Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About The Book
Title: The Queen’s Cook
Series: Queen Esther’s Court #1
Author: Tessa Afshar
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction, Biblical
In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire’s Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin–the man whose kind eyes haunt her–and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther’s kitchens.
In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king’s most powerful wife and Esther’s archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther’s reign hangs in the balance.
Excerpt
Roxannah snapped to her feet. She expected him to demand payment before accompanying her, but he simply waved at her to join him. “Head injury, my man tells me. Is he conscious?”
She blinked, surprised at this no-nonsense greeting. “Yes.”
“That’s a good sign.” He had a deep voice that seemed at once commanding and oddly soothing, edged by a slight accent that lent his speech an air of mystery.
Walking briskly, he led her to a plain gate at the opposite end of the courtyard, beyond which lay a wide lane. “It will be faster if we ride. My horse is in the stable around the corner. There is a donkey for you.” He gave her a sidelong glance. “You needn’t worry. It’s a biddable creature.”
“I can ride.”
He walked ahead into a mudbrick stable, whitewashed to match the outside walls. His steps were long and loping, and she found herself half running to keep up. His servant had followed in their wake, his movements so quiet she startled when he appeared at her side to help her mount the donkey. The beast waited placidly as she settled on its broad back.
She caught the servant’s eye and whispered, “What’s his name?”
He shrugged. “We just call him Donkey.”
“Not the beast. I meant the physician.”
The servant’s white teeth flashed against his salt-and-pepper beard. “Well, now. One might say that same name is not badly suited . . .”
The physician held up a warning finger. “Don’t finish that thought, no matter how great the temptation.” Eyes the color of obsidian sparked with humor.
Roxannah looked from one grinning face to the other, marveling at the ease with which the master had allowed his servant’s teasing insult to slide. In her father’s house, any retainer with half the cheek would have been bleeding by now.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
About The Author
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of The Queen’s Cook and a $15 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight December 4, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 11, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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