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melmo2610's review
5.0
A positively fantastic finale to The Secrets of the Isles series! I really enjoyed Emily and Bram's story and their search for the treasure that Emily's brother is also searching for. There were a lot of exciting moments in the story which made it hard to put down. Emily's backstory as well as Tommie's gave an added layer of danger to story as well. What a great read!
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
heatherwoodauthor's review
4.0
"She’d made her wonder if she really understood what love was. Made her question whether its truest form wasn’t in giving it to those who deserved it... but in loving each person however they needed, whether they loved one back or not. She’d never loved anyone like that. But what would change if she could?"
A fitting conclusion to the Scilly trilogy. There are so many characters that even in the third book, I was always forgetting who was related to whom. As with the other books, there were 2+ romances in the story, which means at least 4 POVs, so lots of explanation, backstory, and telling, but consistent with the series.
I liked Bram and Emily though, and liked their arcs. I didn't feel sizzling chemistry, but I could see how they fit together.
There were some really good lessons and thoughts on real love and mercy, but the deeply disturbing and theologically and period-incorrect catchphrase "you are worthy" had a moment, which always leaves me highly uncomfortable as the book of Revelation makes it pretty clear that God alone is worthy, while we sinners deserve nothing but judgment apart from Jesus. It's just so odd when this thought pattern shows up in historical fiction. But that aside, there were some other good takeaways to chew on.
The characters in this trilogy are fresh and unique, with a great range of supporting characters who always surprise you. I was super happy when I saw who Briggs' love interest was.
"How did mercy and justice meet? With pain and sacrifice. And beauty beyond anything he’d ever seen."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated or required to leave a positive review
A fitting conclusion to the Scilly trilogy. There are so many characters that even in the third book, I was always forgetting who was related to whom. As with the other books, there were 2+ romances in the story, which means at least 4 POVs, so lots of explanation, backstory, and telling, but consistent with the series.
I liked Bram and Emily though, and liked their arcs. I didn't feel sizzling chemistry, but I could see how they fit together.
There were some really good lessons and thoughts on real love and mercy, but the deeply disturbing and theologically and period-incorrect catchphrase "you are worthy" had a moment, which always leaves me highly uncomfortable as the book of Revelation makes it pretty clear that God alone is worthy, while we sinners deserve nothing but judgment apart from Jesus. It's just so odd when this thought pattern shows up in historical fiction. But that aside, there were some other good takeaways to chew on.
The characters in this trilogy are fresh and unique, with a great range of supporting characters who always surprise you. I was super happy when I saw who Briggs' love interest was.
"How did mercy and justice meet? With pain and sacrifice. And beauty beyond anything he’d ever seen."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated or required to leave a positive review
shammons's review against another edition
3.0
The conclusion to the trilogy set in the Isles of Scilly at the turn of the century. Each book harkens back to an earlier pirate-laden time and has our characters hunting buried treasure. I have loved all of Ms White's books, but I do believe I prefer series like the Shadows Over England and Codebreakers to these revolving around buried treasure. I did love the setting of the Scillies though, and learning more about that area. I tend to love books set in or near Cornwall :) I knew I had to read this one, to finish up the series and see what happens to our characters, and I was not disappointed :)
melissasbookshelf's review
5.0
“That takes a special kind of heart. To love where hatred would come so naturally and so deservedly.”
In Worthy of Legend, we return to the beautiful islands of Scilly for the fabulous conclusion to an amazing series. This is one of my favorite Roseanna M. White series mainly because of the unique setting, treasure seeking storyline, and the heartfelt characters. I’m honestly sad to see it come to an end. With plenty of action, adventure, romance, and inspiration, the heroes perform one last mission to find a legendary treasure from King Arthur himself before Nigel Scofield and his father find it first. This book is definitely a must read and a fitting ending to cap off the series.
I loved Bram and Emily’s story! There is so much to learn from these two. Though Bram doesn’t like the comparison, he truly is a knight in shining armor. He’s a secret expert on the legends of King Arthur. When there’s a possible treasure relating to King Arthur on the island, he uses his expertise to discern what it is and help find it. In the first two books, Bram comes off as a bit of a bear, but he definitely has a tender heart hidden underneath. His chivalry and love of candy, especially chocolate drops endeared him to me.
Lady Emily Scofield is Nigel’s sister. She’s been mistreated and bullied by him since they were children. Emily feels abandoned by her family when she sides with her friends and aids them in their treasure search. She wants nothing more than to feel the love of family. Instead, she’s met with anger and manipulation. Her father literally cuts her off with no money to survive until she capitulates to his desires. Through it all though Emily maintains her sweetness and forgiving attitude. She’s such a genuinely good person.
Emily brings out Bram’s protective side. He’s always willing to fight for the defenseless and abandoned. He’s constantly taking in stray puppies and questions if this feeling growing between him and Emily is love. I loved how he finally realizes the truth. It’s a slow burn romance that grows from friendship and service. I enjoyed the way Emily’s unconditional love really changes Bram. I also loved how Bram builds up Emily’s confidence in herself.
There’s also a secondary romance between Tommie, Emily’s personal maid, and Enyon Thorne, Oliver Tremayne’s best friend. Tommie doubts her worthiness for love. Enyon is so patient and willing to look beyond what others might see. He’s non-judgmental and gives Tommie the time and space to realize his unconditional love.
This book is a little slower paced than the previous two, but it builds to a climactic final showdown. The inspirational messages of unconditional love, forgiveness, and ultimately the ability to choose for oneself were expertly woven into the story. It was fun to see all the couples together again and secondary characters like Sheridan’s sisters with brief appearances from Mamm-wynn and Senara,
All in all, a great conclusion to a much loved series. This book could be read as a standalone, but it’s much better if you’ve read the previous books. I’m hoping we’ll get other stories or spinoffs from this series. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 4 1/2 stars.
Content: There is some violence. Two characters allude to being sexually assaulted but no details are given. The situation is handled sensitively and in an inspiring way.
In Worthy of Legend, we return to the beautiful islands of Scilly for the fabulous conclusion to an amazing series. This is one of my favorite Roseanna M. White series mainly because of the unique setting, treasure seeking storyline, and the heartfelt characters. I’m honestly sad to see it come to an end. With plenty of action, adventure, romance, and inspiration, the heroes perform one last mission to find a legendary treasure from King Arthur himself before Nigel Scofield and his father find it first. This book is definitely a must read and a fitting ending to cap off the series.
I loved Bram and Emily’s story! There is so much to learn from these two. Though Bram doesn’t like the comparison, he truly is a knight in shining armor. He’s a secret expert on the legends of King Arthur. When there’s a possible treasure relating to King Arthur on the island, he uses his expertise to discern what it is and help find it. In the first two books, Bram comes off as a bit of a bear, but he definitely has a tender heart hidden underneath. His chivalry and love of candy, especially chocolate drops endeared him to me.
Lady Emily Scofield is Nigel’s sister. She’s been mistreated and bullied by him since they were children. Emily feels abandoned by her family when she sides with her friends and aids them in their treasure search. She wants nothing more than to feel the love of family. Instead, she’s met with anger and manipulation. Her father literally cuts her off with no money to survive until she capitulates to his desires. Through it all though Emily maintains her sweetness and forgiving attitude. She’s such a genuinely good person.
Emily brings out Bram’s protective side. He’s always willing to fight for the defenseless and abandoned. He’s constantly taking in stray puppies and questions if this feeling growing between him and Emily is love. I loved how he finally realizes the truth. It’s a slow burn romance that grows from friendship and service. I enjoyed the way Emily’s unconditional love really changes Bram. I also loved how Bram builds up Emily’s confidence in herself.
There’s also a secondary romance between Tommie, Emily’s personal maid, and Enyon Thorne, Oliver Tremayne’s best friend. Tommie doubts her worthiness for love. Enyon is so patient and willing to look beyond what others might see. He’s non-judgmental and gives Tommie the time and space to realize his unconditional love.
This book is a little slower paced than the previous two, but it builds to a climactic final showdown. The inspirational messages of unconditional love, forgiveness, and ultimately the ability to choose for oneself were expertly woven into the story. It was fun to see all the couples together again and secondary characters like Sheridan’s sisters with brief appearances from Mamm-wynn and Senara,
All in all, a great conclusion to a much loved series. This book could be read as a standalone, but it’s much better if you’ve read the previous books. I’m hoping we’ll get other stories or spinoffs from this series. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 4 1/2 stars.
Content: There is some violence. Two characters allude to being sexually assaulted but no details are given. The situation is handled sensitively and in an inspiring way.
sincerelylatisha's review
4.0
Worthy of Legend is the final installment of The Secrets of the Isles series.
I really enjoyed returning to the beautiful island setting, getting to know these characters better, and seeing all the characters from previous books (mostly Sheridan and his sisters, they're my favorites).
This is told from three POV. Lady Emily, Lord Telford (Bram), and Tommie ( Lady Emily's ladies maid). While I loved the love interest for Tommie, I honestly would have preferred if her POV was cut down so we could see more of Emily and Bram.
I loved each character. Emily is so sweet and her desire to show Christ's love to her family, especially her sinister brother, is admirable.
The book is full of themes of mercy, justice, and loving others despite themselves, as Christ did for us.
My biggest complaint is that we didn't really get enough of Bram and Emily together. They spent most of the book apart and I wanted to see them together more so we could really get a feel of their love for one another. I loved them when they were together, but I felt like we missed a lot of their connection.
Overall, it was an amazing conclusion to the series! I would love to see a spin-off of Beth & Sheridan's archeological adventures
I really enjoyed returning to the beautiful island setting, getting to know these characters better, and seeing all the characters from previous books (mostly Sheridan and his sisters, they're my favorites).
This is told from three POV. Lady Emily, Lord Telford (Bram), and Tommie ( Lady Emily's ladies maid). While I loved the love interest for Tommie, I honestly would have preferred if her POV was cut down so we could see more of Emily and Bram.
I loved each character. Emily is so sweet and her desire to show Christ's love to her family, especially her sinister brother, is admirable.
The book is full of themes of mercy, justice, and loving others despite themselves, as Christ did for us.
My biggest complaint is that we didn't really get enough of Bram and Emily together. They spent most of the book apart and I wanted to see them together more so we could really get a feel of their love for one another. I loved them when they were together, but I felt like we missed a lot of their connection.
Overall, it was an amazing conclusion to the series! I would love to see a spin-off of Beth & Sheridan's archeological adventures
booksoneveryshelf's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
So, I’m just kind of waiting for Ms. White to finally write a book that I don’t absolutely adore. I’m also really hoping that never happens. I love picking up one of her books and diving into an excellent story that I know from the start is going to touch my heart and have characters that become dear friends by “the end.” Obviously, this book is not “the one” that just makes me turn my nose up and wish for a former story. I finished it thinking “no! I can’t be at the end so soon! Just a few more pages!” Which I suppose there technically were, if you read the author’s note (something I occasionally do).
So, where to begin? With Bram? Or Emily? Or Sir Tristan, a fictional dog I might actually be okay with having as a pet? *Sigh* I had been so hoping that this would be Bram and Emily’s story and was super excited when it was announced! The romance is by far my favorite part of the story. I loved getting to know both of them better and seeing Bram seek to build up what Emily’s family so often delighted to tear down. I so enjoyed the deep conversations and thought-provoking questions they raised. I also very much appreciated how Ms. White chose to answer those questions.
What else? Oh, I knew so little about King Arthur. But like Bram, I really enjoyed the stories of honor and integrity woven into the treasure hunt. And knowing nothing about it, I enjoyed the author’s note, clearing up a little of what is fact and fiction. I also seriously loathed Nigel. Can I say that after talking about honor and integrity? Neither of which Nigel seemed to possess. Though I surprisingly liked Vandermeer and the creative verbal sparring with Bram.
Overall, I found this book to be the perfect finale to this series! I would highly recommend it, as well as the previous ones!
*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
bellesmoma2021's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I don’t have words. Well, I have words, but I don’t think I have adequate words to do this book justice. My goodness is Worthy of Legend by Roseanna M. White a seriously fantastic story. I loved every single second of this novel. Bram and Emily are the BEST characters ever. I adored Bram’s need to be a knight in shining armor. For Bram, it’s not about the glory of saving the day, but rather the drive to help someone in need. It’s like he physically hurts when someone else hurts. I don’t even care that he is a handsome man (he is, by the way) because his excellent Protector character trumps his physical attractiveness. Emily, OH MY HEART! I hurt so badly for this woman. I will not say one thing about her story because I will accidentally spoil something, but just know Emily’s story will hurt your heart. She is, without a doubt, a heroine who deserves a happily ever after. And the villain, Emily’s brother, is SCARY. He freaked me out. I was so paranoid every time he was on scene. There’s a moment with a puppy — yeah, I don’t think I breathed the entire chapter. White can really craft some stellar characters, both good and bad.
I’m not going to discuss anything about Emily’s story, but I do want to mention my struggle with her character. Emily’s character was a mirror for me and I struggled hard with what I saw. Emily is good. Like impossibly good. Like Jesus-would-be-proud-of-her good. She made me squirm. Emily’s brother is broken and evil, and her father is super selfish and abusive. These are people you do all you can to stay far, far away from. But Emily has done all she can to figure them out, to see the good in them, to love them. Even through very bad things, Emily wants to love her family. Why? Because she knows that is what God does. He loves the broken, hard, hurt people. Emily would actually choose to lose her life for her brother and/or father. She is sacrificial. I had a difficult time because I don’t know how to be this way with the people who have hurt me. I don’t know how to push through and love them anyway. They scare me. They make me want to run away and hide. I don’t know how to rise above these feelings. I get it…the expected answer is to pray more and ask Jesus to guide me. I get that. I’ve done that. I’ll continue to do that. But I’m not like Emily and that’s been a really difficult pill to swallow because I do want to be more like her character.
Worthy of Legend is a seriously great story. Definitely, this novel makes my top-ten list for 2022. This is a beautiful story of adventure, love, forgiveness, and redemption, and I cannot recommend it enough. Worthy of Legend is a story you will not want to miss.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I’m not going to discuss anything about Emily’s story, but I do want to mention my struggle with her character. Emily’s character was a mirror for me and I struggled hard with what I saw. Emily is good. Like impossibly good. Like Jesus-would-be-proud-of-her good. She made me squirm. Emily’s brother is broken and evil, and her father is super selfish and abusive. These are people you do all you can to stay far, far away from. But Emily has done all she can to figure them out, to see the good in them, to love them. Even through very bad things, Emily wants to love her family. Why? Because she knows that is what God does. He loves the broken, hard, hurt people. Emily would actually choose to lose her life for her brother and/or father. She is sacrificial. I had a difficult time because I don’t know how to be this way with the people who have hurt me. I don’t know how to push through and love them anyway. They scare me. They make me want to run away and hide. I don’t know how to rise above these feelings. I get it…the expected answer is to pray more and ask Jesus to guide me. I get that. I’ve done that. I’ll continue to do that. But I’m not like Emily and that’s been a really difficult pill to swallow because I do want to be more like her character.
Worthy of Legend is a seriously great story. Definitely, this novel makes my top-ten list for 2022. This is a beautiful story of adventure, love, forgiveness, and redemption, and I cannot recommend it enough. Worthy of Legend is a story you will not want to miss.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
esmeralda's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Roseanna M. White has been one of my top three favorite Christian Historical Fiction authors for several years now. At this point in time, she is also one of the only authors of the genre whose stories continue to capture my attention. With this in mind, I always begin her latest release with bated breath, worried that it will not be as good as the last book or that it will leave me sadly disappointed.
All this to say, I am happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed Worthy of Legend! It is a satisfying conclusion to a lovely trilogy and a meaningful story in its own right.
“Lady Emily Scofield had become an expert over the years at blending into shadows. Or wallpaper. Or furniture – she could hide herself quite effectively beside a nice armoire. And crowds – crowds were the best camouflage of all.”
To be honest, I was not particularly excited about having Bram and Emily as main characters, but they quickly won me over. As someone who firmly believes in gender equality and detests the damsel-in-distress narrative, Bram’s protective streak initially had me irritated. As the story went on I came to appreciate it – when combined with his firm belief that Emily did not need him to save her – and as an older sibling of many relate to his protectiveness as a sibling. Bram’s love for King Arthur’s lore and legacy not only finally pulled him fully into the treasure hunt, but also made him an even more wonderful character.
“You won’t have him,’ she told the vengeful waters. ‘Not if I have anything to say about it.’
The waters laughed upon the rocks.”
The waters laughed upon the rocks.”
Emily surprised me, shattering my expectations of her as a character. Emily’s transformation was inspiring and deeply satisfying. I loved learning more about her past and who she truly was. The way that Emily faced her fear, walked out of the shadows and struggled through learning what real love looks like earned her a place in my heart.
Thomasina Briggs (I cannot fully express how much I love her name!) and Enyon were quite possibly my favorite characters in Worthy of Legend. Briggs is not only a wonderful friend to Emily, but also an interesting character. Enyon is simply and perfectly lovely.
“A few years, with entries only every few months. These were clearly the musings of a woman trying to come to grips with her own life and the hand she was dealt. They were as much prayers as they were simple recordings, her own thoughts and her beseeching of the Almighty woven together in a beautiful tapestry.”
Worthy of Legend brings the treasure hunt that was begun in The Nature of A Lady to an adventurous close. I loved finally getting to know Elizabeth Mucknell and the King Arthur lore woven throughout the story. Treasure hunting seldom comes to a satisfying end, but I enjoyed how Roseanna brought completion to this hunt.
Roseanna’s books are always solidly written and sprinkled with lovely sentence; Worthy of Legend is no different. One thing that stood out to me was the way that Roseanna handled the impossibly difficult topic of sexual assault. As someone who has seen many different ways of handling the topic throughout a variety of books, I say with confidence that her method – light on details, but not lacking in gut-punching emotion – is impressive, and something to appreciate.
“The world was such a harsh place – but its every shadow was offset with the light of joy.”
Overall, I enjoyed this story and fell in love with these characters all over again. I must admit to being sad to say goodbye to the lot of them and, of course, the beautiful Isles of Scilly.
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
fruitfully_planted_bookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I absolutely loved this book! I did not realize it was the third in a series which is on me, and it didn't affect my reading experience. There were some references to the first two books, but they never confused me, just made me want to read the first two even more. This book was part adventure, part mystery, part treasure hunt, part romance, part friendship, all highly enjoyable. I read the book quickly as I never wanted to put it down. Emily's story was heartbreaking, and as her story is revealed, Bram is simply there for her. His presence never wavers and for every moment she doubts, he plants a seed of truth. Such a wonderful story. I am looking forward to reading the first two, and more books by this author
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