Courageous

GIVEAWAY

SLEIMAN, DINA L.
COURAGEOUS

Inspired by the vision of the young Lady Sapphira, Rosalind of Ipsworth joins a group of men, women and children as a defender of the cross, seeking to free captives near Tripoli. She'll gladly give herself to the cause, as she's haunted by a tragic mistake and feels she no longer deserves such joys a marriage and family might bring.

Sir Randel Penigree was reared to serve in the church but has always dreamt of protecting the innocent as a Templar knight. Joining a crusade to escape humiliation at home, he finds himself drawn to Rosalind as they partner to train and protect a group of adolescents. When faced with political intrigue and an unknown enemy bent on their destruction, they are forced to reconsider their priorities and the very nature of the God they serve.

My Review:

Book Three of the Valiant Hearts series and I'll admit to feeling forlorn now that the series is complete. I've really enjoyed these Medieval tales of adventure and romance. You don't need to have read the first two books in order to enjoy this one, though Rosalind played a prominent secondary role in Chivalrous, where we left her in a bad spot. So I am all kinds of thrilled over getting to share her journey in this book. And what a journey it is!

The Crusades is such a confusing and fascinating period in history and I think Sleiman did justice to this era. Her Historical Notes explain her connection with this part of the world and includes some interesting observations. And it certainly provides a tumultuous backdrop for a novel!

Rosalind is an unusual woman. A lady's maid, trained as a soldier. She can wield a sword and shoot an arrow as well as any man. And she has a heart for the Lord, but can't quite fully accept His gift of grace. Desperate to make amends for past mistakes, she tries to prove her worth through her actions.  She understands the concept of divine forgiveness but though she can apply it to others, she can't accept it for herself. Such an inspiring and exhilarating faith journey -- well worth the read.

I fell for Randel pretty quickly. I mean, seriously, a knight in shining armor -- what's not to love? He's fiercely protective, committed to the cause...and Rosalind. But he also has demons from his past to conquer. The kind that keep him at arms length from the woman he is developing deep feelings for. I do so love a tortured hero caught in an impossible love story!

And then there's treachery from within and threats from without. Not exactly a conducive backdrop for romance. Angst and action ensue as the story unfolds. Breathtaking and heart-tugging -- an exciting conclusion to a wonderful series.

 GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Courageous please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 2 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!