Tessa Afshar
Moody Publishers
Romance, Biblical, Fiction
Date: May 1, 2012
The prophet Nehemiah's cousin can speak numerous languages, keep complex accounts, write on rolls of parchment and tablets of clay, and solve great mysteries. There is only one problem: she is a woman.
In her early childhood years, Sarah experienced the death of her mother and her father's subsequent emotional distance and she came to two conclusions: that God does not care about her, and that her accomplishments are the measure of her worth - the measure of her self.
Sarah, the talented scribe and cousin to Nehemiah, is catapulted into the center of the Persian court, working too many hours, rubbing elbows with royalty, and solving intrigues for the Queen. Ironically, it isn't failure but success that causes Sarah to lose her only source of external validation.
Sarah soon learns that she has something of worth to offer beyond her ability with languages and sums - her very being proves to be a blessing to others.
This was a truly fun read. I loved it! Yes, it was indeed a reach but I was happy to go there. Sarah is so well developed and watching her grow up and ultimately fall in love with her husband was delightful. The scribe aspect was very interesting as well. When an author can help the reader fully engage in another time and place they have a win. This was a win. Read it, you won't be sorry!
My thanks to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
