Esther: Royal Beauty

Biblical fiction seems to be on the rise and readers will find nothing better in the genre than bestselling Hunt’s interpretation of the biblical book of Esther. Hadassah is a teenager when she is captured by ruffians while on her way to Jerusalem with her betrothed, Binyamin. Instead of escaping the king’s call for young virgins, she is brought to the palace in a slave trader’s carriage. Harbonah, the king’s chamberlain and a eunuch, knows Hadassah’s cousin Mordecai and befriends the frightened girl, who takes the name Esther. Esther is chosen as the new queen, adjusts to life in the palace, matures into a thoughtful and brave woman, and does battle with the evil Haman to save the Jewish people. Hunt (Magdalene) handles the tale’s nuances with care and openness, presenting readers a beautiful, honest, captivating retelling of a familiar story. Agent: Danielle Egan-Miller, Browne & Miller Literary Associates. (Jan.)