Here’s my book recommendation for

Occasionally, one of my fellow authors will send me their book and ask whether I can read and review it. While I’ve been given a complimentary copy of this book, a positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire’s Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin–the man whose kind eyes haunt her–and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther’s kitchens.

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king’s most powerful wife and Esther’s archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther’s reign hangs in the balance.

I love Tessa Afshar’s books. They have the perfect blend of romance, danger, and immersion into a long-ago time. In this case, we visit ancient Persia during the time of Queen Esther. Tessa Afshar’s research is incredible, as is her ability to bring such a long-ago time to life. The characters were so real that my heart hurt with them as they faced such heart-breaking challenges. I loved this story, and I can’t wait to discover the second book in this series.