About the Book:
"You've read it as a biblical tale of courage. Experience it anew as a heart-stirring love story. She was a simple girl faced with an impossible choice. He was a magnificent king with a lonely heart. Their love was the divine surprise that changed the course of history. The beloved story of Esther springs to fresh life in this inspired novel that vibrates with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

An inspiring re-imagining of the tale of Esther, a young Jewish woman thrust from a life of obscurity into a life of power, wealth, intrigue...and tender love. See the story of Esther in an entirely new way - with all the political intrigue and tension you remember, but told as a passionate and tender love story between a young man and woman. Misunderstood by many, King Xerxes was a powerful but lonely man. Esther's beauty caught the eye of the young king, but it was her spirit that captured his heart."
About the Author:
"Joan Wolf was born in New York City but has lived most of her adult life with her husband in Connecticut, where she raised two children and countless numbers of assorted animals. Joan is the author of numerous historical novels including The Road to Avalon which Publishers Weekly lauded as “historical fiction at its finest.

For more about Joan and her other books, please visit www.joanwolf.com."

My Take:
I love reading novels about biblical characters and interpretations of what may have happened to them. One of my favorite books is The Red Tent, which is about Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. In A Reluctant Queen we hear about the story of Queen Esther, Mordechai's niece, and the story of Purim.

The story of Esther that we read on the holiday of Purim is very factual - this happened, that happened, etc. There's not much dialogue, if any, and there's no love story between Esther and King Achashverosh (Ahasuerus). I really enjoy reading love stories, and reading about Esther and King Achashverosh was just amazing. The book hooked me right in, and I couldn't stop reading. It gave me new insight into how life really was back in Persia and how Esther may have lived. And it gave me the love story I really wanted to know about.

The dialogue flows so well in this book, and the plot moves quickly enough that you are always drawn in. Her prose is understandable and easy to read, so you can finish the book quickly. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I know you will too!

Cost: You can buy A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther from Amazon.com for $10.87.

Overall: We give A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther a 10/10!

We were sent "A Reluctant Queen" through LitFuse blog tours free of charge for the sole purpose of this review; no other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are my own.