A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther by Joan Wolf

My Review:
5 STARS

I really enjoyed this fictional love story about Esther!! I knew this story was fictional right from the start and the fact that it doesn't 100% line up biblically does not bother me at all like it did other readers! This was just a twist to the story of Esther and I found it extremely fun to wonder what it would have been like at those times for Esther and other woman. 

The characters of A Reluctant Queen really came alive for me! I loved Esther right from the start; her love for her family, her people, and God are radiant and I just really was drawn in to her life and rooting for her happiness immediately.  The other characters were memorable also; there was Mordecai (who was Esther's Uncle), Haman and of course the Great King.

My favorite part of this story was the romance that bloomed between the Great King and Esther.  One thing I always forget when reading a biblical time story is that the men of those days had multiple woman and as the Great King he received woman as gifts and had many illegitimate children.  This showed us what Esther must have felt like having to share her husband with other woman and children.  This was very emotional to me.

This was also a story of loyalty and trust.  The King had to learn quickly who was trust worthy and who wasn't.  This was also about following God even when you don't think you are the right person for the job. God can use you in any situation.

If you are looking for a wonderful love story weaved with a touch of history then you'll love this book. If you are wanting an accurate retelling of Esther this is not the book, but it is so fun to read and delightful I recommend anyone to give it a try!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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

About the Book:

An inspired re-imagining of the tale of Esther, a young Jewish woman thrust from a life of obscurity into a life of power, wealth, intrigue . . . and tender love.
See the story of Esther in an entirely new way-with all the political intrigue and tension you remember, but told as a passionate and tender love story between a young man and woman. Misunderstood by many, King Xerxes was a powerful but lonely man. Esther's beauty caught the eye of the young king, but it was her spirit that captured his heart.
Imagine anew the story of Esther, one of our faith's great heroines, destined to play a key role in the history of Christianity.
 

About the Author:

Joan Wolf is a USA TODAY bestselling American writer, whose acclaimed Regency romances have earned her national recognition as a master of the genre. Her many historical and contemporary romances, some of which have been chosen as Literary Guild selections, have been highly praised by reviewers and authors alike.

Joan was born in 1951 and she grew up in the Bronx, New York. A former English teacher, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Mercy College and Master in English and Comparative Literature at Hunter College. An avid rider and horse owner, Joan lives in Connecticut with her husband Joe and two grown children, Jay and Pam.  

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