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The Seduction of Esther
Samara Goldberg has a problem even the most beautiful singing voice can’t fix. She’s a walking disaster, especially when she’s around handsome men. To make matters worse, she’s in desperate need of someone to play the character of Mordecai for the Purim spiel she’s producing and the new congregant, Nathaniel Abramson, is a perfect fit. Nathaniel is a divorced dad who’s recovering from the biggest public scandal of his life. The last thing he needs is a relationship with the choir director at his new synagogue, who also happens to be playing the lead female role of Esther in the very play he’s been coerced into joining.
Woven around the Jewish holiday of Purim, The Seduction of Esther is a story of two people whose lives mirror the plot of the Purim story. Like Esther, who had to hide her Jewish identity from the King of Persia, Samara and Nathaniel are hiding key pieces of themselves. Evil Haman wanted to destroy the Jews, and the nasty Josh will do anything to keep Samara and Nathaniel apart. Will their love survive, like the Jewish people in Shushan, Persia, or will their fear keep them apart?
Woven around the Jewish holiday of Purim, The Seduction of Esther is a story of two people whose lives mirror the plot of the Purim story. Like Esther, who had to hide her Jewish identity from the King of Persia, Samara and Nathaniel are hiding key pieces of themselves. Evil Haman wanted to destroy the Jews, and the nasty Josh will do anything to keep Samara and Nathaniel apart. Will their love survive, like the Jewish people in Shushan, Persia, or will their fear keep them apart?
178 pages, ebook
First published May 31, 2013
37 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Wilck
48 books478 followersJennifer Wilck is an award-winning contemporary romance author for readers who are passionate about love, laughter, and happily ever after. Known for writing both Jewish and non-Jewish romances, her books feature damaged heroes, sassy and independent heroines, witty banter and hot chemistry. Jennifer’s ability to transport the reader into the scene, create characters the reader will fall in love with, and evoke a roller coaster of emotions, will hook you from the first page. You can find her books at all major online retailers in a variety of formats.
Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.
In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate.
Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.
In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 11, 2015
Sweet, sexy romance!
March 4, 2024
Very good read. The characters were very well written and easy to get to know and very real. Would recommend to others
July 6, 2013
Originally published at Reading Reality
Esther isn’t actually the one being seduced, Samara is the woman involved in this love triangle. And she’s not so much the seducee as the seducer. Or she would be if she could stop tripping over her own feet long enough.
Samara’s problem is that while she may have the voice of an angel, she has the hands of a klutz, derived from the Yiddish for clumsy person. Samara is extremely clumsy, especially when she is around someone she wants to impress, or people who make her nervous.
Her beautiful singing voice has made her the choir director at her Temple. She’s also in charge of pretty much anything musical, so she’s the natural person to write musical skits for happy celebrations and holidays like Purim.
There are really two triangles in this story. One involves Samara, her sister Miriam, and Josh. Sam and Josh have been friends for quite a while. Josh wants more and Sam simply doesn’t. It happens. Josh hopes that if he sticks around as a good friend, Sam will eventually see the light. This is not that kind of story. Sam’s sister Miriam would be perfect for Josh. Miriam, is, in fact, already perfect, which is kind of the problem. Josh wants to take Sam on as a project. He thinks he can “fix” her.
We wouldn’t have a story if there wasn’t a new man in the picture. The new guy in town (actually he’s the new guy at the Temple) is Nathan. He’s divorced and has custody of his teenaged daughter. The difference between Nathan and Josh is that Nathan is interested in Sam as she is, not as he wants her to be. His problem is that he doesn’t want to be the subject of gossip, because he’s already been there and done that with his ex.
And Josh, because he hasn’t gotten the message, decides to get in the middle in the hopes of snagging Sam for himself.
Meanwhile, the Purim skit that Sam has created still has to go on, with Sam, Josh and Nathan all playing lead roles that reflect their positions in Sam’s real-life drama. In the play, Sam, as Esther, saves Nathan and banishes Josh. Will life reflect art?
Escape Rating B: This is a lovely story. Even though it takes place in a big city, the tight-knit community of the Temple gives the story a small-town feel--everyone knows everyone and everybody gossips about everything.
This isn’t about good vs. evil. People, even Josh, had good intentions. But just because he thought he had Sam’s best interests at heart, didn’t mean that he really did. And both Nathan and Sam let their past with other people get in the way of a possible happy future. But people do that.
The story is set in the community of Jewish Temple around the Purim holiday. The author sprinkles in some Yiddish and some terms specific to the holiday or to the Temple, but she explains everything fully for those not familiar. Purim is a very fun holiday and this skit sounds like it would be hilarious to see performed. I’m sorry there’s no video!
Esther isn’t actually the one being seduced, Samara is the woman involved in this love triangle. And she’s not so much the seducee as the seducer. Or she would be if she could stop tripping over her own feet long enough.
Samara’s problem is that while she may have the voice of an angel, she has the hands of a klutz, derived from the Yiddish for clumsy person. Samara is extremely clumsy, especially when she is around someone she wants to impress, or people who make her nervous.
Her beautiful singing voice has made her the choir director at her Temple. She’s also in charge of pretty much anything musical, so she’s the natural person to write musical skits for happy celebrations and holidays like Purim.
There are really two triangles in this story. One involves Samara, her sister Miriam, and Josh. Sam and Josh have been friends for quite a while. Josh wants more and Sam simply doesn’t. It happens. Josh hopes that if he sticks around as a good friend, Sam will eventually see the light. This is not that kind of story. Sam’s sister Miriam would be perfect for Josh. Miriam, is, in fact, already perfect, which is kind of the problem. Josh wants to take Sam on as a project. He thinks he can “fix” her.
We wouldn’t have a story if there wasn’t a new man in the picture. The new guy in town (actually he’s the new guy at the Temple) is Nathan. He’s divorced and has custody of his teenaged daughter. The difference between Nathan and Josh is that Nathan is interested in Sam as she is, not as he wants her to be. His problem is that he doesn’t want to be the subject of gossip, because he’s already been there and done that with his ex.
And Josh, because he hasn’t gotten the message, decides to get in the middle in the hopes of snagging Sam for himself.
Meanwhile, the Purim skit that Sam has created still has to go on, with Sam, Josh and Nathan all playing lead roles that reflect their positions in Sam’s real-life drama. In the play, Sam, as Esther, saves Nathan and banishes Josh. Will life reflect art?
Escape Rating B: This is a lovely story. Even though it takes place in a big city, the tight-knit community of the Temple gives the story a small-town feel--everyone knows everyone and everybody gossips about everything.
This isn’t about good vs. evil. People, even Josh, had good intentions. But just because he thought he had Sam’s best interests at heart, didn’t mean that he really did. And both Nathan and Sam let their past with other people get in the way of a possible happy future. But people do that.
The story is set in the community of Jewish Temple around the Purim holiday. The author sprinkles in some Yiddish and some terms specific to the holiday or to the Temple, but she explains everything fully for those not familiar. Purim is a very fun holiday and this skit sounds like it would be hilarious to see performed. I’m sorry there’s no video!
June 29, 2013
*disclaimer from Harlie…I grew up in Dallas, TX. In high school, half of the girls on our drill team were Jewish. My brother’s best friend was Jewish. Shoot he went to temple and church. And my cousin (male) married a very nice Jewish girl from Chicago. I had completely forgotten about the Purim celebration. Thank you Ms. Wilck for the reminder.*
So now that you’ve read Harlie’s disclaimer, let’s get on with the review. Between the scenes at the temple, hanging out a Kosher deli, the older ladies trying to play matchmaker (which is real in the Jewish culture) and the Shabbat dinner at Samara’s house, I felt like I was hanging out the Prager’s. Yes, they are my Jewish “family” in Dallas and the book made me miss them.
Samara was the typical klutz but also very likeable and realistic as a heroine. Working at her temple full time and getting flustered every time she came across a good looking man, she was real. Believe me, I’m a old married woman and I still get flustered when I’m around a good looking man. ;) Also, liked the fact that realized early on that Nathaniel made her NOT be so klutzy. He had a calming influence on her.
Nathaniel had a lot to deal with. A public scandal that ended his marriage, a 7 yr old daughter to raise and then the ex decides she wants to play mommy again. His attraction to Samara was not good at all. Unfortunately for him, the gods had other plans for him when it came to Samara.
These two were sweet together. They completed each other in ways that they didn’t even know they needed. Nathaniel’s daughter was also a breath of fresh air. Not bratty, too cutesy but necessary with Nathaniel’s growth in the book and his relationship with Samara.
If there was a villain in the story, Ms. Wilck gave Josh the fortitude in the end to realize what he done not only to Samara and Nathaniel but also to himself. I knew he was swarmy in the beginning but the book’s end, I really wanted him to find love, too.
Again, the settings and locales were great. I’ve been to NYC and can picture everything that Ms. Wilck described in the book. Of course, now I need to go the Jewish deli in Dallas next month. :) Ms. Wilck’s secondary characters were also good and enhanced the story along the way. Never intrusive and demanding of their own time. Okay maybe Josh and Miriam in the end… hint, hint.
Don’t pass up a great story about two people that didn’t know they needed each other to learn to truly love someone. You also might crave a good Jewish deli in the process. :)
- See more at: http://www.harliesbooks.com/posts/the...
So now that you’ve read Harlie’s disclaimer, let’s get on with the review. Between the scenes at the temple, hanging out a Kosher deli, the older ladies trying to play matchmaker (which is real in the Jewish culture) and the Shabbat dinner at Samara’s house, I felt like I was hanging out the Prager’s. Yes, they are my Jewish “family” in Dallas and the book made me miss them.
Samara was the typical klutz but also very likeable and realistic as a heroine. Working at her temple full time and getting flustered every time she came across a good looking man, she was real. Believe me, I’m a old married woman and I still get flustered when I’m around a good looking man. ;) Also, liked the fact that realized early on that Nathaniel made her NOT be so klutzy. He had a calming influence on her.
Nathaniel had a lot to deal with. A public scandal that ended his marriage, a 7 yr old daughter to raise and then the ex decides she wants to play mommy again. His attraction to Samara was not good at all. Unfortunately for him, the gods had other plans for him when it came to Samara.
These two were sweet together. They completed each other in ways that they didn’t even know they needed. Nathaniel’s daughter was also a breath of fresh air. Not bratty, too cutesy but necessary with Nathaniel’s growth in the book and his relationship with Samara.
If there was a villain in the story, Ms. Wilck gave Josh the fortitude in the end to realize what he done not only to Samara and Nathaniel but also to himself. I knew he was swarmy in the beginning but the book’s end, I really wanted him to find love, too.
Again, the settings and locales were great. I’ve been to NYC and can picture everything that Ms. Wilck described in the book. Of course, now I need to go the Jewish deli in Dallas next month. :) Ms. Wilck’s secondary characters were also good and enhanced the story along the way. Never intrusive and demanding of their own time. Okay maybe Josh and Miriam in the end… hint, hint.
Don’t pass up a great story about two people that didn’t know they needed each other to learn to truly love someone. You also might crave a good Jewish deli in the process. :)
- See more at: http://www.harliesbooks.com/posts/the...
June 14, 2013
This is the first opportunity I have had to read a book by Jennifer Wilck and I really enjoyed it. She has a nice style of writing that kept me interested in the story from the first page until then end. There was enough drama going on that kept me wondering how things were going to work out for Samara & Nathaniel.
I really liked Samara Goldberg, even though she is a walking disaster waiting to happen. I actually liked that part about her because I have some of that same problems on occasion. Samara's accident prone problems add some humor to the story as well. I always enjoy laughing while I am reading a story. What is really sweet about Samara's accidents is they start to decrease as she gets more comfortable with Nat.
Nathaniel Abramson is a man with a history that he does not want to repeat by any means. His ex-wife created problems for him that has left him really hesitant to enter into another relationship. He has an adorable daughter that is the light of his life. I really admired him for his commitment to his daughter.
I really enjoyed reading Samara & Nathaniel's story and enjoyed watching them work through all the obstacles in their path to each other. There is some that doesn't want them together and does everything in their power to make things hard for Sam & Nat.
I was very excited to receive a copy of this book to read and review for a blog tour.
I really liked Samara Goldberg, even though she is a walking disaster waiting to happen. I actually liked that part about her because I have some of that same problems on occasion. Samara's accident prone problems add some humor to the story as well. I always enjoy laughing while I am reading a story. What is really sweet about Samara's accidents is they start to decrease as she gets more comfortable with Nat.
Nathaniel Abramson is a man with a history that he does not want to repeat by any means. His ex-wife created problems for him that has left him really hesitant to enter into another relationship. He has an adorable daughter that is the light of his life. I really admired him for his commitment to his daughter.
I really enjoyed reading Samara & Nathaniel's story and enjoyed watching them work through all the obstacles in their path to each other. There is some that doesn't want them together and does everything in their power to make things hard for Sam & Nat.
I was very excited to receive a copy of this book to read and review for a blog tour.
September 5, 2013
I was given a copy of this book by the author.
This is a very sweet story. Samara is a clumsy, lovable woman with a huge heart. Nathaniel is a single dad trying to settle into full-time parenting and give his daughter stability. His ex-wife left some damage in her wake, and he's not the most trusting fellow. The story of Sam and Nat is full of growth and learning, and it's interwoven in the synagogue's inner workings. I really enjoyed learning more about Judaism, temple life, and Purim as Samara works as the choir director and Nathaniel and his daughter are new congregates. The story is told from their perspectives as well as a few others from the synagogue.
I was, however, unhappy with the character Josh. His obsession with Sam is severely unhealthy, and we see many instances of him overstepping. The glimpses into his perspective show the mind of a very sick individual. While I didn't object to that, I WAS unhappy with the evolution of Josh. He made some rather abrupt realizations and course changes near the end of the story. The author worked to redeem him, and I felt it was drastic for the amount of disturbing behavior he exhibited through most of the book. I'm in favor of redemption, but I've never seen a real person so quickly take responsibility for such narcissistic behaviors.
This is a very sweet story. Samara is a clumsy, lovable woman with a huge heart. Nathaniel is a single dad trying to settle into full-time parenting and give his daughter stability. His ex-wife left some damage in her wake, and he's not the most trusting fellow. The story of Sam and Nat is full of growth and learning, and it's interwoven in the synagogue's inner workings. I really enjoyed learning more about Judaism, temple life, and Purim as Samara works as the choir director and Nathaniel and his daughter are new congregates. The story is told from their perspectives as well as a few others from the synagogue.
I was, however, unhappy with the character Josh. His obsession with Sam is severely unhealthy, and we see many instances of him overstepping. The glimpses into his perspective show the mind of a very sick individual. While I didn't object to that, I WAS unhappy with the evolution of Josh. He made some rather abrupt realizations and course changes near the end of the story. The author worked to redeem him, and I felt it was drastic for the amount of disturbing behavior he exhibited through most of the book. I'm in favor of redemption, but I've never seen a real person so quickly take responsibility for such narcissistic behaviors.
June 9, 2014
The Seduction of Esther by Jennifer Wilck stumbles (in a good way) along with Samara, choir director at the local Temple, as she attempts not to hurt the good looking man she just met, or rather left to clean up the aisle mess she created. Thinking she escaped embarrassment, she soon realizes he’s the father of the new student she acquired at Hebrew school. Known as the Temple klutz, can she hold a conversation with Nathaniel without spilling food on him?
Nathaniel, recently divorced and father of a wonderful girl, left one Temple for another in hopes that the gossip surrounding his ex-wife did not follow him. He merely wanted to focus on being a good father to Zoe. Nothing and no one else mattered. That is until he almost found himself at the bottom of a potato avalanche. The woman who caused the fiasco left him to clean up the mess. Soon, he discovers she possesses the most beautiful singing voice. Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her?
With the upcoming Purim celebration, Samara is stuck playing Esther with Nathaniel as Mordecai and Josh as Haman. To make matters even crazier, Josh wants more than friendship.
This is a humorous story with scatterings of Jewish terminology. I found the story entertaining and fun. A great adult summer read.
Nathaniel, recently divorced and father of a wonderful girl, left one Temple for another in hopes that the gossip surrounding his ex-wife did not follow him. He merely wanted to focus on being a good father to Zoe. Nothing and no one else mattered. That is until he almost found himself at the bottom of a potato avalanche. The woman who caused the fiasco left him to clean up the mess. Soon, he discovers she possesses the most beautiful singing voice. Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her?
With the upcoming Purim celebration, Samara is stuck playing Esther with Nathaniel as Mordecai and Josh as Haman. To make matters even crazier, Josh wants more than friendship.
This is a humorous story with scatterings of Jewish terminology. I found the story entertaining and fun. A great adult summer read.
March 28, 2014
A well-written, fast-paced romance, The Seduction of Esther was a most fun and enjoyable read. Samara is a clumsy woman, whose accident-prone nature seems to keep getting her into trouble every time she crosses paths with handsome hero and single Dad, Nathaniel. Throw in villain, Josh, who wants Samara for himself, and Nathaniel's ex-wife Shelley, and there is loads of trouble for this sweet couple as they struggle to put on a play in celebration of the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Jennifer Wilck created a dynamic couple whose story I did not want to stop reading right up until the last page. The book is packed with sweet moments, sad, funny and sexy ones. The couple's chemistry is clear and I never gave up on them, even when things looked bleak. It's always great to pick up a romance novel that immerses me completely within the hero and heroine's world and this one does not disappoint!
If you want to be swept away in a sweet and sexy romance, I definitely recommend The Seduction of Esther!
Jennifer Wilck created a dynamic couple whose story I did not want to stop reading right up until the last page. The book is packed with sweet moments, sad, funny and sexy ones. The couple's chemistry is clear and I never gave up on them, even when things looked bleak. It's always great to pick up a romance novel that immerses me completely within the hero and heroine's world and this one does not disappoint!
If you want to be swept away in a sweet and sexy romance, I definitely recommend The Seduction of Esther!
September 24, 2014
Samara is a Klutz with a capital K and voice like an angel. It’s only when she’s performing that the rest of her relaxes. But she’s used to making a fool of herself (in her mind) and accepts it when she meets Nathaniel the new guy at the temple. He’s divorced with a daughter and pretty reticent to talk about himself. He doesn’t want to be the center of gossip or interest. So of course the person who seems to bring attention to herself (wanted or not) is attracted and vice versa with the person who wants the least attention. They get to know one another around the play that Samara has written for the Purim holiday and learn their roles can lead them to a new discovery. In addition to enjoying a great romance, I learned about a Jewish tradition that was new for me. I’m looking forward to more from Jennifer Wilck.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews