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
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