Tessa Afshar

The Royal Artisan was a lot more powerful of a read than I had originally intended. There were moments that were truly touching, and I could vividly see the story in my mind’s eye, making it surprisingly powerful.

I have recently developed a fascination with pottery, so reading The Royal Artisan piqued my interest even more. The parallels between God and a potter are such a powerful visual that has been speaking to my soul.

There are some heartbreaking and touching moments as well as show more characters that are the most vile and disgusting beasts. I went from feeling my heartstrings tugged one moment to my skin crawling the next. The sacredness of the mystery that carries the narrative kept the story engaging and allowed the characters to shine.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and am now eagerly anticipating the final book. The story of Esther has always been one that fascinated me, and reading this series has given me an even greater thirst for knowledge.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less

All the love for this intriguing Biblical romance! Tessa Afshar does a brilliant job bringing insight into Queen Esther’s story through two endearing fictional characters. I loved the history, beautiful descriptions, the artistic details, & the swoon worthy second chance romance.

Orphaned at a young age, Sazana’s taken in by her parents’ dearest friend Arta. Now working in Lord Haman’s workshop as a talented potter, she’s forced into indentured servitude after her Jewish heritage is show more discovered. But, when Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews is revealed, Queen Esther takes control of his workshop. Angered over the loss their inheritance, Haman’s sons are out for revenge putting Sazana’s & Arta’s lives in danger.

The queen sends one of her agents to protect them, but he’s none other than the man who broke Sazana’s heart years ago when he abruptly ended their betrothal. To root out spies & foil an impending plan to destroy the Jews, Sazana & Jadon must work together to find an ancient artifact in time to save them all from destruction, all while trying to mend their broken hearts.

I loved this story! Sazana’s such a strong, sympathetic character. Though she may have difficulty putting thoughts into words, she’s an amazing artist. I loved the descriptions of the blue glazed pottery she creates. Jadon broke her heart, but he has his reasons & thinks he’s protecting her. I loved seeing them find ways to reconcile their past. Sazana doesn’t let Jadon off too easily & I loved her coming up with difficult tasks which he does uncomplainingly. All the delightful, forced proximity situations like sharing a horse kept me grinning.

The beautiful messages woven throughout along with all the intrigue had me eagerly turning the pages. I loved the themes of trusting God, seeking faith in trials, & realizing strength comes through adversity. I enjoyed the search for the hidden papers & artifact & deciphering the clues along with Sazana & Jadon.

Highly recommend this fantastic story that so creatively ties in with the Biblical story of Queen Esther. Looking forward to the next book in the series! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily. show less

The Queen’s Cook completely mesmerized me from beginning to end. This beautiful forbidden romance between a handsome Jewish physician & a Persian cook all set against the backdrop of Queen Esther’s court had me devouring the pages. Full of palace intrigue, carefully woven in history, heart-achingly lovely romance, endearing characters, an inspiring faith journey, forgiveness, & delectable dishes, this story really captured my imagination & was impossible to put down.

Roxhanna’s show more transformational journey from impoverished Persian noblewoman to the Queen’s cook begins in her father’s house where his poor choices lead to needing a physician. From the first, Roxhanna’s drawn to Adin, the kind physician who treats her father. As their friendship grows, Roxhanna looks forward to each meeting, but when a terrible decree from the King threatens Adin & her other Jewish friends she finds herself in a difficult position of whether to betray her father & his friends who are using the edict as an opportunity to enrich themselves at the Jews’ expense, or warn Adin of their plans. Her choice leads to her family’s potential financial ruin when her father winds up dead.

Seeking to support her mother & save their home, Roxhanna accepts a position using her culinary talents in the kitchens of King Xerxes & Queen Esther. Facing opposition & jealousies, Roxhanna earns the respect of the head cook who recognizes her innate abilities & Queen Esther herself. But, when she discovers a plot against Amestris, Xerxes wife, & Esther’s chief rival, she & Adin work together to unmask the traitors.

I loved this story! Queen Esther has long been a favorite Biblical heroine & I enjoyed getting a glimpse of what her life may have been like through her secret scrolls & interactions with the main characters. Roxhanna & Adin were both such lovable characters. I enjoyed Roxhanna’s faith journey as she faces abuse, self-doubt, prejudice, & forgiveness. The romance between her & Adin was achingly lovely. Roxhanna has things she needs to work through but can’t resist the caring, thoughtful Adin. Adin’s such a charming man & has his own past he’s struggling to move on from. Though he’s reluctant to fall in love with Roxhanna, he can’t help himself as he sees her strengths, talents, & growing faith.

The palace intrigue & politics of the kitchen kept me quickly turning the pages. I loved reading about every dish Roxhanna created & wished I could jump through the pages to taste them. I enjoyed the way the author combined history & Queen Esther’s story in such a compelling way. I can’t wait for the next book in the series & am hoping we get to see more of Roxhanna & Adin.

Highly recommend to Biblical fiction & historical romance fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided. show less

There are stories that awaken something steadfast within you, and this is one of them. The Royal Artisan feels grounded and alive, like standing near the Potter’s wheel and realizing His work is still ongoing — in history, in hearts, in us.

Tessa Afshar writes with a gentleness that feels born of prayer. Her words move with quiet strength, shaping each scene until light touches every fracture. The pottery woven through this story isn’t decoration—it is truth expressed through beauty, show more showing how purpose takes shape through pressure, and how love steadies what would otherwise crumble.

Sazana’s gift flows from a heart both bruised and believing. The clay she molds reflects her soul: pliable, scarred, still chosen. Her art becomes her offering, and through her journey we see how creation itself becomes a language of worship when yielded to God.

Jadon carries the weight of repentance with courage that is honest, not polished. His strength is tested in silence, his heart restored not through grand acts, but through the slow, patient forming that mirrors real faith. Esther shines with quiet conviction, the kind that serves rather than commands.

The story holds beauty in every page … genuine Biblical faith, truth that breathes, and emotion that feels sacred in its restraint. Afshar never rushes redemption. She lets grace do its quiet work, letting hope rise like pottery emerging from the kiln … stronger, steadier, still warm from the fire.

This novel reflects craftsmanship of the highest kind: faith lived, not performed; history honored, not embellished. It is a rare gift to read fiction so deeply aligned with the heart of God’s design, where love, loyalty, and restoration are shaped through patience, obedience, and prayer.

For readers who find peace in stories that heal slowly, who love seeing faith woven into the rhythm of ordinary life, and who cherish writing that honors God through its excellence … The Royal Artisan is unforgettable.

When I closed the final page, I felt solid, encouraged, and alive with renewed conviction, ready to live unafraid, to stand firm, and to keep yielding to the Master Potter. This story reminded me that strength is born in surrender—when I trust His forming more than I fear the fire.

I received a digital ARC via the author, publisher, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on how true it is to Scripture, the writing style, the pacing, and the content, ensuring transparency and reliability. show less