Welcome to another episode of A Baker’s Perspective Podcast! Ok, let me start off by saying that I wish these podcasts could be longer. Tessa was such a delight to talk to. I could talk to her for hours about her research, faith, and everything in between. I learned a lot during this episode! If you haven’t read any of her novels yet, then I highly encourage you to change that effective immediately.
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About Tessa
Tessa Afshar’s ancient historical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into 13 languages. Her novel, Pearl in the Sand is the recipient of the ECPA’s Bronze Milestone Sales Award.
Winner of the Christy, INSPY, Family Fiction New Author of the Year, and ECPA Christian Book Awards, Tessa’s books were also Carol, Christy, and ECPA Christian Book Award finalists.
Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. She holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship for a year.
Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes. Learn more at TessaAfshar.com.
Connect with Tessa:
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The Royal Artisan
The Royal Artisan (Queen Esther's Court) Author Tessa Afshar
Published by Baker Books
on November 4, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Biblical, Fiction / Christian / Historical, Fiction / Christian / Romance / Historical
Pages: 368
Amazon"Afshar's writing shines in this brilliant perspective shift on Queen Esther's story."--MESU ANDREWS, bestselling author on The Queen's Cook
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 as 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 the identity of the queen's agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.
Experience the thrill and intrigue of secrets and romance within Queen Esther's royal domain in this biblical fiction tale that will appeal to fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt.