In the heart of ancient Persia, the empireâs 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, Adinâthe man whose kind eyes haunt herâand seeks his help to find employment in Queen Estherâs 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 kingâs most powerful wife and Estherâs archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Estherâs reign hangs in the balance.
âA tender and touching tale. Tessa Afshar has given us two wonderfully charming heroines.ââAngela Hunt, New York Times bestselling author of The Emissaries series