I just finished reading Foremost, the second novel in Jody Hedlund's Lost Princesses series, and I'm left with just one question: How long until I can pick up Hereafter, the final book in the series? (Answer: about a month. Thankfully!)
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?
Oh, the adventure! Foremost is jam packed with it! There are gigantic spiders, a labyrinth filled with death traps and protected by a creature that reminded me a bit of an R.O.U.S. (Princess Bride shout out!), a mysterious map, and evil soldiers intent on capturing Maribel. Plus, there's a sweet, slow-burning romance between Princess Maribel and her best friend Edmund.
In addition to the adventure and romance, Foremost is also about finding and embracing purpose and learning to trust God when what He's asking seems impossible. As Maribel grapples with what her newly discovered royalty means for her plans of becoming a nun, Edmund contemplates a future of loving Maribel from afar. Neither has any idea how God will take their individual desires to accomplish His plan, and I loved seeing how everything worked out.
I've been enjoying the Lost Princesses series, and Foremost is my favorite installment so far! I can't wait to see what comes next (and it looks like it will involve a marriage of convenience, so I'm all in). 5 stars.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Always (4 stars) and Evermore (4-1/2 stars).
Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and Christy Award, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.
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.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Glad you're enjoying these. I have hopes to read the novella this fall (it's in my fall TBR plans), but whether or not I'll get to it, well, time will tell. Thanks for sharing your reviews. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rissi! I completely understand the weight of the TBR :-) Whenever you do get to the novella, I hope you enjoy!
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