Moonglotexas“I shall ride the final course.” I grabbed the great helm. “You know I have the better chance at vanquishing Lord Mortimer.”
Opening lines of Evermore by Jody Hedlund
As I finished Always, a Lost Princesses novella, I couldn’t wait to start reading Evermore by Jody Hedlund and I wasn’t disappointed! Lady Adelaide, riding into a jousting championship dressed as a man, begins the novel as she means to go on, turning paradigms upside down and fighting for what she believes in! She is also one of the three lost princesses and the rightful queen of the kingdom. She’s lived unaware of her status in the Langley’s country home growing up with their two sons, Christopher and Mitchell, as friends. Both now men, they come to her defense as the king begins his pursuit to capture her.
Christopher, a self-exiled rebel, gladly joins the campaign to protect Adelaide and win back her throne despite his preceding five-year absence. The tension amongst the three characters is taut as Christopher tries to repair the trust broken by his leaving. Adelaide swiftly falls back into the habits of their old friendship and Mitchell quickly becomes resentful. The king’s pursuit is relentless, the action is non-stop as the three race across the country.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fairytale style, the feisty leading lady and the interesting unpacking of how we accept God’s purpose for our life and how we live that out. Whilst listed as a Young Adult novel, I found I could relate easily to the characters. They are balanced, intelligent and mature. The romance is sweet and gentle. I highly recommend it, it’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.
From the back cover:
Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.
Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.
When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Jody Hedlund. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
