Hello, reader friends! Y’all are in for a TREAT today! We have an international visitor from a simply fabulous new release, Karim of The Esther Paradigm by Sarah Monzon. I adore this story, it is simply FABULOUS! The release date is next week November 2 but y’all can preorder right now!
Meet Karim Al-Amir
The sheikh of his Bedouin clan, Karim Al-Amir feels the heavy weight of leadership on his shoulders. Because of his position, he is serious and responsible in nature.
He will do anything to protect his people and their way of life, even marry his childhood friend—no matter their immeasurable differences. He is the hero of The Esther Paradigm.
Five Favorites
Favorite food
Karim: Baklava. Contrary to popular belief, this dessert made of thin layers of phyllo dough did not originate in Greece. I love the gooey layers of sticky, sugary syrup and crunchy walnuts.
Beth: Mmmmm, sounds delicious!!!
Favorite activity
Karim: I love camel racing. I haven’t been able to participate in the tribal races since taking on my responsibilities as sheikh, but I still love to watch the talent the men and boys have of commanding their camels.
Beth: I have never actually seen a camel run. That would be an interesting experience!
Favorite way to celebrate
Karim: Is there any other way to celebrate but with a feast and dancing?
Beth: Um… Hallmark cards?
Favorite place
Karim: We Bedouins are a nomadic people. We are constantly moving, the need to find water in the desert driving us forward.
There is beauty in every place I have been, but my soul always seeks the solitude of a mountain cave. A man can think in the quiet of the earth’s belly.
Beth: I like caves! ???? Waterfalls and creeks are my favorites though, not many of those in the desert.
Favorite book
Karim: As a faithful Muslim, I have to answer that my favorite book is the Qur’an.
Beth: I haven’t read it but I’ve certainly heard a lot about it.
About the Book
The Esther Paradigm by Sarah Monzon
Hannah Pratt dreams of starting a school for the Bedouin clan she grew up with as a missionary kid, and finally her hopes are coming true. But shortly after she returns to the desert from her college years in the U.S., she discovers her parents have received threats from their Muslim neighbors. As the danger escalates, Hannah finds she’s in the middle of a battle no one seems to understand. She must decide to what lengths she’ll go to stay faithful to the mission to which God has called her. Even if it costs her everything.
As sheikh, Karim Al-Amir feels the weight of responsibility as the leader of his people. When a mysterious illness ravishes the clan’s flocks and threatens to destroy their centuries-old way of life, locals believe the American doctors and their daughter, his childhood friend, Hannah, are to blame. Karim must do something to keep them safe—even if the only solution can be found within marriage vows.
In a society where the line is drawn between us and them, Christianity is outlawed, and foreigners are mistrusted, will their union heal wounds or inflict the final fatal blow?
goodreads | amazon | bookdepository
About the Author
Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain’s wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn’t enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters.
When she isn’t in the world of make believe, she can be found in a small desert town in central Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.
website | facebook | twitter | pinterest
Giveaway
Sarah Monzon has generously provided an ebook copy of The Esther Paradigm
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js
Share YOUR thoughts, reader friends!
What are your first impressions of Karim & The Esther Paradigm?
Faithfully Bookish 
I didn’t realize this was a contemporary story. How neat!
LikeLike
Oh, it’s WONDERFUL! ????
LikeLike
I’ve read this one. I was really captured by the romance and the uniqueness of Karim and Hannah’s story.
LikeLike
Oh. And that picture above – yummy! Now you can figure out if I meant the man or the baklava! ????
LikeLike
???? Maybe both?! I think yes!
LikeLike
Completely captivating, isn’t it?!
LikeLike
I absolutely loved this story, and this interview too! I also love the word sheikh for some reason, lol, and Sarah’s writing!!! I’m looking forward to release day and posting my review!
LikeLike
I’m so excited to hear that other readers are loving it just as much as I do! It is simply marvelous!
LikeLike
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Thanks Beth for this fun interview of Karim. This was such a fantastic book!
LikeLike
It’s my pleasure and I agree!
LikeLike
I’m looking forward to reading this book soon. Sarah’s an amazing author, and this book sounds fascinating.
LikeLike
I love it! ???? Happy reading, Winnie!
LikeLike
Love this post! I’m going to be reading this soon….it’s on my list, just have to get to it 🙂
LikeLike
Happy reading! This story is a special treat!
LikeLike
This one just keeps getting more interesting, the more I hear about it!
LikeLike
It definitely draws readers in!
LikeLike
I love Baklava! This book sounds really interesting.
LikeLike
I have tried it but it certainly sounds delicious!
LikeLike
Hi! This book sounds intriguing. My first impression would be if Karim’s favorite book is the Qur’an and as a missionary kid Hannah’s favorite book is quite possibly the bible how interesting and challenging a romance between the two would probably be.
LikeLike
Oh, Carol, you are so right!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing. I am left wondering if there is a future for Hannah and Karim.
LikeLike
I highly recommend reading to find out! It’s such a fantastic book!
LikeLike
OH.MY! So much conflict and tension. I can’t wait to read Hannah and Karim’s story.
LikeLike
Eeeep! You’re going to LOVE it, Caryl!
LikeLike
Sounds like an interesting story.
LikeLike
That it is, Connie! I was blown away, it is just SO GOOD!
LikeLike
A beautiful cover and an intriguing story were my first impressions.
LikeLike
I agree!
LikeLike
That is a great cover!
LikeLike
Don’t you love the bright blues and breezy dress?! *sigh* ????
LikeLike
My first impressions from this post and the book cover are that this will be an intriguing read. I love making Baklava every Christmas, and sometimes on other holidays. Fun post!!
LikeLike
I’m going to have to figure this baklava business out, it looks soooo yummy!
LikeLike