Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Chivalrous

GIVEAWAY

SLEIMAN, DINA L.
CHIVALROUS

Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit.

When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.


My Review:

This Arthurian inspired story is a fitting sequel to the Robin Hood influences in the first book, Dauntless. You don't have to read the first book in order to enjoy this one, but if you have, you'll already be acquainted with Allen of Ellsworth. So glad he gets his own swashbuckling tale -- can you say swashbuckling in relationship to knights? Ah well, I did, and it's an apt description because there's plenty of action, a few nefarious characters and one truly reprehensible villain to be thwarted.

A good versus evil theme sets the backdrop for the inspirational thread about placing your trust in God. Now that doesn't mean you sit back and do nothing while waiting for a miracle to happen. Definitely not if you are a heroine like Gwen. She's determined to have a say in her future, despite the ominous grumblings of her domineering father.

Left to her own devices for much of her childhood, Gwen trained with her brothers and experienced untold freedom for a genteel female. That has shaped the woman she has become so is it any wonder culture shock ensues when her absentee father returns home with the intent of marrying her off to a most unsuitable suitor?

Talk about clash of wills. Mayhem ensues along with intrigue and dastardly deeds that threaten the fledgling love between Allen and Gwen. Remember what I said about placing your trust in God? What a challenge for this hero and heroine to desperately cling to. I love how the author conveys how they grow in faith and their determination to be true to it.

There are some darker threads in this tale as well. In particular, a secondary character, Rosalind faces a heartbreaking struggle which doesn't reach a conclusion in this novel. Thankfully, Rosalind is the heroine for the third and final installment in the Valiant Hearts series. Courageous comes out in July 2016. I can't wait!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Chivalrous please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January 10 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

32 comments:

  1. I read Dauntless and loved it! I need to read this next. LattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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  2. New author for me. I like what the book is about. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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  3. This one sounds good. I need to read Dauntless as well. I love strong heroines. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. You'll get them here for sure. Good luck, Loraine.

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  4. What an interesting book. I need to check these out!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. They are very different from other books out there right now so that's fun too. Good luck, Melanie.

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  5. I have Dauntless in my TBR. I need to add this one.... Thanks Kav!

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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  6. I also want to read Dauntless! I had read great reviews on it and never got it read. Now there is a new one in the series! Chivalrous sounds so good - I'm going to have to catch up!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with so many great books coming out all the time. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  7. I really want this book. spotts06 at comcast dot net

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  8. This series has been on my wish list since I first heard of it. They sound unique and like they'd be fun to read. Thanks for the chance to win Chivalrous.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. The time period is really interesting too. Lots to recommend about this series, for sure. Good luck, Pam.

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  9. I heard so many good things about this book. I'm looking forward to reading it!

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

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  10. I have Dauntless, but have yet to read it. I wasn't compelled to read this series until this book was available. The third book, Courageous, sounds even better and I LOVE the cover. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I really enjoy YA books and love having great ones like this in the Christian Fiction market. Good luck, Terrill.

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  11. I love this time period!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. Me too and there aren't many books set during the Middle Ages. Good luck, Melody.

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  12. Medieval lore isn't my usual read, but I do know someone who would enjoy this way more....will be gifting this one if my name is chosen! ;-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. That's not to say that I won't read it first, of course, lol! I've heard wonderful things about Dina's books, would give it a chance :-) Break from the "norm" and shake my reading up a bit!

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    2. We have to break out of the norm from time to time, don't we? But not too often 'cause there's way too many comfort reads to get through. :-)

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  13. I really enjoyed Dauntless, so I'm glad this one is good, too! Thanks for the giveaway!

    writer_weaverATyahooDOTcom

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  14. I love all the things medieval! Fingers crossed behind me, here is my contact :)
    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. I haven't read any of the books in this series, but would love to try this one. Thanks, Kav!!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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