MY REVIEW:
I’ll admit it – I almost didn’t read this book. I was not familiar with the author and medieval fiction is not my favorite genre. The publisher sent me a digital copy but I was not required to read or review it. I could have just let it go. But since I had a copy, I decided to give it a try. After all, if I didn’t like it I could just go on to another book.
Surprise, surprise! I really liked it! It didn’t take very long before I found myself totally involved in this unique tale of a young woman who took on several identities for her protection and in order to help protect her father’s threatened kingdom and to help take care of its starving families. The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline is chock full of action, secrets, danger, betrayal, and reconciliation. Faith is a strong but natural component of the story which is beautifully written.
The plot is well developed with words that flow. I loved the characters complete with their flaws but also their determination to do the right thing and to rid the kingdom of the evil that had overtaken it. One particular character underwent a stunning transformation during the course of the story that was remarkable.
I would recommend this book even if like me, you are not a huge fan of medieval fiction. Take a chance on it. I think you may like it also.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Wild Heart Books. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Everyone believes Lady Evangeline is dead, so why not let them? Her survival depends on it.
After escaping from assassins and healing from her injuries, Evangeline Stanton finds refuge in a crumbling abbey. Her physical scars are nothing to the wounds left by the death of her daughter and abandonment of her husband. She spends most days disguised as Sister Margaret Mary, but when necessary, she dons the disguise of the recently deceased bandit, the Fox, to steal from the rich and help the starving children and widows who come for aid.
Lord Henry Stanton still grieves the death of his beloved wife, Evangeline. Raising their young daughter is now the most important role in his life, even though the child serves as a daily reminder of the love he and his wife once shared. He may never shed the weight of his guilt for not protecting Evangeline from the band of outlaws who killed her, as well as the lies sown by his sister-in-law, which he allowed to separate him from his wife just before her death.
When Henry’s ailing father-in-law sends an urgent request for help to manage his lands, he has no choice but to take his daughter with him to Castle Brighton. But the nun who comes to care for the sick man catches Henry’s notice from the first moment he catches sight of her. When the life of their precious daughter is threatened, can they overcome the lies and secrets of the past and join forces to save their daughter before it is too late?
Escape to another century in this action-packed inspirational medieval romance!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
During her youth, Jan Davis Warren raised, broke, and trained horses and seriously considered becoming a veterinarian. Instead, and with no regret, she fell in love and married David, a fun testimony in itself. They searched until they found land with plenty of room to build their future family. Besides their awesome children, several horses, a couple of dogs and barn cats, over the years, they raised all kinds of poultry and livestock, including donkeys. Their children are grown now with happy homes of their own and her sweet husband, the hero of her happily-ever-after story, has since passed away. Change is hard and widowhood is not for sissies. Blessed with a good marriage and a deep abiding relationship with Jesus, Jan is able to write firsthand about sacrifice, love, romance, bravery, and perseverance. One of her favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have you, declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Website: janwarrenbooks.com
