Jewel of Persia

Roseanna M. White

Description

How can she love the king of kings without forsaking her Lord of lords?

Kasia grew up in a poor Jewish home with more siblings than luxuries. But
when a chance encounter forces her to the palace of Xerxes, she becomes a
concubine to the richest man in the world. She alone, of all Xerxes' wives,
loves the man beneath the crown. She alone, of all his wives, holds the
heart of the king of kings.

Traveling with Xerxes through Europe as he mounts a war against Greece,
Kasia knows enemies surround her, but they're not the Spartans or
Athenians. The threat lies with those close to the king who hate her
people. She determines to put her trust in Jehovah–even if it costs her her
marriage.

Years of prayers are answered when Kasia's childhood friend arrives at the
palace after the war, but even as she determines to see Esther crowned in
place of the bloodthirsty former queen, she knows the true battle is far
from over. How far will her enemies go to see her undone?

Combining the biblical account of Esther with Herodotus's Histories, Jewel
of Persia is the story of a love that nearly destroys an empire . . . and
the friendship that saves a nation.

Sujets

• Religion
• Christianisme
• Historical
• Christian
• Fiction

Informations

• Publié par: eBookIt.com
• Date de parution: 29 décembre 2010
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9780976544487
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 2 Mo

Extrait

Praise forJewel of Persia

“Few authors capture the heart and soul of Biblical fiction like Roseanna White, a master of mood and majesty whose epic taleJewel of Persia transcends words on a page to become people, passion and life lessons etched on the heart. From meticulous historical detail and vivid prose to flesh-and-blood characters you almost see, hear and feel, the story of Queen Esther leaps from the pages of history in a manner that will leave you breathless. Easily one of the most haunting books I’ve read this year.”

J ULIE L ESSMAN Award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Changes Series

~*~

“Roseanna White’s books always thrill and inspire. When I see one of her titles, I grab it right up, because she writes with such insight and depth. Combine excitement, romance, and multi-dimensional characters with her talent for weaving stories that inspire without being preachy, and you have a ‘Keeper’ on your hands!”

L OREE L OUGH Author of 77 award-winning novels, including those soon to be released in her “Lone Star Legends” and “First Responders” series.

~*~

“This is biblical fiction at its absolute best. Roseanna White writes fiction saturated with immense truths. You will love this intriguing story of tenderness and nobility, cutthroat suspense and fierce love. Woven throughout is a bottom line truth; God’s purposes will be fulfilled even in times of battle. A true keeper for every book collector! Don’t miss out!”

S HARLENE M AC L AREN Bestselling author of Little Hickman Creek, The Daughters of Jacob Kane, and in 2011, River of Hope And several stand-alone contemporary novels.

~*~

“InJewel of Persia, Roseanna M. White engages her readers in a beautiful story of the power of love, the strength of friendship, and the faithfulness of our Lord. Ms. White has a remarkable way of whisking her readers back in time with believable characters and a rich, detailed setting. The twists of this plot will leave the reader breathless yet hungrily turning each page for more, and when the last sentence has been read,Jewel of Persiawill remain in the heart of the Biblical fiction fan.”

J EN S TEPHENS Author ofThe Heart’s Journey Home

~*~

“This is the familiar story of Esther but recounted in a fresh, new way. Author Roseanna M. White dishes up quite a love story filled with intrigue and danger, told from a perspective that’s fictional yet entirely believable. . . . If Biblical fiction is your passion, Jewel of Persiais a book you won’t want to miss.”

M ICHELLE G RIEP Author ofGallimore

~*~

“Jewel of Persia took my breath away! Roseanna White is an amazing storyteller, and as I read this brilliant story, the prose danced off the pages, breathing life into a host of characters. I fell in love with Kasia and Xerxes, and found myself cheering for them, lovingdespite their imperfections. Only a talented author like White could pull them, that off, and I am humbly impressed with her writing. This authorknowscraft. I the can’t wait to read more from Roseanna White. She never disappoints.”

S ANDI R OG Author ofThe Master’s Wall

R o s e a n n a M. W h i t e

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are either fictitious or used fictitiously.

JEWEL OF PERSIA

Copyright © 2010, Roseanna M. White All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole is strictly forbidden without the express written consent of the publisher.

Published for the Internet by eBookIt.com http://www.eBookIt.com

WhiteFire Publishing 13607 Bedford Rd NE Cumberland, MD 21502

ISBN: 978-0-9765444-8-7

Cover model photo by Christian Agha Photography Jewelry design by Vaphiadis Jewelery, Athens, Greece (www.GreekJewelryShop.com)

Cover Design by Tekeme Studios (www.tekeme.com)

To the jewels of my life, David, Xoë, and Rowyn. And of course, my parents and sister, and their unfailing support.

Also, special thanks to Stephanie, Mary, Carole, Dina, and Sandi. Invaluable critique partners ~ Precious friends

Characters and Key Places

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Table of Contents

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Twenty-Six

Twenty-Seven

Twenty-Eight

Twenty-Nine

Thirty

Thirty-One

Thirty-Two

Thirty-Three

Thirty-Four

Thirty-Five

Thirty-Six

Thirty-Seven

Thirty-Eight

Thirty-Nine

Forty

Forty-One

Forty-Two

Forty-Three

Forty-Four

Forty-Five

Forty-Six

Forty-Seven

Forty-Eight

Forty-Nine

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Discussion Questions

Other Titles

Characters and Key Places

Abba(AB-buh) – see Kish Amestris– (historical) Queen of Persia, wife of Xerxes; a.k.a Vashti (uh-MESS-triss) of the Book of Esther Amytis(AM-i-tiss) – (historical) elder daughter of Xerxes and Amestris Artabanas– (historical) younger brother of the late King Darius, (art-uh-BAN-us) uncle to Xerxes Artaxerxes– (historical) youngest son of Xerxes and Amestris; (art-uh-ZIRK-seez) succeeded Xerxes Artaynte(ar-TAIN-tuh) – (historical) daughter of Masistes Artemisia (art-i-MEEZ-ee-uh) – (historical) female commander of several ships in Xerxes’ army Atossa(uh-TOSS-uh) – (historical) wife of the late King Darius, daughter of Cyrus the Great, mother of Xerxes Bijan(bee-ZHAHN) – (fictional) Persian noble, member of the Immortals, friend of Zechariah Chinara(chin-AR-uh) – (fictional) Xerxes’ favorite daughter Choaspes River(choe-AS-peez) – river that winds around Susa, renowned for its sweet waters Cyrus(SY-rus) – (fictional) one of Xerxes’ sons Darius(DAR-ee-us) – (historical) grandson of King Darius, eldest son of Xerxes and Amestris Demaratus(de-MARE-uh-tus) – (historical) exiled king of Sparta, Xerxes’ advisor Desma(DEZ-muh) – (fictional) Kasia’s most trusted maidservant Diona(dee-OH-nuh) – (fictional) one of Xerxes’ concubines Eglah(EGG-lah) – (fictional) one of Kasia’s younger sisters Esther(ESS-ter) – (historical) cousin and ward of Mordecai Haman(HAY-muhn) – (historical) trusted official of Xerxes and (fictionally) best friend of Masistes Hegai(HEG-eye) – (historical) a eunuch, the custodian in charge of the harem Hystaspes(hih-STASS-peez) – (historical) second son of Xerxes and Amestris Ima(EE-muh) – see Zillah (I) Iona(ee-OH-nuh) – (fictional) one of Kasia’s maidservants Jasmine– (fictional) wife of Xerxes, friend of Kasia, mother of Chinara Joshua– (fictional) Kasia’s second eldest brother Kasia(ka-SEE-uh) – (fictional) heroine; daughter of Kish and Zillah, sister of Zechariah, friend of Esther, and concubine to Xerxes Keturah(keh-TUR-uh) – (fictional) Mordecai’s late wife Kish– (fictional) father of Kasia (called Abba by his children) Lalasa(luh-LOSS-uh) – (fictional) one of Xerxes’ concubines Mardonius(mar-DOH-nee-us) – (historical) cousin of Xerxes, a commander of the army Masistes(ma-SISS-teez) – (historical) younger full brother of Xerxes, son of Atossa and King Darius

Memucan(meh-MOO-cuhn) – (historical) one of Xerxes’ counselors Mordecai(MOR-de-KY)– (historical) cousin and guardian of Esther Otanes(oh-TAY-neez) – (historical) head of the army, father of Amestris Parsisa(par-SISS-uh) – (historical figure, fictional name) wife of Masistes, mother of Artaynte Persepolis(per-SEH-poh-liss) – less mentioned but wealthiest of Persia’s capital cities Pythius(PITH-ee-us) – (historical) wealthiest man in Lydia, second only to Xerxes in the world Rhodogune(ROH-doh-GOON-uh) – (historical) younger daughter of Xerxes and Amestris Ruana(roo-AH-nuh) – (fictional) sister of Bijan Sarai(sare-EYE) – (fictional) Kasia’s youngest sister Sardis(SAR-diss) – capital of Lydia, a province in the Persian empire Susa(SOO-suh) – the most mentioned and most southerly of the four Persian capitals; a.k.a. Shushan Theron(THER-uhn)– (fictional) Kasia’s head eunuch and bodyguard Xerxes(ZIRK-seez)– (historical) hero; King of Persia and Media Zechariah(ZECK-uh-RY-uh)– (fictional) Kasia’s eldest brother Zethar(ZETH-are)– (historical) one of Xerxes’ eunuchs and bodyguards Zillah (I)(ZILL-uh)– (fictional) wife of Kish, mother of Kasia (called Ima by her children) Zillah (II) (ZILL-uh)– (fictional) daughter of Kasia, granddaughter of above