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The Royals of Acuniel #3
The Runaway Prince
Crown Prince Roland of Acuniel has spent his life living behind the mask of the perfect prince. And it's slowly killing him inside. At his wits end, Roland devises a daring plan to escape royal life and forge a new future on his own terms with his betrothed, Lady Elyse of Dallin, at his side. But when Elyse breaks his heart by refusing to go with him, Roland decides to flee alone, leaving Elyse, his family, and the throne far behind.
He trades his princely mask for a new one–that of the celebrated Sir Tristan, fighting in tournaments and stealing hearts all across the continent. He’s finally his own man and life could not be better. Yet why does he still feel empty inside?
When his new life unexpectedly collides with his past, everything Roland thought he wanted is turned upside down. Did he make a mistake in leaving Elyse and Acuniel behind? And if so, how can he ever return home and face the damage he has caused?
"The Runaway Prince" is a retelling of The Prodigal Son parable, and is book three in The Royals of Acuniel Series. While some characters connect, each book can be read as a standalone novel.
He trades his princely mask for a new one–that of the celebrated Sir Tristan, fighting in tournaments and stealing hearts all across the continent. He’s finally his own man and life could not be better. Yet why does he still feel empty inside?
When his new life unexpectedly collides with his past, everything Roland thought he wanted is turned upside down. Did he make a mistake in leaving Elyse and Acuniel behind? And if so, how can he ever return home and face the damage he has caused?
"The Runaway Prince" is a retelling of The Prodigal Son parable, and is book three in The Royals of Acuniel Series. While some characters connect, each book can be read as a standalone novel.
296 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2023
16 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Ashton E. Dorow
9 books185 followersAshton has loved books for as long as she can remember, and at age fourteen, that love became a passion when she began writing her own novels. She currently resides in Conroe, TX with her real-life prince–AKA her husband, Austin. When not writing, Ashton can be found reading, spending time with family, serving at the church she’s attended since childhood, or drinking copious amounts of chai tea. Her greatest desire as a writer is to point readers to the ultimate Author—Jesus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 20, 2023
The Runaway Prince was everything I'd hoped for and more! I can only imagine how tricky it is to write a prodigal son story where the readers don't disdain the main character, but I never lost interest in Roland throughout the story, even when he broke our hearts and made the choices we wished he wouldn't. I wondered how a romance could be woven in to the story, but it was completely plausible and well-developed. The story was excellent in and of itself, doubly more by the reminder that our heavenly Father loves us in this exact way, as prodigals whom he chases after even when we turn away from Him. The spiritual lessons still linger after the book is over. I liked the first two books in this series, but this was probably my favorite. I really loved it and recommend it!
I was provided a copy of the ebook by the author to read for review, but I was not required to write a positive review or received anything in return for doing so. All opinions are my own.
I was provided a copy of the ebook by the author to read for review, but I was not required to write a positive review or received anything in return for doing so. All opinions are my own.
March 9, 2024
What another tremendous book! Such easy parallels to the Prodigal Son story which is was based upon. I enjoyed the wonderful spiritual elements throughout...could almost feel/share their emotions as any parent would be knowing even a young adult but still their child ,was hurting so much (physically and emotionally) to break away and completely disappear, much to their anguish of not knowing whether he was dead or alive sure. The unconditional love, reconciliation, forgiveness themes were evident. I thoroughly enjoyed this third and final segment of the series based on Bible stories (Queen Esther, Ruth and Boaz, and this one.) Definitely worth checking out for anyone to enjoy a heart warming adaption...I even cried a bit although not sad tears!
August 22, 2023
No review because it’s my book! 💚 But I will say that this book is so special to me, because not has it been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it is a retelling of story very near and dear to my heart—the Prodigal Son. I hope you feel God’s love through these pages, the love that chases us down and never gives up, and know that, no matter how far you run, you can always come back home.
Age level: 14-15-ish and up, though it’s not technically in the YA genre
Content:
- no spice
- a couple kissing scenes
- references to characters’ immoral actions, though nothing is shown or described
- intense internal conflict dealing with self-loathing, depression, and suicidal thoughts/actions
- mild violence (medieval tournament jousting and dueling)
Age level: 14-15-ish and up, though it’s not technically in the YA genre
Content:
- no spice
- a couple kissing scenes
- references to characters’ immoral actions, though nothing is shown or described
- intense internal conflict dealing with self-loathing, depression, and suicidal thoughts/actions
- mild violence (medieval tournament jousting and dueling)
October 22, 2023
Goodreads, please have a golden star button for books that absolutely wow us.
Because a book like The Runaway Prince deserves nothing less. This year had a slow and dull reading year for me. I started the year hoping to read about a hundred books, but life happened.
Anyway, one reason reading has been slow for me is that I couldn't find enough books that captivated me. Shout-out to every author whose books I read this year. You all saved me.
Anyway, cue in TRP, the one book that's like a unicorn. You can be sure I'll rave about it.
TRP is a mediaeval retelling of the prodigal son, and it's simply beautiful. The blurb was intriguing. The book trailer even more so, but opening the pages of the book and getting into Roland and Elyse's world was something I could not have prepared myself for.
I honestly can't fault this book. I think it's my favorite book in the series. The pacing is excellent. The story just reels you in and gets you so invested that you can't get enough of it. Don't even get me started on the romance.
What's more intriguing is the spiritual lesson or lessons in this novel. How God redeems each of us, how He's particular about meeting each of us where we are in a way that unique.
I love this book, and I'm sure you'll love it too.
P.S. I pray it gets made into a movie in the nearest future.
Because a book like The Runaway Prince deserves nothing less. This year had a slow and dull reading year for me. I started the year hoping to read about a hundred books, but life happened.
Anyway, one reason reading has been slow for me is that I couldn't find enough books that captivated me. Shout-out to every author whose books I read this year. You all saved me.
Anyway, cue in TRP, the one book that's like a unicorn. You can be sure I'll rave about it.
TRP is a mediaeval retelling of the prodigal son, and it's simply beautiful. The blurb was intriguing. The book trailer even more so, but opening the pages of the book and getting into Roland and Elyse's world was something I could not have prepared myself for.
I honestly can't fault this book. I think it's my favorite book in the series. The pacing is excellent. The story just reels you in and gets you so invested that you can't get enough of it. Don't even get me started on the romance.
What's more intriguing is the spiritual lesson or lessons in this novel. How God redeems each of us, how He's particular about meeting each of us where we are in a way that unique.
I love this book, and I'm sure you'll love it too.
P.S. I pray it gets made into a movie in the nearest future.
November 12, 2023
Roland has the spotlight in this book. But who's complaining? Not me. Man, I loved this book, every bit of it, and Roland made it to my top ten MMCs!
The Prodigal Son has always been my favourite parable, and The Runaway Prince was a perfect retelling of it. Prince Roland's story had everything in it that I expected, or so even more.
The romance was equally bittersweet and heartwarming, displaying the power of love that wins over everything obstacles. And the redemption was unexplainably powerful that soaked me in tears.
A perfect, must-read Christian novel. Every Christian should read this masterpiece from Ashton, whether you're a wayward son/daughter or not. It is always good to be reminded of the unfailing, patient love of the Father who stands on the wall awaiting your return. This book is just that.
Highly recommend, and I truly wish I could give more than just five stars! This book deserves it, but alas, there's no such option!
I received an ARC copy in exchange of my honest review. All opinions are solely mine.
The Prodigal Son has always been my favourite parable, and The Runaway Prince was a perfect retelling of it. Prince Roland's story had everything in it that I expected, or so even more.
The romance was equally bittersweet and heartwarming, displaying the power of love that wins over everything obstacles. And the redemption was unexplainably powerful that soaked me in tears.
A perfect, must-read Christian novel. Every Christian should read this masterpiece from Ashton, whether you're a wayward son/daughter or not. It is always good to be reminded of the unfailing, patient love of the Father who stands on the wall awaiting your return. This book is just that.
Highly recommend, and I truly wish I could give more than just five stars! This book deserves it, but alas, there's no such option!
I received an ARC copy in exchange of my honest review. All opinions are solely mine.
November 14, 2023
This book is so beautiful. I cried. That's my biggest compliment, because I'm not a weepy reader! 🤣🤣
It's a beautiful retelling of The Prodigal Son set in medieval times. Even though you "know" how the story is going to end--it still takes you on such a beautiful journey and so many unexpected details that bring it to life in a completely different way. All of the books in this series are just a testament to God's mercy and redemptive power, but this one is special. You can tell that God had His hand over Ashton's as He inspired her to write these words. ❤️
It's a beautiful retelling of The Prodigal Son set in medieval times. Even though you "know" how the story is going to end--it still takes you on such a beautiful journey and so many unexpected details that bring it to life in a completely different way. All of the books in this series are just a testament to God's mercy and redemptive power, but this one is special. You can tell that God had His hand over Ashton's as He inspired her to write these words. ❤️
May 6, 2024
Another beautifully written story by Ashton! 😍 Every one of her books is full of heart, flawed characters, a wonderful portrayal of God and his pure love and mercy, action, sweet and clean romance, friendships, family dynamics that perfectly capture the complexity of human nature, all wrapped up in an engaging plot! I felt for Elyse and Roland. My heart broke for Roland, even while he made poor choice after poor choice, and I loved his character arc. It was such a great book and I eagerly await her next book! 😆
November 17, 2023
I don’t think that I have ever squealed, laughed, cried, screamed and felt love and hatred at the same time reading a book. Ashton’s ability to weave her stories from simple bible tales that we read on a daily bases and to show them into a new light is absolutely incredible. There is not a single ounce of me that wanted to put this book down and I was compelled to finish it. I would advise taking this book into a room, closing the door and just reading because truly this is a must read.
November 10, 2024
You both love and hate Roland. The hurt he causes is hard to read. And poor, sweet Elyse has her heart shattered, she who has always loved him since she was five. Of course, the prodigal will return, but at what price? Not everyone is able to forgive him.
Expect your heart to be torn to shreds before Ashton sews it back together.
Expect your heart to be torn to shreds before Ashton sews it back together.
November 15, 2023
Another excellent story by Ashton Dorow! It was delivered to my Kindle this morning and I read it all in one day! It was such a treat to revisit the royal family of Acuniel. This story did read a bit differently from the first two in the series. While those ones were retellings of the more “romantic” Bible stories of Esther and Ruth, the romantic love between Roland and Elyse in this novel took second place to the bigger love story of God’s relentless pursuit of His lost children. At its heart, this is a retelling of the prodigal son, reminding us that no matter how far we run, we can never outrun the grace of God our Father. Just as Elyse prays for Roland, “Chase him down and pursue his heart until he hears Your voice calling his name”, so I too pray for the “prodigals” in my life, that God’s unending love would someday bring them home.
November 15, 2023
My endorsement:
"Ashton E. Dorow has written a powerful prodigal son medieval retelling that beautifully paints a picture of God’s mercy and grace to us as His children. With endearing characters, captivating storyline, and glowing Biblical truths, The Runaway Prince is a novel that tugged my heartstrings, reduced me to tears, and directed my praise to God for His perfect love as my heavenly Father. I’ll not soon forget this story, the characters, or the lessons woven throughout the pages." ~ B.M. Baker, author of the Wonders Never Cease series and A Melody of Love series
**I received an early copy from the author, and all opinions are my own and voluntarily shared.**
"Ashton E. Dorow has written a powerful prodigal son medieval retelling that beautifully paints a picture of God’s mercy and grace to us as His children. With endearing characters, captivating storyline, and glowing Biblical truths, The Runaway Prince is a novel that tugged my heartstrings, reduced me to tears, and directed my praise to God for His perfect love as my heavenly Father. I’ll not soon forget this story, the characters, or the lessons woven throughout the pages." ~ B.M. Baker, author of the Wonders Never Cease series and A Melody of Love series
**I received an early copy from the author, and all opinions are my own and voluntarily shared.**
October 7, 2024
Phew - Ashton does it again! What a beautiful addition to her Royals of Acuniel series. This story gave me all of the feels! This entire series is excellent and I couldn’t recommend it enough. If you haven’t read any of these books, start with The Peasant Queen. While each novel can be read as a stand-alone, it only feels right to recommend you read the entire series from the beginning!
Everyone will be able to see a piece of themselves in The Runaway Prince. This story is loosely based on the Prodigal Son parable from the Bible and shows us how no one is too far gone for the love of God. Ashton weaves a beautiful tale of love, loss, and second chances as we follow the crown Prince Roland through his journey of discovering how far God will go to pursue him and bring him back to His love. This story struck a very personal chord with me because, just like Roland, I had to hit my lowest low before I was willing to see and believe the love Christ has for me. I do not think anyone can read this story and come away untouched - Christ’s love is for everyone.
Roland and Elyse’s love story was captivating! Their relationship, and all the highs and lows it entails, gave us another beautiful example of Christ’s love for us. You see them fall in love as childhood sweethearts and then get to witness that love put to the test as they grow into their roles in life as adults. When Roland finally runs away from his duties, responsibilities, and ultimately God, we get to witness the heartbreak left behind. I came away with a new appreciation for what I put our Savior through simply by reading Elyse’s struggles during Roland’s time away. The Runaway Prince is a beautiful story of redemption, loss, struggle, and ultimately coming home to the One who was there for us the whole time.
Everyone will be able to see a piece of themselves in The Runaway Prince. This story is loosely based on the Prodigal Son parable from the Bible and shows us how no one is too far gone for the love of God. Ashton weaves a beautiful tale of love, loss, and second chances as we follow the crown Prince Roland through his journey of discovering how far God will go to pursue him and bring him back to His love. This story struck a very personal chord with me because, just like Roland, I had to hit my lowest low before I was willing to see and believe the love Christ has for me. I do not think anyone can read this story and come away untouched - Christ’s love is for everyone.
Roland and Elyse’s love story was captivating! Their relationship, and all the highs and lows it entails, gave us another beautiful example of Christ’s love for us. You see them fall in love as childhood sweethearts and then get to witness that love put to the test as they grow into their roles in life as adults. When Roland finally runs away from his duties, responsibilities, and ultimately God, we get to witness the heartbreak left behind. I came away with a new appreciation for what I put our Savior through simply by reading Elyse’s struggles during Roland’s time away. The Runaway Prince is a beautiful story of redemption, loss, struggle, and ultimately coming home to the One who was there for us the whole time.
December 13, 2023
The Runaway Prince by Ashton E. Dorow is the third book in the Royals of Acuniel series. Each of these novels is inspired by stories in scripture, and The Runaway Prince was inspired by the parable of The Prodigal Son. Roland and Elyse’s story is unique in that they have loved each other since childhood, but life’s difficulties and disappointments create a painful separation between them.
As with this author’s other novels, I loved this story from the very beginning. I admired Elyse’s strength and determination to hold on to her faith through trying times. And just like with the parable, I think we can all relate to Roland’s rebellious streak in one way or another. His story is a tear-jerker to be sure!
I loved the characters in this novel and the slow-burn second-chance romance. And above all, I loved the spiritual growth of these characters and how wonderfully their faith was woven into the rest of the story. This is Christian fiction at it’s best–entertaining, encouraging, and challenging to our faith.
Overall, I loved Roland and Elyse’s story and look forward to whatever is next from this author! Fans of historical romance, especially Medieval romance must read this book!
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
As with this author’s other novels, I loved this story from the very beginning. I admired Elyse’s strength and determination to hold on to her faith through trying times. And just like with the parable, I think we can all relate to Roland’s rebellious streak in one way or another. His story is a tear-jerker to be sure!
I loved the characters in this novel and the slow-burn second-chance romance. And above all, I loved the spiritual growth of these characters and how wonderfully their faith was woven into the rest of the story. This is Christian fiction at it’s best–entertaining, encouraging, and challenging to our faith.
Overall, I loved Roland and Elyse’s story and look forward to whatever is next from this author! Fans of historical romance, especially Medieval romance must read this book!
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2025
Still not my favorite, TPQ holds that title! but wow. This book was amazing and I related to Roland in so many ways, mainly feeling forced to be something everyone thiks he is. This is the first of Ashton's books that almost made me cry in school when While I do feel like Can't wait for The Warrior Prince to arrive from the mail!
April 4, 2024
First book by this author, loved it! It was a nice slow pace and journey for the character to truly broadcast the prodigal son vibe. Can't wait to someday backseat the other two and get Gareth's story this fall!!
February 18, 2024
Loved it and can't wait for the next one in the series to be published. Highly recommend all the books in The Royals of Acuniel series.
January 23, 2024
I wish you could give a book more than five stars cause this definitely deserves more.
This book was absolutely amazing! This series just keeps getting better and better with each book! The spiritual lessons in The Runaway Prince were so powerful. Ashton Dorow does an amazing job of showing/explaining redemption, forgiveness, and God’s never ending love in an easy to understand yet still very meaningful way.
In addition to the spiritual lessons, the characters and story itself were so well written! I would easily get lost in it for hours (a couple times I stayed up most of the night reading it). There was so much action and adventure as well as plot twists that I did not see coming. It would seriously make a great movie! The characters felt so real and very relatable at times. I literally never cry in books or movies but, honestly, while reading this book I found myself getting teary eyed more than once (it was those moments in which Roland discovered that God and his family still loved him that really got me😂)
The Royals of Acuniel has become one of my absolute favorite series and Ashton Dorow one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait for another book in this series. Until then I have a feeling I will be rereading the first three books over and over again cause I just can’t get enough of them!
This book was absolutely amazing! This series just keeps getting better and better with each book! The spiritual lessons in The Runaway Prince were so powerful. Ashton Dorow does an amazing job of showing/explaining redemption, forgiveness, and God’s never ending love in an easy to understand yet still very meaningful way.
In addition to the spiritual lessons, the characters and story itself were so well written! I would easily get lost in it for hours (a couple times I stayed up most of the night reading it). There was so much action and adventure as well as plot twists that I did not see coming. It would seriously make a great movie! The characters felt so real and very relatable at times. I literally never cry in books or movies but, honestly, while reading this book I found myself getting teary eyed more than once (it was those moments in which Roland discovered that God and his family still loved him that really got me😂)
The Royals of Acuniel has become one of my absolute favorite series and Ashton Dorow one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait for another book in this series. Until then I have a feeling I will be rereading the first three books over and over again cause I just can’t get enough of them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2025
🌸Review🌸
Do you ever have a plan for what you are going to read next and it gets completely derailed? Yeah, that’s me right now. Do I regret it? No, not at all! The Runaway Prince by @life.and.lit was an impulse read after seeing a reel on Instagram. It’s full of sweet second-chance romance, forgiveness, faith, and overcoming your past. Oh, and it’s a loose retelling of The Prodigal Son parable.
Elyse is a kind soul and has such a deep-seated love for Roland. At the beginning, she had him on a pedestal and I loved watching her work through her emotions after the past collides. Roland is a slightly more complicated character. Expectations, rules, and confinement weighed on his shoulders until he finally snapped. Lots of bad decisions ensued but he’s still a lovable character. His change of heart was all goodness. The interactions between Roland and Elyse were sweet and charming, even through hardship.
I’ve read a few books that have tournaments (I mean the ones with jousting and sword fighting) and I have to say that I love them. Unfortunately, they are in short demand. This story does fill that void quite well and plays into a main storyline. It also offers a slightly different view of tournaments than I’m used to. I loved catching hints of The Prodigal Son as I was reading.
Speaking of it, the faith in this book centers mainly around forgiveness and coming home. Much of the novel involves Roland running from God and expectations. Seeing a character come to God is always amazing. There were a couple sweet and heartbreaking scenes as everything came to fruition. Overall, The Runaway Prince was a sweet novel of love and forgiveness!
No-Spice Level: lighter kissing (mentions of br0thels and past mistakes)
Language: Clean
Faith Elements: Christian
Do you ever have a plan for what you are going to read next and it gets completely derailed? Yeah, that’s me right now. Do I regret it? No, not at all! The Runaway Prince by @life.and.lit was an impulse read after seeing a reel on Instagram. It’s full of sweet second-chance romance, forgiveness, faith, and overcoming your past. Oh, and it’s a loose retelling of The Prodigal Son parable.
Elyse is a kind soul and has such a deep-seated love for Roland. At the beginning, she had him on a pedestal and I loved watching her work through her emotions after the past collides. Roland is a slightly more complicated character. Expectations, rules, and confinement weighed on his shoulders until he finally snapped. Lots of bad decisions ensued but he’s still a lovable character. His change of heart was all goodness. The interactions between Roland and Elyse were sweet and charming, even through hardship.
I’ve read a few books that have tournaments (I mean the ones with jousting and sword fighting) and I have to say that I love them. Unfortunately, they are in short demand. This story does fill that void quite well and plays into a main storyline. It also offers a slightly different view of tournaments than I’m used to. I loved catching hints of The Prodigal Son as I was reading.
Speaking of it, the faith in this book centers mainly around forgiveness and coming home. Much of the novel involves Roland running from God and expectations. Seeing a character come to God is always amazing. There were a couple sweet and heartbreaking scenes as everything came to fruition. Overall, The Runaway Prince was a sweet novel of love and forgiveness!
No-Spice Level: lighter kissing (mentions of br0thels and past mistakes)
Language: Clean
Faith Elements: Christian
March 13, 2025
WOW!!! I have no words to express this book. It blew my mind away, especially the last part.
Most of the book I was very frustrated with Rolland's selfishness and stubborness. As with the prodigal son of the parable, he really had to reach the very bottom in order to start heeding God (well, once at the very bottom there's just one direction left to look, anyways, and it is up).
I loved the pig's analogy where he started to reflect about the condition of his own life... in comparison with that one "pig" - and it was actually long before he reached the very bottom, so I'm not sure if that analogy was intentional or not. I won't give any spoiler if there were actual pigs in the story to spur his decision to go back home, as with the prodigal son parable...
Anyways, the redemption part of the story and the welcoming back in Acuniel - that was really beautiful and still makes me emotional as I write this review...
I just wish to know what happened with the ring, and if he ever retrieved it...
Most of the book I was very frustrated with Rolland's selfishness and stubborness. As with the prodigal son of the parable, he really had to reach the very bottom in order to start heeding God (well, once at the very bottom there's just one direction left to look, anyways, and it is up).
I loved the pig's analogy where he started to reflect about the condition of his own life... in comparison with that one "pig" - and it was actually long before he reached the very bottom, so I'm not sure if that analogy was intentional or not. I won't give any spoiler if there were actual pigs in the story to spur his decision to go back home, as with the prodigal son parable...
Anyways, the redemption part of the story and the welcoming back in Acuniel - that was really beautiful and still makes me emotional as I write this review...
I just wish to know what happened with the ring, and if he ever retrieved it...
December 10, 2023
So much action and intrigue in this story. There were so many twists I didn't see coming. You really feel for Roland, but also Elyse. You see both sides to the story the side that wants to make decisions, but you also see the selfishness of it when it causes grief to others. I 💚 this story of forgiveness and healing. Roland had so many issues, but through it all God was with him. Elyse's 💚LOVE for Roland was beautiful and so was her faith in God and in Roland. This is the first story of the Prodigal Son retelling I have read and it will be so hard to top this one. If you are a fan of Melanie Dickerson books or Rachel Skatvold this one should be next on your list. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.
November 17, 2023
I was lucky to be an early reader for this beautiful book, and it is my favorite of the Royals of Acuniel series thus far!
From the very beginning, your heart aches, knowing Roland will make choices that will lead him away from his family, friends, and his love, in favor of what He wants.
Ashton E Dorow's ability to retell Biblical stories in such a poignant, yet fresh way is nothing short of perfection.
My heart broke throughout the book, but the tension, romance, and faith messages leading to the prodigal son's return was *chef's kiss* masterfully written and will most definitely bring tears to your eyes!
Can't recommend this book (and this series) enough!
*I received an ARC, but all opinions are my own.*
From the very beginning, your heart aches, knowing Roland will make choices that will lead him away from his family, friends, and his love, in favor of what He wants.
Ashton E Dorow's ability to retell Biblical stories in such a poignant, yet fresh way is nothing short of perfection.
My heart broke throughout the book, but the tension, romance, and faith messages leading to the prodigal son's return was *chef's kiss* masterfully written and will most definitely bring tears to your eyes!
Can't recommend this book (and this series) enough!
*I received an ARC, but all opinions are my own.*
January 2, 2024
The Runaway Prince tells the story of the Prodigal Son, in a way where you feel for the rascal the entire time. It was beautifully told, and the romance, while established early on and the ideas of faithfulness and loyalty were woven throughout, was not the 'ordinary' love story. It's a love story between Roland and God.
I enjoyed the story and it's well written. I only withheld one star, mostly because things felt predictable and the ending seemed a little drawn out. I highly recommend it though!
I enjoyed the story and it's well written. I only withheld one star, mostly because things felt predictable and the ending seemed a little drawn out. I highly recommend it though!
May 26, 2024
In this book, Ashton pens the words “They are merely reflections of me.” Just as Roland’s family were reflections of God’s boundless mercy, The Runaway Prince is a reflection of Ashton’s God-given talent. I closed this book with a heart brimming with thankfulness to God. This was definitely worth reading. You could feel the emotions of each character. As I was reading, several times I felt my heart squeezing as tears filled my eyes. I’m so grateful to be apart of the journey of the Royals of Acuniel. I feel so connected to these characters and their stories. I can’t wait for the next book!
May 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 Stars
I think this book was beautifully written! The medieval take on the story of the prodigal son was something I’ve never seen before, and I think Ashton did such a great job writing it! You follow the MC’s through love, hardship, and ultimately forgiveness and restoration. This was such an easy read, though I do feel it ended a little abruptly with no epilogue!
🌶️ Spice: Clean / Only Kisses
🤐 Language: None
This book has so much faith and shows the love of God throughout, I definitely recommend reading it!
4/5 Stars
I think this book was beautifully written! The medieval take on the story of the prodigal son was something I’ve never seen before, and I think Ashton did such a great job writing it! You follow the MC’s through love, hardship, and ultimately forgiveness and restoration. This was such an easy read, though I do feel it ended a little abruptly with no epilogue!
🌶️ Spice: Clean / Only Kisses
🤐 Language: None
This book has so much faith and shows the love of God throughout, I definitely recommend reading it!
December 13, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! I love how it’s a prodigal son retelling. The redemption story was so beautiful and I love the lessons he learned throughout the book. He struggled with several things and he needed the journey he went on in order to learn and grow. The people throughout his life were so important and they played such an important role. I loved both of the characters and I loved watching them learn and grow together.
I received an eARC from the author, all opinions are my own.
I received an eARC from the author, all opinions are my own.
December 2, 2023
This book was my favorite in the series! It was so engaging and I loved how the author retold the story of the prodigal son. I also loved how she developed the romance while keeping with the retelling. It was a really good book!!
July 11, 2025
Good story
Good retelling of a good story, but there were a lot of grammatical errors which I found distracting. I would also like to know how the brothers eventually made up if at all.
Good retelling of a good story, but there were a lot of grammatical errors which I found distracting. I would also like to know how the brothers eventually made up if at all.
November 22, 2023
Absolutely amazing!! I loved this book. I just could not put it down. I encourage everyone and anyone to read Mrs. Ashton’s books. She truly is blessed with talent.
November 23, 2024
Beautiful story full of forgiveness, family and relatable characters❤️
So hard to put down!
So hard to put down!
December 28, 2024
Another one of Ashton’s books that I adore! Such great storytelling that parallels the prodigal son but still keeps you guessing. Out of the four books, this one was my least favorite only because the ending felt too predictable and glazed over. But I would still highly suggest to read it!
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