Book Review: Hood: an Outlaws novella by M.C. Frank

This retelling of the beginning of the legend of Robin Hood moves quickly and is engaging.

Hood: an Outlaws novella
by M.C. Frank

File Size: 1781 KB
Print Length: 71 pages
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07ZZJ4JC5
Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling, Historical Fantasy, Medieval
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Meet Robin Hood's band of outlaws. Their story starts with Christmas, a lost love, a hungry town and a robbery.
In this Outlaws novella, Robin Loxley is a tortured young man mourning the loss of his title, his lands and his first love. Tonight, with the help of his close friends, he will get a new name that will live in history, a cat that could care less that Robin happens to be the most brilliant archer in medieval England, and a chance to prove himself by rescuing a lady from a fire.
But this is no ordinary lady...
And that is no ordinary fire...
HOOD is a prequel novella to the beloved bestselling Outlaws series by M.C. Frank.

Review:
Robin is now an outlaw with a small group of followers: John, the big warrior, Tuck, the excommunicated monk, Will, the brother of his heart, and Alis, the lady who learned to fight to survive. The group has rallied around Robin even though he is still trying to figure out how to lead and what to do. His friends have aliases to protect their true identities when in the villages. Now they are toying with giving Robin his own alias.

Each of the characters apparently has a sad history that has landed them together. This novella focuses on Robin’s history through flash-backs to some of the heart-breaking traumas in his past. This occurs while the group faces a bleak Christmas Eve. They are aware that the Sheriff’s men have raided the surrounding villages taking a toll in not only taxes but holiday feasts. Are Robin and his friends willing to risk their lives to retake the bounty and return it to the people?

I enjoy retellings and found this to be a quick, engaging read. I enjoyed the extra development of the characters as well as the action scenes. While staying consistent with the legend that we know, the author provides intrigue and humor in arriving at the famous name. I recommend this to readers who enjoy retellings.

Source: Author pdf March 2020. This qualifies for 2020 Author goal.

#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.

Book Review with Giveaway Link: Warrior's Moon by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

This is a truly lovely romance of young peasants with courage to put their King above themselves.

Warrior's Moon A Love Story
by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

• File Size: 977 KB
• Print Length: 289 pages
• Publisher: Spirit Dance Books LLC; 1 edition (November 15, 2013)
• ASIN: B00GPT0OBU

Genre: Medieval Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 15, 2013
Advance Praise for Warrior's Moon
“What a wonderful tale. Made me get all choked up for a bit. Jaclyn Hawkes has truly done a great thing. Thank you.”
Charlie M. in Georgia
They loved each other desperately.
Never in all the kingdom has there been a more brave and protective champion. Nor such a loyal and capable maiden.
He rescued her the first time when she was three years old in a killing storm. Years later, he was still occasionally rescuing her. 'Twas in him to be a hero, and she had a pure intrepid way of getting into the kinds of scrapes that took rescuing. With such a brawny, masculine guardian around, 'twould have been a fair pity to waste the gallantry anyway.
Their childhood friendship between two young peasants had grown into a devotion few are ever blessed to experience. It was strong enough to withstand all their dark age held—danger, feudalism, disease, and unfair oppression.
Or is it strong enough? They truly loved each other desperately.
They loved their kingdom more.

Review:
Chantaya was only three when her beautiful, pregnant mother, Isabella, and her brave father tried to flee the unwanted attentions of the reprehensible young Lord Rosskeene. Unfortunately the stormy night brings an unfortunate accident with an overturned wagon. Eight year old Peyton Wolfgar and his family rescue Chani and her injured mother. Quickly the family learns to adore the little scamp and Chani finds her champion to worship for life.

The family and village help to shelter Isabella and Chani as the know that things are not right with their overlord. As they grow older an intrepid Chani stumbles upon and makes friends with Mordecai, an old knight living in the woods. Mordecai fills their minds with stirring tales of knightly honor while he trains Peyton to battle and even trains Chani to defend herself. Mordecai offers to introduce Peyton to the King’s court and guardsman so that Peyton can proceed with proper training. Peyton is reluctant to leave his family and his precious Chani behind but he knows he must go to serve the King.

Peyton is well-liked and respected for his diligence and loyalty as well as his prowess in training. Meanwhile at home, Chani matures to young womanhood and begins to catch the eyes of the local young men, including Lord Rosskeene’s son, another lech like his father. Lord Rosskeene discovers their hidden cabin and threatens them into working for him at the manor. While working in the kitchen Chani begins to learn of Rosskeene’s traitorous plans to assassinate the King’s family and become the new king.

Peyton and Chani have grown from childhood friends to the edge of passion in their love for each other. But they each have committed to doing everything they can to protect their King and his family...even if it means sacrificing their own lives and future together.

This is a charmingly written story with a delightful hero and heroine. Their young love is sweet, honorable, devoted and the ‘stuff of legends.’ The clear descriptions pulled me into the settings. The danger and treachery is well laid out to keep the adventure moving forward with good suspense. I enjoyed the underlying faith expressed in the simple assurance and trust that the characters placed in God. The reading flows well and makes this is an entertaining romance good for readers who enjoy strong romance, honor and medieval adventure.

I received this title for review as part of a BookBlast tour. See BookBlast Giveaway as well as Tour Giveaway below.

Available for Purchase at:

Amazon * Smashwords

Barnes & Noble

Praise for Warrior's Moon

"This book has adventure, memorable characters, and tons of action. There is even romance! I absolutely loved it!!!" ~Laura (Goodreads)

"I loved this book! Great characters, I love a strong female lead. I really enjoy all of Jaclyn Hawkes books, but I must say this in one of my favorites!" ~ KMon (Amazon)

Tour Schedule

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 2/23/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Book Review and PDF CD Giveaway: Woman of Honor by Nicole (Open Worldwide)

 A lovely medieval story of a young girl dreaming to be a Lady Knight.

Woman of Honor (Kingdom of Arnhem, Book 1) by Nicole Zoltack

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 428 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc (March 27, 2009)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0021L9YDK

      Genre: Fantasy, Historical Romance - Medieval
      My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother's horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn's wish and she begins her long years of training.

Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.

The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King's Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything... her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.

Review: This is a sweet story covering the challenges facing a girl’s unique journey to knighthood...and more. The book covers Aislinn’s years from 1155 to 1169 AD.

Aislinn is a determined young girl of 8 when she seeks permission to train to become a lady knight. The King agrees to a probational two year period and her work and struggles against prejudice begins. The King allows another young girl, a street “rat” to train too. Instead of helping each other the girls are jealous and distrustful. Unlike the other outgoing girl, Aislinn, who has some reading and math skills already, has few friends among the boys.  She is lucky to get Geoffrey, a friend of Caelan, as a mentor and Prince Caelan himself as a silent watcher/companion.

As the pages grow to squires they grow closer together and Aislinn finds others to help her with the areas that she needs help with. The “brain” helps her with math. The stable master tries to help her when she is assigned a beautiful horse who just won’t respond to the reins. She figures out that she needs to start from scratch to train Dream Rider without saddle trappings and finally she makes head way.  Aislinn even takes secret weapon training from a mysterious Shadow Warrior, Ryu.  These warriors are not trusted by either Arnhems or Speicans and had something to do with the war between the two nations.

Slowly the other pages and teachers learn to respect Aislinn for her unyielding determination in tackling her challenges.  Aislinn struggles with her emotions as well as her mental and physical training. As she matures she also has to struggle with conflicting desires between her dream to be a lady knight and her growing feelings and friendship with Prince Caelan who is destined to be married for political and royal position.

Prince Caelan is quiet and intense. It is clear he likes Aislinn from the beginning even if they seem to quarrel and set each other on edge. He admires her and tries to help when her stubbornness will let her accept help. But he is the Prince and is well trained to understand his duties which will include marriage as arranged by his parents. He struggles with his clear feelings for Aislinn which conflict with the duty to his position.

This book is the author's debut novel. Although I feel the writing could use a little more depth, which I think will come with experience, the story concept, plot and action are sound. Also the book seemed well researched offering some interesting insight in the life of pages and squires. It is an easy going story with sweet primary characters, harsh villains, plenty of action, emotional stress, dangerous enemies, battles and magical mysteries. At the end of the book there are still open questions to be further explored in the next story in the series which I am confidant will be another lovely read.

I won a pdf cd copy of this book which I am passing on in this giveaway. This is light enough that overseas mailing would not be outrageous. The pdf can be converted for Kindle reading or read on PC. I am not familiar with converting for other ereaders. 
I will be doing an interview and hosting another giveaway with this author in the near future so keep an eye out for that. :-)

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THIS PDF-CD:

1.  Mandatory entry: Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

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3.  For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open Worldwide
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* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on April 22, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.