Chosen of the Tapestry: The Fralsningdor Chronicles: Book I

by Laura Cheever

The magic she always wanted. The throne he never asked for. The one who weaves all things.

According to the Looms, Fran Smith was supposed to marry the Lost Warrior King. She was supposed to have legendary power that could reclaim nations and free goblinkind from the hands of their oppressors. Instead, her wild magic lies dormant, and her silversmith husband grows distant and cold. There are secrets lurking between them, and a tangle of mystery to unravel when the Weaver's magic begins to behave in ways that it simply does not do.

Fi'eren La’arreth, heir to the goblin throne and Lost Warrior King foretold in the Pattern, is neither a warrior nor a king — he is simply lost. Thirty years ago, the Itheireelan elves killed his family and conquered the goblin kingdom of Fralsningdor. For three long decades Fi'eren has been in hiding, and he dreads the day when the Weaver will call him to complete the impossible tasks of freeing his people, taking back his throne, and reclaiming his kingdom once and for all.

In a thrilling tale of heartbreak, adventure, parenting, magic, toffee, and redemption — Fran and Fi'eren must learn to let go of the past, build a love that can withstand the trials of the present, and put their faith in the one who weaves the future.

If you've ever wished for a raw, faith-filled romance about a broken marriage being made whole by grace and forgiveness, this fantasy trilogy was written just for you.

Sensitive Content
• Violence/killing
• Non-graphic references to attempted sexual assault
• Visual/olfactory descriptions of wounds
• Children being threatened/put in danger
• Spouses lying to/keeping secrets from each other
• One fade-to-black scene that implies the married main characters are intimate, though no detail is given
• One use of the word "hell" and one use of the word "damn" (all other curses are fantasy world swears, such as "frays and ashes" or "burning looms")

Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fantasy

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2024

About the author

Laura Cheever writes fantasy novels with strong Christian themes and an emphasis on romance within seasoned marriages. She lives in rural Wyoming with her husband, Andrew, and their four children, the legendary makers of mischief and shenanigans. When she’s not writing or daydreaming about new stories, she homeschools the kids, reads a mildly concerning number of fantasy novels, paints, plays board games, bakes mediocre sourdough bread, and plays old-timey hymns on the piano.

If you enjoy her books, please consider leaving reviews on Amazon or Goodreads. It helps the author so much, and it helps other readers find stories they’ll love! Thank you.

You can stay up to date on Laura’s books and projects by signing up for her email newsletter, The Goblin Grace Gazette.

Reviews

[H.S.J. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a wonderful feeling when you try a new author, and you get a story that's fresh and fully-baked, crafted with fine ingredients and a steady hand. (I don't know where the food analogy came from, maybe I'm hungry.)

It's also a wonderful feeling when the author is still relatively unknown to your fellow reading folks, so now, one must tell everyone to try their book. That is what this review is for -- fans of faith-filled fantasy, you simply must open these pages!

As far as I know this is Cheever's first full-length novel, but she crafts her world with complete confidence, and I immediately felt immersed in the setting and plight and connected with the sincerity of her characters.

The hero and heroine of this tale are already married with four young children! I was quite delighted by this, and really appreciated how genuine the couple and family felt. The struggle in communication and trust is ongoing for our couple, but one can clearly see how they love one another. Their conflicts with each other sometimes feel petty or easily resolved without foolish comments, but then one remembers with shame that MOST arguments/divisions in relationships are of this nature. So they are easy to root for as they learn more about each other and the prophecy and magic they have called to fulfill.

Oh, they're also goblins. The goblins of this story may be short, green, and classically goblin in appearance, but they also noble, lively, heroic, faithful, empathetic, and just all-around "human." They have such confidence in their own skin that a reader's typical beauty standards are set aside to believe in the beauty they find in each other.

The elves, by contrast, are supremacist terrorists, persecuting the goblins for their faith and race. The fae are dangerous, frivolous creatures absorbed in hedonistic parties.

Fortunately, even though the goblins have their opinions about the elves and faeries supposed "beauty," I never felt this story was a tale of "pretty" vs "ugly" as is sometimes the case in stories where opposing forces find their appearances so different. Perhaps it is because each race is confident in their own appearance even if they don't understand the others, perhaps it is because the elves and fae are not all wholly "evil" nor are the goblins all wholly "good." Our heroine finds a friend and ally in the debauched fae court, and there is a "Paul the Apostle" elf character coming in Book 2.

Content: Some grim moments of violence and cruelty due to the persecution. Mentioned SA of villagers by their captors, attempted SA interrupted by our hero. The beginnings of SA of the heroine by the fae, but she is delivered from further harm. Fade-to-black between the married couple and a couple of passionate kisses.

As such, this story was certainly meant for the adult reader who wishes for lovely fantasy with characters their own age and without explicit content, buuuut if an older teen reader is looking for good fantasy with established spouses and family and is already reading Sanderson, they could enjoy this too.

I look forward to book 2! Because since following the author, her mention of that "Paul the Apostle" elf character has my UNDIVIDED attention.

[thelilcloseddoorbookgal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book is a gem. There was not a dull moment, and it was a beautiful story to read. I’ve never read a fantasy book like this before. The whole thing was just *chef’s kiss.* You might have been able to tell by the cover, but there are cottagecore vibes and creatures like goblins, faeries, and elves. My two favorite parts were how faith was woven into the story and the emotional and literal journey the characters went through. We live in a culture that teaches us to cut people off in relationships when they mess up (I’m not talking in extremes like physical abuse), and I loved the highlight that broken relationships can be mended. I honestly felt God’s love through this book. It was interesting to read a book where the hero and heroine already have a family, which added another layer of complexity to what they had to do. Adventure? Check. High stakes? Check. Complex, flawed characters? Check. Family values? Check. Romance? Check. Good world-building? Check. I will DEFINITELY be reading the next book in the series

spice level - non-explicit fade-to-black between married couple
language - very mild
content - typical fantasy violence (nothing gory), non-graphic attempted SA

[Tee Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it! I am not a fantasy girly but the bond created with Fi’eren and Fran added so much realism to the story. This journey was well written and the narrative writing is amazing! I giggled so many times with the kids just doing kid stuff. Absolutely beautiful.

[Lyss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like stepping into this fantastical realm and living my actual life! I've never read a book so realatable. I laughed, cried, maybe even got a bit angry at times because I really felt like I was reading my life played out. I think married-for-years romance may be my new favorite trope. Overcoming hardships and working it out together is chef's kiss! I can't wait for the second book!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight!!

I needed to read this.

The themes and dynamics are so real and on point, I related to this story like I haven’t to one in some time.
I absolutely loved that married life(that marriage is precious) and raising kids was turned into such a whimsical fantasy adventure!! There isn’t near enough of that!!!!

I can’t not mention the prologue, it was heartbreaking and poignant, and it just really set a tone I appreciated.

There’s so many unique elements of the goblin abilities(the cleave-bond y’alllll!) and classic fairytale-ness, but mostly about the Weaver/God and the Bible I adored!

There’s humor and true love(which includes continuing to love each other after so much has changed, includes yourselves) and a mission(which includes wanting/living a simple life while also having a calling-which was also so real about being in denial/not truly understanding the scope of it-, then seeking wise counsel and willing to learn how to fulfill that calling)

Definitely forward to the rest of the series!!

[Cassandra Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can confidently say this will be one of my favorite books of 2025. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised this story was as healing as it was, but considering this was a story about a marriage, and I’ve never been married, I wasn’t sure how much I would relate to that aspect of the plot. But it was extremely touching, I cried healing tears, and I’m so thankful this story exists. I’m sure it is one I’ll visit again and again as my own life circumstances change throughout the years.

Chosen of the Tapestry is funny, sweet, devastating, and healing. In other words, it reads like real life, and the characters were completely relatable. It’s also really fun to read a story where the main characters have children and bring their children with them on their adventure. The inclusion of the goblin-language felt natural, and the way the Pattern and Tapestry were “woven” into the language of the story felt effortless and natural.

Laura Cheever is officially a favorite author, and I can’t wait for the sequel!

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!

It's not often that you find a book that combines faith, married romance, fantasy, and cozy vibes, but Laura Cheever a-cheev-ed it! (Pun intended)

I love that this is a Christian fiction novel but that it also has a fictional religious system that reflects Christianity. It makes it unique but Cheever remains faithful to the truth of the gospel - our sin, need for forgiveness, redemption, and sanctification - within this fictional religion. Anyone reading this will clearly recognize the Christian themes woven throughout but I believe that those who pick it up and are not believers will experience the gospel clearly.

I think my favorite part was the insight to marriage that Cheever brilliantly captures. I've found myself lately having a hard time connecting with new found romance in books, and though I love it, it doesn't satisfy what I know of love after the wedding - the need to nurture it, water it, provide it sustenance, and the difficulties - that make a marriage. If you've ever experienced rough patches in your marriage, you'll love how Cheever weaves that in to this rekindling of love between the main characters Fran and Fieren.

I'm excited to read book two and see how Cheever continues the adventure of Fieren the Lost King of the Pattern and Fran the Chosen of the Tapestry!

[Serene In Wonderland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this was so wholesome and sweet. I read it for the 'already married romance' and 'healing marriages' element because... well because how could I not?! Reading a book that puts emphasis on the value of marriage and working at making things work instead of chasing a fresh new Happily Ever After with someone new is just so refreshing.

I found the style of writing so easy to read and enjoyed the touch of wit. I loved the weaving themed words and how beautifully they fit together to describe religious concepts. I loved how the characters' relationships with God were such an integral part of their growth into themselves and each other. I quite enjoyed the spiritual breakdowns as part of their journeys too. I loved that a clear moral line is drawn in relation to 'magic' of the Fae realm vs. among humans. I loved that they homeschool. I loved the nature.

I mostly read fantasy as I get less triggered/upset by it since it's so far removed from real life, but this one felt different SO... for those who struggle with infertility, know the kids are very present and innocent and adorable throughout. Parenthood is portrayed quite idealisticly so if that will bother you, be aware. Also, if you are expecting their marriage to heal after being at rock bottom know that the baseline at the start is only slightly pebbly. They obviously adore each other and while they have issues to work through, it doesn't quite feel like hope in the dark. I'd almost like things to get much worse before they get better.

I would have liked a little more behind Fi'eren's spiritual growth at the end. It seemed sudden and unexplained. I'd also have loved an extra proofread as I had quite a lot of jarring out of the story due to typos. My own blessing/curse.

Hoping to continue the series but so far recommend! It's written for adults but technically there's nothing an upper teen couldn't handle.

Some Muslim-related content info I remember...

CONTENT:

Language: None (I remember one 'd*mned' and in world weaver themed cursing which was super awesome)

Romance: Married kisses and closed door marital relations. A few brief mentions of premarital kissing in the past. / Some unwanted male attention and a cheek kiss. A girl is taken by baddies with the intention to rape her.

Faith: Lots! The goblins believe in a creator (the Weaver), fate/qadr (Tapestry) and a scripture (the Pattern). There are pious 'Looms' who are celibate like nuns.

Magic: Magic is intrinsic to goblins and other beings but it is made clear that the magic humans engage in is bad bad bad.

Other: Drinking of main characters, without getting drunk. Baddies drink hard. MC smokes a pipe.

[Debbie Vernhout-Landon · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Review in Dutch. Translation to English below)

Chosen of the Tapestry is het eerste boek van 2, geschreven vanaf de afwisselende perspectieven van een getrouwd stel.

De twee hebben een simpel idyllisch leven met 4 kinderen en wat kippen, totdat hij afstandelijk begint te doen en er scheuren in hun huwelijk komen. Een profetie over hun levens en relatie gooit alles wat ze wensten en hadden volledig op z'n kop en laat de personages echt goed in de spiegel kijken over hoe hun eigen acties hun hiertoe bracht.
Het verhaal is bom vol verlangen en liefde voor degene waarmee ze getrouwd zijn, zelfs onder alle negatieve gedachten en emoties die ontstaan zijn tussen elkaar.

Het is een verhaal dat heel rustig bouwt en veel in gaat op de details. De fantasie rijke wereld wordt uitgebreid beschreven net als het dagelijks leven en de acties van de personages.
In dit verhaal wordt er veel aandacht geplaatst op de religie, God en profetie van deze wereld, met een duidelijke Christelijke basis waar vanuit het is geschreven. En ook al zit het boek vol met verlangens tussen de twee hoofdpersonages, het is verder een 'clean' verhaal. Met alleen 1 'closed door' moment tussen het getrouwde stel.

Het boek eindigt halverwege het grote verhaal. Dit deel gaat vooral over het repareren van de relatie en ontdekken van hun rol in de profetie. Het volgende deel (mogelijke release 2025) zal hoogstwaarschijnlijk meer actie bevatten terwijl ze de profetie werkelijk waar gaan maken.

---

Chosen of the Tapestry is the first book of 2, written from the alternating perspectives of a married couple.

The two live a simple idyllic life with 4 children and some chickens, until he starts to act distant and cracks appear in their marriage. A prophecy about their lives and relationship completely turns everything they wished for and had upside down and makes the characters really take a good look in the mirror at how their own actions brought them here.
The story is full of longing and love for the one they are married to, even underneath all the negative thoughts and emotions that have arisen between each other.

It is a story that builds very slowly and goes into a lot of detail. The fantasy rich world is described in detail as well as the daily lives and actions of the characters. In this story a lot of attention is placed on the religion, God and prophecy of this world, with a clear Christian basis from which it is written. And even though the book is full of longings between the two main characters, it is otherwise a 'clean' story. With only 1 'closed door' moment between the married couple.

The book ends halfway through the main story. This part is mainly about repairing the relationship and discovering their role in the prophecy. The next part (possible release 2025) will most likely have more action as they actually make the prophecy come true.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful story I’ve ever read


If you haven’t read a romantic fantasy novel, I suggest you do now. And if you have, this one is a MUST!

⚠️You will not like Elves. Not even a little bit. Faeries are a close second.⚠️

Fran and Fi’eren are an ordinary couple, married for 9 years and with 4 children and a quiet life. They both sought a “normal” life and hiding who they really were because of the enormous role they are supposed to play in The Weaver’s plan.

I found a lot of my own insecurities displayed in Fran. What she hates about herself, her husband Fi’eren loves. But when trying to keep his secrets a secret, he fails to show her that. The surmounting pressure of knowing that he is, in fact, the Lost Warrior King has him putting more and more distance between him and his cleavemate.

In a divine sequence of events, their lives as they know it are turned upside down and they run for their lives, but also headlong onto the path that was created for them.

When secrets are revealed, and trust is fractured, the work of disentangling begins and they face making a choice to love their cleavemate in their true unexpected form.

In CotT, you will find the hope of redemption for a broken marriage. Coming to terms with the calling on a life unwanted. Trusting in the One who placed them there. And a beautiful representation of the Gospel lived out in the lives of imperfect beings.

Laura Cheever is a gifted story teller and wordsmith. I was captivated from beginning to end, and reading this book will not leave you disappointed.

[J.T. Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen of the Tapestry was a delight to read. For those who love high fantasy akin to LOTR or love a good role-playing game filled with elves, goblins, fairies, (and the like) you'll LOVE this one. Except in this story, there's a fun twist. The goblins are the good guys and the elves are the bad guys.

It is such a fresh twist to the stories of old. (And I'm here for it.)

AND the BIG plus is that it's safe for Christians to read!

I'm often worried when I dive into any high fantasy that I'll feel the 'ick' in my spirit, but I didn't. It was the complete opposite. My heart soared in glee, nearly cried, and laughed multiple times. At times, I was gushing to my husband all about it.

Cheever weaves a lovely magical world system blended with a Biblical narrative that works so well, it's downright clever.

Chosen of the Tapestry is a cozy fantasy love story, not about falling in love for the first time but falling in love with your spouse again after a big lie that divided them. This story gives hope that love can continue after "I do", and shows that love, mercy, and forgiveness WITH God shines brightest of all.

Thank you for writing this, Laura Cheever!

PS NOTES:
And while I mentioned that it's cozy, it also has moments of action and adventure and hints of way more to come. The second book is coming!

There is some mention of blood and it had some action that had me at the edge of my seat. Do not fear. Cheever does an excellent job at keeping the gore factor to a minimum.

[Courtney Bellingar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never knew I could relate to a fantasy book so much 💕 Fran was such a relatable character as a wife and mother! I felt like I was Fran. A simple woman who wanted a simple life with her husband, children and chickens! Someone who was stubborn and said things out of anger she regretted later….and so much more!

I’ve never read a book about a marriage, and folks - I AM HERE FOR IT! I felt like I could see myself through a different perspective…and I reflected on ways I could change for the better! Usually you have to read non-fiction books for that. But not with Laura’s book!

This book was a beautiful combination of action, romance, and world building! The characters grew and their marriage strengthened! This book was uplifting and encouraging. Also - the romance and swooning in this book was also relatable!! The way Fi’eren thought Fran was even more beautiful because her body grew and birthed their four children! NOW THAT’S RELATABLE!

And of course, Laura leaves us hanging! I cannot wait for book #2 to come out next year and to continue reading about Fran and Fi’eren’s journey!❤️

[Kaileen West · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom, I felt so SEEN. 🫶🏻

So many stories (that I love!) end with marriage. Maybe there’s an epilogue where they have a kid.

But once I got married and had my first kid, I realized—our adventure was just beginning.



This story asks:

“What if adventure calls ‘too late?’”

“What if the extraordinary shows up right in the middle of the mundane?”

“What if ‘happily ever after’ ends up not being so happy?”

“What if ‘the chosen one’ is a mixed-race mom of four with a rocky marriage?”



And the answer to all of these?

✨ It’s AMAZING! ✨

This story will hook you right from the start. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you won’t be able to put it down.



If you’re in the middle of your ‘happily ever after,’ waiting for adventure, PICK UP THIS BOOK!

You never know what the Weaver has for you.

[Mallory Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In life we are all given a path of life that already written for us. No matter how much we try to change it , what is meant to be will be. This story follow two Characters that are married going through the journey of life. The husband has a secret life/ prophecy to fulfill, but instead he attempts to make separation what is to be. He completely rebuilds his life but in the wise words of Hannah Montana “ you can change your hair and you can change your clothes. you can change your mind , that’s just the way it goes. You can say goodbye, you can say hello but you’ll always find your way back home”. Read and find out what this journey does for this little family and what it takes to get there.

[T.C. Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most romantacy books that I have read have been about the start of a relationship. What's awesome about this book is that it's about what happens after....
Marriage, children, struggles, love, forgiveness, and growth are major points in this story.
A love story doesn't end with marriage and happily ever after, and this book does a great job of showing that.
Follow Fi'eren and Fran on an adventure that just gets more interesting by the page. I'm ready for book two. DOWN WITH THE ELVES!

[Kimberly Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was refreshing to read a story about a married couple that goes through rough times in their relationship but fiercely choose each other. There is lots of action and lots of emotional reflection. It was also a fresh twist on elves and goblins with goblins being the good guys and elves the bad guys haha.

Notes: mentions/uses of smoking and alcohol in positive manner by main couple.

[Jessiemaereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story! Very happy that I stumbled upon this book! Excited to read more from this amazing author!

[Pray Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a refreshing read! I don’t typically read romantasy, I love reading romance, but typically most romances are boy meets girl. We read about their journey as they fall in love and it ends with happily ever after. I am strongly in camp happily ever after, but sometimes it is nice to read about what happens after the happily ever after. What happens if the happily ever after isn’t what we expected?

The quote from the book is what hooked me! If you have been married for any length of time you may be able to relate to the difficulties that Fran and Fi’eren are facing in their marriage. It was nice to read how a married man and woman, or in this case goblin and half goblin, navigate their married relationship. That marriage is not always smooth sailing after “I do.”

The faith elements in the book were a mirror of how often we can say we are followers of Christ, but it is not something we are living out in our daily lives.

I don’t want to give too much away, but if you are a romance reader like me or just looking to try a new book, check out Chosen of the Tapestry: The Fralsningdor Chronicles: Book 1 by Laura Cheever. A big plus for anyone new to fantasy like me is she includes a pronunciation guide for all the names!

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start, I absolutely adored the characters in this book. I thought the depiction of marriage on the rocks and seeking redemption from mistakes they both have made in their relationship was beautifully executed. Throw four children in the mix, and you have the perfect recipe for relatability.

I thoroughly enjoyed the setting, lore, and magic system! I love when Biblical truth is portrayed in fiction stories the way it was within this novel. It adds an added layer and understanding of how God works and weaves Himself into our lives. 😉

I struggled with the plot. It felt extremely slow moving. From beginning to end, not much happens. Granted, it is a short book, and I’m sure the point of this first book is character development. But I just felt like I needed more set-up from this book for the second installment. I am curious enough to continue into the second book eventually!

Overall, I enjoyed this book! It has been sitting in my kindle library for so long, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up!!

[Nicole Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some strong Christian faith views woven into it and I loved it.
Laura’s story is very different from most books I have found. Her MFC and MMC are both already married to each other, for many years, they already have multiple children, a home, and he has his trade job. They are well past the age we normally see a hero or heroin go on an adventure unless you’re a 50 year old Hobbit named Bilbo.

We meet Fran and Fi’eren while they are in the mist of hectic parenthood, living in a town that has been suppressed by the TIrent King of the Elves and just trying to survive. Oh and Fran knows Fi’eren is hiding something, why else would he be pulling away from her?

This book has some wonderfully fun quirks such as Fran is obsessed with noses and their shape, being a goblin they normally all have very pronounced noses, but not Fran. Laura has also come up with many new names for words like, mother, father, son, daughter all helping create this magical world.

[Rosie✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐳𝐲 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬!

🍄Chosen of the Tapestry🍄

This story is so beautifully written I was hooked from the very first chapter and I wanted to know how it would end! I am so sad it took me so long to read about Fran & Fi’eren.

I loved reading about their marriage and struggles. I was not expecting them to be already married but I LOVED that they were. I loved reading about their struggles and their journey as they do their best to listen to the Weaver! 🥹 I saw myself in many parts of this book and I absolutely adore Fran! 🥹🥰

🌶️Spice info: 🌶️
One scene fade to black - NOTHING EXPLICIT
🤐language🤐: none!

Thank you @lauracheeverauthor for this amazing story! I had the best time!

[Sally Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

First chapter felt clumsy, unedited and like the author was trying to be fancy..

From there. It got better. I love cosy fantasy. It’s wholesome and sweet and heart warming. However at times this felt a little bit slow.

It was a joy to read about a married couple who are in a dark, lonely place, co-existing in the same house and not communicating then finding love and trust again and rekindling the love of their youth.

I loved reading about a mother of 4 and how fiercely she adores her family.

I loved how the author wove in themes of faith and God.

3.5 🙌🏼

[Andrew Cheever · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is close to home to me. Each page turned feels like a beat of my heart racing through the adventures. Happy moments. the moments I yearn and hope for this fun family of characters. The kiddos are hilarious. It has many themes from the Bible . It points to glorifying God in a fun fictional story. I am happy I read this book because the 2nd book ( after this one ) is near my top favorites.

[Danielle | TheReadingDanielleMcBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍄‍🟫🧵Chosen of the Tapestry 🧵🍄‍🟫

Enchanting, cozy, & utterly unique. This story was absolutely refreshing. I want to have a meal with this little Smith family! Give me more stories with married goblins who are answering the call of the Weaver!

I cannot wait to read the continuation of this lovely story in August!

Ps. My daughter says this is the most beautiful cover she’s ever seen.

[Emily — Books and Bocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chosen of the Tapestry is a book I discovered on the Instagram explore page. After seeing it available on Kindle at a very good price, I picked it up, and I'm so glad that I did. If you want to read a great romance without the smut and experience worldbuilding that could rival a young Sarah J Maas, you need to read Chosen of the Tapestry.

Fran, our FMC, was destined to marry the lost king, but instead finds herself the perfect goblin partner. Fi'eren has been her longtime love, and after many years, they find themselves with a beautiful family. But even marriage can breed secrets. Fi'eren is indeed the lost king, and he has finally had his calling to who he really is. If you want to know more about what happens, you'll have to read for yourself, you won't find any spoilers here!

This book has pretty much everything you need to start building an epic fantasy world. There is a complex religious system inside the Weaver and his tapestry of life. The magic system that Cheever has built directly ties into this. There's terrain, there's towns and cities, forests and mountains. There's even specific language and expressions used for the kingdom of Fralsningdor and the goblin race. All these things together build a foundation for a great series!

Cheever herself is an absolute delight. As I was reading, I messaged her my thoughts as the story progressed. She gave no spoilers, but was so happy to hear my comments and give me additional insight on the story she had crafted so lovingly. I was truly delighted to read her book, and even more delighted at the fact that she was willing and eager to hear my experience reading her novel for the first time.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who's married, who loves a good romance, who loves redemption, or who identifies themselves as a Christian. If you're all four, I'd gladly bet that this one very well might end up with a permanent spot on your bookshelf. Cheever's debut novel is hands-down the best indie debut I've had the pleasure of reading, and I am counting down the days until book two releases!

[Laura Cheever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three years ago, I went through a devastating season of marriage. And by the grace of God, our marriage was saved! We had no business coming out of that sin and brokenness better than we were before, but the Lord is so merciful and kind. He brought us through that darkness and showed us first hand what redemption looks like.

But, I found myself in a strange place: falling in love with my husband all over again.

There were old wounds to contend with, babies who needed breakfast, a house and responsibilities and years of familiarity. All blended, impossibly, with the sense that we needed to begin again from less than zero.

The books I liked to read simply did not contend with love stories like that. Books, which had been my safe place for as long as I could remember, made me feel felt shut out, othered, and tarnished. My "happily ever after" had fallen apart, so the perfect love stories I saw on paper felt like salt in my wounds. But neither did I want to read "dark romance" that leans into the hurt. I wanted redemption.

Which is when Jesus gave me this story.

So I set out with some real big, "fine, I'll do it myself," energy and wrote this novel as a high fantasy retelling of what it's like to fall in love with your own spouse all over again after betrayal and brokenness have torn you apart.

I toned the sins way down for this story so that it can feel palatable and safe for readers who are in their own season of healing, but I didn't shy away from the confusion, awkwardness, and painfully slow march of forgiveness that is required in a second chance romance between husband and wife.

This is my first novel, and honestly, the first bit of fiction I've written since high school ten years ago. It's full of imperfect wording and raw vulnerability, but I pray God uses it for His glory all the same. I am not enough, but He is. He is the Author of the Greatest Love Story Ever Told, and where my words fall short, His never will.

If you're going through a similar season as I did, or just need a story where happily ever after spans beyond the wedding and babies, I hope COTT is a blessing for you as it has been for me.