This is a lovely re-telling of the biblical story of Esther. I wasn't particularly familiar with the story when I began, which lent to that edge of my seat feeling I love in good stories. The novel went faster than I would have liked, but didn't leave me wishing for more. I was quite sated, and recommend this book to anyone who likes Biblically based historical fiction.

What a wonderful book! Although the author took some liberties with the actual Biblical story of Esther, this historical fiction was about a strong woman who is forced into a situation she doesn’t understand and regrets (at first). As her love story continues, she is forced to make some serious and possible deadly sacrifices and decisions that could cost her that love and her life. However, she has to follow her heart and the direction from God. **This story is a historical fiction and doesn’t follow the timeline or truths from the Bible. The author explains her choices in writing at the end of the book. The overall concept of Biblical Esther is still there. The character/antagonist Haman is painted in a completely different light than the Bible. Biblically he is an arrogant leader who saw the Jews as a threat to his power. He was blinded by his arrogance, self importance and desire to control others. The author shows extreme grace and even sympathy towards Haman. Please read the Book of Esther in the Bible for the factual truths.