannah grew up hiding in the shadow of her father's cruel ways, but her talent for flavor may be her family's only hope after her father leaves them destitute. I admired her determination, and her loyalty, as she works to prove her self in the royal kitchens. I especially liked her gentle natured way if winning others with honesty and kindness.

A richly woven novel with evocative descriptions and an attention to detail that bring the story to life. I loved how the novel was told in the midst of things, as well as from memory looking back, which added a depth of personality to the storytelling, and a unique touch. I loved the fresh take on one of the Old Testament's most beloved stories, as the author draws from extensive research, and historical details to vibrantly bring the court to life. I enjoyed the themes of standing up to your enemies in the face of opposition, something that sounds good, but in reality is much harder to practice!

Overall, a riveting and compelling tale that will grab you by the heartstrings, and have you hanging on to find out what happens next, as Queen Esther's story is told through fresh eyes, with enduring themes of forgiveness, faith, and facing your fears.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Have you ever tried to express how much you love a book and knew that you couldn't give it the praise that it needed? I was captivated by The Queen's Cook from the beginning sentence and my interest never waned in this fascinating fictional story of Roxannah, a young Persian woman who became a cook in Queen Esther's kitchens. I loved reading the descriptions of the delicious food and how it was prepared, along with Roxannah's difficulties in a male-dominated kitchen! As her story unfolded, readers were also given a glimpse of Queen Esther's life. I've always loved the true story of this young Jewish woman who bravely worked to save her people from annihilation. Her powerful story is related in the Old Testament, in the Book of Esther, and Afshar's talent for weaving fictional details with historical facts has never been more evident!

The Queen's Cook is the first book in the Queen Esther's Court series, and it's left me yearning for more! I loved Roxannah's strength and determination. her sweet romance with the wonderful Adin, the other dynamic characters, and of course, Esther's story! There's mystery and subterfuge that links Roxannah and Esther's intriguing relationship but most of all, there is faith, trust, and obedience. I was mesmerized, entertained, and deeply inspired by The Queen's Cook and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my opinions.

When the Persian empire puts out a kill order for the Jews, Roxannah and her family are devastated. When her drunken father is injured, Roxannah seeks out a Jewish physician, Adin, to help her. Roxannah and Adin have an instant connection, one they both fight. When her father is killed, Adin finds a position for Roxannah as a cook’s assistant for Queen Esther.

It took quite a while for the story to build and the plot to come together. While the main characters were well developed, the secondary characters felt a bit stereotypical and flat. The plot twists were resolved quickly with predictable results. Overall, a well written book, but the story could have used some work. 3 out of 5 stars.

I was drawn to Tessa Afshar’s latest book for two reasons. One being that Biblical fiction is one of my favourite genres to read and I have enjoyed reading many of Tessa’s previous books. The second reason being that the book of Esther in the Bible is one of my favourite books of the Bible.
Roxannah is a Persian who has experienced trauma since childhood. Her past has impacted who she is as a grown young woman. She is a gifted cook who enjoys cooking for her parents, and has always dreamed of cooking for the King of Persia and his Queen. It seems an unlikely dream to come true, yet through various events, she finds herself working in the Queen’s kitchen.

Roxannah becomes friends with the royal physician, Adin, who is Jewish. Due to certain events it looks as though their relationship is doomed from the beginning, but you will need to read the book to discover what happens between them.

Through Adin and Esther she begins her own journey of faith in the one true God. She notices how they cling to God, even through the difficult times. They have proved that God is with them and doesn’t desert them in those hard times, but actually draws them closer to him. We also see her grow and develop in confidence in an environment where it is usual for a man, not a woman, to run the kitchen. She is encouraged by the cook and others to stand up to those she would usually cower to and find her own place in Queen Esther’s kitchen.

Roxannah struggles to forgive Adin for one particular action he takes, and she also struggles to forgive herself, consumed with guilt over a decision she made and she blames herself and Adin for the outcome, even though neither of them are to blame. God takes her on a journey where she can forgive both Adin and herself.

As I read, I was pleased to see how the book was in keeping with Esther’s story. For example, within the book of Esther we see how there are plots and intrigues which are uncovered by Mordecai. In this novel, there is a similar plot which is uncovered by Adin and Roxannah. They are in the right place and right time to then be of help to another of the King’s wives, Amestris. God has seen to it. God is working behind the scenes, just as he did in the book of Esther.

In my opinion, Roxannah was the main heroine, with Esther the secondary one. Queen Esther was not quite as I had always envisioned her to be, but as I felt the difference was minor, this did not spoil my enjoyment of the novel.

Tessa naturally and gently includes spiritual insights within the novel. They are neither forced or out of place and I always find they touch my heart and can both encourage and challenge me.

If, like me, you enjoy reading biblical fiction and love the Bible story of Esther then I definitely recommend this book to you. You will not be disappointed.

This story hooked me with its premise and kept me ravenous with the storyline and beautiful characters. I am always amazed at Afshar's willingness to dig deep into the Bible and the culture of the time then add her creativity to bring us an amazing story.

The main female character, Roxannah, is a heroine in every sense of the word. She has dealt with truly heartbreaking circumstances, yet she doesn't shirk responsibility or make excuses. Roxannah is Queen Esther's cook.

There's mystery, suspense and deception along with a bit of romance.

My favorite biblical lesson was about God's faithfulness, using the example of Joseph. Sometimes God's faithfulness is hard, not quick in coming.

My favorite quote "An otherworldly peace replaced the roar of fear. A sweet silence reigned within. This was safety. God with her. God for her. God ruling over all."

I learned so much from this story, from the Bible and about myself! This is the first in a series about Queen Esther, and I look forward to reading the other perspectives. Highly recommended!

The Queen's Cook is the first in a new series by exceptional author Tessa Afshar. If subsequent installments are of this caliber...and they will be...readers are in for a huge treat. This new favourite of mine transported me directly into exotic Old Testament Persia, sparking all my senses. Afshar is God-gifted in bringing her stories alive. I love that each chapter includes a Bible Verse and powerful messages of faith, wisdom, trust, redemption, honour and instruction throughout. The romance is lovely and sweet.

Roxannah, a marvellous and instinctual cook, seeks work at the palace to provide income for her destitute family. Though her father is a Persian lord, his indebtedness contributes to the high-friction household. Roxannah's excellent reputation earns food favors. Her pistachio cakes, fig jam and tender lamb recipes are just a few of her specialties. As a passionate cook, I was enamored with the lively descriptions. Wise Queen Esther is impressed and Roxannah quickly moves up the cooking ladder, infuriating other cooks. Roxannah and the queen learn from each other.

Roxannah meets royal physician, Adin, and is amazed at his unwavering faith in his God. When an edict is passed which affects all Jews, she is devastated. The plot grows more intricate as Queen Esther intervenes on the behalf of her people chosen by God, risking her life. Her courage is unshakeable. But she has the powerful Lord on her side.

It is easy to become fully immersed in the breathtaking story and Biblical truths. Unmissable.

My sincere thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this captivating novel.

The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar - 5 Stars

I have said it before and I will say it again, Tessa is the master of biblical fiction! I loved this story of Roxannah, the daughter of a once-privileged but now impoverished Persian lord, working in Queen Esther's kitchens. In this story, we see her determined to support her mother and repay her father's debts - she seeks out Adin to help her find work. Adin sees the need and secures her a position in the royal kitchens of Queen Esther.

Guided by Esther's grace and wisdom, she finds herself navigating prejudice and palace politics and deepening her bond with Adin along the way. As Roxanna goes up in the kitchen ranks, she and Adin uncover a plot targeting Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Queen's archenemy. This sets things in motion from here in the plot.

This book has a rich historical setting of ancient Persia - very vibrant and immersive. Also, the culinary details in this were - chef's kiss! I loved all the food and cooking details.

The relationship between Adin and Roxannah was very well developed. I personally loved seeing them on their journey of working together and developing that slow burn romance along the way. Adin was also a great guy inspiring Roxannah's faith journey to trust God.

Roxannah and Esther's friendship was beautiful to see as well. I loved the glimpses into Esther's POV.

Overall, highly recommend as another great biblical fiction by Tessa! Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am putting Tessa Afshar in my list of authors whose books I will buy for my church library. The list has become really short and selective as Iibrary space is shrinking. Many things to commend about this title and I am definitely buying a copy. We already know how well Ms Afshar brings a Bible story to life and how engrossing and delightful her stories are. I loved how she integrates food and cooking into the book this time. Great faith elements to teach, instruct and encourage too.. Of course, the romance is sweet. I was so glad to read about a character who doesn’t pursue a relationship until he/she is sure the other is also a believer.

4 and a half stars from me. Rounded up to 5. Bravo, Ms Afshar, please keep writing and writing!

This was a lengthy and thorough slow burn Biblical fiction romance. Set in the time period of Queen Esther, with her as a side character, this story was handled a bit differently from other Biblical fictions I’ve read but it was very good. A story that was much more than a romance as our heroine found friendship and faith along her journey also. She suffered at the hands of her father growing up and through unfortunate circumstances was, as a lady, reduced to the position of a cook through necessity. This book has a lot to do with cooking, the kitchen, and various dishes and ingredients. Our Jewish hero is a physician who grew up in a soldiering household. In this novel we see well known stories from the book of Esther and we learn more from the historical record, all bound together with some fiction and creativity. I loved delving into this thorough novel. Upon completion I discovered that the next novels are concurrent ones where we get different perspectives throughout the same time period. I’m so curious to read them and see how that is handled. This was my first by Ashfar but will not be my last.

The Queen's Cook is another captivating Biblical fiction story from award-winning storyteller, Tessa Afshar. Her stories are fascinating, and rich with detail that take readers right into the scenes of Scripture and the culture of the people. Readers will love this fictional account of a young woman of ancient Persia, Roxannah. From a young age, she has dreamed of cooking for kings and queens. Through a series of events, her dream is realized. A fulfilled dream, though, is not all that Roxannah experiences--mysteries to solve, acceptance, love, and the realization that the God of the Jews loves her too. The characters have depth and reality. Their emotions and strengths resonate well with readers. Throughout the story there is a strong thread of faith in the God Who Sees and is at work in difficult situations, extending grace and mercy and changing lives. For readers who enjoy Biblical fiction, The Queen's Cook is a must-read. I am excited to see this is the first book in a new series by Ms. Afshar, Queen Esther's Court.
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley, and a favorable review was not required. The opinions are my own.

I never really thought about what happened to Esther after reading her story in the Bible. But, author Tessa Afshar creates an intriguing story and charged atmosphere of the complexities of royal court life. I loved the story of Roxannah as she discovers she is precious to God. Adin, and to many others, including royalty!

Read for:
dual POV
cooking
mystery
fact woven into the story
monarch rivalry
political intrigue
murder
romance
forgiveness
faith of characters

I highly recommend this book to readers of Biblical fiction that has a wonderful male main character. This is the first book in the Queen Esther’s Court series. I am looking forward to reading the other books too!

I was given a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

{Thank you to @netgally and the publisher for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.}

What a lovely start to what I know will be an incredible three-part series of fictional tales based on Queen Esther’s life!

Tessa Afshar is a phenomenal writer, and I absolutely loved the way that she wove biblical truth and a great deal of ancient history into such a lovely fictional tale. The author’s note was so fascinating!

I really appreciated the deep faith themes of this book. The author uses this story to explore God’s providence, a theology of suffering, and redemption.

I had a qualm with something used as a plot device towards the end, but it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. If you’re interested or think you may want a content warning, feel free to send me a DM.

Warning: this book will make you hungry! I promise you I’m actually altering my meal plans for this week based on this book!

This story was gripping with its romance and mystery. I really didn’t want to put it down! Highly recommend!