Review and Blog Tour Post: Robin Hood's Widow by Olivia Longueville & J.C. Plummer

Synopsis and Review: 

 

Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting:  Late 12th century England and France 

Released: 8th May 2020, Angevin World Publishing

Editions: Print and Ebook

Robin’s duty to his king sends him on an odyssey that will unfold from the streets of Paris to the banks of the Danube. From incredible triumphs on the battlefields of the Crusade, to harrowing sea voyages, to a desperate dash across the frozen landscape of Central Europe, Robin Hood must ensure that King Richard safely returns to England.

Meanwhile, the outlaws of Sherwood Forest rise again under a new leader—and she is unwavering in her pursuit of justice against the tyranny of Sheriff de Argentan. Marian endures the heartbreak of widowhood only to find strength and purpose as she leads a small band of devoted men in her quest for vengeance while she protects Robin’s legacy.Sir Guy of Gisborne, tormented by his conscience and enslaved by the sheriff, faces the wraith- like fury of the woman he once loved.

How do you find forgiveness when you have committed an unforgivable crime? He must attempt a daunting journey of redemption, while finding inspiration from an unexpected source.And through it all, Robin, Marian, and Guy are entangled in a web of treachery spun by the Kingof France and his sinister advisor, Montlhéry, as the plot to dismantle the Angevin Empire and take the throne of England from the Plantagenets boldly continues.

                Part two of an exciting three-part retelling of the Robin Hood legend!

Buy the Book
Amazon.com:  https://bit.ly/RHWidow
Amazon.co.uk:  https://bit.ly/RHWidow-UK

First Line Fridays: Robin Hood's Widow by Olivia Longueville and J.C. Plummer

I know, I have not done a FLF post for what, 2 months now. I've been very remiss. My post today is to celebrate the release (it comes out today!) of the second book in The Robin Hood Trilogy, co-authored by two lovely ladies Olivia Longueville and J.C. Plummer. 

The first book came out in early 2018: you can read my review of it here. Y'all know I'm a sucker for Medieval Fiction and Robin Hood's Dawn was one of my favourite books for 2018. Although its categorized as a General Market title I made the exception of featuring it on this site. Several of the main characters have an active faith, and this is represented in a positive and sympathetic way: albeit one which is consistent with the time period. The 12th century. 

This isn't about the first book though. The long-awaited sequel is out. I had the honour of being offered an ARC to read by the author last year, and I loved it. If you want a female led Robin Hood retelling, that's historically accurate, but also has plenty of adventure and a dash of romance they the Robin Hood Trilogy is certainly for you. Also, my Christian readers might want to note that this series is, generally, clean. 

(There's one or two scenes in the first book that might make a few people blush, and the bad language is relegated to the occasional oath in the name of a Saint. Pretty much consistent with the time period.) 

So without further ado, here's the book: 

Robin’s duty to his king sends him on an odyssey that will unfold from the streets of Paris to the banks of the Danube. From incredible triumphs on the battlefields of the Crusade, to harrowing sea voyages, to a desperate dash across the frozen landscape of Central Europe, Robin Hood must ensure that King Richard safely returns to England.

Meanwhile, the outlaws of Sherwood Forest rise again under a new leader – and she is unwavering in her pursuit of justice against the tyranny of Sheriff de Argentan. Marian endures the heartbreak of widowhood only to find strength and purpose as she leads a small band of devoted men in her quest for vengeance while she protects Robin’s legacy.

Sir Guy of Gisborne, tormented by his conscience and enslaved by the sheriff, faces the wraith-like fury of the woman he once loved. How do you find forgiveness when you have committed an unforgivable crime? He must attempt a daunting journey of redemption, while finding inspiration from an unexpected source.
Buy
And through it all, Robin, Marian, and Guy are entangled in a web of treachery spun by the King of France and his sinister advisor, Montlhéry, as the plot to dismantle the Angevin Empire and take the throne of England from the Plantagenets boldly continues.

Part two of an exciting three-part retelling of the Robin Hood legend!

and the First Line comes from the Prologue...

9 April 1192. North of Poitiers, On the banks of the Clain River 

"Bracing herself against a tree, Marian gasped for air, clutching her side as she struggled to catch her breath"

 Buy on Amazon.com

Buy on Amazon.uk 

Also on Kindle Unlimited

A Mother For His Family by Susanne Dietze Review

Love Inspired Historical 

January 2nd 2018, 288 Pages

Print and Ebook

Lady Helena Stanhope’s reputation is in tatters…and she’s lost any hope for a “respectable” ton marriage. An arranged union is the only solution. But once Helena weds formidable Scottish widower John Gordon, Lord Ardoch, and encounters his four mischievous children, she’s determined to help her new, ever-surprising family. Even if she’s sure love is too much to ask for.

All John needs is someone to mother his admittedly unruly brood. He never imagined that beautiful Lady Helena would be a woman of irresistible spirit, caring and warmth. Or that facing down their pasts would give them so much in common. Now, as danger threatens, John will do whatever it takes to convince Helena their future together—and his love—are for always.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Mother for His Family is a rather enjoyable spin on the typical marriage of convenience story  and a great  follow up to Mrs Dietze's first Regency novel The Reluctant Guardian. (Its been a couple of years since I read that, and I might give it a re-read.) 

 There's a passel of impish and mischievous children, a blackmailer, a manor house in remote Scotland and a newly married couple keeping some secrets from one another.

Overall, its an enjoyable Regency novel with a slow burning romance. Not trite or predictable. Historical events and details are woven well into the story and some difficult or controversial subjects are dealt with sensitively.

Helen was a great character. Although thrown in the proverbial deep end with her marriage, she has to use her wit and intelligence to get by. She is vulnerable, but doesn't tend to show it and tries to help and assist her adoptive family in the best way she knows.

I only had a couple of complaints about Americanisms (eating with forks etc). Also, there was one scene where Helena starts preaching at the villain which just didn't come over as appropriate or realistic in the context. It just seemed contrived and not like something a person in that situation would do. At least not a normal, flawed, human being.

                                                                      A solid 4 star read.