Harvest of Rubies

Author: Tessa Afshar

Genre: Historical fiction

My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9.5 (yes, as in, a favorite book)

Type: Fiction

Number of pages: 371

Time period: Bible times (the time of Nehemiah)

My overall opinion: I was so excited when this book arrived in my mailbox! I started reading it almost right away...and finished the book before bed the day I received it. Shows how much I enjoyed it! There was some heart-melting romance…heart-pounding adventure…and heart-moving faith. That pretty much sums it up! The adventures were exciting! The descriptions of what Sarah wore and ate were amazing. Getting to meet Nehemiah, from the Bible, was really cool. It was intriguing to see into the lives of Persian royalty, just a few decades after the time of Esther. I loved the main character, Sarah, and the main guy, Darius. This is definitely a book going on my keeper’s shelf – always! I loved it. Incidentally – can’t wait to read the next book by Tessa Afshar! This book had a sneak peek, and now I’m desperate. And I am also looking forward to re-reading Pearl in the Sand, Afshar’s book about Rahab.

**The author supplied me with a free copy of this book in return for a review. I have received no other compensation for this review. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed in here are my own.**

Cover Focus: Harvest of Rubies

Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar

Book blurb from goodreads.com : “The prophet Nehemiah's cousin can speak numerous languages, keep complex accounts, write on rolls of parchment and tablets of clay, and solve great mysteries. There is only one slight problem: she is a woman. In her early childhood years, Sarah experienced the death of her mother and her father's subsequent emotional distance and she came to two conclusions: that God does not care about her, and that her accomplishments are the measure of her worth - the measure of herself. Sarah, the talented scribe, the cousin to Nehemiah, is catapulted into the center of the Persian court, working too many hours, rubbing elbows with royalty, and solving intrigues for the Queen. Ironically, it isn't failure but success that causes Sarah to be dismissed from her post. As a result she loses her only source of external validation in exchange for a barren marriage to the nephew of the Queen. Life becomes unbearable attached to a man she humiliated on their wedding day, a man who married her out of obligation, a man she believes cannot possibly ever want her as a wife. In the absence of her husband, Sarah discovers irregularities in the running of Darius's estates. As a result, she finds herself and the household staff in grave danger. Through her story Sarah learns that she has something of worth to offer beyond her ability with languages and sums. Her very being proves to be a blessing to others.”

Read my review: Not yet, but I’m on the blog tour for it, so watch for a review coming probably in May!

Why I like this cover: This is one of those wonderful covers that snagged my interest from the first time I saw it. It’s similar, in a way, to the cover of Tessa Afshar’s first book, Pearl in the Sand (find a review by clicking on Tessa’s name in the tags section, then scrolling down). Besides, the story sounds riveting! I truly can’t wait to read it. The girl, Sarah, has an interesting expression…is she thoughtful? A bit scornful? Almost smiling? I can’t decide. But her brown eyes and dark hair are perfect with the red head covering. I love the scroll across the bottom, and the vine with grapes. I have a feeling that’s all going to incorporate beautifully into the story! While this Cover Focus hasn’t been as long as some (which may a relief to you), keep in mind that I do truly love this cover! Comment and tell me – are you eagerly awaiting this book too?