Review of Jim Baumgardner's Christian book, "Esther Queen of Persia - A Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time" from the Baumgardner Press. 

By: Lisa LeaSure, Living Water Home Spa Shop

Being an evangelical Christian, spring always seems to beckon me back to the book of Esther. When I saw Jim Baumgardner's book was available for review this spring, I jumped at the opportunity to review it. The story of Esther has always intrigued me and with the added benefit of the book's intent to remain true to the Biblical account while supplying additional historical information from the time period 486-473 B.C., I had high expectations. 

If you are unfamiliar with the book of Esther here's a brief summary. Hadassah is a beautiful, Jewish teenager who is taken by force from her cousin Mordecai's home to the palace of King Ahasuerus. The king has banished his queen and is now searching for a replacement queen from among the beautiful, young virgins in his kingdom. Hadassah is renamed Esther during her preparation to meet the king, which is ultimately an interview with the king to become his queen. A plot to annihilate the Jews is hatched during her time there, and it falls upon her shoulders to stop it. She is a brilliant young woman who keeps her faith in the one true God and accepts her assignment with great courage, despite her age and circumstances.

At 293-pages, Esther Queen of Persia - A Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time is not a quick read. However, Jim's writing style and a plot that focuses on the lives of several characters whose stories ultimately converge, makes it an enjoyable read. The book includes details about practices, customs, food, drink, beauty treatments, style of dress, etc. that take the reader on a journey with Esther. The author's use of character commentary was a detail I appreciated as it helped me to better understand the characters' line of thinking. Esther's faith in God and her personal struggles with being among people who did not worship the Lord God was also well told. Jim Baumbgardner captures the essence and struggles of Esther, while remaining true to the Biblical account.

If there was anything I did not like about the book, it would be the contrast of the end of the book from the rest of the book. Most of the book is about love, beauty and appreciation. However, the events at the end of the book are violent in contrast. This is not to say that the account is inaccurate, but instead that the author does a fine job of contrasting the beauty of the preparation versus Esther's ultimate purpose.

If you have an interest in the life of Esther, I would recommend you read  Esther Queen of Persia - A Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time. This book will bring the story to life and give you a deeper understanding of Esther's character and the role her cousin Mordecai plays in Esther fulfilling her ultimate purpose.

"Esther Queen of Persia - A Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time" is available at Amazon.com in paperback or for Kindle.

About the Author:
Born in Wichita, Kansas, Jim Baumgardner, raised by Christian parents, gave his life to Christ in 1957. The author continues to reside in Wichita with his wife Linda. They have three children and nine grandchildren. Jim has seven published books. Four are known as the Sarah books, which tell of the adventures of a girl named Sarah, set in the 19thCentury. The other three are Bible novels, including the author’s latest release Esther Queen of Persia. All of Jim’s books are primarily written for his grandchildren’s benefit.

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FTC Required Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.