Scan barcode
english_lady03's review
4.0
Worthy of Legend was a beautiful and heartfelt conclusion to Roseanna M. White's fourth trilogy set in Georgian Britain. The Isles of Scilly, to be exact. Of course, I loved Bram. He’s a literature nerd with a secret obsession with the Arthurian Legends.
His best friend is an amateur archaeologist with a special interest in the history of the druids and the Arthurian Legends. He's a nerd like me, and he loves animals. He rescues puppies. Can this man get any more adorable? Sighhhs. Emily is great too, she’s a young woman rejected by her family who is trying to escape their reputation and the illegal actions of her brother. She struggles with her duty to love her family (and her sibling) and doing the right thing.
The title of the story is very clever. Legends are a huge part of the story, first there is the Legend of Lyonesse, a stretch of land which was supposed to extended out from Cornwall as far as the Isles of Scilly. Legend has it that Lyonesse was submerged by a giant wave in a single day as divine punishment for a terrible sin committed by the people, and all that remained were the tops of the mountains as the Islands. Yes, I looked it up. I knew nothing about the Legend of Lyonesse before reading this. Better still, one of King Arthur’s knights, Tristan was said to have hailed from the lost Kingdom. As in Tristan and Isolde.
Along with that though there is an underlying theme about the legacy of one’s family and the choices of the past. Legends are not just stories: the legacy of the past can impact the present, and what the artefact they are hunting represents can bring out the best – and worst- in people. In the end, the story is not just about the legends or the legendary artefact. This is best illustrated in a quote from the story:
“I want to believe some bit of the legends are true, and that we can aspire to that nobility. But on the other hand, . . . we’ve seen today what can happen to men thanks to greed and ambition and the lust for fame”
Emily and Bram prove themselves to be Worthy of Legend when they choose to follow the path of mercy, love, faith, and forgiveness even when greeted with hatred, tragedy, and rejection. Even when it is hard- sometimes impossible, to follow and they falter. Oh, and this series is worth it just for the presence of Mamwen, the eccentric grandmother like figure who seems to know everyone and have a certain knack for knowing what is going to happen. She’s not in this much, but any is better than none.
Recommended for all lovers of historical fiction, and those who might want something that’s different from the rest of the Georgian Downton Abbey style stories out there. This one has lost treasure, adventure, and mystery too. Also there are hardly any novels set on the small archipelago in the Celtic Sea known as the Isles of Scilly.
Thanks to Bethany House for providing an EPub of this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
His best friend is an amateur archaeologist with a special interest in the history of the druids and the Arthurian Legends. He's a nerd like me, and he loves animals. He rescues puppies. Can this man get any more adorable? Sighhhs. Emily is great too, she’s a young woman rejected by her family who is trying to escape their reputation and the illegal actions of her brother. She struggles with her duty to love her family (and her sibling) and doing the right thing.
The title of the story is very clever. Legends are a huge part of the story, first there is the Legend of Lyonesse, a stretch of land which was supposed to extended out from Cornwall as far as the Isles of Scilly. Legend has it that Lyonesse was submerged by a giant wave in a single day as divine punishment for a terrible sin committed by the people, and all that remained were the tops of the mountains as the Islands. Yes, I looked it up. I knew nothing about the Legend of Lyonesse before reading this. Better still, one of King Arthur’s knights, Tristan was said to have hailed from the lost Kingdom. As in Tristan and Isolde.
Along with that though there is an underlying theme about the legacy of one’s family and the choices of the past. Legends are not just stories: the legacy of the past can impact the present, and what the artefact they are hunting represents can bring out the best – and worst- in people. In the end, the story is not just about the legends or the legendary artefact. This is best illustrated in a quote from the story:
“I want to believe some bit of the legends are true, and that we can aspire to that nobility. But on the other hand, . . . we’ve seen today what can happen to men thanks to greed and ambition and the lust for fame”
Emily and Bram prove themselves to be Worthy of Legend when they choose to follow the path of mercy, love, faith, and forgiveness even when greeted with hatred, tragedy, and rejection. Even when it is hard- sometimes impossible, to follow and they falter. Oh, and this series is worth it just for the presence of Mamwen, the eccentric grandmother like figure who seems to know everyone and have a certain knack for knowing what is going to happen. She’s not in this much, but any is better than none.
Recommended for all lovers of historical fiction, and those who might want something that’s different from the rest of the Georgian Downton Abbey style stories out there. This one has lost treasure, adventure, and mystery too. Also there are hardly any novels set on the small archipelago in the Celtic Sea known as the Isles of Scilly.
Thanks to Bethany House for providing an EPub of this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
library_of_kindredspirits's review
5.0
This moving finale to the ‘Secrets of the Isles’ series was both thoughtful, and romantic. It may even rival our beloved Sheridan from the second book…
Lady Emily, shunned from her family and feeling unworthy of love finally gets to star in her own adventure with Lord Telford, Bram Sinclair. Bram believing firmly in the chivalry of King Arthur and his knights Bram is drawn to Emily, determined to protect her from her ruthless brother. As Emily learns to see her worth in Christ she opens up to Bram and they are brought together while on the final quest for lost treasure on the Isles of Scilly.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge my appreciation for the flow of the romance thread. There were so many subtle yet tender moments between Lady Emily and Bram that were simply precious. Bram is so gentle with Emily, who is still struggling to see her worth after lifelong disregard from her father and brother and their love blossoms slowly but surely. It is absolutely beautiful and it really lends itself to the messages of true worth, chivalry, mercy, and love. These themes ultimately gave the story a real impact and depth.
I was so excited to finally get a glimpse of the world through Bram Sinclair’s eyes since we see him through the perspectives of multiple characters in the first two books. I came to admire him as a character and a love-interest for Lady Emily. I can unashamedly admit to crushing on him. I mean, come on! His secret obsession over Arthurian legend is positively endearing and I loved every tidbit on the legends included. I’ve always been fascinated by King Arthur and the Round Table, so getting little bits and pieces of that has me thinking I should go pick up my King Arthur book. Additionally, I got to see ‘Tristan and Isolde’ redeemed which was so utterly destroyed for me by the James Franco movie.
In short, ‘Worthy of Legend’ was the perfect ending to the story. It may have even been my favorite. -- I know! How could I pick this over Sheridan! -- Honestly, I don’t know. Something about this book touched me. I’m not exactly sure in what way yet, but I connected with it differently than the previous two.
Please go get yourself a copy of this lovely romance. Don’t miss the first two in the ‘Secrets of the Isles’ trilogy, they’re both beyond delightful and I hope you swing by Roseanna’s website to get a look at some of her other books too!
Lady Emily, shunned from her family and feeling unworthy of love finally gets to star in her own adventure with Lord Telford, Bram Sinclair. Bram believing firmly in the chivalry of King Arthur and his knights Bram is drawn to Emily, determined to protect her from her ruthless brother. As Emily learns to see her worth in Christ she opens up to Bram and they are brought together while on the final quest for lost treasure on the Isles of Scilly.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge my appreciation for the flow of the romance thread. There were so many subtle yet tender moments between Lady Emily and Bram that were simply precious. Bram is so gentle with Emily, who is still struggling to see her worth after lifelong disregard from her father and brother and their love blossoms slowly but surely. It is absolutely beautiful and it really lends itself to the messages of true worth, chivalry, mercy, and love. These themes ultimately gave the story a real impact and depth.
I was so excited to finally get a glimpse of the world through Bram Sinclair’s eyes since we see him through the perspectives of multiple characters in the first two books. I came to admire him as a character and a love-interest for Lady Emily. I can unashamedly admit to crushing on him. I mean, come on! His secret obsession over Arthurian legend is positively endearing and I loved every tidbit on the legends included. I’ve always been fascinated by King Arthur and the Round Table, so getting little bits and pieces of that has me thinking I should go pick up my King Arthur book. Additionally, I got to see ‘Tristan and Isolde’ redeemed which was so utterly destroyed for me by the James Franco movie.
In short, ‘Worthy of Legend’ was the perfect ending to the story. It may have even been my favorite. -- I know! How could I pick this over Sheridan! -- Honestly, I don’t know. Something about this book touched me. I’m not exactly sure in what way yet, but I connected with it differently than the previous two.
Please go get yourself a copy of this lovely romance. Don’t miss the first two in the ‘Secrets of the Isles’ trilogy, they’re both beyond delightful and I hope you swing by Roseanna’s website to get a look at some of her other books too!
farmfreshlisa's review
4.0
As soon as I saw this on Hoopla, I gave a little squeal and immediately downloaded. The final book of the trilogy--the final closure to the story of the hidden treasure. Emily and Bram's story. But also Enyon and "Tommie" too! I loved diving back into the islands and their lore.
I don't know if this was my favorite of the series. Maybe? But I like Sheridan an awful lot. But Bram cracks me up with his love of chocolate drops and sweets. His night owl tendencies. And his adoration for puppies.
and Emily. So burdened with her lack of self-worth due to the way she's treated by her father and brother. Having to come to the realizing that her worth wasn't dependent on anyone or anything she did. That her worth was priceless in the eyes of her God. And He'd never left her alone.<3
The Lord knew. The Lord saw her, no matter how dark and small the place in which she was locked. He saw her, and He cared enough to send someone to pray over her when she never would have asked for it.
Both Emily and Thomasina battled the feeling of being worthy of love. One because she never felt she was worthy of receiving it. One because she believed her past made her unable to have it. They both had to help either other learn that situations and actions against them did not create their worth in the eyes of others.
The whole series is definitely a solid 4.5
This book itself is a solid 4.5 as well!
Lisa’s Ratings
5⭐ = Unforgettable. Make me FEEL emotions. I laughed or cried. I didn't want to put it down or let it end. They became my friends. A personal favorite.
4⭐ = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others. But I didn't *feel* anything.
3⭐ = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting. But nothing stellar or unforgettable. Not sure I will recommend it.
2⭐ = The book was tolerable, but I almost didn't like it.
1⭐ = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
I don't know if this was my favorite of the series. Maybe? But I like Sheridan an awful lot. But Bram cracks me up with his love of chocolate drops and sweets. His night owl tendencies. And his adoration for puppies.
and Emily. So burdened with her lack of self-worth due to the way she's treated by her father and brother. Having to come to the realizing that her worth wasn't dependent on anyone or anything she did. That her worth was priceless in the eyes of her God. And He'd never left her alone.<3
The Lord knew. The Lord saw her, no matter how dark and small the place in which she was locked. He saw her, and He cared enough to send someone to pray over her when she never would have asked for it.
Both Emily and Thomasina battled the feeling of being worthy of love. One because she never felt she was worthy of receiving it. One because she believed her past made her unable to have it. They both had to help either other learn that situations and actions against them did not create their worth in the eyes of others.
The whole series is definitely a solid 4.5
This book itself is a solid 4.5 as well!
Lisa’s Ratings
5⭐ = Unforgettable. Make me FEEL emotions. I laughed or cried. I didn't want to put it down or let it end. They became my friends. A personal favorite.
4⭐ = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others. But I didn't *feel* anything.
3⭐ = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting. But nothing stellar or unforgettable. Not sure I will recommend it.
2⭐ = The book was tolerable, but I almost didn't like it.
1⭐ = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
what_ella_reads's review
4.0
My rating: 4.5 stars
What an exciting and satisfying conclusion to "The Secrets of the Isles," series.
I really enjoyed getting to know the main characters Emily and Bram. The way they grew in their faith and the way their love blossomed was a delight to watch.
I also liked our secondary couple, Tommie and Enyon, as well. Their romance brought about healing.
Another thing I liked about "Worthy of Legend," was how the mystery that began in the first book was further developed to include Arthurian legends, which was a nice touch. I wouldn't mind if we got a spin-off of this series, because The Scillies setting seems to lend itself well to mysteries.
I'm enjoyed reading this series over the last few months. Onto Roseanna M. White's new series!
Note: There some content that may be disturbing to some readers. Two characters in the past had been r*ped. They don't go into the detail of how, but they spend time about how it's made them feel. Also characters are attacked and nearly die on a couple of occasions.
What an exciting and satisfying conclusion to "The Secrets of the Isles," series.
I really enjoyed getting to know the main characters Emily and Bram. The way they grew in their faith and the way their love blossomed was a delight to watch.
I also liked our secondary couple, Tommie and Enyon, as well. Their romance brought about healing.
Another thing I liked about "Worthy of Legend," was how the mystery that began in the first book was further developed to include Arthurian legends, which was a nice touch. I wouldn't mind if we got a spin-off of this series, because The Scillies setting seems to lend itself well to mysteries.
I'm enjoyed reading this series over the last few months. Onto Roseanna M. White's new series!
Note: There some content that may be disturbing to some readers. Two characters in the past had been r*ped. They don't go into the detail of how, but they spend time about how it's made them feel. Also characters are attacked and nearly die on a couple of occasions.
inspiretruth's review
4.0
In the grand finale of The Secrets of the Isles trilogy, Roseanna M. White takes readers on one final quest of legend, worth, love, and faith!
It’s been a summer of treasure hunts, danger, and courtship, but it’s not over yet! After a two-hundred-and-fifty-year-old diary claims that an artifact from the legendary King Arthur has been buried somewhere on the Isles of Scilly, Lady Emily Scofield, Lord Telford, and their friends must work against the clock, keeping their mission a secret, to find the item before it gets into the wrong hands.
For her entire life, Lady Emily’s greatest desire has been for her family to accept the love she has to offer; however, every attempt is abused and used to feed their greed. As her brother, Nigel, thunders through the Isles in search of the treasure, Lady Emily will stop at nothing to protect her father and brother from themselves, even if that means being cut off. Can she be a light to her family, or are their hearts too black to be saved?
“It gave her hope. Hope that she, who had been told all her life that her only role was to be what they told her to be, could live too.” ~ Roseanna M. White
Bram Sinclair, the Earl of Telford, began the summer on a quest to bring his sister home, but, like the rest of his friends, the Isles have captured his heart. Fascinated by tales of knights and rescuing damsels in distress since he was a boy, Bram’s expertise on King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table will prove crucial in deciphering the clues that will uncover the artifact and protect Lady Emily when she’s caught in the crossfire. Through perilous tasks, a budding romance, and a test of faith, Bram will learn what it takes to be like the noble knights he’s read about in books, but can he become worthy of the title?
Worthy of Legend is an exciting conclusion to an epic series! Written from multiple points of view, Roseanna M. White seamlessly weaves the legend of King Arthur and powerful lessons of worth and God’s mercy into the storyline, creating a novel that readers will undoubtedly relate to.
I love when books align with what’s going on in your life! As I read Worthy of Legend, the Lord used each word to teach me that I need to stop allowing others to reduce my worth for their gain. Though we often think we’re unworthy, Jesus extended His love and mercy to us when He died on the cross. The characters in this series are a testament to this gift, as they accept freedom and forgiveness through salvation!
“We need only to be who God made us to be. If we do that, we’ll change everything for someone. And that someone will do the same for someone else.” ~ Roseanna M. White
While I’m sad to say goodbye to this series, I’m pleased with how it ended. I loved each character and the mystery behind each treasure hunt. May we all know or become people as selfless as Lady Emily, brave as Lord Telford, strong as Thomasina, and noble as Enyon!
I don’t mean to copy the author, but I can’t think of a more perfect way to end this review than with this quote from the novel: “Love the legacy, my friend. Walk worthy of His calling. Go forth boldly — and live.”
*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
Click here to see more book reviews by Inspire-Truth
It’s been a summer of treasure hunts, danger, and courtship, but it’s not over yet! After a two-hundred-and-fifty-year-old diary claims that an artifact from the legendary King Arthur has been buried somewhere on the Isles of Scilly, Lady Emily Scofield, Lord Telford, and their friends must work against the clock, keeping their mission a secret, to find the item before it gets into the wrong hands.
For her entire life, Lady Emily’s greatest desire has been for her family to accept the love she has to offer; however, every attempt is abused and used to feed their greed. As her brother, Nigel, thunders through the Isles in search of the treasure, Lady Emily will stop at nothing to protect her father and brother from themselves, even if that means being cut off. Can she be a light to her family, or are their hearts too black to be saved?
“It gave her hope. Hope that she, who had been told all her life that her only role was to be what they told her to be, could live too.” ~ Roseanna M. White
Bram Sinclair, the Earl of Telford, began the summer on a quest to bring his sister home, but, like the rest of his friends, the Isles have captured his heart. Fascinated by tales of knights and rescuing damsels in distress since he was a boy, Bram’s expertise on King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table will prove crucial in deciphering the clues that will uncover the artifact and protect Lady Emily when she’s caught in the crossfire. Through perilous tasks, a budding romance, and a test of faith, Bram will learn what it takes to be like the noble knights he’s read about in books, but can he become worthy of the title?
Worthy of Legend is an exciting conclusion to an epic series! Written from multiple points of view, Roseanna M. White seamlessly weaves the legend of King Arthur and powerful lessons of worth and God’s mercy into the storyline, creating a novel that readers will undoubtedly relate to.
I love when books align with what’s going on in your life! As I read Worthy of Legend, the Lord used each word to teach me that I need to stop allowing others to reduce my worth for their gain. Though we often think we’re unworthy, Jesus extended His love and mercy to us when He died on the cross. The characters in this series are a testament to this gift, as they accept freedom and forgiveness through salvation!
“We need only to be who God made us to be. If we do that, we’ll change everything for someone. And that someone will do the same for someone else.” ~ Roseanna M. White
While I’m sad to say goodbye to this series, I’m pleased with how it ended. I loved each character and the mystery behind each treasure hunt. May we all know or become people as selfless as Lady Emily, brave as Lord Telford, strong as Thomasina, and noble as Enyon!
I don’t mean to copy the author, but I can’t think of a more perfect way to end this review than with this quote from the novel: “Love the legacy, my friend. Walk worthy of His calling. Go forth boldly — and live.”
*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER (AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 13TH)
Click here to see more book reviews by Inspire-Truth
st3fwithanf's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this series. This particular book started off a bit slow for me andI would have liked more interactions between the main characters. Once I was past the 50% mark I didn’t want to put it down!
I absolutely loved the message of the story.
I absolutely loved the message of the story.
_dcall's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Each book of this series fit well the theme of the title. The main characters as well fit displayed the theme of the book and title. With this author we are never told but shown. I found this a thoughtful story of mercy, forgiveness, agency, friendship and perserverance. I will add this was also just a good story with a bit of mystery, romance and adventure. Nothing was ever a sermon or preachy. Nothing ever thrown in for the author to stand on a soap box. I loved getting to know all the characters as I read through the series. I enjoyed the side romances as well. I thought the ending was nicely done. I would say this was a friends to love trope. I enjoyed getting a bit of history and legend lessons sprinkled in the story. I would say this series should be read in order. This series and book is good for those who enjoy Christian & closed door romance. In this book there are tense & sensitive moments & hard topics. I thought the author was careful in her balance. The narrator was good. I wasn't taken out of the story by her at all. The rhythm and cadence was good. As well as being able to switch between characters and telling each character apart.
brittsbooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
This was a great conclusion to the series. Loved Bram & Emily and Enyon & Thomasina.
kimbereading's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25