Title: A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther
Author: Joan Wolfe
My Review:
The Book of Esther is one of my favorite stories in the bible so I was very interested in reading the novel, A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther by Joan Wolfe. This historical romance was fascinating reading and I simply could not put this book down from beginning to end.
Though it is a work of fiction and does not completely follow the biblical text, the author convincingly sets the stage for believable characters and a realistic storyline based on the real life ancient heroine. Bringing ancient Persia to life, A Reluctant Queen chronicles the life of Esther, a young Jewish girl who must secretly hide her faith in order to marry the King of Persia and save her people. Esther finds herself torn between her strong faith and the realization that she may actually be falling in love with the divine King Ahasuerus.
Mystery, political and court intrigue and romance are weaved together quite nicely in this story and I was so captivated that it inspired me to go back to my bible and read the Book of Esther again. There is even a reading group guide at the end of the book and I enjoyed thinking about the questions posed by the author.
This is the first book that I have read by Joan Wolfe but it will certainly not be the last. I appreciate how the author was able to bring Esther “to life” and tell her story in such a creative and believable twist to the biblical story.
*I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*
To celebrate Joan Wolf’s debut Christian Fiction title, A Reluctant Queen
One grand prize winner will receive:
* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen
* A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf (for KINDLE)
To enter, just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the contest ends on June 20th. Winner will be announced on June 21st during Joan’s A Reluctant Queen Book Club Party on Facebook (details below)! Hope to see you there – bring your friends!
Join the fun on June 21st!
Joan will be wrapping up the blog tour and Kindle giveaway promotion during her A Reluctant Queen FACEBOOK party on her FB author page. During the party she’ll announce the winner of the Kindle, host a book chat discussion, test your trivia skills (Is Esther’s story in A Reluctant Queen fact or fiction?), and more. Don’t miss this chance to meet the author and make some new friends!
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Love your review!