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Books of Dalthia #3
Saving Marilee
A proper, clean romance.
Marriage wasn't bliss—not for Marilee. Instead of finding contentment with the handsome son of a sovereign duke, she found betrayal and neglect. And fear. A fear that finally lifts when her husband dies, freeing her from his domineering hand. But freedom alone can't give her peace, and she must battle to regain her love for life, rebuild her happiness, and reclaim the ability to trust. When her charming neighbor intrudes on her quiet life, she must determine whether his interest is genuine, and whether he deserves the fragile bit of trust she has managed to scrape together. However, trusting is a risk, and she has vowed never to put herself at the mercy of someone else’s whims. Can Marilee take that chance, knowing how terribly she’s chosen before? She doesn’t know if she can survive being wrong again.
For all those who have suffered in silence, no matter the hardship. Everyone deserves a voice.
Marriage wasn't bliss—not for Marilee. Instead of finding contentment with the handsome son of a sovereign duke, she found betrayal and neglect. And fear. A fear that finally lifts when her husband dies, freeing her from his domineering hand. But freedom alone can't give her peace, and she must battle to regain her love for life, rebuild her happiness, and reclaim the ability to trust. When her charming neighbor intrudes on her quiet life, she must determine whether his interest is genuine, and whether he deserves the fragile bit of trust she has managed to scrape together. However, trusting is a risk, and she has vowed never to put herself at the mercy of someone else’s whims. Can Marilee take that chance, knowing how terribly she’s chosen before? She doesn’t know if she can survive being wrong again.
For all those who have suffered in silence, no matter the hardship. Everyone deserves a voice.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
44 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
About the author
Annette K. Larsen
23 books534 followersI love words. I always have. In songs, in poems, in books, in movies—words move me. In my younger years, I dabbled in writing as a therapy and an escape, but I never expected it to become more than that. While deep in the depths of mommying several small children, I took seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel through a whole lot of trial and error. Not the most time-efficient method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me. I wrote for me. I wrote from my heart space, and I think that’s the reason that Just Ella has found room in so many of my readers’ heart spaces.
I write clean romance because I love it. I love the discovery of new love. I love the relationship building that’s done with looks, words, brushing fingers, and tentative kisses. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that being true to yourself and clinging to your convictions will be hard, but it will bring you more genuine happiness than giving up on yourself ever can.
I am an extraordinarily happy wife, and a mother of five kids. I’ve lived in Utah, Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia, but my heart is now firmly ensconced in Idaho where we’ve built a home and a community.
I love chocolate, waterfalls, pretty teacups, the sight and sound of ocean waves, and most especially my husband and my five littles. I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment, and I aspire to write stories that do the same for my readers.
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetteklar...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoraklarsen
Follow me on twitter: @AnnetteKLarsen
Contact Me: http://www.annetteklarsen.com/contact...
I write clean romance because I love it. I love the discovery of new love. I love the relationship building that’s done with looks, words, brushing fingers, and tentative kisses. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that being true to yourself and clinging to your convictions will be hard, but it will bring you more genuine happiness than giving up on yourself ever can.
I am an extraordinarily happy wife, and a mother of five kids. I’ve lived in Utah, Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia, but my heart is now firmly ensconced in Idaho where we’ve built a home and a community.
I love chocolate, waterfalls, pretty teacups, the sight and sound of ocean waves, and most especially my husband and my five littles. I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment, and I aspire to write stories that do the same for my readers.
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annetteklar...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoraklarsen
Follow me on twitter: @AnnetteKLarsen
Contact Me: http://www.annetteklarsen.com/contact...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
July 22, 2016
3.5 stars for this sweet princess romance with dark undertones. 99c Kindle special as of July 2016.
I really enjoyed the cute first book, Just Ella, so when this third one went on a special sale yesterday I bit, even though I haven't read the second. It's nominally fantasy, since we're in a made-up kingdom here, but nothing otherwise (magic, dragons, etc.) that would tag this as fantasy. The series deals with the royal family of Dalthia: the king and queen have about seven daughters, and Annette Larsen has written novels about the romances and adventures of four of the princesses so far.
As we begin the story, Marilee has been shocked by the unexpected accidental death of her husband, the son of a duke in a neighboring country. The guy was an abuser, emotionally and physically, so Marilee can't be anything but profoundly relieved that he's dead and gone. She ships off his body to his parents and tells them to deal with his funeral, fires the servants who connived with and followed the orders of her husband to hurt and confine her (which was all of the servants except four), and sets about trying to rebuild her life and reclaim herself and her confidence. This is the story of that process.
She's helped along by James, a kind, friendly and rather handsome neighbor, but the focus of this book is as much or more on Marilee's emotional recovery from spousal abuse, so you have to be down with this kind of a topic in your romance reading. Trust is a huge issue for Marilee, not only as it relates to James and other men, but with respect to herself as well.
For a self-published book, this is well written; I didn't notice enough grammatical/punctuation errors to bother me.
I think reading Saving Marilee would be cathartic for anyone who's lived through this kind of torture. The storyline is fairly simple and straightforward, but overall I enjoyed it, and kudos to Larsen for taking on such a sensitive topic in a sweet romance type of book. When I was done I thought to myself, so, who is saving Marilee? And I think the answer to that is, although Marilee has some very good friends who help her immensely, ultimately: Marilee saves herself.
I really enjoyed the cute first book, Just Ella, so when this third one went on a special sale yesterday I bit, even though I haven't read the second. It's nominally fantasy, since we're in a made-up kingdom here, but nothing otherwise (magic, dragons, etc.) that would tag this as fantasy. The series deals with the royal family of Dalthia: the king and queen have about seven daughters, and Annette Larsen has written novels about the romances and adventures of four of the princesses so far.
As we begin the story, Marilee has been shocked by the unexpected accidental death of her husband, the son of a duke in a neighboring country. The guy was an abuser, emotionally and physically, so Marilee can't be anything but profoundly relieved that he's dead and gone. She ships off his body to his parents and tells them to deal with his funeral, fires the servants who connived with and followed the orders of her husband to hurt and confine her (which was all of the servants except four), and sets about trying to rebuild her life and reclaim herself and her confidence. This is the story of that process.
She's helped along by James, a kind, friendly and rather handsome neighbor, but the focus of this book is as much or more on Marilee's emotional recovery from spousal abuse, so you have to be down with this kind of a topic in your romance reading. Trust is a huge issue for Marilee, not only as it relates to James and other men, but with respect to herself as well.
For a self-published book, this is well written; I didn't notice enough grammatical/punctuation errors to bother me.
I think reading Saving Marilee would be cathartic for anyone who's lived through this kind of torture. The storyline is fairly simple and straightforward, but overall I enjoyed it, and kudos to Larsen for taking on such a sensitive topic in a sweet romance type of book. When I was done I thought to myself, so, who is saving Marilee? And I think the answer to that is, although Marilee has some very good friends who help her immensely, ultimately: Marilee saves herself.
August 11, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - YA Fantasy (Non-magical / Historical setting)
Trigger Warning: many mentions and a few flashbacks of domestic violence (belittling, manipulation, threatening and controlling behaviors, and gaslighting)
I’ve been hesitant about this book because of the storyline of domestic violence and a young woman who has gone through it—and also because Marilee didn’t endear herself to me in the first book of this series (though none of Ella’s sisters really did), but I ended up enjoying this book more than I expected. Well, “enjoyed” feels like the wrong word when it comes to this subject matter, but you know what I mean. Because of this, the book does have a sadder, more serious tone than the prior books of the series, but I didn’t personally find it heavy.
After Marilee’s abusive husband dies and so she’s on a war path to destroy everything he owned. Honestly, I approve of this violence. Let’s burn it all, princess. 🔥
I think some might not care for how the author portrayed Marilee and the domestic abuse, but I thought Marilee was a strong character and while those flashbacks and the affect of them were sad and hard to read, I also admire Marilee and her strength, even when she didn’t feel strong. I think her reactions to different things would be realistic for some in her position, but I’m sure there are other domestic abuse survivors that are completely different. Doesn’t mean one is better than the other, just different. That said, if you are sensitive to domestic violence (particularly manipulation, controlling behaviors, and/or gaslighting), this would probably be a harder book to read.
Marilee and Mr. Sutton’s conversations often had a depth to it that reminded me of some old black-and-white movies, for some reason. I can’t place why exactly, but there were many moments of reading their dialogue and getting flashes of it in a vintage setting. I liked him and how he treated her. However, like the rest of the love interests in this series so far, I can’t say I feel like I really knew him by the end of the book. He was respectful to her and brought out the lively side of Marilee that her husband had trampled on.
Because we do have a married woman as the main character, I was a little concerned that there would be sexual references or flashbacks, but the author kept it very clean in that regard, which I am thankful for. There’s definitely some tension between Marilee and James/Mr. Sutton, but there is very little mention of Marilee and her late husband’s romance.
I would probably rank this third book as #3 for my in the series line—up so far, but that was just because I enjoyed the prior books better, not a judgement on this book.
As a note, this book features characters from the author’s later series “Tales of Winberg” with Marilee’s friends/staff being Cecily, Emeline, and Beatrice. Those first two characters are main characters of that series and it looks like are set after this book.
Main Content-
There’s a rumor that Marilee is mentally unstable and is called a “mad witch”; Mentions of wicked thoughts and smiles (most are implying mischievous); A mention of the devil himself chasing someone; A mention of a place being a “shrine of bad memories”.
Language: 1 ‘damn’ (used in a bonus chapter at the end of the book); Else wise, no actual language, but minor phrases like ‘good glory’, ‘saints above’, and ‘thank the heavens’ are said; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Marilee lies a few times (mostly due to hiding her emotions).
Being grabbed, being trapped in a fire, & thinking she is going to die (up to a handful+ of sentences); Nightmares of all of this and her PTSD from Damian.
The book starts with Marilee staring at her late husband’s body (Damian) with no emotions; Throughout the whole book there is many, many mentions of what Marilee went through by her husband like being locked in her room, being belittled and gaslit often, how he took away her items from home, made her dress in plain clothes after men stared or talked to her, manipulated her often, him keeping letters from her family from her, how he spread rumors about her mental satiability, withheld food from her, and was controlling her and her actions; She is skittish around men and flinches when they grab her, move too close, or raise their voices; She also has a scar on her neck that she does not know where it came from, *Spoilers, but about physical harm* ; Marilee recalls when she tried to run away, but was caught by her husband’s men; When certain things distress Marilee, she gets anxious and twirls/tugs on a piece of her hair; *Spoilers* ; There is also flashbacks of many of these scenes; Marilee often remarks and thinks about how she was trampled on by him, the life of her was stamped out because of him and his actions, and that she is broken and damaged because of it all; Marilee receives a letter from family that disheartens her and makes her wonder if she imagined Damian’s cruelty, if it had been her fault or she should have expected and accepted it (they send an apology letter shortly after).
Marilee throws alcohol and glass bottles into a fire & also burns items she gave to her late husband (in-between doing these, she has a moment of panic that she touched his items without permission (a sign of the abuse she’s faced)).
Mentions of deaths (one from a broken neck and another from an illness), grief, & a lack of grief; Mentions of fires; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunks (including Marilee being afraid of her husband when he would drink, seen on-page a couple of times); Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of blood/bleeding; A couple mentions of a possible/rumored suicide.
Staring at lips,
10+ hand kisses,
5 forehead kisses,
3 cheek kisses,
1 nose kiss,
3 kisses lasting a sentence,
4 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
5 kisses lasting a few sentences,
2 kisses lasting 5-8 sentences;
A few flashbacks have kisses shared between Marilee and Damian (mostly with no details, but one is said to have been passionate and she feels trapped by his hands and fervor, lasting a few sentences); Wanting to be kissed & Remembering kisses (up to a few sentences); James also teases Marilee about kisses/kissing after their first kiss; When she’s distraught, James pulls Marilee into his lap.
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Nearness & Smelling (up to a few sentences); Wanting to touch, embrace, & be near someone (up to a couple sentences); Noticing & Blushes (including some muscles, up to a couple sentences).
Marilee catches herself staring at James when he pulls off his wet shirt (she also admires him in wet clothing which she called “wicked thoughts”, up to a few sentences).
Marilee thinks that men want a woman who is malleable and broken because of how Damian treated her; Because of this, she makes some negative comments about men and not trusting them; A man is accused of being a philanderer; Another man makes a comment about Marilee being a “conquest” and bragging that he will enjoy it to another man; There’s some hints of accusations of a man “comforting” a maid in his employment that amounts to nothing.
Mentions of husbands and wives spending time together at night or sharing a bed (It’s said that Marilee would “tolerate” Damian but never sought his company and avoided him if possible; One flashback shows a drunk Damian coming to her bedroom at night, but he touches her hair before leaving; no other details or implications than that); Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of men leering at and making Marilee uncomfortable; A few mentions of a dying woman’s wish being to be kissed (and a man fulfilling it); A few mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a married couple kissing; A mention of Damian preferring Marilee’s figure with “fewer curves” (which is partially why he withheld food from her).
Trigger Warning: many mentions and a few flashbacks of domestic violence (belittling, manipulation, threatening and controlling behaviors, and gaslighting)
I’ve been hesitant about this book because of the storyline of domestic violence and a young woman who has gone through it—and also because Marilee didn’t endear herself to me in the first book of this series (though none of Ella’s sisters really did), but I ended up enjoying this book more than I expected. Well, “enjoyed” feels like the wrong word when it comes to this subject matter, but you know what I mean. Because of this, the book does have a sadder, more serious tone than the prior books of the series, but I didn’t personally find it heavy.
After Marilee’s abusive husband dies and so she’s on a war path to destroy everything he owned. Honestly, I approve of this violence. Let’s burn it all, princess. 🔥
I think some might not care for how the author portrayed Marilee and the domestic abuse, but I thought Marilee was a strong character and while those flashbacks and the affect of them were sad and hard to read, I also admire Marilee and her strength, even when she didn’t feel strong. I think her reactions to different things would be realistic for some in her position, but I’m sure there are other domestic abuse survivors that are completely different. Doesn’t mean one is better than the other, just different. That said, if you are sensitive to domestic violence (particularly manipulation, controlling behaviors, and/or gaslighting), this would probably be a harder book to read.
Marilee and Mr. Sutton’s conversations often had a depth to it that reminded me of some old black-and-white movies, for some reason. I can’t place why exactly, but there were many moments of reading their dialogue and getting flashes of it in a vintage setting. I liked him and how he treated her. However, like the rest of the love interests in this series so far, I can’t say I feel like I really knew him by the end of the book. He was respectful to her and brought out the lively side of Marilee that her husband had trampled on.
Because we do have a married woman as the main character, I was a little concerned that there would be sexual references or flashbacks, but the author kept it very clean in that regard, which I am thankful for. There’s definitely some tension between Marilee and James/Mr. Sutton, but there is very little mention of Marilee and her late husband’s romance.
I would probably rank this third book as #3 for my in the series line—up so far, but that was just because I enjoyed the prior books better, not a judgement on this book.
As a note, this book features characters from the author’s later series “Tales of Winberg” with Marilee’s friends/staff being Cecily, Emeline, and Beatrice. Those first two characters are main characters of that series and it looks like are set after this book.
Main Content-
There’s a rumor that Marilee is mentally unstable and is called a “mad witch”; Mentions of wicked thoughts and smiles (most are implying mischievous); A mention of the devil himself chasing someone; A mention of a place being a “shrine of bad memories”.
Language: 1 ‘damn’ (used in a bonus chapter at the end of the book); Else wise, no actual language, but minor phrases like ‘good glory’, ‘saints above’, and ‘thank the heavens’ are said; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Marilee lies a few times (mostly due to hiding her emotions).
Being grabbed, being trapped in a fire, & thinking she is going to die (up to a handful+ of sentences); Nightmares of all of this and her PTSD from Damian.
The book starts with Marilee staring at her late husband’s body (Damian) with no emotions; Throughout the whole book there is many, many mentions of what Marilee went through by her husband like being locked in her room, being belittled and gaslit often, how he took away her items from home, made her dress in plain clothes after men stared or talked to her, manipulated her often, him keeping letters from her family from her, how he spread rumors about her mental satiability, withheld food from her, and was controlling her and her actions; She is skittish around men and flinches when they grab her, move too close, or raise their voices; She also has a scar on her neck that she does not know where it came from, *Spoilers, but about physical harm* ; Marilee recalls when she tried to run away, but was caught by her husband’s men; When certain things distress Marilee, she gets anxious and twirls/tugs on a piece of her hair; *Spoilers* ; There is also flashbacks of many of these scenes; Marilee often remarks and thinks about how she was trampled on by him, the life of her was stamped out because of him and his actions, and that she is broken and damaged because of it all; Marilee receives a letter from family that disheartens her and makes her wonder if she imagined Damian’s cruelty, if it had been her fault or she should have expected and accepted it (they send an apology letter shortly after).
Marilee throws alcohol and glass bottles into a fire & also burns items she gave to her late husband (in-between doing these, she has a moment of panic that she touched his items without permission (a sign of the abuse she’s faced)).
Mentions of deaths (one from a broken neck and another from an illness), grief, & a lack of grief; Mentions of fires; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunks (including Marilee being afraid of her husband when he would drink, seen on-page a couple of times); Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of blood/bleeding; A couple mentions of a possible/rumored suicide.
Staring at lips,
10+ hand kisses,
5 forehead kisses,
3 cheek kisses,
1 nose kiss,
3 kisses lasting a sentence,
4 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
5 kisses lasting a few sentences,
2 kisses lasting 5-8 sentences;
A few flashbacks have kisses shared between Marilee and Damian (mostly with no details, but one is said to have been passionate and she feels trapped by his hands and fervor, lasting a few sentences); Wanting to be kissed & Remembering kisses (up to a few sentences); James also teases Marilee about kisses/kissing after their first kiss; When she’s distraught, James pulls Marilee into his lap.
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Nearness & Smelling (up to a few sentences); Wanting to touch, embrace, & be near someone (up to a couple sentences); Noticing & Blushes (including some muscles, up to a couple sentences).
Marilee catches herself staring at James when he pulls off his wet shirt (she also admires him in wet clothing which she called “wicked thoughts”, up to a few sentences).
Marilee thinks that men want a woman who is malleable and broken because of how Damian treated her; Because of this, she makes some negative comments about men and not trusting them; A man is accused of being a philanderer; Another man makes a comment about Marilee being a “conquest” and bragging that he will enjoy it to another man; There’s some hints of accusations of a man “comforting” a maid in his employment that amounts to nothing.
Mentions of husbands and wives spending time together at night or sharing a bed (It’s said that Marilee would “tolerate” Damian but never sought his company and avoided him if possible; One flashback shows a drunk Damian coming to her bedroom at night, but he touches her hair before leaving; no other details or implications than that); Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of men leering at and making Marilee uncomfortable; A few mentions of a dying woman’s wish being to be kissed (and a man fulfilling it); A few mentions of blushes; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a married couple kissing; A mention of Damian preferring Marilee’s figure with “fewer curves” (which is partially why he withheld food from her).
July 14, 2015
Highly recommend this great book. Works as a stand alone but better appreciated if you have read Just Ella and Missing Lily first (stories about Marilee's sisters). This one deals with overcoming abuse but was not overly graphic and had few details. Annette Larsen tells great stories and is on my must-read list.
Content: Clean
Source: Ebook review copy
Content: Clean
Source: Ebook review copy
December 4, 2017
Ahhhhhh....... I love books like this. A beautifully written love story with good complex characters and good scenes between the main characters. A story that is believable and real. This series started out with a lighter subject books then this it is a little more serious then the other two. When dealing with the subject matter that is in this book it is hard to write a story that is not depressing. The author did a beautiful job of giving it the gravity it needed but not dragging the book down. I cared about Marilee from the very beginning and rooted for her all the way. I just LOVED James. there could not have been a more perfect man for Marilee:} If you loved this series find Julianne Donaldon and Sarah Eden. Two of my favorite Authors along with Annette:} This book is a proper romance with no religion. There is kissing but it is very clean. There is some references to violence, but mostly manipulation and emotional abuse by a spouse is talked about. 16 and up.
May 6, 2015
Rarely do I give books 5 stars, most ones that I love are 4 stars. This one got to me. I bought this book on the knowledge that Annette K. Larsen's first two books Just Ella and Missing Lily were great reads. I loved it from start to finish. It was an intense emotions that makes your heart happy one moment and sad the next. I fell in love with James and he proved how amazing he was for Marilee and her situation. Fantastic job!
February 16, 2024
Once again, a hard topic handled with care and dignity. I wouldn’t have picked up this book from the description because I usually avoid topics like marital abuse, but after reading the first two books in the series, I trusted the author to handle it gently and well, and that is what she did. It was heartbreaking to see everything Marilee had lost, especially the more insidious lies that stuck to her even after she'd shed some of the more obvious ones.
I loved how James drew her out so gently and wasn't put off by the mood swings and seemingly random behavior as she dealt with her trauma. I was severely disappointed in Marilee's parents at first, but then they redeemed themselves. I liked Lorraina more in this book than ever before, and I'm really interested in her story now. I loved James's mom! And the servants that stuck by Marilee were amazing!!! Looking forward to more of their stories. <3 There was another character that did a very good job of making me not sure what to think of him until quite a bit of time had passed, but I won't go into spoilers.
A couple of slight gripes--I wasn't so much a fan of the portions of time they spent alone in confined spaces; it wasn't that often, but it didn't seem like the wisest of ideas, especially when Marilee was supposed to be guarding her reputation. And it didn't quite make sense to me when she talked about how the abuse had come on slowly, but they had only been married eight months, and it had progressed to the degree it had. Maybe that was just supposed to mean that he added new aspects gradually instead of snapping from 0 to 100 in a day? But it did confuse me a little. Oh, and once again, there was one swear word at the very end of the last bonus scene. I might have to stop reading those after two in a row, but not a DNF because it wasn't really part of the main book.
Overall, not an easy story, but a very worthwhile one. 4.5 stars
I loved how James drew her out so gently and wasn't put off by the mood swings and seemingly random behavior as she dealt with her trauma. I was severely disappointed in Marilee's parents at first, but then they redeemed themselves. I liked Lorraina more in this book than ever before, and I'm really interested in her story now. I loved James's mom! And the servants that stuck by Marilee were amazing!!! Looking forward to more of their stories. <3 There was another character that did a very good job of making me not sure what to think of him until quite a bit of time had passed, but I won't go into spoilers.
A couple of slight gripes--I wasn't so much a fan of the portions of time they spent alone in confined spaces; it wasn't that often, but it didn't seem like the wisest of ideas, especially when Marilee was supposed to be guarding her reputation. And it didn't quite make sense to me when she talked about how the abuse had come on slowly, but they had only been married eight months, and it had progressed to the degree it had. Maybe that was just supposed to mean that he added new aspects gradually instead of snapping from 0 to 100 in a day? But it did confuse me a little. Oh, and once again, there was one swear word at the very end of the last bonus scene. I might have to stop reading those after two in a row, but not a DNF because it wasn't really part of the main book.
Overall, not an easy story, but a very worthwhile one. 4.5 stars
May 21, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Marilee's story is more heartbreaking, but I was there pulling for her and cheering for her success. I ached for the painful way she was treated and the very real way that shapes her. I love her friendship with James - he is kind and thoughtful, without guile, relaxed and funny, confident but real. The love that springs up is the real thing. This story has deeper layers and is beautifully done. I love the support Marilee is given as she grabbles to put the pieces of herself back together, but not exactly the way they were before. It's ultimately her battle to face. But the journey back to herself is not lonely and made me love so many, and the sifting of truth is inspiring. I loved this story!
May 1, 2015
I'm a huge fan of both of Annette Larsen's other books, but this one has something extra special and real about it. The author was able to tackle a serious issue without making Marilee's responses contrived or 'textbook.' This book is about healing and growing and learning to love. And PS, it's super romantic.
May 10, 2015
Wow! This book gripped me from page one. The first sentence. Well written, great characters, deep feelings and real love. It was hard but that added to its charm, and its strength.
January 13, 2023
heavier than the others
Marilee’s husband is dead, and she feels nothing but relief. After surviving an emotionally abusive marriage, can she find joy again?
Healing from an abusive marriage is a heavier topic than I normally expect in this genre. Having no experience with emotional abuse, it was a bit hard for me to fully identify with the story, but I loved the character of Marilee and was so happy to see how she healed and rediscovered her sense of childlike joy. The romance was perfect—we love a man who asks permission to kiss his lady for the first time.
Marilee’s husband is dead, and she feels nothing but relief. After surviving an emotionally abusive marriage, can she find joy again?
Healing from an abusive marriage is a heavier topic than I normally expect in this genre. Having no experience with emotional abuse, it was a bit hard for me to fully identify with the story, but I loved the character of Marilee and was so happy to see how she healed and rediscovered her sense of childlike joy. The romance was perfect—we love a man who asks permission to kiss his lady for the first time.
December 23, 2016
I didn't get into this one immediately, as I did for Just Ella and Missing Lily, but I paid attention on my Kindle and about 1/4 of the way into it, I got hooked. After that point, I couldn't put it down - literally, up way into the night to finish it one night.
I thought that Marilee would be the next sister with a book, and I was pleasantly surprised with how this book turned out by the end. I definitely think Lorraina could use her own book at this point, and I just saw today on Annette Larsen's site that she will, in fact, be the next novel (or rather, novella, Ms. Larsen said). But I digress...
I completely fell in love with Mr. Sutton and hoped that he didn't turn out to be a liar or total creep. It threw me off when Edmund showed up and to hear that he and Mr. Sutton had a history made me nervous. Without spoiling for other readers, I felt like Ms. Larsen carefully unfolded the two men's history and perspectives in a suspenseful, but proper way. I LOVED watching Marilee grow throughout the novel and have a "real" relationship with her staff, despite her awful marriage and treatment by Damian. I felt like it was very realistic in terms of showing how many barriers she'd have to get past in her trust and regaining her life, not that I would personally know, but seemed likely and unfortunately, tragic. I enjoyed very much the writing in parts showing how a lady (and gentlemen) would feel in this era during moments where they are choosing between being proper and following the "rules" versus wanting to let go in the romance of a moment. Very happy to have pressed through the first few chapters to really enjoy this, as I so loved Ms. Larsen's other novels. Well done!! Already looking forward to reading about Lorraina.
Romance: clean
I thought that Marilee would be the next sister with a book, and I was pleasantly surprised with how this book turned out by the end. I definitely think Lorraina could use her own book at this point, and I just saw today on Annette Larsen's site that she will, in fact, be the next novel (or rather, novella, Ms. Larsen said). But I digress...
I completely fell in love with Mr. Sutton and hoped that he didn't turn out to be a liar or total creep. It threw me off when Edmund showed up and to hear that he and Mr. Sutton had a history made me nervous. Without spoiling for other readers, I felt like Ms. Larsen carefully unfolded the two men's history and perspectives in a suspenseful, but proper way. I LOVED watching Marilee grow throughout the novel and have a "real" relationship with her staff, despite her awful marriage and treatment by Damian. I felt like it was very realistic in terms of showing how many barriers she'd have to get past in her trust and regaining her life, not that I would personally know, but seemed likely and unfortunately, tragic. I enjoyed very much the writing in parts showing how a lady (and gentlemen) would feel in this era during moments where they are choosing between being proper and following the "rules" versus wanting to let go in the romance of a moment. Very happy to have pressed through the first few chapters to really enjoy this, as I so loved Ms. Larsen's other novels. Well done!! Already looking forward to reading about Lorraina.
Romance: clean
October 29, 2015
I loved this book so much! It had my attention from the beginning and had my heart pounding for Marilee the entire book. James is, well, perfect. There is no other way to describe him. I feel like one of Annette K Larsen's biggest talents is making you fall in love with the hero! I would very much recommend this book to anyone who likes Time Period pieces (especially regency, although this book is NOT a specific time period or even in our world, it tends to follow the same general rules). I also LOVE the moral character of her heroines, and I know she talks about that in the back of all of her books but it is something that is so important to me and I feel she does a perfect job making them moral and yet realistic. Thank you so much Annette for writing three wonderful books that I can just fall into on a cold day with my hot chocolate!! I can't wait to read your next novel!
April 28, 2015
Saving Marilee is not like Annette Larsen’s first two books. Well, let me amend that: it is like her other books—-full of romance and emotion, loveable characters and fantastic dialogue—-but it’s also more. It’s more emotional, more heartbreaking, and more triumphant. It’s more full of internal turmoil, real life dilemmas, and thoughtful moments. It’s a novel about what real love is, about trust, about healing. I loved the pacing of the romance, intermingled with Marilee’s personal healing and growth. I loved James, with his attentiveness and sensitivity mixed with teasing and fun. This novel has its own dynamic, a very ambitious one, and it totally works.
April 25, 2015
This book was everything I hoped for and so much more! It was a beautifull story about a young women growing up and finding strength, healing, and love after domestic abuse. READ THE AUTHORS NOTE AT THE BEGINNING. I'm super picky when it comes to plot and character development and this author never lets me down! Marilee's story stands alone while still being perfectly intertwined with her sister's (in Just Ella, and Missing Lily). It feels raw, real and believable without being dark. I can't wait to read it again! It is so much more than just a beautiful love story.
May 7, 2015
Annette K. Larsen has a writing style that is so enjoyable. This 3rd book did not disappoint. I loved James patience and understanding with Marilee. I also loved watching Marilee find herself, her strength, again. Being freed from an abusive relationship is hard. It's even harder if you don't have the love and support of family and friends... Beautiful story.
November 25, 2015
I loved this book. The emotion, the sweet and slow developing romance, the growth and courage of Marilee. This book was so easy to settle into and it kept me right in the thick of things. I didn't want to put it down until I finished it. So good. Content: no swearing or sexual situations. Abuse is described.
May 3, 2015
I LOVED this book. I knew I would as I love all of this author's clean, romantic, regency books. This book is so well written. It is not all sunshine & rainbows & I teared up a few times at her pain & the trauma she endured. I was so happy for Marilee that she had such a kind, patient friend in James to help her find herself again. Recommend to everyone. Beautifully written.
May 20, 2015
Annette Larsen has done it again!!! What a sweet and beautiful story- a girl who had been abused by the one who should have loved and protected her learns to trust again. Marilee's story was powerful and her emotions are so very real. A fantastic read I would recommend!!!
August 26, 2024
This book was heartbreaking and utterly devastating while also so redeeming and beautiful
It begins with the death of the FMC’s husband who we then learn was abusive through several flashbacks. He was only physically abusive a few times, but the emotional and mental abuse are severe and hauntingly real. The control and manipulation of her dead husband were so ridiculous and yet as seen through her eyes we see how he twisted things so that she doubted her own sanity.
We see the FMC climb out of the ashes of her abuse and learn to love again but it is hard won.
As someone who has sustained mental and emotional abuse as well as gaslighting myself, this book was a bit triggering at times, but was worth it as her strength and reactions came back full force to conquer her own fears. The struggle between confidence and questioning one’s actions until you see it accepted by another is so accurate and I loved seeing that portrayed.
Also, there’s a dog. A wonderful, lovely good dog. And that’s a good reason to read this! though I do wish he might have been allowed to gnaw on a certain villains leg 😉
This is my first book of the series (read completely out of order) but it makes me want to pick up the others soon.
It begins with the death of the FMC’s husband who we then learn was abusive through several flashbacks. He was only physically abusive a few times, but the emotional and mental abuse are severe and hauntingly real. The control and manipulation of her dead husband were so ridiculous and yet as seen through her eyes we see how he twisted things so that she doubted her own sanity.
We see the FMC climb out of the ashes of her abuse and learn to love again but it is hard won.
As someone who has sustained mental and emotional abuse as well as gaslighting myself, this book was a bit triggering at times, but was worth it as her strength and reactions came back full force to conquer her own fears. The struggle between confidence and questioning one’s actions until you see it accepted by another is so accurate and I loved seeing that portrayed.
Also, there’s a dog. A wonderful, lovely good dog. And that’s a good reason to read this! though I do wish he might have been allowed to gnaw on a certain villains leg 😉
This is my first book of the series (read completely out of order) but it makes me want to pick up the others soon.
August 21, 2018
This was a well written book about dealing with abuse and overcoming hard circumstances.
January 22, 2025
I think this must be my 12th time through this book. It’s one of those stories that grows with you and prompts new thought and comfort with each read.
May 25, 2015
I like the premise of this story. Starting off with her husband's death, Marilee finds she isn't sad at all. He was cruel to her and kept her imprisoned in her room often and changed her colorful and happy wardrobe with high collars and stiff necks on plain colored clothing. He took away her vitality. He took the letters written to her and from her and hid them. This book demands to be read and find that life isn't always happily ever after in marriage. And those times were probably the worst. But there is always a silver lining waiting.
Right away, she fires all the staff who kept her locked up. She burns her husband's furniture she bought for him. She decides to learn to do things on her own. But in those times, it wasn't always possible. Her neighbor, James, came to offer his service to help in any way. Marilee wasn't trusting and enjoyed her new found freedom and solitude. Yet, she started to enjoy his company as well. James is so sweet and caring and very kind and although it is easy for the reader to see his love for her start to shine, she can't.
James will do whatever it takes and however long it takes to gain her trust and love. He isn't perfect as none of us are. But James is definitely a gentleman and a hero. I just sigh whenever he is in the room!!
Marilee tries to navigate her way through all the legal and societies expectations to find her way back to the happy person she was before even though she has forever changed by her past circumstances.
You will fall in love and you will root for Marilee and James and for Marilee to find herself again.
I love this series!
Right away, she fires all the staff who kept her locked up. She burns her husband's furniture she bought for him. She decides to learn to do things on her own. But in those times, it wasn't always possible. Her neighbor, James, came to offer his service to help in any way. Marilee wasn't trusting and enjoyed her new found freedom and solitude. Yet, she started to enjoy his company as well. James is so sweet and caring and very kind and although it is easy for the reader to see his love for her start to shine, she can't.
James will do whatever it takes and however long it takes to gain her trust and love. He isn't perfect as none of us are. But James is definitely a gentleman and a hero. I just sigh whenever he is in the room!!
Marilee tries to navigate her way through all the legal and societies expectations to find her way back to the happy person she was before even though she has forever changed by her past circumstances.
You will fall in love and you will root for Marilee and James and for Marilee to find herself again.
I love this series!
May 25, 2015
I have waited anxiously for a long time to read “Saving Marilee” by author Annette K. Larsen. Her first two were “Just Ella” and “Missing Lily”. Both books were outstanding and this third installment of their sister, Marilee is equal to those.
Annette Larsen takes a sensitive and brave approach to a very difficult subject - spousal abuse. Even though the story is fictional, including the fictional “country” the princess sisters come from, there must be a lot of truth in this plot. IMO, it is beautifully handled and the story is compelling. It’s a journey of recovery for young bride, Marilee, who was completely surprised by the traumatic situation she found herself in. Saving is truly the correct description and her recovery is full of courage and love.
I loved how we readers are brought into Marilee’s head to understand the drama she endured. The first page grabbed my attention and didn’t let go until the happy end. Marilee’s journey to regain her life, her personality, her feelings, her independence, her courage, and most of all her trust in human beings was remarkable – and beautifully written.
I highly recommend all three of Annette Larsen’s books and will buy – yes, even pay full price for anything she writes. I would not hesitate to let any teen girl read any of these books. In fact, I think it would be a good thing to add such sensitive knowledge to that particular age group. (If you hesitate, then read it yourself first.)
Well done yet again, Annette Larsen! You join a couple other authors at the top of my Favorites List! My only suggestion: write more!!
Annette Larsen takes a sensitive and brave approach to a very difficult subject - spousal abuse. Even though the story is fictional, including the fictional “country” the princess sisters come from, there must be a lot of truth in this plot. IMO, it is beautifully handled and the story is compelling. It’s a journey of recovery for young bride, Marilee, who was completely surprised by the traumatic situation she found herself in. Saving is truly the correct description and her recovery is full of courage and love.
I loved how we readers are brought into Marilee’s head to understand the drama she endured. The first page grabbed my attention and didn’t let go until the happy end. Marilee’s journey to regain her life, her personality, her feelings, her independence, her courage, and most of all her trust in human beings was remarkable – and beautifully written.
I highly recommend all three of Annette Larsen’s books and will buy – yes, even pay full price for anything she writes. I would not hesitate to let any teen girl read any of these books. In fact, I think it would be a good thing to add such sensitive knowledge to that particular age group. (If you hesitate, then read it yourself first.)
Well done yet again, Annette Larsen! You join a couple other authors at the top of my Favorites List! My only suggestion: write more!!
July 31, 2015
I think I would actually give this book 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed it. I don't usually like "dark" themed books but there was enough light from surrounding characters that the mature theme of spouse abuse wasn't overwhelming. I was fascinated by the story. I wondered at how quickly she was able to begin trusting a man again but I've seen it happen in real life so I guess it does happen. The recollections about the abuse were horrifying since there was no way out of it. One might think "stand up for yourself" but her husband had arranged things so neatly that taking a stand actually made things worse. I could find no way she could have made things better since trying to leave was unsuccessful. I was glad that it was all recollections instead of happening during the book. (The husband has just died as the book opens).
I felt empathy for Marilee through out but it was actually the servants and neighbor James, as well as his mother (and the dog) that I really loved in this story. I loved that the servants were able to assist her in their subservient roles giving her support and love even through the abuse and it seems that all of these characters were able to foresee what her needs were before she knew it herself. I felt relief that they could help her when I couldn't help her myself if that makes any sense.
I enjoyed the other books about her sisters as well but I think this was my favorite.
I felt empathy for Marilee through out but it was actually the servants and neighbor James, as well as his mother (and the dog) that I really loved in this story. I loved that the servants were able to assist her in their subservient roles giving her support and love even through the abuse and it seems that all of these characters were able to foresee what her needs were before she knew it herself. I felt relief that they could help her when I couldn't help her myself if that makes any sense.
I enjoyed the other books about her sisters as well but I think this was my favorite.
October 29, 2016
When is it safe to love?
Vivacious and naive Marilee was quick to fall head over heels in love – only to find out her husband was a controlling, manipulative monster who steadily broke her down until she little more left of her than a shell, empty and aching. Thankfully, less than a year after their ill-fated wedding, he is killed, leaving her to pick up the pieces of her once-happy life. if only she knew how.
As Marilee stuggles to set her life to rights, a good hearted neighbor, a Mr. James Sutton, goes out of his way to help her and get to know her better. Marilee is loathe to trust him. She fears he is only out to manipulate her again just as her husband had. Though he seems legit, she doesn’t dare open her battered heart again to him or anyone, not even her brother in law who has recently shown up claiming he wants to take care of her and right the wrongs done.
Abuse is such a delicate subject, but Annette K. Larsen skillfully describes both it and the lingering emotional effects and challenges as well. Marilee is such a strong girl. Though she is broken emotionally, she vows to rise again and fight for herself. Her husband may have beaten her, but she will not let him defeat her. She also surrounds herself with a wonderful group of friends and her large but loving family for support.
Check out the rest of this review and ratings on my blog here: https://embersreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Vivacious and naive Marilee was quick to fall head over heels in love – only to find out her husband was a controlling, manipulative monster who steadily broke her down until she little more left of her than a shell, empty and aching. Thankfully, less than a year after their ill-fated wedding, he is killed, leaving her to pick up the pieces of her once-happy life. if only she knew how.
As Marilee stuggles to set her life to rights, a good hearted neighbor, a Mr. James Sutton, goes out of his way to help her and get to know her better. Marilee is loathe to trust him. She fears he is only out to manipulate her again just as her husband had. Though he seems legit, she doesn’t dare open her battered heart again to him or anyone, not even her brother in law who has recently shown up claiming he wants to take care of her and right the wrongs done.
Abuse is such a delicate subject, but Annette K. Larsen skillfully describes both it and the lingering emotional effects and challenges as well. Marilee is such a strong girl. Though she is broken emotionally, she vows to rise again and fight for herself. Her husband may have beaten her, but she will not let him defeat her. She also surrounds herself with a wonderful group of friends and her large but loving family for support.
Check out the rest of this review and ratings on my blog here: https://embersreviews.wordpress.com/2...
July 21, 2018
This book, much like Just Ella, was a delight to read, though for different reasons. The romance was very kinetic and sweet, but what really interested me about Marilee's story was the pain of her abusive past and how she coped with it. The way the author depicted a survivor of domestic abuse who was both broken but defiantly brave felt very realistic. I felt empathetic for Marilee's pain, and longed for her to see again that there are good in others and not everyone is unworthy of trust.
All in all, this story dealt with heavy subject matter with grace and compassion, while simultaneously avoided making the entire tone of the book melancholy. Annette K. Larson's writing is a joy to read and her stories are full of beautiful messages. I can't wait to read the next book in her series, and I would recommend reading this one. Saving Marilee is impactful and touches the heart.
All in all, this story dealt with heavy subject matter with grace and compassion, while simultaneously avoided making the entire tone of the book melancholy. Annette K. Larson's writing is a joy to read and her stories are full of beautiful messages. I can't wait to read the next book in her series, and I would recommend reading this one. Saving Marilee is impactful and touches the heart.
January 19, 2018
This romance is one of healing. Marilee’s horrific, abusive marriage ends after 7-8 months when her husband is struck down in a tragic accident. But now she must discover who she is, after being lost under her husband’s heavy hand and abusive tricks to make her lose her identity. When she meets her kind neighbor, Gavin, she finds it hard to trust him. She wonders if she’ll ever be able to trust a man ever again. I really enjoyed this journey with Marilee in regaining her identity after her horrible marriage. There was anguish, sweetness, tender scenes, angry scenes. And a great villain thrown into the mix to keep me guessing. This was super well done, as this whole series has been so far with the princesses of Dalthia. I enjoy this author’s writing style.
August 14, 2017
Loved it! This author is fabulous! The writing like medicine to my soul! Marilee, the character in the book is strong and vibrant in the beginning, but a domineering husband breaks her and she struggles and fights to come back to herself along with the help of a handsome and caring neighbor, James! Their interactions are just butterfly's.
" my books are about woman who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what's right will always be worth it. " she is clean and oh so good!
" my books are about woman who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what's right will always be worth it. " she is clean and oh so good!
May 17, 2017
As with the last book in the series, I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It was easy to get into and kept my attention. However, I found myself skimming the last few chapters because it all seemed so mushy and repetitive. I also have a hard time believing that she was only married for eight months. It seems to me that her marriage would have had to been longer for all the abuse to sink in as it did.
August 11, 2015
Probably closer to 4. Quick good read. I will read her books.
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