In this episode of the Christian Romance Podcast, bestselling author Tessa Afshar shares her incredible journey from growing up in a nominally Muslim family in the Middle East to becoming a beloved Christian author. Tessa opens up about overcoming rejection and self-doubt, leaning on God-confidence rather than self-confidence. She reflects on how her personal scars inspire her storytelling and the healing power of writing.
We also dive into the fascinating research process behind her novels, including her latest release, The Queen’s Cook. Tessa explores themes of love, purpose, and the struggles of being unequally yoked in relationships, weaving in connections to the biblical story of Esther. This conversation is filled with wisdom on faith, trusting God’s timing, and finding anchor points in life. Don’t miss this inspiring episode!
Listen to the episode here.
Meet Tessa Afshar
Tessa Afshar’s biblical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into twelve languages. Tessa’s books have received the Christy, INSPY, and ECPA Christian Book Awards, and are 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. Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.
Esther 4:14, NKJV: For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
New Book: The Queen’s Cook
In ancient Persia, the empire’s Jewish citizens face an edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of a disgraced Persian lord, is devastated by the news. Her father sees this edict as a stroke of good fortune, an opportunity to settle his mounting debts by killing the Jewish physician, Adin, and seizing his belongings.
Instead, he meets his own untimely end, leaving Roxannah destitute and adrift. Desperate and determined to support her mother, Roxannah approaches Adin—the man whose kind eyes still haunt her—to help her find employment in Queen Esther’s kitchens.
In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her culinary talent earns her the trust and mentorship of Queen Esther, who is herself navigating treacherous palace politics as whispers denounce her inability to produce an heir.
When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king’s most powerful wife and Esther’s archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther’s reign hangs in the balance.
Hosted by Kelly Jo Wilson, The Christian Romance Podcast offers a quiet space for readers who find solace and joy in stories where love and faith intertwine. Each conversation moves beyond a simple book discussion, delving into the personal journeys and creative processes of the authors who craft these narratives. You'll hear about the moments of inspiration, the challenges of weaving spiritual themes authentically into a love story, and the real-life faith that shapes fictional worlds. This podcast is for anyone who appreciates the deeper layers within Christian romance fiction, seeking connection with both the art and the artists behind it. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that explore how compelling relationships are built, both on the page and in the heart, making each episode a reflective look at the genre. Listeners become part of a community that values meaningful storytelling, discovering new voices and cherished favorites through these intimate author interviews. The discussions naturally celebrate the craft of writing while examining how themes of hope, redemption, and grace are expressed through character and plot. Kelly Jo guides each episode with a genuine curiosity, ensuring the conversation remains engaging and substantive for anyone passionate about fiction that nourishes the spirit. Find your next favorite read and a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into every story on this podcast.
Author: Kelly Jo Wilson
Language: en-us
Episodes: 100
In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with the incredibly prolific and inspiring Patricia Johns, author of over 56 sweet romances—many set in the beloved world of Amish fiction. Patricia opens up about her journey fr…
In this heartfelt episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, bestselling author Tracie Peterson returns to share the story behind her new release, A Constant Love, part of the Hope of Cheyenne series. Tracie opens up abou…
In this episode, Lynn H. Blackburn, bestselling romantic suspense author and certified “romance girly,” is here to bless us with her journey. In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Lynn shares how her path from engi…
In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back the delightful Mary Connealy to share about her new book Whispers of Fortune! We’re diving into Mary’s latest Western adventure filled with romance, family, and the thrill of…
In this episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, we sit down with bestselling romantic suspense author Elizabeth Goddard to talk about her incredible writing journey—from childhood storytelling dreams to becoming a mult…
In this engaging conversation, Kelly interviews Jeanne Gehret, a Christian author who shares her journey of faith and writing. Jeanne discusses her experiences as a mother navigating her son’s learning disabilities, her…
In this episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, award-winning author Louise M. Gouge shares her incredible path from being a stay-at-home mom to a successful published writer. She opens up about the role of education,…
In this episode of The Christian Romance Podcast, Kelly sits down with award-winning author Dan Walsh for an inspiring conversation about his journey from aspiring astronaut to bestselling author. Dan shares how his fait…
Join Kelly as she sits down with Sarah Sundin in an inspiring conversation that traces Sarah’s extraordinary journey from a thriving pharmacy career to becoming a celebrated author of World War II novels. In this episode…
In this episode, Kelly sits down with USA Today Bestselling author Chautona Havig, a prolific storyteller with over 130 books to her name. They dive into Chautona’s journey into writing, from the childhood books that sha…
