Scan barcode
forestidylls's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. Loved this medieval adventure as much as the last ones. Jody Hedlund went above and beyond in the humor and connection between the hero and heroine and I loved the lesson in looking past appearances. Too many novels focus on how pretty the heroine always is.
english_lady03's review
2.0
I shall humbly admit, the first two thirds of this book were an improvement on the last two, without all the silly, historically inaccurate rubbish that marred the two previous titles, and the disturbing obsession with torture. It was actually rather enjoyable with some of the banter between the two main characters, Sir Bennett and Lady Sabine. I would even go as far as to say that some of the details were quite credible, with Sabine’s interest in reading and some of the works mentioned. There were the usual problems with Americanisms though, and the mention of certain animals that would not have been found anywhere in Medieval Britain (or a fictional country based on it) such as mink and vultures.
Then things went rapidly downhill, when someone accused Sabine of being a ‘witch’ because of a birth mark, and in scenes reminiscent of Monty Python or Blackadder, wanted to grab her and burn her straight away, then and there. But that’s correct, cos’ those Medieval people were all so superstitious and ignorant that they would think anyone who was ‘different’ was a Devil worshipper? No. Witchcraft was a religious offense, and in most of Europe, a person could only be tried and convicted by a church court under Canon Law. Trial oy Ordeal was banned on the orders of the Pope in 1215, and the real paranoia about witchcraft did not start until the sixteenth century, reaching its height in the seventeenth. The sort of things that happened to Sabine would fit into a seventeenth century setting under the Puritans, or in Salem Massachusetts, they don’t belong in the fourteenth century.
And honestly, the whole premise of her being suspected of 'witchcraft' for having a birth mark/skin condition is crazy. I mean crazier than a box of frogs. There was literally a King of Jerusalem in the 12th century who had Leprosy. Baldwin IV, known as 'The Leper King' (the one who features in the movie Kingdom of Heaven), and there were a couple of British Kings who had major skin conditions too.
I don't think a birthmark would really have been a big deal.
Why do I even bother to mention this? Mostly because there are people who treat this series as accurate Historical Fiction, and have even recommended it for history courses. It’s not Historical Fiction- it’s not set in England just because some of the place names are the same. Other details do not fit in with an English setting at all- for instance there being a High King. This story is fantasy, and should be taken as such- not accurate history. There are far too many inaccuracies and inconsistencies for a Medieval English setting, not to mention the downright silliness of the characters.
To be, honest, the fictional country that he characters inhabit must be the single worst-run state in Medieval History, with nobles constantly attacking and killing each other, every single forest and road crawling with bandits, and the central authorities only stepping in to ‘save the day’ when it’s almost too late.
Do people think Late Medieval England was actually like that? It was not. Nobles very rarely attacked each other, except during times of civil war, or on the borderlands with Scotland and Wales, which were notoriously lawless.
It’s a shame, because this could have been a great love story, with a lot of positive messages about not judging by appearances. It could have been better executed without all the silliness about ‘witchcraft’ which was totally inaccurate, and could just been copied from some movie. I wish authors would take the trouble to do their research before writing Medieval Fiction, and if they are going to use a lot of artistic licence make it clear where they have done so.
I requested an e-book version of this title from Zondervan via Booklook Bloggers for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
Then things went rapidly downhill, when someone accused Sabine of being a ‘witch’ because of a birth mark, and in scenes reminiscent of Monty Python or Blackadder, wanted to grab her and burn her straight away, then and there. But that’s correct, cos’ those Medieval people were all so superstitious and ignorant that they would think anyone who was ‘different’ was a Devil worshipper? No. Witchcraft was a religious offense, and in most of Europe, a person could only be tried and convicted by a church court under Canon Law. Trial oy Ordeal was banned on the orders of the Pope in 1215, and the real paranoia about witchcraft did not start until the sixteenth century, reaching its height in the seventeenth. The sort of things that happened to Sabine would fit into a seventeenth century setting under the Puritans, or in Salem Massachusetts, they don’t belong in the fourteenth century.
And honestly, the whole premise of her being suspected of 'witchcraft' for having a birth mark/skin condition is crazy. I mean crazier than a box of frogs. There was literally a King of Jerusalem in the 12th century who had Leprosy. Baldwin IV, known as 'The Leper King' (the one who features in the movie Kingdom of Heaven), and there were a couple of British Kings who had major skin conditions too.
I don't think a birthmark would really have been a big deal.
Why do I even bother to mention this? Mostly because there are people who treat this series as accurate Historical Fiction, and have even recommended it for history courses. It’s not Historical Fiction- it’s not set in England just because some of the place names are the same. Other details do not fit in with an English setting at all- for instance there being a High King. This story is fantasy, and should be taken as such- not accurate history. There are far too many inaccuracies and inconsistencies for a Medieval English setting, not to mention the downright silliness of the characters.
To be, honest, the fictional country that he characters inhabit must be the single worst-run state in Medieval History, with nobles constantly attacking and killing each other, every single forest and road crawling with bandits, and the central authorities only stepping in to ‘save the day’ when it’s almost too late.
Do people think Late Medieval England was actually like that? It was not. Nobles very rarely attacked each other, except during times of civil war, or on the borderlands with Scotland and Wales, which were notoriously lawless.
It’s a shame, because this could have been a great love story, with a lot of positive messages about not judging by appearances. It could have been better executed without all the silliness about ‘witchcraft’ which was totally inaccurate, and could just been copied from some movie. I wish authors would take the trouble to do their research before writing Medieval Fiction, and if they are going to use a lot of artistic licence make it clear where they have done so.
I requested an e-book version of this title from Zondervan via Booklook Bloggers for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
lolovesbooks3's review against another edition
3.0
Im going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars because I liked so many parts of this story, but there were also
Many things that bothered me.
This started out wonderfully. The banter was excellent and I loved all the characters and their relationships. The main characters were both kind, loyal and thoughtful people.
I felt like it went a bit off the rails once the action started… it became very obvious that this was a YA novel and some of the storyline felt silly… one example being that enemy soldiers won’t care at all about an impassioned speech from a prisoner about human flaws and acceptance of others… these types of things pulled me out of the story and had me rolling my eyes.
The relationships between all the characters were endearing and the romance was sweet… albeit a bit too back and forth at times. An entertaining, clean read.
Many things that bothered me.
This started out wonderfully. The banter was excellent and I loved all the characters and their relationships. The main characters were both kind, loyal and thoughtful people.
I felt like it went a bit off the rails once the action started… it became very obvious that this was a YA novel and some of the storyline felt silly… one example being that enemy soldiers won’t care at all about an impassioned speech from a prisoner about human flaws and acceptance of others… these types of things pulled me out of the story and had me rolling my eyes.
The relationships between all the characters were endearing and the romance was sweet… albeit a bit too back and forth at times. An entertaining, clean read.
misspippireads's review against another edition
4.0
For Love and Honor is Jody Hedlund's third title in her medieval series, An Uncertian Choice. As with the previous titles, it is action packed from beginning to end. The series is linked together with the previous two titles, An Uncertain Choice and A Daring Sacrifice, but it can be read as a standalone story.
This story focuses on the handsome (and rejected) Sir Bennet. He returns home to take over his brother's land because he cannot manage the family property. Bennet's brother, Aldric, has sunk the family into debt and the neighbors are not pleased. Bennet is taking charge and needs to save the his family's land, priceless antiques, and their lives. Enter Sabine who wants to purchase some priceless treasures, but her Grandmother has matchmaking on her mind.
Hedlund crafts such a great medieval story. This time period in history isn't my top genre, but her writing is so enjoyable! I savored Sabine's independence and uniqueness. I loved Bennet's caring and determination (until it moved to stubbornness). Even though the characters lived years in the past, similar questions and feelings can be felt by readers today. Sabine's uncertainties were very understandable. The struggle for acceptance is one so many of us face.
The story is, again, shared between two voices - Bennet and Sabine. The fonts change so the reader can distinguish who is sharing their story. The story wraps up in this novel, but I would like to hear more about Aldric. He began his recovery journey, but I would like to hear more.
Time Period: Medieval, 1391
Location: Maidstone Castle, Hampton
Reviewed from a review copy. Thank you, Zondervan and Jody Hedlund!
This story focuses on the handsome (and rejected) Sir Bennet. He returns home to take over his brother's land because he cannot manage the family property. Bennet's brother, Aldric, has sunk the family into debt and the neighbors are not pleased. Bennet is taking charge and needs to save the his family's land, priceless antiques, and their lives. Enter Sabine who wants to purchase some priceless treasures, but her Grandmother has matchmaking on her mind.
Hedlund crafts such a great medieval story. This time period in history isn't my top genre, but her writing is so enjoyable! I savored Sabine's independence and uniqueness. I loved Bennet's caring and determination (until it moved to stubbornness). Even though the characters lived years in the past, similar questions and feelings can be felt by readers today. Sabine's uncertainties were very understandable. The struggle for acceptance is one so many of us face.
The story is, again, shared between two voices - Bennet and Sabine. The fonts change so the reader can distinguish who is sharing their story. The story wraps up in this novel, but I would like to hear more about Aldric. He began his recovery journey, but I would like to hear more.
Time Period: Medieval, 1391
Location: Maidstone Castle, Hampton
Reviewed from a review copy. Thank you, Zondervan and Jody Hedlund!
elisabethd8a's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ladygenevieve's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing story! Very well written. I felt Sabine’s pain, awkwardness, and love, as well as her other emotions. I learned a lot about the era, including some vocabulary. This book would also be great for teens. It teaches a valuable lesson.
rgyger's review against another edition
4.0
It's been a few years since I have read a Jody Hedlund novel and, that I remember, the book I did read was an adult fiction novel rather than YA. I had not been all that impressed by that book than so I did not have high expectations for this one. However, I ended up being glad to have given this one a shot.
As a YA novel, For Love and Honor is not quiet as serious as other adult novels set in this time period. The reasons for the characters needing to get married is fairly predictable, one needing to save his land and the other having no other prospects. Yet the book did an admirable job of setting up a foundation for their eventual romance by giving the characters a common interest and passion. Rather than falling in love because the other was attractive and sweet, these characters fell in love over works of art and a calling to preserve the past for future generations.
Perhaps the weakest facet of this book was the conflict toward the end, when Sir Bennet must save his family and Sabine must overcome the consequences of keeping her blemish a secret. Though I understood that their ages likely played into their choices, Sir Bennet's stubbornness to accept help from her or anyone else still seemed foolish with the fate of so many people weighed in the balance. And sadly, he never did have to learn to swallow his pride as everyone else simply accommodated it rather than remind him that he shouldn't be in the position to postpone saving lives.
Even through that, however, I still found myself holding on to the end, cheering for these characters to find their happily ever after. And I will just have to go back and read the rest of the series now that I have seen what this one is like.
I did NOT receive this book in exchange for a review. The decision to review it was my own.
As a YA novel, For Love and Honor is not quiet as serious as other adult novels set in this time period. The reasons for the characters needing to get married is fairly predictable, one needing to save his land and the other having no other prospects. Yet the book did an admirable job of setting up a foundation for their eventual romance by giving the characters a common interest and passion. Rather than falling in love because the other was attractive and sweet, these characters fell in love over works of art and a calling to preserve the past for future generations.
Perhaps the weakest facet of this book was the conflict toward the end, when Sir Bennet must save his family and Sabine must overcome the consequences of keeping her blemish a secret. Though I understood that their ages likely played into their choices, Sir Bennet's stubbornness to accept help from her or anyone else still seemed foolish with the fate of so many people weighed in the balance. And sadly, he never did have to learn to swallow his pride as everyone else simply accommodated it rather than remind him that he shouldn't be in the position to postpone saving lives.
Even through that, however, I still found myself holding on to the end, cheering for these characters to find their happily ever after. And I will just have to go back and read the rest of the series now that I have seen what this one is like.
I did NOT receive this book in exchange for a review. The decision to review it was my own.
flowersofquiethappiness's review against another edition
4.0
Each book in this series is just full of adorableness, yet with the slightest touch of tension so as to keep you turning pages. And this one is no exception to that! :) I instantly fell for Sir Bennet in book one, so had been looking forward to seeing what lady would catch his eye. Lady Sabine is perfect for him! I wanted so badly to make everything easier for her, poor lady has in no way had an easy life. Her "blemish" that makes her so insecure actually makes no difference to those who truly love her. Especially her grandmother, who is absolutely the best! Their relationship was definitely a favorite. And, of course, I loved each of Bennet and Sabine's conversations. They are clearly equals when it comes to intellect, and their shared love of art and history, not to mention their mutual attraction, made for lots of banter, sarcasm, and wit being thrown around. :)
As in the previous books, Ms. Hedlund fills her story with sweet romance and a swashbuckling good time. This might even be my favorite of the three books? I'm not certain, but I will definitely say that Lady Sabine is my favorite character!
As in the previous books, Ms. Hedlund fills her story with sweet romance and a swashbuckling good time. This might even be my favorite of the three books? I'm not certain, but I will definitely say that Lady Sabine is my favorite character!
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
4.0
A super quick read because it doesn't get "deep". But it's still a good read! Book follows the third Knight from the Uncertain Choice series. A lover of artifacts and beauty, Sir Bennett collects priceless works of art. But his older brother has put them in a precarious situation of owing far more money than they have too neighbors. And one has come to collect. Sir Bennett has one option--marry an heiress. Sabine is an heiress with a love for artifacts. The two of them are clearly perfect for one another--except Lady Sabine has a secret. Her skin is blemished and anyone who sees it is convinced she's a witch. Hiding her secret from Sir Bennett and trying not to fall in love is tricky--
The story is predictable but unlike some, will take you to the brink when you aren't sure if what you think happen really will! I was surprised several times! And it didn't end quite like I thought!
Of the three knight stories this one is my second favorite! 🙂
The story is predictable but unlike some, will take you to the brink when you aren't sure if what you think happen really will! I was surprised several times! And it didn't end quite like I thought!
Of the three knight stories this one is my second favorite! 🙂
cari1268's review against another edition
2.0
To put it nicely, this was not the best-written book. However, I did read it quickly. I liked some of the lessons it taught. I especially liked when the main character decided not to kiss a guy because it was too soon. This was a nice fluffy read and I might try to read another book by the author when I'm in the mood. Part of me wants to rate this book higher than two stars but oh, the writing. I can't. I just can't.