A Reluctant Queen- The Love Story of Esther

A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther by Joan Wolf is a story about what could have happened in Biblical times when Esther became Queen of Persia.

• 378 Pages
• Fiction/Christian/Historical
• June 2011

Publisher's Synopsis:
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.

Joan Wolf was born in New York City but has lived most of her adult life in Connecticut with her husband, two children, and numerous pets.  She's the author of The Road to Avalon.  You can find her online at joanwolf.com.

I really enjoyed this book and love it when an author can take stories from the Bible and make it more real.  She does mention that not all events are accurate, that it was written to be more of a love story. 

Esther is a fifteen year old living a simple life with her uncle.  She goes about with her daily chores and spends time with her friends, and even has an increasing interest in a boy who she is sure she will marry- when she feels it is time.  Then her uncle tells her about a dream he had and feels that it is God telling him something terrible is going to happen.  Soon she is asked by her uncle and two others to try to join the king's harem and become queen so she can influence the king.  She not only feels betrayed but afraid.  Esther puts her trust in God and eventually does become queen, but there are hard times ahead and as she falls in love with the king, she realizes that her 'secret' will eventually have to be told.  When it comes time for her to help her people, she knows that she will probably lose everything in the process.  I Rated This Book:  4/5 Stars.

*First off I want to tell you about the blog tour, which has several people doing reviews for this book and giving their opinions.  Next is the giveaway that Joan is having to promote her book- information below*

To celebrate Joan Wolf’s debut Christian Fiction title, A Reluctant Queen, Joan and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away A Reluctant Queen prize package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen

* A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf (for KINDLE)

To enter, just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the contest ends on June 20th. Winner will be announced on June 21st during Joan’s A Reluctant Queen Book Club Party on Facebook (details below)! Hope to see you there – bring your friends!

Join the fun on June 21st! 

Joan will be wrapping up the blog tour and Kindle giveaway promotion during her A Reluctant Queen FACEBOOK party on her FB author page. During the party she'll announce the winner of the Kindle, host a book chat discussion, test your trivia skills (Is Esther's story in A Reluctant Queen fact or fiction?), and more. Don't miss this chance to meet the author and make some new friends!

Disclaimer: This post was written for Litfuse who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.