Book Review #27: Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman

Chivalrous (Valiant Hearts #2) by Dina L. Sleiman brings readers another unforgettable heroine who has an incredible adventure awaiting her. Sleiman has created a action-packed story that is full of heart swooning romance and intelligent female characters that are just as smart and strong as the men they live alongside. This is not a book or series to be missed! 

Summary 

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 Thoughts 

Chivalrous is the second book in the Valiant Heart Series. If you have not read the first one, never fear it is possible to enjoy this book just as much without having the backdrop from the last book to play into this story line.  Yet, I don't know how much to stress that you would be doing yourself the best thing ever by getting acquainted with the lovely Merry, dashing Tim, but most importantly handsome and sweet Allen. If you are interested here is my review of the first novel. But now on with my thoughts on Chivalrous.

Oh, where to begin? The action? The romance? The kick butt Gwendolyn masquerading as a man so she can fight in tournaments? Loved. Every. Page. Of. This. Book!! 

I guess I will start with what I liked about this story.  I loved the Camelot feel I got when reading this.  I was again impressed with Sleiman's world and character building through the story.  This woman is giving me everything I want as a reader. The two leads are going through struggles of identity, destinies plus there is this possibility of maybe choosing who they want to love-- which for both is a game changer. All truly huge life altering circumstances that I felt were handled really well in this plot line.  They didn't feel rushed, or unnecessary for the character's to go through and I as a reader appreciate that.

Now I'm sure I don't give too much away when I say that Gwendolyn and Allen start to form a relationship of sorts. I won't give too much away with how it begins or ends, but there was one element that was in their relationship that I found really refreshing.  It was how Allen and Gwendolyn, in searching for their purpose in life were able to encourage one another towards God's Word and guidance. I just loved how Sleiman intertwined that into the foundation of their relationship. 

This book deals with people pleasing as well. First, with Gwendolyn and her father. Second, with Allen and the counsel who have decided he is their savior in a means of sorts. More like a hero/champion... I found this theme to be relate-able and I think it's a great common ground for readers to relate with as well.  Be it people pleasing, or struggling to find one's purpose or destiny in life it all stems down to how Gwendolyn and Allen find their truth in God's plan for them but also realizing that they have to act on the plan just as much as God has planned it out for them. (Did I lose you with that sentence?) 

This book is a champion in itself! I am anticipating the third one which will be focused on Gwendolyn's maidservant who was a very complex character with a story I am excited to read. 

I highly recommend this book for lovers of strong heroine with a passion for life that is contagious! 

Rating: 4 out of 5 bookshelves 

I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.

About the Author 

Novelist, Poet, Dancer, Wife, Mother and Passionate Follower of Christ. Check out her novels, Dance of the Dandelion, Love in Three Quarter Time, Dance from Deep Within, Dauntless and Chivalrous.

Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads

Purchase her book: Amazon, B&N

Seriously, don't miss out on this new series. You'll want to join this thrilling medieval bandwagon.

Happy Reading~! 

In His Grace, 
Taylor Reid 

Litfuse Blog Tour Event: Valley of Decision by Lynne Gentry

Valley of Decision is the compelling conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles. Finally, Lisbeth and her daughter are given one more chance to reunite with Cyprian. By trouble is brewing and there is a trial for murder for Lisbeth's mother.  If you love time travel, the early days of Christianity blended into fiction and also a side of romance to keep some things light this is the book for you.  Join me in my review and see why this novel could be your next read.  

Summary

Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure. 

Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision--leave third century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life. 

All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can't--secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow. 

With Maggie's surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator. 

Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets? Filled with heart-wrenching twists and riveting action, Valley of Decision bring the romantic adventure epic, The Carthage Chronicles, to an electrifying conclusion. 

My Thoughts 

This is the third and last book to the Carthage Chronicles, and if you have not read the first or second book I highly recommend that you go and read those two first but this review will be as spoiler free as  I can make and if there is a spoiler I will warn you! 

Either way I think it's best for the readers to read the first two books to get a sense of the characters.  This has not been my favorite series, but I do love time travel and I like fiction that is based in the early years of Christianity.  Gentry is a fabulous author.  She knows how to mold and sculpt language to make her stories feel like they are breathing. (I know that sounds weird, but for me as a reader I feel like this book is so full of life how can it not feel like that when I'm reading it?)  

I also loved how she did multiple story lines this time around--more bang for your buck.  Plus, we get the treat of reading about grown up Maggie, the daughter of Lisbeth and Cyrpain.  I like her independence and fearlessness, but also at times it was funny to read because it was a 21st century young woman trying to go up against the politics of a completely different time which did not value women as much.  It was still enjoyable to read,  and the budding romance that she starts to kindle with a certain someone (trying not to give away spoilers) was surprising and then when re-reading the second book it seemed right.  

Now getting to Lisbeth and her story.  I was kind of sad this time around because when reading the first book I kind of knew what was going to happen to Cyrpain.  But I was also holding out for maybe there was a way around this particular event.  Just be prepared is all I have to say.  Even when knowing the outcome sometimes it still is a bummer to read.  Besides all of that the author did well with tying up the stories of all of the characters we as the readers have grown so attached too. 

This was an enjoyable time-traveling novel and I highly recommend this whole series if you are looking for one to read! 

Rating: 3 out of 5 bookshelves 
I received a free copy from Litfuse Publicity in return for an honest review.

About the Author 


This girl who grew up on a Kansas dairy farm never wanted to be a writer, but she has always been a storyteller. Her mother called it "Selling wind in a bag." Lynne started out writing plays and skits. Then in a moment of sheer insanity, she decided to take a stab at writing full-length novels. Reinventing Leona was her first and it is no longer in printer. The Carthage Chronicles is her latest series. 

Lynee can milk a cow, drive a tractor, organize a banquet, prepare a kid for that first professional acting audition, or sit across the table and enjoy a cup of coffee with you. 
She counts her thirty-plus year marriage and her two wonderful children as her greatest accomplishment. 


Links to Author's: Facebook, Website, Twitter and Goodreads
Purchase her book: Amazon and B&N