Captive on the High Seas

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RICH, CHRISTINA
CAPTIVE ON THE HIGH SEAS

Captain of Her Heart 

Sold into slavery by her jealous sisters, Ada finds herself captive on the ship of a Greek merchant. Expecting a harsh new master, she's surprised to find the captain compassionate—and attractive. Yet she can't fall for the man who owns her—not when she watched her enslaved mother pine after her unyielding father.

Nicolaus only wants to rescue the beautiful, mistreated woman from the auction block. He plans to free Ada, just as soon as he secures his inheritance. Which means racing the ship back to his homeland to best his brother. If he loses, all his cargo will be forfeited—including Ada. But as perilous storms reveal her courage and grace, the question becomes, can his heart stand to let her go?

My Review:

Christina Rich is one of the very few authors who can lure me into a biblical historical setting. In this case, 668 B.C. Her talent is in evoking lush images with her carefully phrased words. I'm convinced this author has lived in this time period or possesses a time machine and has travelled there -- her descriptions and settings read that real.

Can I call a Greek hero swashbuckling? Because that's the word that comes to mind when describing Nicolaus. He has the air (and allure) of a pirate -- though he's not quite as rough around the edges. Quick to anger at times and often abrupt, Ada pushes all the wrong buttons. You might say it isn't long before the tables are turned and it's the ship's captain who becomes the real captive.

Ada is unique among women. She's lived a confusing life -- considered part of a family but not good enough to really belong. Growing up in that kind of environment has made her a mix of contradictions. At times bold and outspoken, she can certainly hold her own against her captor. But she is also hesitant and vulnerable, despairing of ever finding a place to belong.

Rich has created an action-packed tale full of heroism and sacrifice...and the spice of sweet romance.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Captive on the High Seas 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 August 2 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Warrior's Vow

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RICH, CHRISTINA
THE WARRIOR'S VOW

He Was Hers to Command 

Swept away from her home and into the desert, Abigail is as much a prisoner as she is a princess. A ruthlessly ambitious captain of the palace guard intends to force her into marriage and rule Judah through her. Yet the badly beaten soldier Abigail rescues offers another choice—if she dares trust him.

She is royalty, yet Jesse is surprised by the gentle compassion Abigail shows him as he heals. In return, he will help her escape to Jerusalem, protecting her life with his own. But Abigail's rank and Jesse's deadly past makes any future impossible, unless forgiveness forged by love can triumph over all.

My Review:

Fluid, melt-in-your-mouth writing deepened my reading pleasure. I love this author's way with words. They urge me to lose myself in another time and place and I experience culture shock when I'm pulled back into my present day reality. Great talent for any writer but especially a historical one.

I loved the heart of this story -- one woman's awakening to the world around her and the God who created it. There's a kind of Rapunzel/Sleeping Beauty ambiance about this princess. Abigail has spent her entire childhood locked away in her rooms at the palace under the stringent control of an evil queen. As a result, her views are skewed but her inner moral code has survived unspeakable treachery. Her hunger for the truth is palpable. And though she doesn't realize it at first, Jesse has the answers she is looking for.

He isn't a prince but he rescues the princess just the same. At least he rescues Abigail when she isn't rescuing him! Love that about these two -- both stubborn and daring and definitely each other's equals. Still, the aftermath of political duplicity has far reaching effects that they both must face and conquer before a happily ever after is even remotely possible.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Warrior's Vow 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 August 10 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Guardian's Promise

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RICH, CHRISTINA
THE GUARDIAN'S PROMISE

A Kingdom in Jeopardy

An evil queen and her royal guards will stop at nothing to find and kill the rightful heir to the throne of Judah. When their pursuit leads them to Mira's village, only her father's bond servant, Ari, a man shrouded in secrets, can keep Mira safe.

Abandoning his life as a temple guard and becoming an indentured servant was the only way Ari could protect young Joash, the true King of Judah, from Queen Athaliah. But his sacred duty prevents him from confessing his feelings for his master's daughter. With the future of their nation on the line, Ari and Mira will risk everything to save their people.

My Review:

I don't read biblical fiction. It's just not a time period that interests me when it comes to romance but I'd heard of Christina Rich around cyberspace and decided to take a risk. Oh my goodness, but I'm so glad I did. What an astounding debut novel! Toe-curling, swoonworthy romance, diabolical intrigue, intense action and a solid inspirational thread made this an awesome read. Rich has a beautiful voice. Her words evoke rich images that really enhance the read. I devoured this book in a day.  A stunning debut novel.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Guardian's Promise 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 . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 16 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.