This past summer, I had the privilege of attending the Northwestern Christian Writers Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While I was there, I had the opportunity to meet Tessa Afshar, author of several novels. I had read her book Thief of Corinth and told her how much I enjoyed it, especially since Biblical fiction is not often one of my favorite genres. She immediately suggested that I would probably like another of her books, Harvest of Rubies.

Of course I had to purchase the book. And even got it signed. You know what? Tessa was right. I loved Harvest of Rubies!

What I enjoy about the books of Tessa’s that I have read thus far is how they are much more like historical fiction – a favorite genre of mine – that is set in Biblical time rather than more traditional Biblical fiction. Harvest of Rubies takes place in Babylon in 457 BC, after the time of Queen Esther and before Nehemiah leaves the court to direct the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem.

Sarah is a Jewish woman skilled at reading and writing. This opens the door for her to become the chief scribe for the Queen of Babylon. Everything seems to be going well for her in her new position. Until she is arranged to be married to a Babylonian aristocrat. Feeling as if her world is tumbling to an end, readers feel her struggle as she is trapped into a marriage that feels more like a prison sentence. Will she be able to create a life out of the circumstances in which she finds herself? Will she be able to make a difference? Or will her choices cost her life?

I found Harvest of Rubies to be a rather emotional book. Few stories bring me to tears, but this one did. It was easy to feel Sarah’s heartache. It made Harvest of Rubies an excellent book and one I definitely recommend reading. I’m glad Tessa suggested I read it. I think you’ll be happy you read it, too.

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I purchased this book and 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.”