Packed full of wisdom about modern-day life and the Bible's continuing applicability. Dianne Tidball retells the story of Esther as it is, without embellishment or analogy. She brings an ancient story to meaningful life in the contemporary world. For those struggling to understand the Old Testament or to reconcile it to Christian lifestyles, there is probably no better entry point than this gripplingly interesting exposition that reads like a novel. Nonetheless, experienced Bible readers will also find depths of profound wisdom in this wonderful little book. The more we read, the more we grasp the depth and unity throughout the whole of Scripture. The final chapter discusses the Greek additions to the Hebrew text that are included in the Jerusalem Bible and Apocrypha. To use her own words, Dianne Tidball fully achieves her hope of it being "a challenging and captivating book that makes the most of suspense, intrigue and humour. ... it shows all the best that people are capable of and the worst... "There is a lot spoken today of emotional intelligence, of being able to respond in the most beneficial way to people; and of being able to recognise and take risks when appropriate. Esther and Mordecai, apart from being godly people, are both emotionally intelligent people who handle every circumstance in the best way. Haman is the complete opposite... he shows no sensitivity to others or to circumstances ...he is unable to read the signals of events accurately. "I am grateful that we have such a book in which God is so subtly present in all that takes place because that is how it is for the majority of us... the days and months are made up of work and family life ... without God explicity being there and intervening. That doesn't mean that He isn't, it is just that the hidden workings of God are not always seen by our clouded vision. Esther gives us hope that in all that goes on God is working and moving in ways that we cannot imagine... "So many human themes are raised in the book that it can almost be a handbook for sensible living... "So many issues that face us day by day in our ordinary routines and give us examples of how we can learn from others' mistakes and successes.... I hope your spiritual appetite has been sufficiently whetted so you might continue to reflect upon this stunning story and so be fed further. "... Esther entertains us with serendipity, that delightfully unexpected outcome to events ... "...Life is full of frustrations ... disappointment and disillusionment... The message of Esther to all of us who face the uncertainties of daily life and feel somehow that life always lets us down and never delivers on its promises is that God's justice triumphs despite the frustration and reversal of expectations.... despite the minor irritations and major disappointments, God is in control and he is the winner in all things." Dianne is the wife of Christian author and fellow Baptist ministry team member Derek Tidball. She has written expositions on the letters of John, Peter and Jude and co-authored The Message of Women with her husband. Whether a new or mature Christian or still seeking, "Esther: A True First Lady" will be an enjoyable and informative read.