Litfuse Blog Tour: A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf

A Reluctant Queen

by Joan Wolf

Copyright 2011

Thomas Nelson

384 pages

ISBN: 9781595548764

Fiction/Christian/Romance

From the publisher:
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.

My Review:

Biblical fiction is probably my least favorite in the Christian fiction genre, not because of quality but because I'm so familiar with the stories already from Sunday school and church so there's really no twist or dramatic surprises. That said the story of Esther is one of my absolute favorites, who doesn't love a true story of a poor girl who became queen and saved her people? When presented the opportunity to read this latest take on Esther's story I was really excited.

Having read a few other Esther stories I found that A Reluctant Queen was a wonderful book. From the cover (The Love Story of Esther), I thought that this story was going to focus more on the personal relationship between Esther and Ahasuerus and a bit less on the entire Bible story that we all know and love but it didn't. However, I still thought that the author did a wonderful job with Esther. Esther was portrayed as sweet, innocent girl who was scared but so faithful. That said I didn't feel as Ahasuerus was likable. In the author's note Joan Wolf wrote that the king in her story was a bit more admirable but I didn't find that to be so, he still seemed a bit impersonal and distant.

If you're looking for something that is completely accurate, read the Bible story not this book. If you're looking for entertainment and a good clean read as I do when I reach for Christian fiction give this book a try. Overall I'm pleased with Ms. Wolf's first foray into the Christian fiction genre and I believe she has a bright future in the genre.

*I received my complimentary copy in exchange for posting my honest review during the Litfuse tour.*

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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!