What do you think?
Rate this book
Defenders of the Realm #5.5
A Summer of Unity: Defenders of the Realm
Amidst strife, a bond unbreakable.
In a world teetering on the edge of conflict, two hearts navigate the treacherous waters of politics and rebellion to find strength in unity.
A Clean YA Fantasy Romance
"Summer of Unity" unfolds the captivating tale of Rowena and Hector, whose journey from Eldavon to Odentia becomes a test of their love and commitment to peace. Amidst assassination attempts and political upheaval, they strive to bridge the deep-rooted animosities between their kingdoms. Facing opposition from advisors, courtiers, and a rebellious faction, their resolve is tested at every turn. As they plan to introduce new magic through the Silver Springs, their vision for a united future is challenged by those who fear change.
Amidst chaos, Hector's feelings deepen, but misunderstandings threaten to sever their newly formed bond. With Rowena's hidden powers and their shared determination, they confront external threats and internal doubts. Their love, once uncertain, becomes the beacon that could lead both kingdoms out of darkness. As they stand together against formidable odds, "Summer of Unity" is a testament to the power of love and diplomacy over discord and fear.
Stay in the loop! Join Marie-Hélène's newsletter for writing updates, sales, upcoming events, and special promotions at mhlebeault.com
In a world teetering on the edge of conflict, two hearts navigate the treacherous waters of politics and rebellion to find strength in unity.
A Clean YA Fantasy Romance
"Summer of Unity" unfolds the captivating tale of Rowena and Hector, whose journey from Eldavon to Odentia becomes a test of their love and commitment to peace. Amidst assassination attempts and political upheaval, they strive to bridge the deep-rooted animosities between their kingdoms. Facing opposition from advisors, courtiers, and a rebellious faction, their resolve is tested at every turn. As they plan to introduce new magic through the Silver Springs, their vision for a united future is challenged by those who fear change.
Amidst chaos, Hector's feelings deepen, but misunderstandings threaten to sever their newly formed bond. With Rowena's hidden powers and their shared determination, they confront external threats and internal doubts. Their love, once uncertain, becomes the beacon that could lead both kingdoms out of darkness. As they stand together against formidable odds, "Summer of Unity" is a testament to the power of love and diplomacy over discord and fear.
Stay in the loop! Join Marie-Hélène's newsletter for writing updates, sales, upcoming events, and special promotions at mhlebeault.com
Audible Audio
Published July 19, 2024
2 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Marie-Hélène Lebeault
94 books382 followersMarie-Hélène Lebeault writes Speculative Fiction for children, teens, and adults
Be sure to follow her here and on https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie...
Join her newsletter for events, sales, and new releases at https: //mhlebeaultauthor.substack.com
Marie-Hélène is a Canadian author. She writes young adult quest and adventure stories rooted in the world of fantasy, magic and time travel. With important coming of age lessons at the core of her writing, children and young adults alike will revel in the fantastical journeys of her characters. When not immersed in the worlds of magic and mystery, you’ll find Marie-Hélène hiking, cycling, or lying on the beach with a good book.
Be sure to follow her here and on https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie...
Join her newsletter for events, sales, and new releases at https: //mhlebeaultauthor.substack.com
Marie-Hélène is a Canadian author. She writes young adult quest and adventure stories rooted in the world of fantasy, magic and time travel. With important coming of age lessons at the core of her writing, children and young adults alike will revel in the fantastical journeys of her characters. When not immersed in the worlds of magic and mystery, you’ll find Marie-Hélène hiking, cycling, or lying on the beach with a good book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 5, 2024
Had me from the beginning…
Stop the carriage…I can’t read! Boy, Queen Rowena certainly has her priorities straight. And not only with books. She wants to be the leader that her people need her to be as well as a wife she wants to be for her new husband. It’s a difficult balance, especially since they come from different backgrounds.
The author brought up some thought-provoking concepts:
*Even the most ordinary is necessary.
*Caring is not a weakness – it takes more strength to be vulnerable.
*People fear change. Especially, when it’s unexpected, wide-ranging, and out of their hands. More so for those in a position to lose some of their control.
*Rein in self-doubts and let the wild Mustangs of our soul soar with what our courage and talents might accomplish.
May we all be at peace with who we are.
Stop the carriage…I can’t read! Boy, Queen Rowena certainly has her priorities straight. And not only with books. She wants to be the leader that her people need her to be as well as a wife she wants to be for her new husband. It’s a difficult balance, especially since they come from different backgrounds.
The author brought up some thought-provoking concepts:
*Even the most ordinary is necessary.
*Caring is not a weakness – it takes more strength to be vulnerable.
*People fear change. Especially, when it’s unexpected, wide-ranging, and out of their hands. More so for those in a position to lose some of their control.
*Rein in self-doubts and let the wild Mustangs of our soul soar with what our courage and talents might accomplish.
May we all be at peace with who we are.
July 31, 2024
Return of the Queen!
Queen Rowena and her consort Hector travel to Odentia. She has changes planned that will benefit her people including sending citizens to the Silver Springs. When they return from their training they will bring magic to Odentia. Rebels have other ideas and attacks begin that are aimed at killing Hector. Rowena and Hector will need a plan that unites, not divides, the country.
This is a clean Y/A fantasy story with romance, magic, and danger. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Queen Rowena and her consort Hector travel to Odentia. She has changes planned that will benefit her people including sending citizens to the Silver Springs. When they return from their training they will bring magic to Odentia. Rebels have other ideas and attacks begin that are aimed at killing Hector. Rowena and Hector will need a plan that unites, not divides, the country.
This is a clean Y/A fantasy story with romance, magic, and danger. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
August 24, 2024
Trust and patience! I really liked the end of the story, but it's a shame that this was the last part of the series. I can identify with the story and need to learn to be more patient to give the others a chance to catch up. It's impressive how the author can put himself in the characters' shoes and let them develop at their own pace.
If you like fantasy worlds in which the good guys have the upper hand, you'll really enjoy this series.
The narrator is very competent and takes you into the story.
If you like fantasy worlds in which the good guys have the upper hand, you'll really enjoy this series.
The narrator is very competent and takes you into the story.
August 7, 2024
In this fifth novella in the Defenders of the Realm series, we get a glimpse into Queen Rowena and Hector’s relationship as they travel to Odentia to introduce new magic from the Silver Springs. There were a lot of tense moments and gripping alterations along the way, and it doesn’t help their relationship or their journey, that each of their kingdoms actually hate each other. This ended up being my favorite novella from the series!
September 25, 2024
This Novella is about the last couple that appears in the series and it is Hector, the new Prince consort and Rowena the new queen and it is all about their new adventure of working with together and trying to show Rowena’s kingdom that Hector is there to help and not too undermine Her rule.
If you read this series, I highly recommend reading all the Novellas’s that go in between each novel. It totally adds that much more to the series and makes it really enjoyable.
If you read this series, I highly recommend reading all the Novellas’s that go in between each novel. It totally adds that much more to the series and makes it really enjoyable.
September 26, 2024
This is such a wonderful ending to the series! As usual, the character and world building were wonderful. The "summer" books, being a bit different than the others, bring two fated mates together. In this one however, it brings two peoples, well, and a husband and wife not fated mates together. You get to see how feuding can be worked out and how a stranger forced into one land from the enemies land can become a friend and kind ruler, well assistant ruler to the Queen I suppose.
August 4, 2024
Queen Rowena and her consort Hector, travel,from Eldavon to Odentia , when they return from magic training , bringing new skills. Amidst rebels trying to kill Hector and political upheaval. Great writing by Marie-Helene Lebault , aimed at the young adult , its fantasy romance , well written and great characters. I’m leaving my review voluntarily in my own words.
August 6, 2024
"A Summer of Unity" by Marie-Hélène Lebeault, beautifully narrated by Derek Stephen Brown, weaves a touching tale of love and diplomacy amidst turmoil. The writing is engaging, and Brown's narration brings the characters to life with charm. It's a sweet, uplifting story that shines with hope and unity.
August 19, 2024
A Summer of Unity: An Epic Fantasy Romance Novella (Defenders of the Realm Book 5.5), my nineteenth read from author Marie-Hélène Lebeault. An 86-page/2-hour 1-minute entertaining read. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
July 30, 2024
Loved this sweet ending to this series. You so want to have this work out for Hector and Rowena. Ties up the series nicely.
September 8, 2024
They love each and they need to unite their tribes together but it is not an easy task. Prejudices will arise from their families and tribes which may ruin their love. How will they do it? Can they fight their way through? What will happen next? See how it will all go
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews