Slashed Canvas by Liz Tolsma

 

I found this story gripping right from the start. A Princess who had escaped from Russia when her husband was killed in front of her ran to Paris, where her husband had previously set things up for them to flee to. She gave birth to twin girls right after she got to Paris. She was pretty much still in shock 6 years later. She always been taken care of, had not been brought up to do anything, including take care of her girls. It wasn't done in Nobility. To feel more secure, she spent her days at the Louvre where a painting from her country hung, just looking at it. It was the only peace that she had in her life. Even though they lived in the same building, Georges got to know her there when he took over the job as janitor at the Louvre. He was a wounded war Vet on crutches, this a better job than he was able to find before. When her children are kidnapped, they become closer as they look for clues. Through it all she is brought to reality and begins to learn and change. She also brought him strength. Great story straight through. 
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 
#LisTolsma #SlashedCanvas #ChristianHistoricalFiction

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The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski

 

     

A sweeping love story set in Paris and Scotland. A princess, mother and younger sister escape from Russia as the big revolution comes about there. They lost everything, even their few things they had packed. After they fled, Svetlana took on the responsibility of providing for them all, but they were reduced to very little. They thought they found help with a Russian who catered to the deposed aristocrats, but he wasn't what he seemed, and pulled them further into poverty.
Wynn is a brilliant Scottish surgeon who steps in to help and is entranced by the princess. He's from a prominent family, but the differences are stark at times. She is very cold and protective, and has trouble trusting him. Their push-pull story is very intricate and develops slowly. Never a dull moment! Excellent read. 
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #TheIceSwan #NetGalley

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Besotted by Jody Hedlund

 

Enchanting fairy tale of the best kind with depth, full life lessons, danger and of course a story of true love. And princes and princesses in disguise, living as paupers. Wonderful protectors who love them. Journeys that make them stronger and the adults they were meant to become. Kingdoms taken over by nefarious means, and returned to the rightful rulers, who love their people. Ahh sigh. A wonderful story. Disney should make movies from this series!
I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #Besotted #JodyHedlund #thefairestmaidens #YAlit #medievalromance #5Stars #mustread Jody's website

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Evermore by Jody Hedlund

Continuation of the series (read Always first) this being the story of the oldest Princess Constance, now known as Adelaide.  A strong girl, raised along her boy cousins, equally able to fight and compete in tournaments. Yet she is also kind and compassionate towards others. From a Noble family, Christopher left home when his father pledged his loyalty to King Ethelwuf who usurped the good King. He came back after serving another good King from the north, intending to say his goodbyes to his family and never return. But it being Adelaide's 20th birthday, things progressed quickly as it was quietly revealed who she really was, rekindling her old memories in the process. A momentous change and revelation for her and her family. Since she is the rightful heir to the throne, evil King Ethelwuf wants to kidnap her and get the key she holds (one of 3) to the treasure of Solomon. A tense, twisting depthful story unfolds that will keep you on edge till the end of the book. Highly entertaining Recency with Christian lessons.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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.”
#Evermore #JodyHedlund #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #NorthernLightsPress

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Always by Jody Hedlund

Spellbinding. In a fictional land ruled by Kings and Queens, there are struggles between generations with twins as to who is the rightful heir. Regency Fiction. I was hooked right away, on the edge of my seat the entire rest of the story. In depth characters. A noblewoman lady in waiting Lady Felicia was given newborn twin princesses to rescue by their dying mother the Queen, one of the King also chose one of his guards, Lance, for the task. But first they have to get out alive - then stay that way. And find the other Princess and take her to safety as well. Constant danger, strength and courage, deepening the character's personalities and lives. A great way to start a series! Although this is marked as a young adult book, adults will enjoy it as well. Not childish in any way.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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.”
#Always #JodyHedlund #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #NorthernLightsPress

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The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin

I can so picture this.
This would make a spectacular movie or series. Animators would have a blast!

From farmland to palace, simple clothes to gowns, secrets and an orphan looking for guidance. Set in a syfy world, this author is a master weaver. In this story some characters have a talent to tell a story and make it visual, with swirls of colors and objects flowing from their hands as they speak. Tanwen aspires to a life telling stories for the king, not realizing at first the tyrant he is. She did know that he has outlawed stories not sanctioned by him and found it hard to comply, which put her and those around her in great danger. His kingdom is full of goddess worship by force, but some still only worship the Creator. This story is very well written and is a place I am looking forward to seeing more of.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher. 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.”

#TheStoryPeddler #NetGalley

From the Publisher:
Selling stories is a deadly business
Tanwen doesn’t just tell stories—she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.
During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king’s guard hunts her down . . . and they’re not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she’s not the only outlaw in the empire. There’s a rebel group of weavers . . . and they’re after her too.

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