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A review by egbella
A Noble Purpose (Cornerstone Series, #1): A Hans, Who Made the Princess Laugh Retelling by Laurie Lucking
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This is such a sweet story! A Noble Purpose is the first of Laurie Lucking's books that I've read and now I'll need to go read more of her works - she's crafted a fun, heartwarming tale with a refreshing spin on the classic Hans, Who Made the Princess Laugh.
My only qualm with the entire story is that I want there to be more of it, haha! Some of the romances near the end felt rushed and I would have loved to see those relationships develop slower and more naturally over time. But in a novella, that's not really possible and it didn't affect my ability to enjoy the characters or the story at all.
The characters were so fun! Liesl, the protagonist, is so kind-hearted and bubbly, and I really admired her drive to make her sister happy. What a fantastic little sister. She didn't always think her decisions through but it fit her personality, being so impulsive and willing to risk everything to make her sister smile. I'm so glad she had a happy ending herself, after everything she risked!
I also really loved the approach to the eldest sister's, Verena's, melancholy, specifically one line about it being how the Holy One shaped her heart. She could still laugh and be happy, but naturally she didn't have as bubbly a personality, and as someone who can relate, I appreciated her stoicism not being something that needed to be "fixed". Liesl wanted to make her smile because Verena wanted to smile, not because she didn't value her sister as she was. I'm glad Verena did find someone to help draw out her happiness though. <3
Breck was an interesting character too. I enjoy gruff mentor characters and he and Liesl had a very fun dynamic through the story. He balanced her out well, keeping her safe and sane, but also appreciating her character qualities for what they are. I would have loved to see their relationship grow over time but they seem like a well-fitting couple, and I'd believe they work out well. His protectiveness was so incredibly sweet.
And Sir Jonas! I love him so much. The story got even better as soon as he was introduced, and I really enjoyed reading scenes with him. His personality is perfect for Verena, and I loved his optimism and kindheartedness. If there's ever a continuation of this story, he should be a big part of it, I'm just saying...haha! In general, it's fun that both couples balance one another out in opposite ways - bubbly woman with stoic man, and bubbly man with stoic woman.
I also appreciated that the adventure part of the story was lowkey. There was action and unknown, and some danger, but it was all on a very small scale. I was never on the edge of my seat, stressed. Instead, the entire book felt cozy. The added mentions of The Holy One and prayers were not pushy or in-your-face, they were very naturally woven in and I enjoyed them being there.
I'd have no problem at all giving this book to my little siblings or recommending it to anyone who wonders what my last great read was. If you enjoy short and sweet fairy tale romances with cozy vibes, chipper humor, and fun characters, you might just fall in love with this one!
Content to mention: a couple of kisses, a woman rests in her love's arms and with her head against his shoulders while asleep, mentions of the Holy One, someone is hit in the head with a rock and passes out, attempted kidnapping. No strong language, explicit descriptions, or excessive violence!
** I received an ARC copy of this book, but was not required to leave a review - much less a positive one. All thoughts expressed are my own. **
My only qualm with the entire story is that I want there to be more of it, haha! Some of the romances near the end felt rushed and I would have loved to see those relationships develop slower and more naturally over time. But in a novella, that's not really possible and it didn't affect my ability to enjoy the characters or the story at all.
The characters were so fun! Liesl, the protagonist, is so kind-hearted and bubbly, and I really admired her drive to make her sister happy. What a fantastic little sister. She didn't always think her decisions through but it fit her personality, being so impulsive and willing to risk everything to make her sister smile. I'm so glad she had a happy ending herself, after everything she risked!
I also really loved the approach to the eldest sister's, Verena's, melancholy, specifically one line about it being how the Holy One shaped her heart. She could still laugh and be happy, but naturally she didn't have as bubbly a personality, and as someone who can relate, I appreciated her stoicism not being something that needed to be "fixed". Liesl wanted to make her smile because Verena wanted to smile, not because she didn't value her sister as she was. I'm glad Verena did find someone to help draw out her happiness though. <3
Breck was an interesting character too. I enjoy gruff mentor characters and he and Liesl had a very fun dynamic through the story. He balanced her out well, keeping her safe and sane, but also appreciating her character qualities for what they are. I would have loved to see their relationship grow over time but they seem like a well-fitting couple, and I'd believe they work out well. His protectiveness was so incredibly sweet.
And Sir Jonas! I love him so much. The story got even better as soon as he was introduced, and I really enjoyed reading scenes with him. His personality is perfect for Verena, and I loved his optimism and kindheartedness. If there's ever a continuation of this story, he should be a big part of it, I'm just saying...haha! In general, it's fun that both couples balance one another out in opposite ways - bubbly woman with stoic man, and bubbly man with stoic woman.
I also appreciated that the adventure part of the story was lowkey. There was action and unknown, and some danger, but it was all on a very small scale. I was never on the edge of my seat, stressed. Instead, the entire book felt cozy. The added mentions of The Holy One and prayers were not pushy or in-your-face, they were very naturally woven in and I enjoyed them being there.
I'd have no problem at all giving this book to my little siblings or recommending it to anyone who wonders what my last great read was. If you enjoy short and sweet fairy tale romances with cozy vibes, chipper humor, and fun characters, you might just fall in love with this one!
Content to mention: a couple of kisses, a woman rests in her love's arms and with her head against his shoulders while asleep, mentions of the Holy One, someone is hit in the head with a rock and passes out, attempted kidnapping. No strong language, explicit descriptions, or excessive violence!
** I received an ARC copy of this book, but was not required to leave a review - much less a positive one. All thoughts expressed are my own. **