YA Medieval Romance Book Review: Foremost

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About the Book

Title: Foremost (The Lost Princesses Book 2)
Series: The Lost Princesses
Author: Jody Hedlund
Genre: Young Adult Medieval Romance
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Release Date: September 24, 2019

Publisher's Description

"A second princess. Another key to the treasure. And a cruel king desperate to squelch the growing rebellion.

Raised in an isolated abbey, Lady Maribel desires nothing more than to become a nun and continue practicing her healing arts. She’s carefree and happy with her life…until a visitor comes to the abbey and reveals her true identity as one of the lost princesses.

When he was a young boy, Edmund Chambers helplessly watched King Ethelwulf murder his family. Edmund escaped and has lived in the abbey ever since, uniquely trained to work with wild animals. Secretly, he loves Maribel and desperately hopes she doesn’t complete her holy order vows.

When King Ethelwulf’s army arrives at the abbey to capture Maribel, she flees with Edmund across the desolate Highlands in an attempt to reach Adelaide’s rebel army. Edmund can no longer hide his love, but can Maribel give up her dreams of becoming a nun to love him in return?"

Click here to purchase a copy of this book for yourself. 

My Review

Foremost, by Jody Hedlund, is the second book in The Lost Princesses series. Brimming with adventure, romance, mystery, and faith, this medieval fairytale is utterly captivating from the stunning front cover to the final paragraph. Distinctively well-written and engaging, Foremost is truly imaginative and enchanting.
 
Page after page, this novel welcomes the reader to venture into a land that is fraught with both beauty and danger. From the chambers of a hidden monastery, to the total darkness of an ancient labyrinth, Ms. Hedlund has a genuine talent for creating settings that are immersive and vivid. The characters in this novel are equally as impressive. With complex motivations and heartfelt longings, they are wholly intriguing. Their desire to serve others and to find redemptive meaning in their lives is compelling. With a gripping plot that flourishes with myth, legend, and magical elements, this story is remarkably riveting, unique, and memorable.

Foremost is a young adult novel that will certainly appeal to readers of all ages. Uplifting and worthwhile, this novel is incredibly entertaining and very satisfying. I recommend it enthusiastically.

*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 am sincerely encouraged by the main character’s willingness to trust the Lord with her heart’s desire even to the point of selflessly surrendering that desire. For her to place her faith in God’s plans above her own, though unexpected and daunting, shows a level of courage and humility that is truly inspiring. Foremost is filled with many fascinating scenes of peril, determination, and devotion, but it is the moments of obedience to God’s will that I find most meaningful and moving.

About the Author


“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.

Click here to visit Jody Hedund's website.

Be sure to read Jody Hedlund's Always and Evermore the first books in The Lost Princesses series! 

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