Harvest of Rubies

"Harvest of Rubies" was set in ancient Persia, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The author had clearly done her research to try and bring that period alive for her readers, and I think she succeeded.

Sarah was a wonderful protagonist and I liked her from the start. She was a reader and had taught herself to scribe. She was intelligent, but awkward, and didn't fit the norm. Often she found herself accidentally horrifying polite society, and her antics made me laugh. I enjoyed following her journey and her personal growth. I also liked Darius, Sarah's husband. Despite her misconceptions, he was kind and caring, especially to his workers. Their relationship was complicated, serious and fun. I especially enjoyed the snappy comebacks Sarah gave show more him on many occasions.

"Harvest of Rubies" was an entertaining read. It had intrigue, adventure, romance and humour. However, I did have a couple of issues with this book. I felt that the dialogue was often too modern for the period and it jarred with the rest of the story. Secondly, things weren't fully resolved. I have discovered that there is a sequel, so I will reserve judgement until I've read it. show less

Well written Christian historical fiction bases on biblical truth. I love that these books explore human relationships in all its complexity, it's not just a love story. And mostly I love that the main characters relationship with God is transformed and then reveals things about herself she didn't realise, how your past shapes you.

Sarah finds purpose and fulfillment as scribe to the Queen of Persia. Pleased with Sarah's work, the Queen arranges Sarah's marriage to Darius Pasargadea, a respected and handsome aristocrat, as a kindness. However, after a disasterous wedding celebration, Sarah finds that marriage has stripped her of position, security and dignity. Locked in a miserable marriage and missing her old life, Sarah must open herself to new ideas and people, including her distant husband.

With Harvest of Rubies, Tessa Afshar cemented herself as one of my favorite authors. Having previously read Pearl in the Sand, I had high expectations for Harvest of Rubies and I was not disappointed. It had a unique storyline filled with a memorable protagonist, a little show more mystery and suspense, a history lesson and plenty of romance. I loved Sarah's personal and spiritual development. This is the type of book I could sit down with in the morning and read all day. Although I didn't have that luxury, it was that good! I am definitely looking forward to reading the sequel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from River North Publishers. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." show less

This is the second book I have read by Tessa Afshar and she is becoming one of my favorite authors. Her stories so far are written during biblical times and seem very real and plausible. The characters have struggles and conflicts that touch your heart and the author does a good job of bringing forth biblical truth as she writes.

This story is about Sarah, a Jewish girl who can read and write Persian during the reign of King Artaxerxes, which was not common for a girl during this time.. Her cousin is Nehemiah, the king's cupbearer and her father is Simeon a scribe. Sarah finds herself being sent to work for the Queen, Damaspia, as her senior scribe at the age of 20. Life seems good to Sarah as she works at doing her best to please the show more Queen. But to show her gratitude for a job well done the Queen arranges a marriage between Sarah and Darius, an official who works under the King. Sarah has no desire to marry and does nothing to prepare for her wedding, so when she arrives at the wedding feast she finds herself causing shame to her new husband and to the royal family and her own family. Darius takes her to his home, but wants nothing to do with her. Now Sarah must learn how to gain her husband's trust and love. It is a long journey for them both, but well worth the time as you watch each of them grow in their marriage closer to one another. Sarah must learn to seek her worth in the Lord and not in anyone else. As she does she will find she can face anything and become the person that will draw her husband to her.

I continue to appreciate this author's style of writing and also enjoy reading about life during Bible times. I look forward to reading more by this author and I know she is writing a sequel to "Harvest of Rubies" because she had a sneak peek at the back of this book called "Harvest of Gold". I highly recommend her books to read and enjoy and fall in love with her characters.
Pages: 342
Year: 2012
Publisher: Moody Publisher
ISBN: 0802405584 show less

Harvest of Rubies is the second book I have read from author Tessa Afshar. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the adventures of Sarah. I found myself imagining myself as a lowly Jewish girl living alone with a father whose work occupied most of his time and attention. It is difficult to imagine how limited women of that time and culture were in the path of their own fate. I felt angry toward the unfairness of the situations Sarah faced. Using the uncommon gifts God had blessed her with Sarah gained the favor of the queen which set her life on a different path than she desired. God used the situations in Sarah’s life to show her the true value she held in simply being His child. As is often the case, the pressure of life transformed show more Sarah into the woman He created her to be.

Harvest of Rubies is a wonderful book that exemplifies God’s sovereignty and grace toward His children.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Netgalley in exchange for an honest 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." show less

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Tessa Afshar. I'm sure there were many literary liberties taken in the writing of the book and I don't think it was intended to be an exact historical rendition. The story was still fun and enjoyable. Many others felt the romance came too late in the book but I felt that the build-up was very good and we got to witness the transformation within Sarah. The story of redemption and sacrifice for sins was also woven into the story. This was surprising for the story being in the time-period prior to Jesus. It showed that even before the ultimate sacrifice was paid, there were those that may have had a true revelation of the need for that sacrifice. I recommend this book.

The prophet Nehemiah's cousin has been catapulted into the center of the Persian court - working long hours, rubbing elbows with royalty, and becoming the queen's favorite scribe.
Not bad, for a woman living in a man's world. But a devastating past has left Sarah believing that God doesn't love her and her achievements are the measure of her worth - a measure she can never quite live up to.
Darius Pasargadae is accustomed to having his way. A wealthy and admired aristocrat, the last thing he expects is an arranged marriage to the queen's scribe, an intelligent woman who scorns hims.
Can two such different people help one another overcome the idols that bind them?
*Terrific story. Found myself rooting for the characters to have their happy show more ending. Can't wait for the sequel.* show less