What do you think?
Rate this book
Reclaiming the Crown #4
The Missing Monarch
Six years ago Crown Prince Thaddeus abandoned his new bride and went into hiding. His motive was to protect his country and his family from a ruthless tyrant. But when his estranged wife tracks him down, Thaddeus knows it's time to make a stand. Restore the royal line. And reclaim the crown. Yet just as he learns about the family's new addition—his and Monica's son—little Peter becomes a target. In a deadly game of power, Thaddeus must choose between the country and heritage he's been raised to defend… and the woman he never could forget.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
11 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 28, 2017
4.5 stars
Actually, it's probably my least favorite of the series because initially Thaddeus is really hard to like. He's run away to save the crown, but left his wife high and dry and his siblings in a fix, and he's the one complaining about how God hasn't taken care of him enough. Thankfully, he does get over his tantrum and man up, but it may be just too late to save Lydia or his marriage...he may have to pick between them. Suddenly neither of them looked sweeter to an exile like him...
I loved this whole series and would highly recommend it.
Actually, it's probably my least favorite of the series because initially Thaddeus is really hard to like. He's run away to save the crown, but left his wife high and dry and his siblings in a fix, and he's the one complaining about how God hasn't taken care of him enough. Thankfully, he does get over his tantrum and man up, but it may be just too late to save Lydia or his marriage...he may have to pick between them. Suddenly neither of them looked sweeter to an exile like him...
I loved this whole series and would highly recommend it.
December 17, 2012
Things I wish I had realized when I was reading the synopsis of this book:
1. It's not a fantasy, but a romance novel.
2. It's not just a romance, it's a Christian romance.
3. It's the fourth book in a series.
Even without these three hits against it (to be fair, I probably could have figured out the first one by looking at the cover a little more closely), I still would not have cared for this book at all.
It's been a long time since I've read a romance novel, but do all of them have such a transparent plot? I don't think that there was any question of a happily ever after happening here, and I'm sure Ms. McCalla would say that it's because the good guys kept (or reaffirmed) their faith in their imaginary friend. I mean, seriously: other than a single broken arm, nothing bad of any lasting value happened to the good people in the story, and all of the bad guys got what was coming to them. Life just doesn't work that way, regardless of what deity you do or don't believe in. Bad things happen to good people, for no reason, and bad guys get away with doing terrible things all the time. It's sad, but also more believable than this tripe.
Also, I've never seen anyone more wholly unfamiliar with what a nurse actually does; the author portrays King Philip's nurse like a moron. No nurse that I have ever met (I work in the healthcare industry) would ever not know what a medication in an IV drip would do, since it sounds like she's given it to other patients before. Giving three times the normal amount of a medication would also raise questions from the nurse, particularly for a Very Important Patient. Finally, "...but what do I know? I'm just the nurse" is perhaps the most insulting part of the whole scene. That kind of gross ignorance is why we continue to have a nursing profession in this country: people assume (wrongly) that a nurse is someone who really wanted to be a doctor, but wasn't smart or determined enough to do so. Nurses are incredibly dedicated professionals who went into the field because they had a calling, not because they weren't good enough to be a doctor. Anyone who has watched a nurse work for more than five seconds would realize that. It's a dirty, emotional, harrowing job, and those who do it, do it because they love it.
Please, someone stop me if I ever pick up another book written by this woman. Please.
1. It's not a fantasy, but a romance novel.
2. It's not just a romance, it's a Christian romance.
3. It's the fourth book in a series.
Even without these three hits against it (to be fair, I probably could have figured out the first one by looking at the cover a little more closely), I still would not have cared for this book at all.
It's been a long time since I've read a romance novel, but do all of them have such a transparent plot? I don't think that there was any question of a happily ever after happening here, and I'm sure Ms. McCalla would say that it's because the good guys kept (or reaffirmed) their faith in their imaginary friend. I mean, seriously: other than a single broken arm, nothing bad of any lasting value happened to the good people in the story, and all of the bad guys got what was coming to them. Life just doesn't work that way, regardless of what deity you do or don't believe in. Bad things happen to good people, for no reason, and bad guys get away with doing terrible things all the time. It's sad, but also more believable than this tripe.
Also, I've never seen anyone more wholly unfamiliar with what a nurse actually does; the author portrays King Philip's nurse like a moron. No nurse that I have ever met (I work in the healthcare industry) would ever not know what a medication in an IV drip would do, since it sounds like she's given it to other patients before. Giving three times the normal amount of a medication would also raise questions from the nurse, particularly for a Very Important Patient. Finally, "...but what do I know? I'm just the nurse" is perhaps the most insulting part of the whole scene. That kind of gross ignorance is why we continue to have a nursing profession in this country: people assume (wrongly) that a nurse is someone who really wanted to be a doctor, but wasn't smart or determined enough to do so. Nurses are incredibly dedicated professionals who went into the field because they had a calling, not because they weren't good enough to be a doctor. Anyone who has watched a nurse work for more than five seconds would realize that. It's a dirty, emotional, harrowing job, and those who do it, do it because they love it.
Please, someone stop me if I ever pick up another book written by this woman. Please.
January 16, 2016
The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla
Reclaiming the Crown Series Book 4
Prince Thaddeus of Lydia, Heir to the crown, has been in hiding for over six years. His father made a deal with a madman and the only way to escape it was for Thad to leave. Only it didn’t work. Octavian, known as 8, has been terrorizing the small Christian Kingdom of Lydia in other ways. Using whoever he could as his pawns. So far his family have been overcoming whatever the madman threw at them. Only now he found a way to call check-mate….he found out about Thad’s secret wife.
Monica Miller lived with her parents and her son in Seattle. Six years ago her husband of a few weeks had went into hiding and told her in a note not to ever let anyone know of their connection. Someone has found out and is forcing her to find Thad for them with the promise if she does her son will be safe. Never believe a liar. Now Monica has a found a cold hearted man who barely resembles the man she married and her son is in the hands of a lunatic. She must now work along with her husband to find a way to rescue Peter and save this small country from Octavian’s rule.
As always there's plenty of adventure and impossible situations that you don't know how your hero and heroine will ever escape. You don’t know who to trust….who is truly a friend pretending to be an enemy or an enemy pretending to be a friend. I found this to be a series worth reading and am looking forward to the the next few books in this series.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...#
Reclaiming the Crown Series Book 4
Prince Thaddeus of Lydia, Heir to the crown, has been in hiding for over six years. His father made a deal with a madman and the only way to escape it was for Thad to leave. Only it didn’t work. Octavian, known as 8, has been terrorizing the small Christian Kingdom of Lydia in other ways. Using whoever he could as his pawns. So far his family have been overcoming whatever the madman threw at them. Only now he found a way to call check-mate….he found out about Thad’s secret wife.
Monica Miller lived with her parents and her son in Seattle. Six years ago her husband of a few weeks had went into hiding and told her in a note not to ever let anyone know of their connection. Someone has found out and is forcing her to find Thad for them with the promise if she does her son will be safe. Never believe a liar. Now Monica has a found a cold hearted man who barely resembles the man she married and her son is in the hands of a lunatic. She must now work along with her husband to find a way to rescue Peter and save this small country from Octavian’s rule.
As always there's plenty of adventure and impossible situations that you don't know how your hero and heroine will ever escape. You don’t know who to trust….who is truly a friend pretending to be an enemy or an enemy pretending to be a friend. I found this to be a series worth reading and am looking forward to the the next few books in this series.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...#
September 20, 2012
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3VAD4MP...
Review on my blog (to be posted 9/21): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
It's official - I loved the entire Reclaiming the Crown series! While Prince Incognito is still my favorite, The Missing Monarch is a close second! I loved this book from the beginning pages on - it was great to be back in Lydia!
The Missing Monarch was different from the first three books in the fact that it didn't start with a retelling of the motorcade ambush, but instead started pretty much from where Prince Incognito ended, only from Thad's/Monica's perspective.
The story was fantastic and I loved getting to know both Thad and Monica's characters better - they quickly became new favorites of mine.
From this series, Rachelle McCalla has become one of my favorite authors and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books (especially her future books set in Lydia).
If you are a fan of books with some romance and suspense, then you should definitely check out The Missing Monarch - I loved it!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Review on my blog (to be posted 9/21): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
It's official - I loved the entire Reclaiming the Crown series! While Prince Incognito is still my favorite, The Missing Monarch is a close second! I loved this book from the beginning pages on - it was great to be back in Lydia!
The Missing Monarch was different from the first three books in the fact that it didn't start with a retelling of the motorcade ambush, but instead started pretty much from where Prince Incognito ended, only from Thad's/Monica's perspective.
The story was fantastic and I loved getting to know both Thad and Monica's characters better - they quickly became new favorites of mine.
From this series, Rachelle McCalla has become one of my favorite authors and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books (especially her future books set in Lydia).
If you are a fan of books with some romance and suspense, then you should definitely check out The Missing Monarch - I loved it!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
September 2, 2012
"Sometimes what looks like the end is really just the beginning." Best quote of the book. I love this series and this final book, when the missing Lydian sibling Thaddeus returns to take his rightful place as king is the best one IMO. I've often felt the way Thad did - that I've made too many mistakes to even want to try again for a hopeful future, and that hiding away from my mistakes will at least keep me from hurting more than I do already. I've always been so afraid of failing the ones I love, too. But it's never too late, and the only way to fail is to quit trying and keep running - that's the lesson I learned from this great story.
Thanks to Rachelle for this wonderful series. I can't wait for more stories (as has been promised) about Lydia and it's ruling family.
Thanks to Rachelle for this wonderful series. I can't wait for more stories (as has been promised) about Lydia and it's ruling family.
September 24, 2012
The final book in this series and it is so exciting. I love how she brings it all together. I would encourage you to read it I know you will like it.
November 17, 2014
These books are just what I needed while I was sick. I wish I could visit Lydia.
February 23, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 2/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 2/5
Characterisation: 2/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 2/5
July 20, 2019
This was a different kind of story from Love Inspired Suspense, since it dealt with royalty. I thought it was a really neat story with a lot of suspense.
December 25, 2017
The ending to this series is exciting and satisfying. The Kingdom of Lydia is fun to read about. The historical, suspense, and present day series are all wonderful. I highly recommend all of them.
August 1, 2012
"Sometimes what looks like the end is really the beginning," author Rachelle McCalla says. I think that's an excellent way to describe this book. Six years ago Crown Prince Thaddeus (Thadd) abandoned his new bride (Monica) & went into hiding. In doing so, his intention was to protect his family & country. When Monica shows up, Thadd learns the two share a son Peter. Thadd wants Monica to return to thr saftey of her home, but she refuses. The two face a lot of challenges & dangerous trials, thanks to a ruthless tyrant. I relate well to be both characters b/c I would do all I could to protect those I love.
This is a little different than other LoveInspired books I have read, but I think that's what made it so unique. If you enjoy LoveInspired novels, you won't regret this. Take a journey to a far away land with Monica & Thadd. Well done Ms. McCalla.
This is a little different than other LoveInspired books I have read, but I think that's what made it so unique. If you enjoy LoveInspired novels, you won't regret this. Take a journey to a far away land with Monica & Thadd. Well done Ms. McCalla.
September 27, 2012
So we finally get to learn about the Monarch and what lead him to disappearing years ago. And to learn that he had a wife and son was almost as shocking to me as having a son was shocking to him :) I love Rachelle McCalla's books. The characters are so real to life and the situations are always so real too. Anxious to see what she does with this new beginning since the end isn't always as it appears. Loved all the characters in this series.
August 23, 2012
I haven't read a LoveInspired book in about a decade. I enjoyed this one even more than the ones I've read in the past. Had the same faith aspects combined with enough suspense to keep you quite involved. I'm glad it's the first one I decided to read since then. I might have to read all the other Lydia books.
May 8, 2013
A great conclusion to the royal crown of Lydia. Just like the previous books, I couldn't put it down till I got to the end. I have really enjoyed this authors book and would gladly recommend it as a good read. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!
July 15, 2013
Aside from the awkwardness of introducing characters from earlier books in the series, this is my favorite of the four. Thad and Monica's conflicts are genuine (especially when arguing over what to do when their son is kidnapped) and their previous relationship makes the time frame believable.
October 15, 2013
Great ending to the four part Reclaiming the Crown series! I was sad to actually see the stories end, even though I wanted to figure out how all the pieces fit together for the sweet Lydian kingdom. :)
August 7, 2012
Loose ends are tied up in this book. Happy ending as always. Another book should be out the end of the year and is a history (fictional) of the beginnings of the Christian country of Lydia.
September 3, 2012
This is the last in ther series "Reclaiming the Crown". Love them. Great read. Lots of action.
September 10, 2012
Somewhere between 3 1/2 and four. This series should not work, but does.
June 6, 2013
Ms. McCalla continues to delight me with her Lydia books. I can't wait to read the next ones!
June 20, 2017
Aside from the awkwardness of introducing characters from earlier books in the series, this is my favorite. Thad and Monica's conflicts are genuine, and their previous relationship makes the time frame believable.
January 6, 2021
The Missing Monarch
The best book in this series, Reclaiming the Crown. This story wrapped up an exciting end to the series. It’s always wonderful to hear about the Lord moving in people’s lives. Even though the these books are fiction, God works in ways just like in the books!
The best book in this series, Reclaiming the Crown. This story wrapped up an exciting end to the series. It’s always wonderful to hear about the Lord moving in people’s lives. Even though the these books are fiction, God works in ways just like in the books!
January 26, 2022
What a page turner!! Rachelle McCalla crafts her story with characters you relate to and cheer for throughout the book. The suspense is enough to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction suspense books.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction suspense books.
September 5, 2024
Inspirational romantic suspense.
October 29, 2024
This was a great story. My only question is what happened to Natalie during the exchange?
Read
March 15, 2017I enjoyed reading this book series it was interesting.
March 11, 2017
I liked how this is a different type of plot from the usual LIS. I thought the hero was a dummy at first and running away was such a cowardly thing to do but he redeemed himself
January 14, 2014
*loved this series*
My Comments
I was eager to get to this story and see how everything works out for this royal family I have come to love. At first, I wasn’t happy with Thad’s character at all. When Monica is forced to find him and explain to him what Octavian’s demanding, all Thad can think of is how this will affect him and his kingdom. Yes, his brother and sisters have taken risks and made sacrifices, but so has his wife and unexpected son. However, Thaddeus slowly comes to understand what these threats have done to his entire family and it was wonderful to see how this changes him into a better person. He realizes that it’s time to stop hiding and to face Octavian once and for all.
Thaddeus has also turned his back on God after years of hiding out in isolation, he figures God stopped hearing his cries a long time ago. He couldn’t be more wrong. He also believes that he should stop loving Monica because Octavian will use that love against him, even if that’s true, it’s not a valid reason to harden one’s heart. Thaddeus doesn’t realize that ultimately he was never alone, his family and God have fought beside him to restore justice and won’t rest until all has been resolved.
So what does the heir to Lydia’s throne do once he sees his wife doesn’t hate him, his son yearns for him, that God is waiting with open arms, and that his kingdom needs him? He stops running and steps out in faith.
There were two lines that utterly encouraged me in this book…
“I’ve traveled too far to turn around now.”
“When your brother and I were trudging through the desert without water, I thought we were going to die. I really did. But we kept walking anyway, and now we’re here, and we’re engaged.’ She squeezed the prince’s hand. ‘Sometimes what looks like the end is really just the beginning.’ Thad wasn’t sure what to make of her story. His brother met his eyes. ‘Soldier on.’”
I was VERY satisfied with the conclusion of this series and even happier to learn there’s a fifth book to be releases on this series, soooo GREAT! Every part of the royal family is in this book and working together to bring Thaddeus to the throne and be reunited with his wife and child was such a great journey to read. I have loved this series and I truly enjoy McCalla’s writing style; her heart, her faith, and her humor are fused throughout these characters and every obstacle they overcome! Despite the evil tyrant who threatens them, even with all his power and resources he has nothing on this beloved family and the God that protects them. I highly recommend these books, they will definitely encourage and entertain you! Each of these books can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I recommend reading the entire series even if it’s out of order.
Acknowledgements from the author: Special thanks to all my readers. If this is your first visit to Lydia, I pray you will love it enough to seek out the stories that have come before. And if you’ve stayed with these siblings through all the trials of their adventures, I pray you’ll find their journey an encouragement on your own.
My Comments
I was eager to get to this story and see how everything works out for this royal family I have come to love. At first, I wasn’t happy with Thad’s character at all. When Monica is forced to find him and explain to him what Octavian’s demanding, all Thad can think of is how this will affect him and his kingdom. Yes, his brother and sisters have taken risks and made sacrifices, but so has his wife and unexpected son. However, Thaddeus slowly comes to understand what these threats have done to his entire family and it was wonderful to see how this changes him into a better person. He realizes that it’s time to stop hiding and to face Octavian once and for all.
Thaddeus has also turned his back on God after years of hiding out in isolation, he figures God stopped hearing his cries a long time ago. He couldn’t be more wrong. He also believes that he should stop loving Monica because Octavian will use that love against him, even if that’s true, it’s not a valid reason to harden one’s heart. Thaddeus doesn’t realize that ultimately he was never alone, his family and God have fought beside him to restore justice and won’t rest until all has been resolved.
So what does the heir to Lydia’s throne do once he sees his wife doesn’t hate him, his son yearns for him, that God is waiting with open arms, and that his kingdom needs him? He stops running and steps out in faith.
There were two lines that utterly encouraged me in this book…
“I’ve traveled too far to turn around now.”
“When your brother and I were trudging through the desert without water, I thought we were going to die. I really did. But we kept walking anyway, and now we’re here, and we’re engaged.’ She squeezed the prince’s hand. ‘Sometimes what looks like the end is really just the beginning.’ Thad wasn’t sure what to make of her story. His brother met his eyes. ‘Soldier on.’”
I was VERY satisfied with the conclusion of this series and even happier to learn there’s a fifth book to be releases on this series, soooo GREAT! Every part of the royal family is in this book and working together to bring Thaddeus to the throne and be reunited with his wife and child was such a great journey to read. I have loved this series and I truly enjoy McCalla’s writing style; her heart, her faith, and her humor are fused throughout these characters and every obstacle they overcome! Despite the evil tyrant who threatens them, even with all his power and resources he has nothing on this beloved family and the God that protects them. I highly recommend these books, they will definitely encourage and entertain you! Each of these books can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I recommend reading the entire series even if it’s out of order.
Acknowledgements from the author: Special thanks to all my readers. If this is your first visit to Lydia, I pray you will love it enough to seek out the stories that have come before. And if you’ve stayed with these siblings through all the trials of their adventures, I pray you’ll find their journey an encouragement on your own.
September 4, 2025
Lost monarch
second chances
family restoration
faith through trials
suspense
closed door romance
The finale delivers EVERYTHING—family reunions, danger at every corner, and a royal love story that had me teary-eyed by the end. A beautiful conclusion to a thrilling series.
Content warnings:
-Violence
-political betrayal
-danger
-grief/loss (non-graphic)
-kisses only
-no language
second chances
family restoration
faith through trials
suspense
closed door romance
The finale delivers EVERYTHING—family reunions, danger at every corner, and a royal love story that had me teary-eyed by the end. A beautiful conclusion to a thrilling series.
Content warnings:
-Violence
-political betrayal
-danger
-grief/loss (non-graphic)
-kisses only
-no language
August 5, 2017
Nice wrap-up to the series although I had forgotten some of the details from the previous stories (been a long time since I read them). The mystery/suspense aspect of this story was pretty intense which kept me turning to pages to see how it all turned out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews