Dauntless (Valiant Hearts) (Volume 1) by Dina L. Sleiman

I seem to be reading books within a theme - mostly about strong women. This is another and is geared towards young adults - but I really enjoyed it even though I'm old.  I have always liked tales of Robin Hood and the idea of living off the land. When I was younger I spent many, many enjoyable hours in the woods near our home.

Lady Merry Ellison, daughter of a Baron who tried to assassinate the King, has been forced to live and hide in the forest after the King tried to wipe out their entire village. But Merry and the children from the village were hidden away before the Kings' men came through. After they were gone it was up to Merry to feed, clothe and take care of everyone - and continue to keep them hidden from the revengeful King. She had learned aerobatic tumbling skills from a young age and to live in the forest - strength, anonymity and restraint mottoes foremost - so she was well equipped to lead this young band. But sometimes they needed to take from the rich to survive.

Merry's friend Timothy Grey, the ninth son of a Baron, grew up with her and shared the same motto and skills. He was betrothed to Merry, but Timothy's family did not join with Merry's father in the assassination attempt and stayed on the good side of the King. Timothy thought Merry was killed long ago. In time since he longed to do something magnificent to earn a title of his own, as he was far down the line in his own family.  Capturing "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest" would impress the nobility and give him a chance of his own. Little did he know who those "ghosts" were.

This is the story of how Merry and Timothy find each other again, and the struggle to survive and do what is right, no matter the danger. Definitely a great read, pulls on your heartstrings and has deep roots in faith. Highly recommended! I really liked the cover too. Dina L. Sleiman is a new author to me, and can add me to her fan list. I'm looking forward to more in the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.

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