Esther's Cherished Destiny

by DaLeena Taylor

She’s the kingdom’s greatest enemy.

He’s the king she grew up hating.

Kidnapped and forced to compete for the position of queen, Esther Ravenbard has no choice but to pretend to be someone she’s not. If she wins, she might save her people. But if she’s discovered, she will certainly die.

King Favian grows tired of the unrest within his kingdom and longs for the day he can settle it once and for all with the destruction of Ravenbard. Even in the midst of the turmoil around him, and having already given up on love, he must still seek a new bride. With the arrival of the beautiful Esther, the fate of both his kingdom and his heart are at risk.

Things are not what they seem in the Elbren Kingdom. Can Esther unravel the plot in time to save those she’s grown to care about? Or will they both watch as more than just a kingdom is destroyed before their eyes?

Esther’s Cherished Destiny is a clean Biblical retelling with a medieval romance. This is the first book in the Cherished Medieval Brides Series, which is comprised of stand-alone novels linked together with recurring characters and overlapping story lines.

Genres: Christian

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Martha Braebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible! I had to keep turning the page. I loved Esther and Favian's relationship and how they eventually grew to love each other. This was a wonderful Biblical retelling of Queen Esther and I just couldn't put this book down. The take on Queen Esther was amazing and there were so many unexpecting twists and turns. I love Lynessa's loyalty towards Esther and how Esther manages to inspire loyalty in so many people. This is a truly amazing book!

[TS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet clean romance with light suspense, this medieval biblical retelling of Esther was beautifully written.

I love the story of Esther and enjoy how she’s portrayed in this story. My favorite things about her are the little ways she finds to be herself even when it isn’t seen as proper; as well as her love of nature and the night sky.

A respectable noblewoman raised by her uncle, Esther finds herself at the castle competing with other young women for King Favian’s favor and the position of queen while hiding her true identity and working against her feelings of disdain and fear.

King Favian has struggled with illness for much of his life. Living in that reality, he followed in his father’s footsteps giving much of the kingdom’s decisions over to his inherited second-in-command. In spite of himself, Esther captures his attention.

It’s a race against time, old hurts, deadly deceit, and secret motives. Will all be discovered in time to change the course of their future? And will true love win the day? These questions and the swoony moments made this one a page turner. The happy ending is just perfect. I appreciate how we get a glimpse of future characters as well!

If you like sweet but swoony romance, medieval elements, and a little intrigue this one is worth picking up!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could see the Scriptural story of Esther in this story and found that where some things had to go in a different direction, they went that way smoothly (like the king in this story having just one wife).

The king in this story is young and has been deceived for most of his life. He is a moody man with a flash temper - but it's now who he would be if Ulrik weren't running the show! Esther is from a family that the king hates, and Ulrik is determined to wipe them out. Esther, with her eyes open and seeing things that don't add up, finds out his plan and now has to find a way to stop him.

I enjoyed the story over all, even though I had trouble getting into the story. I gave it four stars for that reason and for there being some steamy kissing which I am happy alluded to more but we don't see the more!

This is a clean read with no bad language or sexual content.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author. Once I read the forward, I realized that the plot is based on the story of Queen Esther from the Old Testament. It’s religious, but not overly so. There’s a lot of talk about praying and relying on God for help and guidance, and of course, it’s a clean romance. None of this is to take away from the story. It’s well-told and engaging, and an interesting retelling of the original. Sometimes there was a bit more narrative than dialogue, which can leave the reader feeling fatigued, since dialogue tends to energize and engage the reader. Nevertheless, the book held my attention throughout and I liked it enough that I’d be willing to read more from this author.

[Cindy Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enjoyed this creative retelling of Queen Esther. The Medievel setting gave it a new dynamic. Not only was the setting different but the characters were alive and vibrant. And oh, the villian was one you couldn't wait to see get his. The love story was tender, yet challenging as Esther and the King learn to love unconditionally. I'll be looking for more of Taylor's retellings.

[R Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful love story

I loved this book! Esther is my favorite book of the Bible so knowing the story i still anxiously turned pages to see what happened next. The Medevil twist to the story did not detract in any way from the Biblical account. God and Love wins in the end!!

[Sharlet Temme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Movie please!

What a beautiful take on the biblical Esther. Captivating, riveting, enchanting, suspenseful. A delightful read. I could hardly put the book down.