YA Medieval Romance Book Review: Always
About the Book
Title: Always: A Prequel
Novella (The Lost Princesses)
Series: The Lost
Princesses
Author: Jody Hedlund
Genre: Young Adult Medieval Romance
Publisher: Northern Lights
Press
Release Date: August 13,
2019
Publisher's Description
"A fierce elite guard. A
loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from
certain death.
On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.
Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.
With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever."
On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.
Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.
With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever."
Click here to purchase a copy of this novella for yourself.
My Review
Always: A Prequel Novella by Jody Hedlund is the first story in The Lost Princesses series. This young adult novella is a stunning historical fiction fairytale filled with elements of adventure, faith, romance and intrigue.
Beautifully written in the first person perspectives
of the two main characters, this novella is incredibly engaging and exciting.
With thrilling scenes of danger, courage, and heroics, the plot is thoroughly gripping
and compelling. Themes of faith, honor, and perseverance add meaning to this
story making it richly memorable and edifying. Likeable characters who
demonstrate selflessness and fortitude ensure this book is relatable and truly
entertaining.
Always
is
a novella that can easily be enjoyed again and again. Ms. Hedlund’s wonderfully
descriptive style and attention to detail are deeply satisfying and memorable. This
novella is sure to please readers who are delighted by young adult fiction that
is well-written, clean, and uplifting. I highly recommend it, and I eagerly
look forward to reading the next book in this series.
*I received a copy of this book from the author and
publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains
opinions that are entirely my own.
My Reflection
I was greatly moved by the characters’ realization that even though they had learned to trust only in their own strengths and abilities, they were actually in desperate need of the help and care of an all-powerful, compassionate God. As the dangers and difficulties multiplied around them, their hearts and wills became softened, and they began to turn to God for guidance and mercy. Within the many scenes of struggle, bravery, and love, it was really the quiet moments of contemplation and budding faith that touched me the most and drew me into the novel wholeheartedly.About the Author: Jody Hedlund
“Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty
historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards
including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she's learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she's not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.” --Biography from Jody Hedlund's author page on Amazon.com.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she's learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she's not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.” --Biography from Jody Hedlund's author page on Amazon.com.
I think this series is more Fairytale cum Fantasy than 'Historical Fiction', since its not based on real events, set in a real place or about real people who actually existed.
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