Esther Queen of Persia" by Jim Baumgardner

 Jim Baumgardner/ Esther Queen of Persia
ISBN: 978-0988410718| List Price: $16.95 | Format: Softcover & ebook | Page Count: 304

Hadassah, the beautiful, Jewish teenager from the city of Susa in Persia, is taken by force to the palace of King Ahasuerus. His command to find the most beautiful virgins in his kingdom, and bring them to the house of women, has placed Hadassah under the supervision of Hegai, the king's custodian of women. Hegai and his servants, have one year to prepare each virgin for one night with the king. Although Hadassah was taken from her home by force, she refuses to become bitter. She accepts being called Esther, but inside remains always, Hadassah. She continually wonders why she is there, yet remains faithful to her God, and to her identity. It is years before the answer is revealed. Her people face annihilation, and it falls upon her shoulders to stop it. Her first thought is to shirk her duty, but Mordecai, her cousin, will not allow it. His words, '"Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"' brings her to her senses.

Unlike many of the novels written about Esther, this book seeks to remain true to the Biblical account, while supplying additional historical information from the time period 486-473 B.C. The book has a five page Introduction, which gives insight into some of the things found in the story. It has a page, listing the months of the Jewish sacred calendar and the corresponding month of our modern calendar. Also in the back of the book is a listing of Scriptures mentioned in each chapter, along with a listing of works consulted in research for Esther Queen of Persia.

Author Bio: Born in Wichita, Kansas, Jim Baumgardner, raised by Christian parents, gave his life to Christ in 1957. The author continues to reside in Wichita with his wife Linda. They have three children and nine grandchildren. Jim has seven published books. Four are known as the Sarah books, which tell of the adventures of a girl named Sarah, set in the 19thCentury. The other three are Bible novels, including the author’s latest release Esther Queen of Persia. All of Jim’s books are primarily written for his grandchildren’s benefit.


To learn more about Jim and his books, visit his websites: 
http://www.biblenovels.net/
http://kansasjimbo.bravejournal.com/
http://www.sarahbooks.net/
You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google +, and Goordreads.

The news was just released that Esther Queen of Persia won a Finalist Award in the Book of the Year Awards for Adult Religious Fiction. It will go on to compete for the title of Book of the Year. You can read the full press release HERE. 

My review:“Esther Queen of Persia” by Jim Baumgardner is definitely a five star book. I believe it is one of my favorite Biblical Fiction novels that I have read in a long time!

While reading “Esther Queen of Persia” I felt like I was reading the story of Esther straight from the Bible with additional facts that aren’t in the Book of Esther. 

I have heard the story of Esther and how she became Queen of Persia but, since reading this novel, I can understand Esther’s struggle and why she is considered a courageous woman and a Woman for her Time a lot more clearer now. 

This book tells details about the customs and how the Persia Kingdom was managed! 

In between the pages of Esther’s story there are Biblical passages that aren’t part of Esther’s story but are reminders of what other’s members of God’s family have gone through. Reminders of Joseph and Daniel and 

Abraham.

This is also the story of Mordecai and how he struggled with Hadassah, aka Esther, being taken from his home into the King’s courts. 

I really think if you took the time to read “Esther Queen of Persia” by Jim Baumgardner you wouldn’t be disappointed and would be glad that you did!

You can purchase your copy of Esther Queen of Persia: A Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time
on Amazon.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.