Book Review: A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf

I have read and reviewed a few other Biblical fiction books recently: one I liked, and one I really didn't like. I tend to be pretty picky about how an author treats the Word of God, even when it is a work of fiction. Artistic license should only go so far.

A Reluctant Queen is the fictionalized story of Queen Esther (to read the real, "God-breathed" account, read the book of Esther in the Bible). Esther is chosen by the king to be his wife and because she is a Jew, she influences her husband in foreign and domestic policies, thereby saving her people from annihilation. She is a true hero of the faith.

Although I would have written some of the things in A Reluctant Queen differently (most of them having to do with the portrayals of the characters and their personalities), I think Mrs. Wolf did a decent job with this novel. She added some characters and stretched the plot, but it seems to follow the basic story fairly well.

I liked the way that the author created a romance between Esther and the king that is not shown in the Bible. It is a sweet relationship, one to be admired and emulated.

I did always think of Mordecai as being more loving and considerate than he is in this book, but maybe that is my own imagination and not necessarily truth. I also usually considered Esther to be willing to do God's will, not so "reluctantly", but bravely and with a solid faith and trust in God to see her through. Is that just my own interpretation of what is in the Bible, or what?

Nevertheless, A Reluctant Queen is a good book. I do recommend that you read the book of Esther first. Your knowledge of her story will enhance your reading of this book.

I give A Reluctant Queen 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

(I received this book from LitFuse for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)

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!