#NetGalley Book Review: An Unexpected Redemption by Emily Hamsher

I liked this strong Christian romance.
An Unexpected Redemption
by Emily Hamsher

File Size: 581 KB
Print Length: 268 pages
Publisher: WestBow Press (May 8, 2018)
ASIN: B07D94GFDJ
Genre: Christian, Medieval, Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Prince Lucian of Brasov has been running from his family, from God, and even from himself. When he decides to take revenge upon his elder brother by stealing away his betrothed, Lucian is taken aback by the woman in his custody. Her pure heart and unabashed kindness thwarts his every cruel intention. Lucian finds himself hoping that she might hold the answers to heal his past, even though he knows she can never be his.
Every girl dreams of marrying her prince, so when Lady Adelina receives the unexpected announcement of her betrothal to the Prince of the realm, she takes it as a clear sign of the Lords will. When she is kidnapped by a band of ruffians and taken far from her home she quickly learns that the road to love is never as it seems. Though her captor portrays himself as a ruthless man, Adelina cant help but feel compassion for him and the pain she finds lurking beneath the dark shadows of his character.

Review:
Lucian was adopted into a royal family. Although that is a special gift, he is still a young, rebellious boy who pushes the boundaries. When he is sent home form school, he knows he has disappointed his adoptive parents. When his elder brother scorns him he knows he has been rejected and he runs away so that he can live life with adventure and danger as he wants.

Years later he is a brigand leading a crew of misfits. When he receives an invitation to his brother’s wedding Lucian decides to kidnap the chosen bride.

Lady Adelina has always had a dream about the young prince who rescued her from bullies when she was a young girl. She is thrilled to be betrothed to the prince and sets out to meet her intended and the royal family. Shortly into the journey she is kidnapped by Lucian and his band of thieves. Her faith that her heavenly Father will protect her surrounds her spirit with dignity and strength. The brigands sense the deep goodness in Adelina and treat her gently and carefully. Especially Radu, Lucian’s best friend and second in command, seeks to protect Adelina. He himself has accepted faith in Jesus but has continued to live with Lucian. He hopes that someday he will be able to make Lucian grow beyond his bitterness and plans of revenge.

Lucian watches Lady Adelina and slowly his heart opens to the peace her faith exudes. But what chance does he have of gaining the love of the woman who is already promised to his brother? And when he returns her to his family’s home, what will be his reception from the parents he has been estranged from for ten years?

I wanted to like Lucian but he doesn’t make it easy. Lady Adelina’s steadfast faith and willingness to share love to a rogue is beautiful. The characters are well developed. There is action to move the story along but the strong, unrelenting faith of Adelina made to story extra special for me. The writing is straight forward and descriptive. My only disappointment was the abrupt ending that leaves the story suspended for a next book.

This is a wonderful mix of medieval dangers and a love that is all that is proper and blessed. I would like to read more by Ms. Hamsher. I recommend this to readers who enjoy medieval romance and are open to strong faith themes.

Source: 2018 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019NetGalley and 2019Alphabet Goals.