title: Esther: A Novel
author:  Rebecca Kanner 
description: "The book of Esther comes to life in this vivid novel based on the Old Testament tale....Kanner's descriptions are convincing and rich." (<i>Kirkus Reviews</i>)<br /><br />"The brutality of Esthers experience makes her bravery that much more impressive, while her understandable struggle with fear makes her believable." (<i>RT Book Reviews</i>)<br /><br />"Distinctively powerful and creative..." (<i>Booklist</i>)<br /><br />"Fans of biblical fiction will love this fresh retelling. Kanners characters crackle to life as Esthers tale is related in glorious detail. Razor-sharp dialog set against the backdrop of a court rife with treachery and political intrigue keep the pages turning." (<i>Library Journal</i>)<br /><br />Vividenchanting. (<i>St. Paul Pioneer Press</i>)<br /><br />Fascinating to read. (<i>Minneapolis Star Tribune</i>)<br /><br />A compelling piece of historical fiction. (<i>Historical Novel Society</i>)<br /><br />"Skillful, empathetic characterizations; elegant writing, and seamless, edge-of-the-seat plotting make <i>Esther</i> a novel you wont want to put down, and that youll wish would never end. (Sherry Jones, author of The Jewel of Medina and The Sharp Hook of Love)<br /><br />In her compelling novel of this well-known biblical heroine, Rebecca Kanner reveals the story of Esther as its never been told. With evocative prose and vivid historical detail, Kanners riveting story brings to life an imperfect, conflicted woman gifted with both beauty and intelligence. With strength and courage, Esther navigates the dangers of Xerxes court and her own desires to become the heroine of her story and save a nation. (Stephanie Landsem, author of The Tomb)<br /><br />Like a shimmering mirage, the peasant girl Hadassah rises from humble roots to become the beguiling Queen Esther. Let this tale of exotic lands and palace intrigues weave its spell on you. You will be rattled, enthralled, and ultimately won over as Rebecca Kanner brings another woman of the Bible to radiant life. (Duncan W. Alderson, author of the Harpers Bazaar must-read Magnolia City)
zlib_text: **Contents**
  
  About the Book
  
  About the Author
  
  Also by Clare Chambers
  
  Title Page
  
  Dedication
  
  Part One
  
  Chapter 1
  
  Part Two
  
  Chapter 2
  
  Chapter 3
  
  Chapter 4
  
  Chapter 5
  
  Chapter 6
  
  Chapter 7
  
  Chapter 8
  
  Chapter 9
  
  Chapter 10
  
  Chapter 11
  
  Chapter 12
  
  Chapter 13
  
  Chapter 14
  
  Chapter 15
  
  Chapter 16
  
  Chapter 17
  
  Chapter 18
  
  Chapter 19
  
  Chapter 20
  
  Chapter 21
  
  Chapter 22
  
  Chapter 23
  
  Chapter 24
  
  Chapter 25
  
  Chapter 26
  
  Chapter 27
  
  Chapter 28
  
  Chapter 29
  
  Chapter 30
  
  Chapter 31
  
  Chapter 32
  
  Chapter 33
  
  Chapter 34
  
  Chapter 35
  
  Chapter 36
  
  Part Three
  
  Chapter 37
  
  Chapter 38
  
  Chapter 39
  
  Chapter 40
  
  Chapter 41
  
  Chapter 42
  
  Chapter 43
  
  Chapter 44
  
  Chapter 45
  
  Chapter 46
  
  Chapter 47
  
  Copyright
  
  About the Book
  
   _Esther Fairchild’s past is about to catch up with her ..._
  
  When Esther recognizes a face in the crowd, it brings back a past she’s been
  trying to forget. And memories flood back of her eccentric childhood – the
  large, shabby house, her adored elder brother Christian, and their parents’
  