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Sazana knows too well the ache of a heart left in pieces. Years after a broken betrothal to Jadon, she still carries the weight of his silence, even as her hands craft exquisite pottery. When King Xerxes’ deadly edict threatens the Jewish people of Susa, Queen Esther vows to protect her beloved artisan. But the only one she trusts to keep Sazana safe is the one who broke Sazana’s heart. When Jadon, now a royal agent, and Sazana go in search of a missing artifact vital to their people’s survival, they navigate mounting danger while guarding their lives—and their hearts. Afshar (The Queen's Cook, 2024) continues her Queen Esther’s Court series with an inventive retelling of the biblical story of Esther. The Royal Artisan unfolds as a story of sacrifice, secrets, and steadfast faith anchored in a God who makes all things new. The methods and artistry of pottery making are rendered with fascinating and tactile detail, and through trials by fire, characters confront the unchangeable past and reveal inner truths about family, loss, self-worth, and purpose.

Publishers Weekly
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Afshar (The Queen’s Cook) transports readers to ancient Persia with this high-octane spin on the Purim story. Sazana is a prodigious potter who keeps her Jewish heritage a secret from her employer Haman, the instigator behind a royal edict to annihilate all of Persia’s Jews. After Queen Esther persuades her husband, King Xerxes, to execute Haman and grant Jewish people the right to defend themselves, Sazana is cautiously optimistic there may be hope for her people yet. But when it becomes clear that sympathizers to Haman’s cause remain—including his 10 vengeful sons—Sazana must summon her faith and join forces with her ex, Jadon, an agent of Queen Esther, to ensure peace in Persia. That involves investigating the death of Sazana’s mentor and guardian Arta, who left behind clues that embroil the pair in a generations-spanning mystery. Despite a few hiccups near the end (including a quickly resolved and somewhat out-of-place plot twist), the textured narrative is effectively propelled forward by its endearing characters, including resilient Sazana and complex Queen Esther. Fans of biblical fiction should take note. (Nov.)