The Hidden Prince

Beautiful and suspenseful, boasting of riveting moments and heart warming chapters. Thoroughly researched and set in the Ancient period of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, Afshar once again packs romance and intrigue into one adventurous tale. While one character seeks to forgive, another searches to forget, all the while going through the many trials laid out for them, and always finding a way through Christ.

"Endure in the fire, because God's love for you endures. Trust in his plans for you. let him give you the strength to bear the flames." It's an unforgettable tale of grief, loss, forgiveness, redemption, purpose, and faith. It teaches us what it means to endure. Tessa Afshar brings us into the world of Babylon during Nebuchadnezzar's reign, full of incredible sights, sounds, tastes, smells. The author has chosen a surprising and unusual heroine for this time - a poor Jewish girl who is a gifted scribe. Keren becomes a quasi-servant in Daniel's household and it's delightful to see the author's fantastic imagination of what Daniel must have been like meld so beautifully with Biblical wisdom and prophecy, and history and culture of Babylon. Keren's strength of character, boldness, intelligence, and loyalty make her a lovable character. Jared's bitterness and struggle for purpose and forgiveness are so real and tangible. There are plenty of plot twists that propel the story forward; even though this is not a suspense, you'll be glued to your seat with your breath held as Keren's journey unfolds. Tessa Afshar is truly a master of Biblical fiction. This is one of my favorite reads of 2022! I received the book from the publisher via Edelweiss/Above the Tree Line and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

A sweeping tale of love, loss, forgiveness, and hope, against the intrigue and danger of the royal courts from Babylon to Persia. A riveting story, from the very beginning. I was pulled into Keren's plight as she was sold into service to pay her family's debts, finding purpose working as a scribe. I admired her honesty, as well as her quick thinking and determination. I especially liked how the chapters bounced between Keren an Jared, adding depth and insight to the story. A captivating read that put me through the full gambit of emotions, and I liked that it didn't shy away from asking difficult questions about pain and loss. Keren's young pupil is an intelligent boy with a big heart, a quick mind, and an air of mischief about him. His scenes always brought a smile to my face. You won't want to miss this incredible adventure, full of intrigue, faith, and love, set against the lush backdrop of the ancient world. Skilled storytelling brings to life this immersive world, drawing out powerful life-changing messages of hope and faith in this compelling read. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.