Tessa Afshar is a highly acclaimed author of biblical and historical fiction, known for her award-winning work in the Christian genre. She was born in Iran and spent her childhood there before moving to England at the age of fourteen. It was during her time in England that she discovered her love for classic literature, being particularly influenced by Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen. Afshar's conversion to Christianity in her twenties had a profound impact on her life, leading her to pursue a theological education in the United States. She attended Yale University, where she graduated with a Master of Divinity and served as the co-chair of the Christian Fellowship at the Divinity School. Currently, she serves on the board of one of the oldest American churches, all the while maintaining her love for chocolate.
Afshar's literary career took off in 2010 with the publication of her first novel, "Pearl in the Sand". She followed this success with "Harvest of Rubies", the first in the Harvest series, in 2012. Over the years, Afshar's work has been translated into 11 languages and has appeared on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists. Her novels have won several awards, including an Inspy award for "Land of Silence", which was also a finalist for the Best Inspirational Romance at the 2016 RT Reviewers Choice Awards. Afshar's work has been recognized with multiple Christy Awards, including for the novel "Harvest of Gold" and for the Bible Study category in the Christian Book Awards.
Afshar's biblical fiction has been well-received and has appeared on multiple bestseller lists, including Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA. Her novel, "Pearl in the Sand", received ECPA's Bronze Milestone Sales Award. Afshar's books have received numerous accolades, including the Christy, INSPY, and ECPA Christian Book of the Year (Bible Study category) Awards. They have also been finalists for the Carol, Christy, and ECPA Christian Book Awards. "Land of Silence" was chosen as one of the top five Christian fiction titles of the year by Library Journal. Afshar's personal background is also highlighted, noting that she was born in the Middle East and spent her teen years in England before moving to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties significantly altered the course of her life. She is described as a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.