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Two princesses...one crown.

The royal twins have battled it out for eighteen years, but Princess Heather was firstborn and now rules the Kingdom of Raspen. Meanwhile, Princess Rose is doing time in the dungeon. Caught in the act of usurping the crown—as well as her sister’s man—the second-born princess has time to think.

After a failed scheme that sends her spiraling into despair, Rose has an epiphany. Before she can dwell on it, though, she learns that their kingdom might be in serious trouble, so with her sister’s help she dons a disguise and befriends a pair of cellmates, spies from an enemy country. Though Rose is only hoping to extract vital information from them, she ends up kidnapped when they make their escape.

While Queen Heather tries to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom, Rose is forced into an adventure she never wanted, but which she’s determined to use for the good of Raspen and her sister. But with more enemies than friends and the threat of a wicked king hanging over her, Rose begins to worry that her redemption will do little to save her life.

244 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2024

67 people want to read

About the author

Melody Carlson

419 books3,261 followers
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls).
2,174 reviews5,144 followers
May 16, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️ Christian Fiction - Fantasy (non-magical)

About this book:

“Two princesses...one crown.
The royal twins have battled it out for eighteen years, but Princess Heather was firstborn and now rules the Kingdom of Raspen. Meanwhile, Princess Rose is doing time in the dungeon. Caught in the act of usurping the crown—as well as her sister’s man—the second-born princess has time to think.
After a failed scheme that sends her spiraling into despair, Rose has an epiphany. Before she can dwell on it, though, she learns that their kingdom might be in serious trouble, so with her sister’s help she dons a disguise and befriends a pair of cellmates, spies from an enemy country. Though Rose is only hoping to extract vital information from them, she ends up kidnapped when they make their escape.
While Queen Heather tries to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom, Rose is forced into an adventure she never wanted, but which she’s determined to use for the good of Raspen and her sister. But with more enemies than friends and the threat of a wicked king hanging over her, Rose begins to worry that her redemption will do little to save her life.”



Series: Book #2 in “The Princess Wars” duology. Review of Book #1 Here!


Spiritual Content- A Scripture is quoted; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Going to a chapel to pray and light candles for others; Rose wonders about what happens after death and gets a sinking feeling that if God “really sat in heaven judging them”, He would be more likely to take Heather’s side than hers; Rose has never had an interest in prayer and even in church only pretended to pray, but starts to pray and attempt pleas to God; *Spoilers* ; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of churches/chapels; A couple mentions of thanking and praising the Lord; A mention of divine guidance; A mention of a miracle; A mention of the possibility of the Lord raining down judgement on someone; A mention of a mother frowning down on her daughter from heaven;
*Note: ‘Heaven knew’ is said once; Heather recalls her mother explaining that because of her and Rose being twins, they have a “spirit connection” and are able to have dreams about the other that would end up coming true (Heather is concerned one dream is a premonition); Heather comments on her seamstress’ abilities being like magic (though the seamstress says it is not magic); A dungeon cell is called “hell” and a “hellhole” once each; A couple mentions of an evil man; A mention of a place feeling “like heaven” compared to another place.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: an ‘Egad!’, a ‘good grief’, two ‘give a whit’, three forms of ‘shut up’, and six ‘stupid’s; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Eye rolling & Sarcasm; Sibling bickering & harsh comments (verbally and feeling hurt by the other); Being kidnapped (x3), Being attacked/grabbed, Being tied-up and locked up, Being knocked unconscious, Pain, & Injuries (up to semi-detailed); Rose wonders about dying (instead of being locked in a dungeon) & if starving to death would be painful (later, she wishes she was dead, but not truly; A bit farther in, she says her prayers just in case she does die); Rose is in prison/a dungeon for some of the book; Rose lies & deceives others to get her way; *Spoilers* ; Many mentions of possible wars/invasions, attacks, treason, spies, & arrests; Many mentions of prisons/dungeons & prisoners; Mentions of deaths & grief (including from a plague; grief for a mother, parents, a wife, and an infant son); Mentions of possible deaths; Mentions of Rose impersonating her sister & threatening and planning to kill Heather (Book #1); Mentions of possible murderers (& someone wanting to slit the throat of another, but instead ties him to a tree for the vultures to get); Mentions of an almost drowning (Book #1) & a possible drowning; Mentions of kidnappings & a country planning to kidnap women from another country; Mentions of thieves, bandits/robbers, stealing, criminals, crimes, & bribes; Mentions of wine/alcohol & drinking; Mentions of nightmares (of a family member in trouble or dying); Mentions of lies, lying, deceit, & manipulation; Mentions of jealousy & hatred; Mentions of rivalry between siblings; Mentions of hunting; A few mentions of beatings & possible torture; A few mentions of weapons & someone being held at sword-point; A few mentions of injuries & pain; A few mentions of drugging someone with a sleeping draught; A few mentions of tobacco, smoking, & a pipe; A couple mentions of possible executions or exiling someone; A couple mentions of gossip & rumors; A couple mentions of eavesdropping;
*Note: A group of people prefer to be called “travelers” rather than “gypsies” (though both names are used); Rose want to rebel over the thought of someone else making decisions for her & wishes to control her own life; Rose feels like she was a disappointment to her father and leaned into becoming superficial and spoiled because everyone expected her to be that way; Heather faces a couple of her council members talking down to her partially because of her age and gender; Heather comments on it being time for women to be “let into some other roles previously reserved to men” now that she is queen (adding that young women should be able to learn about the things that interest her and to use the gifts the Lord gave her); A mention of a young woman being unable to gain an apprenticeship with the “closed-minded old men” of her town.


Sexual Content- A hand kiss, three not-detailed kisses, and two barely-above-not-detailed kisses; Some touches, hand holding, warmth, & nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Heather wishes to marry for love, but knows that most royal marriages are more about politics (she wonders if it is unrealistic to believe that a marriage could be founded in love); Rose deceives a man by making him think she loves him (such as writing his name with hearts and casting shy glances); Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of love & wanting to marry for love; Mentions of being smitten with someone; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of large age gaps between couples (some unnamed in the amount of years and another that is twelve years; Heather says that if she loved a man, his age is “inconsequential”; *Spoiler* ); A mention of a bordello; Some love, falling/being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Rose dresses as a man for her plan to gain information from the spies (she wears a binding around her chest; *Spoiler* ).

-Heather, age 18
-Rose, age 18
P.O.V. switches between them
244 pages

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Pre Teens- Two Stars
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)

I had to reread the last chapter of the prior book to remember where this book would be picking up; I’m glad I did that because while the book somewhat explains and alludes to past events, I think it would be best to read them back to back, making it a very binge-worthy duology.

I’ll say one thing: after reading Melody Carlson’s YA books for years, she sure knows how to write a teen girl that I would love to slap some common sense into. Rose was definitely this character and had me nearly banging my head into the wall with her thoughts and plans. Her 180 change was very sudden (even Heather comments in it) so while it was a bit jarring, it was also good to see and know that I wouldn’t have to put up with her hatefulness for the majority of the book.

There are some…perhaps unrealistic events and conversations that happen, but it was overall fine. The ending took me by surprise as it felt out of left field, but alls well that ends well, I suppose? I feel a little meh about the romances, but they were clean and suitable for teens.

I was bummed there was no epilogue, but I guess it wasn’t truly needed. I wouldn’t say this was anywhere near a new favorite duology of mine, though it wasn’t bad and I overall enjoyed it. I thinks ages 14+ that only want light romance elements would enjoy it the most.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
1,294 reviews13 followers
July 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. I highly recommend you read A Royal Quest book one first, it sets up the story. This is a young adult, fairytale romance. It is clean and wholesome, which I am very grateful for. It is about twin princesses the first one being born a mere minutes before the second. Heather has been raised as the future ruler of the country. The second (Rose) was raised to be a showpiece. The sibling rivalry is made known in book 1 and continues into book 2 with animosity and contempt. I love both of these books. They are intriguing, page turning and swoony. I did not want it to come to an end unfortunately, that is where my rating dropped. I wanted the fairytale happily ever after production (wedding), but I didn’t get it! I would’ve loved an epilogue. I would really love more stories in the series, but we’re out of characters so I don’t see that happening. I highly recommend this book to anybody Story that loves clean historical romance it is a wonderful story you just have to imagine a fanciful ending. I did read an arc copy of the story, and hopefully the author wrote an epilogue to put in for the release date publication. It is easily a five star rating for me, but I knocked down to 4 1/2 because of the ending :( received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Beilby_Book_Nook Bekki Beilby.
135 reviews27 followers
July 20, 2024
*Book one should be read first as this book refers to and builds on events from book one.

**If you have not read book one there may be spoilers in this review.

I liked this book even more than book one! Both twins, Heather and Rose, grow so much in character throughout the events in this story. The importance of trust, friendship, family and true love are woven into the story making this book a truly enjoyable fairytale!

I would recommend this princess story for teen girls 12-16 years old.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WhiteCrown Publishing. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,364 reviews26 followers
August 21, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I liked seeing how Rose changed and how she was able to use what she learned about how destructive angry and jealousy is to help prevent a war. I liked seeing Heather and Rose forgive each other and to see how much they loved each other even when they were jealous of the other. I thought the story had good characters and a good story line. I also liked the elements of faith in the story and the idea of letting go of the negative emotions in order to have a healthy relationship with others. I would recommend this book and series.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,545 reviews177 followers
July 16, 2024
A Royal Redemption by Melody Carlson is a delightful YA fairytale romance with intrigue, action, romance, & redemption. It’s the exciting 2nd book in The Princess Wars series & a fun, wholesome romance appropriate for all YA readers. I highly recommend reading A Royal Quest first though to really understand what’s happening in this book.

Princess Heather’s just become Queen & immediately finds her kingdom vulnerable to attack from a neighboring kingdom & from her own twin sister. Languishing in the castle’s dungeon, Rose has plenty of time to think after trying to steal her sister’s crown & suitor, Prince Michael. While Queen Heather is seen as a smart capable leader, her twin Rose sees herself as rather superfluous.

When she discovers spies who are threatening her sister & the kingdom, Rose has a change of heart & offers to disguise herself to uncover the plot. Facing danger, kidnapping, & all kinds of depravations she’s unused to, Rose’s true characters begins to shine through. Meanwhile, Heather is visiting Prince Michael’s kingdom to rally support to save her kingdom & her sister.

After the first book, I really disliked Rose. She appeared to be spoiled, entitled, & selfish. Through all the experiences she goes through, I enjoyed seeing her redemption & getting a better insight into her true character. I loved the moments she realizes her ability to make a positive difference in the kingdom. Both twin sisters’ romances were so good, but I especially enjoyed Rose’s.

This is a fun, easily to binge series YA fairytale romance lovers will enjoy! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
Profile Image for Heather Byrd.
80 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2024
I enjoyed the first book of this series, and I highly recommend that anyone read it first before this one. Princess Heather was always likeable, but I had no idea how the author was going to redeem Rose, her murderous sister. I really liked Rose’s redemption story. It seemed a bit rushed at times, but it was nice to see her change her heart and find true love. My only issue with the story is I didn’t like Rose marrying a man so much older and his pointing out that fact. The king asks her in the book if she could love a man who’s 30, when she’s 18. Making such a large age difference and pointing it out really made me cringe, especially since this is YA romance. I have a 15 year old, and that’s not a message I want to send to girls like her, that it’s good for 18 year olds to marry someone so much older. I wish the author had not mentioned age and just insinuated that he was a little older, if that point was important for the story. Maybe I’m too close to the issue, since behave a daughter? Not sure, but I wanted readers to know that going into the story. I did enjoy seeing more of Queen Heather coming into her own, as well as seeing the relationship healed between the two sisters and they develop a relationship finally. It truly is a charming fairytale world, and I would read more by the author. I received a complimentary copy of this book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
119 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2024
Full disclosure: You really need to read book one, A Royal Quest, before you read this book. This book picks up right after the first book ends, so if you don't read them in order you probably won't enjoy it as much.

Rose wasn't a terribly likeable character in the first book, and in the beginning of this book she's even more unlikeable. I did appreciate the turn around her character had though, and how the author led her to discover her mistakes so that she could become a better person.

The action picks up right where the first book left off. The pacing of the book was well done, and I think most teens would enjoy this series if they enjoy royal romances with a hint of intrigue. Of the two books in the series I think I preferred book one over this one. I did enjoy the ending of the series though, I thought how the author tied it all together made for a satisfying journey for all the characters. I think this book is perfect for young adults, or anyone who enjoys an easy to read royal romance.

I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Bailey (Phillipians 4:8).
43 reviews12 followers
August 13, 2024
A continuation of the Princess Wars! A Royal Redemption followed Queen Heather continuing to solidify her reign and Princess Rose finding her way under her sister's victory. I liked the sequel better than the first book, and I really enjoyed Rose's redemption as she humbled down and found her own place. I'm not going to lie, I actually ended up liking Rose and her story better than Heather! A Royal Redemption is a YA read, and with that being said, it could be considered a bit predictable, but trust me, it won't be quite as predictable as you might think, and there will be a couple things that have you waiting to see what will happen! This book is an enjoyable read if you are looking for something to relax with and finish within a reasonable amount of time. And, did I mention how much I loved Rose's part in this story?? Some might consider it hard to believe, but I was impressed by her turnaround from the first book and enjoyed getting to know her gentle, selfless side.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
414 reviews36 followers
July 19, 2024
"A Royal Redemption" by Melody Carlson is a great follow-up to her first Princess Wars book. The books really should be read in order, otherwise there will be spoilers for this book for anyone that reads this one before the first book. In this one, we continue the stories of Queen Heather and her twin sister Princess Rose. Rose is imprisoned and Heather is working to reconcile the two of them.

This book brings the reader into action, adventures and intrigue for both sisters. Characters from the previous book return and we are introduced to new ones with new dangers for the sisters.

This book is geared towards YA readers and I would recommend this one to readers 16+ years old. The twins in this are 18 and there is love, kissing, marriage proposals, prison and kidnapping in this. It is a clean read and nothing is graphic in the book. It is an enjoyable book and very entertaining for adults as well. I enjoyed it as a quick read and recommend it to fans of royal fiction.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher however all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jeanette Durkin.
1,593 reviews49 followers
July 13, 2024
Wow! I really enjoyed this book! I would recommend reading the first book, A Royal Quest, because it will help the reader know what's going on in this book. (Melody Carlson does provide some background.) So much happens is this story! There's an escape from prison, a kidnapping, a threat of war, and a beautiful love story!

Rose really has a change of heart in this book. She grows and matures due to distressing circumstances. She realizes that she can use her talents for good! Queen Heather continues to amaze me with her maturity and compassion.

The parts that made my heart leap with joy was when both sisters find love! Instead of fighting each other, they can look to their futures and live peacefully!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book by WhiteCrown Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kathryn Bochman.
364 reviews22 followers
July 22, 2024
Melody Carlson has penned a fantastic new series in The Princess Wars. The second installment, A Royal Redemption, takes up right where the first book, A Royal Quest, leaves off. This YA read contains all the elements: romance, adventure, and royal intrigue. Sure to fully entertain readers, prepare to fall into a world of feuding princesses turned allies, each seeking to protect her kingdom from enemy threats, kidnappings, and even marriage proposals. Carlson has truly delivered a story sure to make readers both sigh with emotion and smile in delight.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,634 reviews
July 5, 2024
You really need to read book 1 first, A Royal Quest. And you’ll be glad that #2 available to read as soon as you finish book 1 :-) I really enjoyed both books, but I think the plot twists in this one are even more unpredictable than the ones in A Royal Quest. The characters are great, and there’s some great humor in the things that happen to Princess Rose. Carlson does well at dragging out the tension between Heather and Michael. The Princess Wars make great reading!

I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
20 reviews
August 14, 2024
I loved how there was a gradual change between everyone involved it was not immediate. Rose has to answer to her own actions from the previous book. So I would recommend reading book 1 so you have a better understanding of the background. You also see growth with Queen Heather and her kingdom and allies. Rose is the one who has to come to terms with her own actions and the consequences.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Caroline|Page~Turners.
577 reviews15 followers
August 29, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of love and redemption. The characters were believable and I like how Rose owned up to things that happened in her past. It was a great way for her to move forward. There was a true change in her and that made me feel like she was redeemed. I also enjoyed the story of Queen Heather and how she lead her kingdom. This is book two of the series and I recommend book one is read first in order to understand the back story. This fantasy fiction is a great escape and is one that I recommend.
Profile Image for Talita Adendorff.
52 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2024
Let's start with I really recommend reading A Royal Quest before reading A Royal Redemption. Although you can read A Royal Redemption as a stand-alone, I don't recommend it. To me this is a two-part story with the books being interlinked in many places.

The whole story concept is very interesting, with twin princesses living in the medieval kingdom of Raspen, and although Princess Rose is the main character of A Royal Redemption, I still prefer her twin sister, Princess Heather. To be honest I feel this book is definitely aimed at younger readers and I would have preferred a simpler plot line, at times it can get very busy, with too many things happening at once and things happening too fast as well. I prefer a book with a bit more depth.

That being said, I really wanted to know what happens to Rose and Heather, I was interested in their characters and their love stories are very sweet. It also has a happily ever after which I am a big fan of.

If you have read A Royal Quest, I recommend finishing the Princess Wars and settling in with A Royal Redemption. Otherwise, go and start with A Royal Quest, before moving on to A Royal Redemption.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but the views and opinions are my own.
27 reviews
July 22, 2024
A Royal Redemption by Melody Carlson was a great read!
I read the first book of this series A Royal Quest not long before reading this one and it was great not to have to wait too long for the rest of the sisters’ story.
I think I enjoyed the second book more than the first one because the author focused on both the sisters whereas in the first one she focuses more on Heather.

At first I couldn’t easily identify with Rose, but the more I read, the more I enjoyed her :)
I really enjoyed that book and the characters were well developped between the two books.
-- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. --
Profile Image for Jeanti Steenkamp.
13 reviews
August 29, 2024
A Royal Redemption by Melody Carlson targets younger audiences with a solid royalty-themed story. The novel continues the story of twin princesses Heather and Rose in the Kingdom of Raspen. Heather rules as queen, while Rose is imprisoned for trying to overthrow the throne. Rose undergoes personal transformation in the dungeon but is soon caught up in a mission to save the kingdom, leading to her kidnapping. Meanwhile, Queen Heather seeks to secure an alliance with a neighbouring kingdom. In the end, both sisters contribute to saving Raspen and keeping their people safe.

Heather is depicted as a strong, forgiving ruler, while Rose transitions from a scheming princess to a selfless protector. However, Rose's character development needed more depth and time. The themes of redemption, forgiveness, and family loyalty are central to the story.

The book's ending could have explored the love stories of both sisters more thoroughly and not rushed Rose's romantic storyline. Despite engaging writing, the inconsistent plot flow and pacing issues detract from the reading experience. Overall I enjoyed the book but found the first book to be my favourite in the series. Starting with the first book in the series is recommended for a better understanding. Overall, I would rate "A Royal Redemption" 3.5 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
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