TESSA AFSHAR'S award-winning novels have been on Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists and have been translated into 14 languages. Winner of the ECPA Bronze Milestone award, the Christy, the INSPY, and the ECPA Christian Book Award for her Bible study, The Way Home, Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship for one year. Born in the Middle East, Tessa converted to Christianity in her twenties. She is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes. Learn more at TessaAfshar.com.
"Sarah is a Jew in ancient Persia, cousin of Nehemiah, and the
daughter of the scribe Simeon, whose attention she wins only when
she proves to possess literary abilities of her own. In this latest
by Afshar (Pearl in the Sand), the Bible's ancient Near Eastern
context is the setting for an engaging story of pluck, friendship,
and faith. Sarah becomes a professional scribe and wins the
affections of the queen only to find herself bound to marry a man
she doesn't know and forced to give up the job that she loves. When
she botches her wedding, and is abandoned to a rural estate, it
would seem that all is lost. But Sarah finds wisdom and strength in
the texts and traditions of her people, and knits together an
unconventional community of support. Afshar's story challenges
misconceptions about harem life and the roles of ancient women
while introducing readers to a lovable heroine whose good heart
wins out over bumbling ways to prove a boon to others, too. Agent:
Wendy Lawton, Books and Such (May)" --Publishers Weekly,
5/14/12"Almost two years ago, I reviewed a book titled Pearl in the
Sand by Tessa Afshar. I absolutely loved the story, and next week
her brand new book "Harvest of Rubies" will be released. I was
thrilled to have a sneak peak at this one!
Imagine a young woman struggling to make a way in a man's world.
Education for women was almost unheard of in the ancient Persian
society, yet Sarah found herself working as the chief scribe to the
Queen. She did such an outstanding job that she was rewarded by the
Queen. Only problem is, her reward was absolutely the last thing
that Sarah wanted.
What impacted me the most in this book was Sarah's journey of
faith. She started out feeling unworthy, unloved and forgotten by
God and her family. As everything she cherished is torn from her
life, she had to reach out to God as her anchor in the storm.
Harvest of Rubies is a tender, richly inspirational, beautifully
passionate, and often humorous story that I highly recommend!"
Reviewed by Janet Hovis, Net Galley 4/27/2012"Iranian-born, Tessa
Afshar weaves a lovely tapestry in this novel. It is rich in detail
about the customs, clothing and culture of this time period. Her
characters are fully-fleshed with both strengths and flaws. The
storyline is quick-paced and believable and leaves readers thankful
that she will pick up Sarah's story in her next book."-- Paula
Parker, BuddyHollywood.com, 5/12/12"There is so much depth to
HARVEST OF RUBIES that readers will happily drown in its message of
God's unfailing love and mercy, while diving headfirst into the
captivating plot and precarious romance. Characters are
realistically flawed, likable and earthy. Emotions run the gamut
from insecurity and fear to passion, pain and the indescribable joy
that can only come with the realization of God's grace. This is a
great read!" -- Susan Miura, BookReporter.com, 5/23/12"I read Ms.
Afshar's debut novel, Pearl in the Sand, last year and thoroughly
enjoyed it. It was recently offered free on Kindle and, of course,
I snagged it. In the course of a conversation on Facebook about it,
I learned she had a new release. When I saw it on NetGalley, I
grabbed the new one, excited to see if her sophomore offering was
as good. If anything, it was better! The story revolves around
Sarah, a fictional cousin of the prophet Nehemiah. She's forced
into an arranged marriage where her lack of social graces [think
Mulan at the beginning of the movie - only worse] cause no end to
problems. But, at the same time, the talents God has given her will
prove to be most valuable to her husband and others. This is a
romance, so it's little shock to find out that Sarah and her new
husband, Darius, will grow to love each other." --Carol Moncado,
Net Galley 5/30/12"Harvest of Rubies is the second book by Tessa
Afshar her first book was Pearl in the Sand the story of Rahab. In
Harvest of Rubies Tessa tells the story of Sarah Nehemiah's cousin
who unlike most women of the time can read and write and speak many
languages. She becomes the main scribe to the queen. The story sort
of reminded me of the Biblical story of Esther. That Sarah become
the queen's scribe when the queen needed her most, because Sarah
discovered a plot against the queen. What I love about Tessa Afshar
is that when she writes novel she remains as close to the Biblical
record as possible. Ms. Afshar makes her characters come alive and
allows the reader to be drawn into the story. Harvest of Rubies is
a fiction read that will entertain you, but it will also encourage
you. Tessa Afshar books in my opinion will encourage you to pick up
your Bible to confirm that she stays true to the Biblical account
as much as possible." --Carissa Miller, Net Galley 6/1/2012"I felt
so similar to Sarah as I read through this book. Her fears, her
insecurities, and her doubts have been similar to my own. I feel as
though I am going through a spiritual journey along with her as we
both learn of our importance in the eyes of God. Pearl of the
Novel: It's a book that I must have a highlighter and pen on hand
because there are so many amazing passages and I gain a lot of
inspiration to jot down. It is full of so much insight and
spiritual passages. It is insightful and helps me become a better
person." --Kris Ellsworth, Net Galley 6/13/12 "I simply love Tessa
Afshar's novels! When I read "Pearl in the Sand," I had to buy a
paperback copy to add to my collection. After reading "A Harvest of
Rubies" on ebook, I have to also buy a paperback copy. These are
wonderful books that I would eagerly recommend everyone to have in
their library. They are wonderful expressions of people's own
self-doubts that can be dissolved into peace when they turn their
lives over to God. I felt so similar to Sarah as I read through
this book. Her fears, her insecurities, and her doubts have been
similar to my own. I feel as though I am going through a spiritual
journey along with her as we both learn of our importance in the
eyes of God." -- Anonymous, PearlsofGreatWorth.com, 6/20/12"The
author transports us to an ancient time for a story that will touch
any woman today who ever has struggled with defining herself
through her work and accomplishments. I loved the unusual
perspective of Nehemiah (the cupbearer) from a relative's (cousin)
point of view. The writing is a cut above for the genre and Afshar
incorporates well developed characters, history, humor, mystery and
biblical truths to weave an interesting and encouraging tale with
many lessons hidden just below the surface." -- Lauren Y.,
BookBargainsandPreviews.com"I cracked open Tessa Afshar's book,
Harvest of Rubies, after the kids were fast asleep, and I didn't
put it down until I read the last page in the wee morning hours. It
was well-written, gripping, and very inspirational.It even brought
a few tears...I want to read it again with highlighter in hand. I
don't want to forget anytime soon the lesson of the grapevine. How
often do I hold onto the pruned branch, wanting that life back? I
might find an image of a grapevine and frame it for my home. If
you're wondering what I'm talking about, you'll have to read it for
yourself. One element that I really enjoyed was that the heroine
wasn't perfect. She struggles with things common to all of us. I'm
sure that if I were to meet her today, she'd have uneven
fingernails, a stain on her shirt, and she might have misplaced her
glasses... a little like me. A little like all of us." -- BeckyE,
6/20/12"Ms. Afshar has once again woven a vividly written,
emotionally engaging story. Sarah's struggle to find acceptance
through her accomplishments and her eventual realization that her
worth doesn't depend on them is poignant. The main characters are
all well developed and believable, with foibles and imperfections.
Ms. Afshar has a talent for creating characters that you feel like
you really know...down to even the loyal dog! The depiction of
palace life in ancient Persia and the dynamics of various
relationships: nobility, royalty, commoners, harems, and so forth,
are well researched and realistic. The thread of intrigue is woven
into the story seamlessly and doesn't at all feel like an added on
plot device. It adds to the overall theme quite nicely. And even
though the book delivers a serious message and delves into serious
issues, there's plenty of humor too! There are scenes that are
laugh out loud funny. Harvest of Rubies delivers romance, mystery,
adventure, grace, and humor. It's endearing, entertaining, and
funny while still delivering a worthy message. Highly recommended!"
-- Kara, Home with Purpose, 6/28/12"It's always fun to run across a
new author. To borrow a sports analogy, sometimes, you just have to
take a chance that an unknown author will "hit it out of the park"
and provide you with something you can't stop reading. I'm so
thankful that I took a chance on Tessa Afshar.Afshar is an amazing
storyteller. Her first book made me really dive into an "old" Bible
story in a new way. Her second, well, it really makes you take a
second look at where a person finds value. In all, I'm thrilled to
have discovered a new author. I highly recommend her work - and
will probably put them on my "re-read" list. On the scale of one to
five, I give her books a solid four. They are enjoyable and easy to
read - but will definitely leave you thinking. All in all, a great
showing for a new-to-me author!" -- Kaylea Hutson,
MyScrappyLife.com, 7/9/12"What I loved so much about Harvest of
Rubies was Sarah's journey. Afshar seamlessly weaves Sarah's tale
of personal growth into the setting of biblical times. I felt like
I was learning something about history and about the Scriptures as
I was reading, but without feeling "preached to." I loved watching
Sarah grow and change. I especially loved how she quotes the psalms
of David for strength and guidance.So many times while reading, I
thought, "Yes, this is exactly how I feel!" I love that. I felt
like Afshar was really speaking to me personally. I felt encouraged
and lifted up after reading Harvest of Rubies. Until I realized
there was going to be a sequel, I was not totally thrilled with the
ending. There were certain things that were left unfinished, things
I wanted to see finished. But, I will have to wait until the next
book for Sarah and Darius' story to be completed. I can't wait to
read more from Tessa Afshar. I highly recommend Harvest of Rubies."
-- Kelli, Idsoratherbereading.com, 7/14/12"This was my first book
to read by Tessa Afshar--I was amazed at the depth of her research
into the culture and daily life of Persia, and her ability to
seamlessly weave it into the story she's telling and make it an
essential part of her story...This book deserves two tumbs up, five
stars, and a cluster of the tastiest grapes you've ever eaten." --
Becky, beckysbookaddiction.blogspot.com, 8/4/12"The description
above offers high hopes of a thought-provoking and
paradigm-shifting experience, and Afshar does not disappoint.
Harvest of Rubies is a tale that combines romance and intrigue in a
fascinating time and place in history. Even more than that, it is
the story of a girl becoming a woman and discovering where her true
worth comes from.
Afshar shows us clearly the ways in which Sarah has suffered, as
well as the pain she has brought on herself through foolish
decisions born out of that suffering. We also see her awakening to
the possibilities that come through connecting with others and
re-opening her heart to God. As she learns how to make something
good out of her situation, she also faces the issues within her own
heart. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys
inspirational fiction set in Biblical times." --Trish Doerrler, Net
Galley 8/19/12"This was a truly fun read. I loved it! Yes, it was
indeed a reach but I was happy to go there. Sarah is so well
developed and watching her grow up and ultimately fall in love with
her husband was delightful. The scribe aspect was very interesting
as well. When an author can help the reader fully engage in another
time and place they have a win. This was a win. Read it, you won't
be sorry!" --Melissa MacDonald, Net Galley 3/9/13"This really is a
gem! Christian fiction at it's best. Tessa Afshar tells the
historical tale about Sarah, who was taught to be a scribe by her
father. She is Nehemiah's cousin, and becomes a scribe in the
court. The Queen wants to make her happy and so gives her to Darius
in marriage. This begins a difficult time for Sarah and Darius. The
story is so good and written so well that it leaves you wanting
more. which will be continued in the second novel Harvest of Gold.
Rate: 5 of 5 stars Reviewed by Dawn Cronk, Net Galley 11/4/13"Sarah
has fallen in love with her husband, Darius. She loves him and she
constantly tells him so. However, Darius is unsure how he feels
about his wife, and therefore does not return her love. In Harvest
of Rubies we entered the lives of Darius and Sarah. Having been
forced to marry, neither of them were happy with the marriage in
the beginning. As they begin to soften towards each other, their
hearts are both open. But Darius is still scared to open his heart
completely.
I was very excited to enter the world of Darius and Sarah again in
Harvest of Gold. Sarah is still trying to win the love of her
husband. When a misunderstanding comes between them, Sarah finds
her husband further than ever before.
I loved that this story followed the storyline of the book of
Nehemiah. We find ourselves not only in the middle of the story of
Darius and Sarah, but also of Nehemiah and his desire to rebuild
the broken walls of Jerusalem. It was a perfect time for me to read
this book as the youth group I am a leader at has been going
through the book of Nehemiah this semester.
Throughout the book, Sarah and Darius must both learn to let go of
things and learn what it truly means to love.
This was a fantastic sequel to Harvest of Rubies." --Leah Brandel,
Net Galley 12/24/13
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