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 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.