Scan barcode
annagwill's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
goodeyreads's review
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you to the author for the free audiobook.
BLOWN AWAY.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Audiobook notes: This is the only negative thing I have to say. The audio wasn’t great. I ended up reading more of the book on my kindle because of the narration. When the narrator would read the general story line, it was fine. But anytime voices were used it was hard to understand and didn’t fit the characters well either. For someone who can listen to very dense fantasies at 3x with no problems, I had to slow this one wayyyy down to understand what was being said.
BUT NOW ALL OF THE HAPPY THINGS BECAUSE I LOVED THIS BOOK.
This was a lot more heavily Christian fiction than I generally go for, so while this is one I’m usually not drawn too, I thought it everything was beautifully crafted. I think with the setting and time period the faith aspects were woven in well and showcased beautiful moments of connection and love.
I adored the hard fought relationship between Hector and Cara. It often felt like one step forward, two steps back, but then those moments of clarity and understanding would come and I loved how the communication lines began to open. I was a smitten puddle over many moments. I loved the conflict and just the right level of action. The heat and passion of true love and the strength of friendships.
A fabulous book. I am blown away this was a debut and I hope we get more books from this author soon!
Overall audience notes:
- Christian Historical Fiction Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: spousal abuse (physical), loss of loved one, childbirth, mentions of child abuse, attempted assault, being stoned
BLOWN AWAY.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Audiobook notes: This is the only negative thing I have to say. The audio wasn’t great. I ended up reading more of the book on my kindle because of the narration. When the narrator would read the general story line, it was fine. But anytime voices were used it was hard to understand and didn’t fit the characters well either. For someone who can listen to very dense fantasies at 3x with no problems, I had to slow this one wayyyy down to understand what was being said.
BUT NOW ALL OF THE HAPPY THINGS BECAUSE I LOVED THIS BOOK.
This was a lot more heavily Christian fiction than I generally go for, so while this is one I’m usually not drawn too, I thought it everything was beautifully crafted. I think with the setting and time period the faith aspects were woven in well and showcased beautiful moments of connection and love.
I adored the hard fought relationship between Hector and Cara. It often felt like one step forward, two steps back, but then those moments of clarity and understanding would come and I loved how the communication lines began to open. I was a smitten puddle over many moments. I loved the conflict and just the right level of action. The heat and passion of true love and the strength of friendships.
A fabulous book. I am blown away this was a debut and I hope we get more books from this author soon!
Overall audience notes:
- Christian Historical Fiction Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: spousal abuse (physical), loss of loved one, childbirth, mentions of child abuse, attempted assault, being stoned
nuriamm's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Some books just make me go “Man, I’m so glad she had the guts to write this!” A historical romance tour de force and make it decadently Medieval, no less.
Redemption and romance- this is definitely worth some subgenre adventuring, because, even if the battle-torn, minimal-bathing Dark Ages are not your usual time period of choice or even if predominant uplifting themes of Christian faith are not something you seek out, the romance beats on this one drum a steady call to HEA chasers everywhere that full swoony satisfaction is on the horizon.
After fellow readers’ raving, my expectations were high, and I came in assuming we’d get a lovely angsty romance amongst tons of political intrigue and clan warfare, and, though it’s definitely there, I’m happy to report the romance is as center stage as it gets here. So, so, so much to love in this class difference story, but, for me, a hero is defining. And, Hector, second son, prodigal brother, Laird MacLean, chieftain of Lochbuie, Beithir of the Battlefield, the ProtHector, Literal and Figurative Wallclimber, Berserker of TBRs, Vanquisher of Book Slumps, etc, is such a new favorite. This is all you need to know: we like our heroes fiercely, savagely protective, but teachable. Sure, I can never get enough brogue, but the amount of grovel, gestures, awkward bumbling, “What I say?” fumbling and full out apologizing from this warrior giant had me dancing an inner-jig (awkward even in my head, but no less celebratory). The Medieval scenario just lets him shine in all his natural leader, work-in-progress hothead, all-in-for-her glory.
And, if I’m so on board with the hero, the heroine better be right there with him. Cara matched him the whole way with her brilliant long-suffering survivor arc. All her impressive competence, endless kindness and steady faith more than deserving for Hec’s insta-devotion, which not only falls first, but falls as hard as a week-old bannock.
I really have no inexpert opinion notes to give because of how with the characterization, the progression, the falling-in-love giddyness, the epic whisking away, the individual depth and redemption, the mutual rescuing, absolutely everything was given. Have to mention the confidently understated writing, the history-nerd-senses-tingling glossary, traveling the magical Scottish Hebrides, a third act tailor-made for Laura Frantz fans, and how it’s beyond exciting to love a book/world so much and know she’s got 8 more in her bag of swoony story wonders coming.
Content notes: Kissing Only, married very vague fade to black. Hero struggles with alcoholism and war PTSD. Mention of past womanizing. Mention of past child abuse. Heroine widowed survivor of domestic abuse (on page flashbacks) and infidelity. Predominant mention of infertility. Heroine suffers on page violent attack and on page attempted sexual assault. On page sword violence. None of the above are graphic.
rbmommareads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is phenomenal! I started with the audiobook (which is fantastic) and was enjoying it so much and wanted to make notes and highlight so many parts, that I downloaded on KU to read along as I listened. This is also a book I will be purchasing for my shelf.
The lengths to which the main characters go to honor God and those around them is such a testimony. Without giving away anything too much like a spoiler, just know that salvation and grace are a major theme throughout this book; there is deep faith, renewal, and redemption woven richly within the plot. No shortage of shortcomings, assumptions, and deceit, along with loyalty, duty, camaraderie, and affection.
All of the characters are created so wonderfully. and with personalities that are real, that the reader will come to know. One can sense the good and bad, the struggles and the joy they experience while reading this story. To know that this is a debut novel is amazing. Ashley Worrell has a gift with the pen and I look forward to reading the remainder of this series as they are released! I also hope that Guy Barnes will be able to continue the narration of the subsequent books.
The lengths to which the main characters go to honor God and those around them is such a testimony. Without giving away anything too much like a spoiler, just know that salvation and grace are a major theme throughout this book; there is deep faith, renewal, and redemption woven richly within the plot. No shortage of shortcomings, assumptions, and deceit, along with loyalty, duty, camaraderie, and affection.
All of the characters are created so wonderfully. and with personalities that are real, that the reader will come to know. One can sense the good and bad, the struggles and the joy they experience while reading this story. To know that this is a debut novel is amazing. Ashley Worrell has a gift with the pen and I look forward to reading the remainder of this series as they are released! I also hope that Guy Barnes will be able to continue the narration of the subsequent books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, War, and Alcohol
Minor: Domestic abuse, War, Child death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy, Violence, and Death
Even though I included all the content warnings, nothing is overly descriptive. This is a gritty story of one man's battles over coming his addiction to alcohol, brought on from severe PTSD from battles fought. And the struggle of a woman overcoming the emotional and physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her late husband.blessed_bookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoyed this story. Lots of faith content which I loved (praying, scripture, etc)
Clean, Christian historical fiction, romance that fades to black.
Warning: This one is a tear jerker. It’s not a light and fluffy romance, and covers some hard topics for some (domestic abuse, alcohol addiction, and infertility to name a few)
The author did a beautiful job growing and developing Cara’s and Hector’s characters. By the end of the book they are both very different in a good way!
This book is a 6 star for me. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out! This is going on my all time favorite reads list!
Clean, Christian historical fiction, romance that fades to black.
Warning: This one is a tear jerker. It’s not a light and fluffy romance, and covers some hard topics for some (domestic abuse, alcohol addiction, and infertility to name a few)
The author did a beautiful job growing and developing Cara’s and Hector’s characters. By the end of the book they are both very different in a good way!
This book is a 6 star for me. I can’t wait for book 2 to come out! This is going on my all time favorite reads list!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, War, Pregnancy, Alcoholism, and Alcohol
modernmissgranger's review
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I am shocked this is a debut! 🤍Thank you @byashleyworrell for the gifted audiobook! 🤍
First, I am just blown away by the fantastic writing of this debut! The history, the dialogue, the setting, it was all done amazingly well!
The romance was very swoony and I thought the progression of Cara and Hector’s romance was beautiful.
This story also didn’t shy away from tough subjects, and they were handled with grace and care that I loved.
Read if you love:
• historical novels set in the 1300’s
• Scotland setting
• forbidden love
• themes of overcoming the past
• Christian romance
Steam: none
TW: none
And also a thank you to @bookishbeachbabe for posting this quote and adding this to my tbr.
★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing
TW: past abusive relationship, mild violence
First, I am just blown away by the fantastic writing of this debut! The history, the dialogue, the setting, it was all done amazingly well!
The romance was very swoony and I thought the progression of Cara and Hector’s romance was beautiful.
This story also didn’t shy away from tough subjects, and they were handled with grace and care that I loved.
Read if you love:
• historical novels set in the 1300’s
• Scotland setting
• forbidden love
• themes of overcoming the past
• Christian romance
Steam: none
TW: none
And also a thank you to @bookishbeachbabe for posting this quote and adding this to my tbr.
★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing
TW: past abusive relationship, mild violence
book_leigh's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A woman with a traumatic past makes a Ruth-like expedition to a new clan with the mother of her now-deceased (and terrible human) husband. A man with battle-induced nightmares, flashbacks, and coping mechanisms is Laird over this clan. While both try to heal, they both fall into a relationship that was never supposed to be. Clean, Christian romance. Sweet, but still with sword-fighting, political moves, and a whole lot of 14th century Scottish words. Very well done!
itshannahshardcovers's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ashley, what in the world did you do to me?
I was already at a point in my life, struggling with my mental health, battling with God, and struggling with my religion and beliefs. This book made me cry, made my open my eyes, and, for the first time in 5+ years, step foot into church on a Sunday morning.
Plot: This book is going to destroy you in the best way. The characters constant battle with their beliefs, forgiveness, battling what the world is telling them versus what their God is telling them is so real, and raw, and you feel so deeply for all of them throughout all of the struggles that they are going through.
Characters: I love them all, and that is all I have to say. Each characters (main or side) is so effectively created that it almost feels like a movie is playing in your mind. You're there with them (in the good and the bad), and you feel their pain, their happiness, and so much more.
Overall: I loved this book. It broke me, healed me, and helped me to realize what I was missing in my life. This is supposed to be a 9 book series, and I can assure you, I will be reading all 9 books.
Stars: 5/5
Spice: 0/5
I was already at a point in my life, struggling with my mental health, battling with God, and struggling with my religion and beliefs. This book made me cry, made my open my eyes, and, for the first time in 5+ years, step foot into church on a Sunday morning.
Plot: This book is going to destroy you in the best way. The characters constant battle with their beliefs, forgiveness, battling what the world is telling them versus what their God is telling them is so real, and raw, and you feel so deeply for all of them throughout all of the struggles that they are going through.
Characters: I love them all, and that is all I have to say. Each characters (main or side) is so effectively created that it almost feels like a movie is playing in your mind. You're there with them (in the good and the bad), and you feel their pain, their happiness, and so much more.
Overall: I loved this book. It broke me, healed me, and helped me to realize what I was missing in my life. This is supposed to be a 9 book series, and I can assure you, I will be reading all 9 books.
Stars: 5/5
Spice: 0/5
More...