Historical Fiction Review: The Warrior and Lady Rebel (Warrior Bride book 1) By Teresa Smyser

Book Description:
Lightning and thunder crash around her as Elizabeth runs from her pursuer. She rests for only a moment ... or so she thinks. Castles ... swords ... men of war ... Elizabeth is stunned! How did she arrive in England? Who brought her here? As she struggles to uncover the events that landed her at Fairwick Castle, nothing is as it should be. Danger surrounds her. Forced to put her trust in the arrogant Lord Nicolas Fairwick, Elizabeth prays for God’s intervention.

My Thoughts:
I enjoy reading stories set in the Middle Ages. Elizabeth, even though she has amnesia, pulls herself together to be a spunky, honest woman, determined to do what is right. Lord Nicolas Fairwick is a medieval overseer of the castle who sometimes lets his power get in the way of his intentions. They are two people who need each other. They just have to figure it out. This book is filled with adventure. At times I cringed because of the stories of the characters who caused heartache for the pair, while other times I cheered for the bravery and fearlessness of Lady Elizabeth and the kindness and caring of Lord Fairwick. There are some difficult circumstances in the story, but they make Lord Fairwick fight to be a kindhearted man. I enjoyed the comradery of the three brothers and their sister as well as the relationship between the staff and the royals. If you enjoy medieval historical novels with a bit more bite to them, you'll like The Warrior and the Lady Rebel. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book Review: Castle of Refuge (A Dericott Tale Book 2) by Melanie Dickerson

Book Description:

To live an unforgettable life, she would defy all expectations—including her own.

Ever since she was a child, Audrey wanted her life to be extraordinary. But as the daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century England, the only thing expected of her was to marry—until an act of malice by her sister, Maris, four years ago damaged her prospects even further. Though Maris was sent away, twenty-year-old Audrey is still suffering the scars of her sister’s cruelty. So when her father announces his plans to marry off his damaged daughter and bring Maris back home, Audrey decides to flee in search of her true destiny.

However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, sick, and in dire straits. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier and bears scars of his own.

Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to marry comes looking for her, each must make a life-changing decision about what to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.

In this Ugly Duckling retelling, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson brilliantly crafts a highstakes, encouraging tale about the power of love.

My Thoughts:
I love a good fairy tale, and Melanie Dickerson always delivers. In Castle of Refuge, Audrey has a formidable enemy, her own sister. Edwin has an unexpected burden to bear. Brought together by Audrey’s desperation to leave home, the two fight the evil that surrounds them. Castle of Refuge is a beautiful tale of hope. Audrey and Edwin must both confront their self-identity and see themselves as those dear to them see them. This story has so many wonderful characters, even the evil Maris. Dickerson does a wonderful job showing why Maris is the way she is and how Audrey loves her sister despite her nasty ways. If you enjoy fairy tales and Medieval times, or a good romance, you’ll love Castle of Refuge. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

Historical Fiction Book Review: Beauty Among Ruins by J'nell Ciesielski

Book Description:
In Ciesielski’s latest sweeping romance, an American heiress finds herself in Scotland amid the fallout of the Great War, and a wounded Scottish laird comes face-to-face with his past and a woman he never could have expected.

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

My Thoughts:
Ciesielski has created a story filled with beauty, love, and mystery.  I love books where the setting is as much a character as the people. Beauty Among Ruins is a wonderful book to get lost in as you travel to the beautiful Scottish highlands and walk the hills and gardens. Lily, a delightful character, brings joy and charm to an otherwise sad situation. I love her spunk and fearless ways. Alec, the brave, strong, brooding Scot, fights to hang on to his beloved home. A variety of intriguing characters enhance the story of Lily and Alec as they try to solve the mysteries surrounding Kinclavoch Castle. If you enjoy stories set in the early 1900s with romance and intrigue, you'll love Beauty Among Ruins. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.