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About the Author
Tessa Afshar’s award‑winning novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists and have been translated into thirteen languages. A recipient of the ECPA Bronze Milestone Award, the Christy Award, the INSPY Award, and the ECPA Christian Book Award for her Bible study The Way Home, Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she served as co‑chair of the Evangelical Fellowship.
Born in the Middle East to a nominally Muslim family, Tessa came to faith in Christ in her twenties. She is a devoted wife, a self‑proclaimed mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.
Questions:
- Let’s start with something fun. Would you rather read a book series out of order, or watch the movie adaptation before reading the book?
- What practices help keep you grounded when life gets crazy?
- Do you keep a journal? If so, what journaling practices work for you? If not, what reflective practices do you use instead?
- Is there anything especially meaningful you haven’t shared in other interviews—perhaps something God has laid on your heart that you’d like to share with readers?
About the Book
Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa’s finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman’s sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place.
Yet her troubles are not over. Haman’s sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover that the queen’s agent is Jadon—the man who once left her heart in ruins. But danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, far more than their hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.
A story of intrigue, romance, and faith set within Queen Esther’s royal domain—perfect for fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt.
Questions
- Your novel is set during the Persian period when Esther is queen. How did you research the historical and cultural details of Susa to create an authentic backdrop, and what discoveries surprised you most?
- Your book blends biblical events with romantic and suspenseful plotting. What challenges did you face in balancing faithfulness to the source material with crafting an engaging fictional narrative that includes mystery?
- What do you hope readers take away from this blend of biblical history, romance, and intrigue?
- What’s next for your writing?
- Tessa, where can listeners learn more about you?
You can connect with Tessa on her Newsletter and on Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram.
