A Soul Forsaken

by Caprice Moore

In Calvary Gate, happiness abounds in every heart except that of Lord Orpheus Devland. He intends to change that.

When a mysterious hag offers a potion to erase the townspeople’s memories–and with them, the town’s joy–Orpheus seizes his chance. However, the potion remains ineffective until Orpheus can steal a tear shed from a friend’s most precious memory. But Orpheus has never known a friend. Not only that, if Orpheus falls in love, he forfeits his memories of his beloved instead.

Indie Mercy never expected to work at the infamous Devland Manor. But when her mother falls ill and her injured father can no longer work, Indie must provide for her family. Orpheus tasks her with planning the Christmas Masquerade, and as Indie spends time in Orpheus’s presence, she wonders if he is more of the boy she’d met in the past than the cruel man he’s rumored to be.

While Orpheus grows closer to the one he plans to betray, he questions everything. A scheme to steal happiness becomes a slow unraveling of the bitterness he’s long embraced. But time is running out. The masquerade draws near, and Orpheus must decide: will he hold onto resentment, or risk everything for a chance at his own joy?

ebook

Published December 19, 2025

Reviews

[thelilcloseddoorbookgal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! I flew through the whole thing. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it before Christmas. The characters were compelling, and I found myself engaged in what was going on the whole time. It felt whimsical, and I loved the references to some of my favorite classics. The banter and dynamic between the two MCs was so fun. Grumpy x sunshine is one of my favorites, and it was well done here. The heart of the story is redemption, which is really where the Christian theme shines in this book the most, and is central in the plot. It was interesting to get to know why characters were like the way they were and why they made the mistakes they did, especially the MMC. It made me have compassion for him while also wanting to see him do better. This feels like a book I need to read every Christmas, as it's also a great reminder of why we celebrate it in the first place.

spice level - kisses only
language - none
content - grief, emotional abuse, there are references to people doing bad things, but nothing is graphic on page (if you need more details, feel free to private message me)

[Caprice Alizah]

I can’t explain the heart I’ve put into this wonderful story. These characters made me laugh, blush, and even cry (which is a feat!). I simply can’t wait to revisit them one day in audiobook form! I hope every reader is blessed by Orpheus and Indie’s story as much as I was writing it. Happy reading!

[Kortnee - The Closed Door Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful fun story! With a fun nods to the story of the grinch and wonderful Christian themes! Has a great take on redemption! More of a review to come and highly recommend!

[Adia Somi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself so hooked while reading A Soul Forsaken. The way it kinda retells How the Grinch Stole Christmas in a completely new way is clever and beautiful. I honestly originally thought I knew how the story would go but there were some mysterious secrets I found myself surprised by.

Orpheus’ character feels familiarly classic in some ways yet totally new in others. There is obvious intended influence from the character of the Grinch but he also has some Scrooge-like qualities. Just on his own though his character is well written. He is quite the conflicted contradiction between seeming older and callous while really being young and lost.

Indie is in many ways Orpheus’ opposite. She is strong, but that strength stemmed really from a child-like faith she holds to so firmly. She is absolutely sweet enough to melt a soul of ice.

The romantic plot in A Soul Forsaken added a unique distinction from the original grinch story and also gave the story some Beauty and the Beast vibes (which I absolutely loved 🤭). The tension of knowing the villainous plan from Orpheus’ POV, but also seeing the innocence of Indie’s POV, was excellent.

Overall A Soul Forsaken is a beautiful story of searching souls, forgiveness, and redemption.

[Manda Simas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has a very special place in my heart. It feels like nostalgia and Christmas spirit all wrapped in a warm hug. I love Indy and Orpheus, they make for the PERFECT romance and Caprice's writing makes for the most atmospheric winter read. What if the Grinch and Cindy were actually close in age... Moore answers this question in the best way. I almost never reread a beta read but this story is worth repeating!!!

[Heather Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Grinch (and also some Beauty and the Beast) vibes in A Soul Forsaken. Indie is such a sweet, relatable character, and Orpheus a broken soul you can’t help but fall for! The romance is sweet, and some of the descriptions are just breathtaking! I can’t wait to read more of Caprice’s books in the future.

[Danielle | TheReadingDanielleMcBride]

🌲A Soul Forsaken🌲

My heart grew three sizes while reading this debut novel by Caprice Moore! This Grinch inspired historical fantasy is the beautiful Christian romance you’ve been looking for. I devoured it in less than 48 hours - a perfect Christmas read!

We love a good redemption story & even the Grinch’s out there deserve it! This story shows how the Creator will stop at nothing - leaving the 99 for the 1.

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[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader for this book, and let me just tell you- this is such a beautiful redemptive story. I am planning on rereading and then I will write a full review. But definitely plan to read this one. You won’t be sorry!