What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sword and the Cross Chronicle #1
Salvation
She will not be forced to wed!
With the death of her husband, independent Lady Breanna Durville is finally free of male control and happily waits the birth of her child…alone. But her late husband’s cousin, Lord de Beaufou has come to claim his rights to Durville Keep and to her hand in marriage. If that is not enough to deal with, her brother has sent a peasant to watch over her. She has but one plan. Get rid of them both!
Tormented by is past, Royce Canwell leaves the unrest in the Holy Land and returns to England to fulfill an oath to a friend—go to Durville Keep and ensure all is well with the man’s sister. But upon arrival Royce discovers Lady Breanna’s situation is more precarious than he expected. Though he longs for a simple life in which to heal his wounded soul, he finds himself sacrificing his hopes, his dreams, and even his heart to give Lady Breanna the future she wants and deserves.
With the death of her husband, independent Lady Breanna Durville is finally free of male control and happily waits the birth of her child…alone. But her late husband’s cousin, Lord de Beaufou has come to claim his rights to Durville Keep and to her hand in marriage. If that is not enough to deal with, her brother has sent a peasant to watch over her. She has but one plan. Get rid of them both!
Tormented by is past, Royce Canwell leaves the unrest in the Holy Land and returns to England to fulfill an oath to a friend—go to Durville Keep and ensure all is well with the man’s sister. But upon arrival Royce discovers Lady Breanna’s situation is more precarious than he expected. Though he longs for a simple life in which to heal his wounded soul, he finds himself sacrificing his hopes, his dreams, and even his heart to give Lady Breanna the future she wants and deserves.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2015
440 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Rae
11 books175 followersOlivia Rae spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long, boring days in the classroom go by much faster. Nobody was more shocked than her when she decided to become a teacher. Besides getting her Master’s degree, marrying her own prince, and raising a couple of kids, Olivia decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories by adding in what she’s learned as an adult with her first Christian romance series, The Sword and the Cross Chronicles. When not writing, she loves to travel, dragging her family to old castles and forts all across the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 1, 2018
This was a frustrating book, so full of contradictions. I neither totally loved it nor entirely hated it, and it did improve towards the end, but there were a lot of things which annoyed me.
For a start the heroine Breanna. I think with hindsight that her characterization was inconsistent. She's supposed to be a strong and independent woman: in fact so much so that she does not even have an Steward, an official who was essential to the day to day running of a Medieval estate. Instead she does all the accounts herself, and takes a personal interest in the finer points of farming. Something which Medieval Aristocrats would not have been personally involved in.
So she's stressed out an doesn't have much time: but doesn't need a man's help, thankyou very much! She's also supposed to be so 'feisty' that she punches people and hits them with benches (which would mean she also had exceptional physical strength): yet she was apparently 'ruled' by a husband for years, and is virtually helpless against the machinations of the villain.
I don't accept that her helplessness was the result of repressive social customs which stripped her of power. As a noble widow, she should not have lost everything: she would be entitled to dower, her own inheritance.
Contrary to what the characters thought if her child was a girl, she would also have been eligible to inherit: Eleanor of Aquitaine inherited the Duchy of Aquitaine from her father.
The passage about the villain trying to undermine her with allegations of witchcraft really got to me: spreading rumours that she was a witch because she put benches in the chapel. Seriously? Like Medieval people thought chairs were of the Devil or something. Even the part about holding prayers in English did not entirely ring true, unless it was done for the benefit of the servants, since most nobles would have spoken Norman French as their first language.
Yet for all this, a character very publicly announcing that he rejected the tenants of Christianity and making some rather profane statements was no problem (but putting benches in the chapel was WITCHCRAFT!)
As another reviewer pointed out, this novel was given a 'historical' feel with the characters speaking a type of pseudo-archaic English: 'mayhap' and 'methinks' and 'ye'. I suppose that deserves some merit for effort, although the language was still peppered with modern Americanisms such as 'whomever' and 'smart'. As with other such novels the business of the characters was of such import as to warrant personal involvement by the royal family: which seems odd.
Even if a claimant to the estate was a friend of the King, Henry II ruled most of England and a good proportion of France: you'd think he'd have more important things to worry about with than who the widow of a country baron married, and who owned a castle surrounded by a few farms.
Yet for all that: I can understand why such content was included. It was necessary to build the story. Which was did have some well-written scenes with plenty of adventure. Even the romance between Brianna and Royce was interesting , if rather explosive at times. Their tempestuous relationship allowed for some comical moments, if nothing else. After about the midway point I cared enough to keep reading to see how it ended.
So I suppose this book is a good choice if you want a vaguely romance which is vaguely historical and isn't too taxing. Its not bad for a first novel, either.
For a start the heroine Breanna. I think with hindsight that her characterization was inconsistent. She's supposed to be a strong and independent woman: in fact so much so that she does not even have an Steward, an official who was essential to the day to day running of a Medieval estate. Instead she does all the accounts herself, and takes a personal interest in the finer points of farming. Something which Medieval Aristocrats would not have been personally involved in.
So she's stressed out an doesn't have much time: but doesn't need a man's help, thankyou very much! She's also supposed to be so 'feisty' that she punches people and hits them with benches (which would mean she also had exceptional physical strength): yet she was apparently 'ruled' by a husband for years, and is virtually helpless against the machinations of the villain.
I don't accept that her helplessness was the result of repressive social customs which stripped her of power. As a noble widow, she should not have lost everything: she would be entitled to dower, her own inheritance.
Contrary to what the characters thought if her child was a girl, she would also have been eligible to inherit: Eleanor of Aquitaine inherited the Duchy of Aquitaine from her father.
The passage about the villain trying to undermine her with allegations of witchcraft really got to me: spreading rumours that she was a witch because she put benches in the chapel. Seriously? Like Medieval people thought chairs were of the Devil or something. Even the part about holding prayers in English did not entirely ring true, unless it was done for the benefit of the servants, since most nobles would have spoken Norman French as their first language.
Yet for all this, a character very publicly announcing that he rejected the tenants of Christianity and making some rather profane statements was no problem (but putting benches in the chapel was WITCHCRAFT!)
As another reviewer pointed out, this novel was given a 'historical' feel with the characters speaking a type of pseudo-archaic English: 'mayhap' and 'methinks' and 'ye'. I suppose that deserves some merit for effort, although the language was still peppered with modern Americanisms such as 'whomever' and 'smart'. As with other such novels the business of the characters was of such import as to warrant personal involvement by the royal family: which seems odd.
Even if a claimant to the estate was a friend of the King, Henry II ruled most of England and a good proportion of France: you'd think he'd have more important things to worry about with than who the widow of a country baron married, and who owned a castle surrounded by a few farms.
Yet for all that: I can understand why such content was included. It was necessary to build the story. Which was did have some well-written scenes with plenty of adventure. Even the romance between Brianna and Royce was interesting , if rather explosive at times. Their tempestuous relationship allowed for some comical moments, if nothing else. After about the midway point I cared enough to keep reading to see how it ended.
So I suppose this book is a good choice if you want a vaguely romance which is vaguely historical and isn't too taxing. Its not bad for a first novel, either.
September 6, 2017
I find the Middle Ages fascinating and Rae does an excellent job of bringing them to life with her characters and setting. Lady Breanna is a strong and witty heroine. Her dialogue pulls me into the story. Royce is a worthy hero and who can find a patient man? He is a nice balance to Breanna's spunk and has a rugged handsomeness. The tension starts on the first page and continues throughout the pages. Rae crafts love-to-hate antagonists that amp up the conflict. This is one of my favorite Medievals. I enjoyed how the characters' faith grew throughout the story.
December 8, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It was a pretty quick read. The plot moved quickly and there was some great snappy dialogue. The characters were great, especially Breanna.
My only problem is that the romance happened really suddenly. Like all of the sudden they were in love and I'm not sure how they got there. It's a minor thing and I did really love the interactions of the two characters in question.
Recommended if you want a quick, fun, historical fiction read! I'll probably be looking for the sequel at some point too.
My only problem is that the romance happened really suddenly. Like all of the sudden they were in love and I'm not sure how they got there. It's a minor thing and I did really love the interactions of the two characters in question.
Recommended if you want a quick, fun, historical fiction read! I'll probably be looking for the sequel at some point too.
July 28, 2015
This is a wonderful story of love, acceptance, humility, and faith. I was pulled into the story from the first page and loved watching Breanna and Royce's uneasy alliance grow into devoted love. Oliva Rae made the Middle Ages come alive with wonderful descriptions and period dialogue that I could almost hear being being spoken. A fast read, I finished it in two sittings and have already purchased book 2!
December 6, 2015
GREAT PLOTS
The author can be assured of gaining more readers if this is an example of her fine writing. The characters were exactly what you would expect of the age they were set in. Plots within plots made this an exciting read and one I would love to read more of. I do not want to give the story away and ruin your enjoyment of reading this book, but I for one cannot wait to read the follow on story. Great writing!
The author can be assured of gaining more readers if this is an example of her fine writing. The characters were exactly what you would expect of the age they were set in. Plots within plots made this an exciting read and one I would love to read more of. I do not want to give the story away and ruin your enjoyment of reading this book, but I for one cannot wait to read the follow on story. Great writing!
September 2, 2015
I loved the characters in this book. Both the hero and the heroine were made very real to me through their passion and flaws; you root for them the whole time. I'll definitely be reading the next book by Olivia Rae.
September 16, 2015
Reading this book takes you into the life of kings ,knights and time to remember
Like the years of days long passed of kings and knights then you Wil find that the battle hasn't changed much
Like the years of days long passed of kings and knights then you Wil find that the battle hasn't changed much
October 22, 2016
God's plans are perfect
Amid knights, ladies and castles a sweet story is woven together that exemplifies the gracious, perfect love of God and a gentle reminder that God's thoughts and plans for us his children are perfect, far above that which we can even imagine.
Amid knights, ladies and castles a sweet story is woven together that exemplifies the gracious, perfect love of God and a gentle reminder that God's thoughts and plans for us his children are perfect, far above that which we can even imagine.
June 30, 2023
Free on Kindle,
June 30, 2023
https://amzn.to/2HfciiE
#ad
June 30, 2023
https://amzn.to/2HfciiE
#ad
October 31, 2015
Nice story. Good message on solid Christian ground.
May 11, 2018
My review today is on the Medieval Romance, Salvation. This is the first book of the Sword and the Cross Chronicles. I really enjoy Medieval stories and this one was recommended to me. I had never heard of the author but I do highly recommend this book. I can assure you I will be reading more of Olivia's work. This book is well written, intriguing, and full of twists and turns. Faith is woven throughout the book like one of the fine tapestries in the story. I know you are going to love it.
Lady Breanna Durville was forced to marry by her family. Now that her husband has just died and she is with child she is determined not to marry again. She has been running the Keep and all is well. Her brother sends one of his warriors (a peasant) to the Keep to protect her and the Keep. Breanna has no wish to be protected or to depend on a man she can handle her life and the Keep. She is still talking to the man when her husband's cousin arrives and tells her he is here to marry her and take over the Keep. She introduces the warrior as her manager and tells the cousin she has no need of a marriage. She soon finds out her new manager has turned his life away from the Lord. Can she bring him back to faith?
Royce Canwell leaves the Holy Land to go to Durville Keep. He is broken in spirit and in need of healing. He has sworn an oath to make sure all is well at the Keep and to protect the sister of his mentor. When he arrives he finds his lady is in more trouble than is expected. A monster is trying to force her into marriage and steal the Keep from her. He takes his place as the manager of the Keep but the cousin sees right through it. He must find a way to save his lady, her child, and the Keep.
A journey of two broken souls trying to find healing only to have their lives in jeopardy. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you two, a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.
Lady Breanna Durville was forced to marry by her family. Now that her husband has just died and she is with child she is determined not to marry again. She has been running the Keep and all is well. Her brother sends one of his warriors (a peasant) to the Keep to protect her and the Keep. Breanna has no wish to be protected or to depend on a man she can handle her life and the Keep. She is still talking to the man when her husband's cousin arrives and tells her he is here to marry her and take over the Keep. She introduces the warrior as her manager and tells the cousin she has no need of a marriage. She soon finds out her new manager has turned his life away from the Lord. Can she bring him back to faith?
Royce Canwell leaves the Holy Land to go to Durville Keep. He is broken in spirit and in need of healing. He has sworn an oath to make sure all is well at the Keep and to protect the sister of his mentor. When he arrives he finds his lady is in more trouble than is expected. A monster is trying to force her into marriage and steal the Keep from her. He takes his place as the manager of the Keep but the cousin sees right through it. He must find a way to save his lady, her child, and the Keep.
A journey of two broken souls trying to find healing only to have their lives in jeopardy. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you two, a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.
June 11, 2018
This book was an easy read. There's romance, intrigue, and danger woven throughout the story. As described, it is a medieval romance, so there is medieval elements, including some medieval language, and lots of romance elements, such as the broken hero and willful heroine unable to love because of class differences. If you're looking for a vacation read, this is probably a good one. That being said, there were several elements I didn't love.
1. Lady Breanna
2. Royce Canwell
You'll notice those are the main characters. So why didn't I love them? Lady Breanna I didn't love because she was stubborn and spoiled. Unreasonable to the max, she demands respect from Royce without knowing him. I don't know if the author wanted her to be the epitome of the romantic image of a Lady in the past, but she was. She softens slightly, which is why I can say I "like" this book rather than love or really like it. The same applies to Royce Canwell, who falls in love with Breanna almost upon seeing her. I'm really not sure why-maybe he enjoys being whipped? I don't know, but his story did give me a few more points in his favor.
So, I left this book feeling mixed. I enjoyed the romance and the action. I enjoyed a few elements of the main characters. And I will admit I sat up late and read this book to the end, so it must be good enough for what I mentioned earlier: a light read.
1. Lady Breanna
2. Royce Canwell
You'll notice those are the main characters. So why didn't I love them? Lady Breanna I didn't love because she was stubborn and spoiled. Unreasonable to the max, she demands respect from Royce without knowing him. I don't know if the author wanted her to be the epitome of the romantic image of a Lady in the past, but she was. She softens slightly, which is why I can say I "like" this book rather than love or really like it. The same applies to Royce Canwell, who falls in love with Breanna almost upon seeing her. I'm really not sure why-maybe he enjoys being whipped? I don't know, but his story did give me a few more points in his favor.
So, I left this book feeling mixed. I enjoyed the romance and the action. I enjoyed a few elements of the main characters. And I will admit I sat up late and read this book to the end, so it must be good enough for what I mentioned earlier: a light read.
April 30, 2019
SENSUALITY RATING: No PROFANITY; Yes SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS
GENRE: Historical Romance; Inspirational Romance; CLEAN.
SETTING: 12th Century ENGLAND; Derville Keep.
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: LADY BREANNA DERVILLE- demanding; takes charge; no job is beyond her.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: ROYCE CANWELL – talented with working in the fields and as a smithy; protector.
SYNOPSIS: Canwell comes to Derville and insist to Breanna that he was sent by her brother to lend assistance. He comes as a peasant. Breanna resist having him around. She has been managing the keep since her husband died BUT a cousin insist on taking claim of the keep as well as marrying Breanna of which she does not welcome.
WHAT I LIKED: The mysterious Lionel Perry shows up. Also appreciated scriptural quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Canwell all of a sudden cannot handle the situation and becomes a whimp.
OVERALL RATING: (5) stars because very well written. Scottish romances are wonderful however finally a plot that takes place when Knights existed in England. Inspirational in every aspect and CLEAN.
Please read a few quotes and a brief summary of this book on “my Main Page” of LibraryThing.com https://www.librarything.com/work/231...
GENRE: Historical Romance; Inspirational Romance; CLEAN.
SETTING: 12th Century ENGLAND; Derville Keep.
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: LADY BREANNA DERVILLE- demanding; takes charge; no job is beyond her.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: ROYCE CANWELL – talented with working in the fields and as a smithy; protector.
SYNOPSIS: Canwell comes to Derville and insist to Breanna that he was sent by her brother to lend assistance. He comes as a peasant. Breanna resist having him around. She has been managing the keep since her husband died BUT a cousin insist on taking claim of the keep as well as marrying Breanna of which she does not welcome.
WHAT I LIKED: The mysterious Lionel Perry shows up. Also appreciated scriptural quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Canwell all of a sudden cannot handle the situation and becomes a whimp.
OVERALL RATING: (5) stars because very well written. Scottish romances are wonderful however finally a plot that takes place when Knights existed in England. Inspirational in every aspect and CLEAN.
Please read a few quotes and a brief summary of this book on “my Main Page” of LibraryThing.com https://www.librarything.com/work/231...
February 23, 2022
Only going back in time to experience this story would make it better. Salvation was the medieval epic I needed. The words immersed me in history and the characters truly took me back to this period that I adore. I could see the magnificent keep and could feel the dark dank rooms swell. From the backdrop of England and the thought of the Crusades still ravaging--I was starstruck.
Breanna was a great character. Though I felt sometimes she acted too independent--especially for the time--her arc amazed me. She had a real reason to want to be left alone. But she persevered, bore her child, and grew. I loved how realistic she acted as nobility too. Royce too wrestled with demons and overcame them. He is one of the first male characters I actually felt was different than the 'rest'. He had problems and I started to feel for him in the mundane.
While some elements felt predictable I adored how REAL they were and could have been in this era. And add that to the bonus of some actual royal figures(big giggle), I supported this story from page one.
Add ALL this that I mentioned to 12-century life, fast pacing, and treachery, I can only say one thing...Olivia Rae, I am at your mercy.
Breanna was a great character. Though I felt sometimes she acted too independent--especially for the time--her arc amazed me. She had a real reason to want to be left alone. But she persevered, bore her child, and grew. I loved how realistic she acted as nobility too. Royce too wrestled with demons and overcame them. He is one of the first male characters I actually felt was different than the 'rest'. He had problems and I started to feel for him in the mundane.
While some elements felt predictable I adored how REAL they were and could have been in this era. And add that to the bonus of some actual royal figures(big giggle), I supported this story from page one.
Add ALL this that I mentioned to 12-century life, fast pacing, and treachery, I can only say one thing...Olivia Rae, I am at your mercy.
January 30, 2023
Characters aren't well fleshed out, and it needs editing
You know how sometimes you read a book, and you grow to love the characters so much that you cry when they hurt? This is not one of those books.
I found that I didn't really care about the main characters, and their actions constantly surprised me because they didn't make any sense. The heroine was not very likeable, and secondary characters seemed random (like the prince, the king, and the old man on the hill).
A good editor is sorely needed. Commas are placed (or not) haphazardly, and the wrong words are used, like "her blond hair shown brightly in the sun. " (Should be "shone.*) One of the bigger publishing houses wouldn't have let it go to print like this.
I rarely stop reading stories, but I found myself considering it with this one. Instead I kept plodding on, hoping for some clever twist to bring an unexpected solution to the problem. Nope, it was pretty much what I expected from the beginning.
You know how sometimes you read a book, and you grow to love the characters so much that you cry when they hurt? This is not one of those books.
I found that I didn't really care about the main characters, and their actions constantly surprised me because they didn't make any sense. The heroine was not very likeable, and secondary characters seemed random (like the prince, the king, and the old man on the hill).
A good editor is sorely needed. Commas are placed (or not) haphazardly, and the wrong words are used, like "her blond hair shown brightly in the sun. " (Should be "shone.*) One of the bigger publishing houses wouldn't have let it go to print like this.
I rarely stop reading stories, but I found myself considering it with this one. Instead I kept plodding on, hoping for some clever twist to bring an unexpected solution to the problem. Nope, it was pretty much what I expected from the beginning.
June 16, 2018
Salvation is a well written inspirational story set in the medieval times. The storyline and plot were well developed and moved the story forward at an exciting pace. There were many twist and turns and a cast of intriguing characters. What I enjoyed most was how the author weaves an entertaining tale filled with biblical truths and how these truths helped guide her characters. Favorite quotes that were meaningful to me:
“None of us are perfect in the eyes of the Lord and, at times, we need to be reminded of our shortcomings and receive correction” - this may seem an odd quote to like but for me it shows how much God loves us that He uses this to help us grow stronger and more Christlike.
“Besides our God, I love no other as much as I love and adore you and our unborn babe. You pointed me back to God who has given me Salvation. I am most blessed...”
“None of us are perfect in the eyes of the Lord and, at times, we need to be reminded of our shortcomings and receive correction” - this may seem an odd quote to like but for me it shows how much God loves us that He uses this to help us grow stronger and more Christlike.
“Besides our God, I love no other as much as I love and adore you and our unborn babe. You pointed me back to God who has given me Salvation. I am most blessed...”
June 26, 2019
I forced myself to finish it
I really wanted to like this book because I appreciate the emphasis on faith and scripture. But I did not like either the hero or heroine. I can’t understand how a supposedly strong Christian woman could be repeatedly physically harmful to the hero and he acted like that was just because she was so strong of character! What? How can the author justify her hitting & punching him? Also, it was very tedious— he kept saying how she could never love a unworthy peasant and she was too stupid to realize he loved her! Good grief! I didn’t care whether or not these two ever got together. Not characters I cared at all for. And, I have no desire to read anymore of the books in this series. I’m so disappointed this series wasn’t as I hoped and expected.
I really wanted to like this book because I appreciate the emphasis on faith and scripture. But I did not like either the hero or heroine. I can’t understand how a supposedly strong Christian woman could be repeatedly physically harmful to the hero and he acted like that was just because she was so strong of character! What? How can the author justify her hitting & punching him? Also, it was very tedious— he kept saying how she could never love a unworthy peasant and she was too stupid to realize he loved her! Good grief! I didn’t care whether or not these two ever got together. Not characters I cared at all for. And, I have no desire to read anymore of the books in this series. I’m so disappointed this series wasn’t as I hoped and expected.
April 14, 2018
Loved it for the historical background and I knew who Master Perry was soon after he entered the lives of Royce and Breanna. I don't recall the age of Breanna but it sounds like she was fifteen with the attitude she had! I kept thinking, "What a jerk!" The author never revealed to Bre who saved the foal and mare. The story was good and full of adventure. I do recommend it five stars even though Bre was obnoxious at times. I have already started reading Revelation and plan on ordering the other books. BTH. This can be a stand alone read.
April 24, 2020
I considered not finishing several times, but I'm a book finisher so I just slowly chipped away at it. I accepted the very heavy handed Christian agenda as just part of this particular story (though I felt a little beaten over the head by it). But even beyond that the story was just a disappointment. The characters were slow-witted (and the heroine was a hypocritical harpy on top of it), and the plot was painfully transparent. Subtlety and nuance are not its strong suits. You might enjoy it if you are especially pious and looking for a very simple historical.
July 14, 2018
Action & romance in a book that keeps the the plot moving! Enjoyable read.
If you like a happy ending & a plot that close nicely, making for an easy read, then this could be the book for you. The characters are nicely drawn & have quite believable characteristics. An enjoyable historical romp with action & romance, a dastardly villain & last minute rescue. Of course there is the anticipated happy ending to round everything off.
If you like a happy ending & a plot that close nicely, making for an easy read, then this could be the book for you. The characters are nicely drawn & have quite believable characteristics. An enjoyable historical romp with action & romance, a dastardly villain & last minute rescue. Of course there is the anticipated happy ending to round everything off.
September 1, 2019
More romance than historical novel
A lightweight novel, with a romantic view of medieval history. Modern attitudes are coupled with archaic speech, and the plot devices require you to swallow a substantial helping of disbelief.
Enjoy it as a clean romance, but don’t expect to learn anything about the times or - in this first book in the series - about the Templars. For me it was a disappointment.
A lightweight novel, with a romantic view of medieval history. Modern attitudes are coupled with archaic speech, and the plot devices require you to swallow a substantial helping of disbelief.
Enjoy it as a clean romance, but don’t expect to learn anything about the times or - in this first book in the series - about the Templars. For me it was a disappointment.
December 19, 2017
This story has a strong, fiercely independent woman as a leading character. I liked her from the very beginning and my spirit chafed with hers at all the restricting influences she was up against in her time, culture and circumstances. This is a shorter story than I had expected and some of it was a bit predictable; nevertheless, I found it entertaining.
April 13, 2018
I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.
It isn't the type of book I normally read, but it kept me interested from the beginning. I decided to download it because it was a Christian book, and I am very glad I did. I look forward to reading the entire series...and anything else Olivia Rae writes, as well.
It isn't the type of book I normally read, but it kept me interested from the beginning. I decided to download it because it was a Christian book, and I am very glad I did. I look forward to reading the entire series...and anything else Olivia Rae writes, as well.
April 21, 2018
This was a clean story with an abrupt ending.
An ok story which was clean, but didn't really keep me from sleep and/or other daily activities. I was easily able to put down when other needs called. The ending was rather abrupt. I doubt that I will follow through with other books in this series.
An ok story which was clean, but didn't really keep me from sleep and/or other daily activities. I was easily able to put down when other needs called. The ending was rather abrupt. I doubt that I will follow through with other books in this series.
May 17, 2018
Help comes from praying.
I wasn't sure about the Templars and how all that would fit into a good story, but this was actually very good. It showed how he lost his way during the wars and how he found his way back to God. I like that, as I believe He always finds us and brings us back into His care.
I wasn't sure about the Templars and how all that would fit into a good story, but this was actually very good. It showed how he lost his way during the wars and how he found his way back to God. I like that, as I believe He always finds us and brings us back into His care.
January 10, 2019
Book one in the Sword and the Cross Chronicles. Set in medieval times, Lady Breanna lost her husband and is with child. She is doing well running the Keep but two suitors have been sent to her aid. One is evil and only wants her estate. The other is a peasant and not of upper class standing. Who will win her hand?
January 29, 2019
I haven't heard any Christian fiction for awhile. I chose this one because of the time period in which it was written. It was a quick read.. The story moved along well and the characters where enjoyable. I especially like the scripture reading at the beginning of each chapter. Editing could have been more thorough. I will probably continue with the series.
September 10, 2019
Typical Christian Romance
This novel is no more and no less than most romances. It is free of bad language and sex so it stays true to its description as a Christian novel. The character development is mediocre and the plot predictable. An enjoyable vacation read but I'm unlikely to read more in the series.
This novel is no more and no less than most romances. It is free of bad language and sex so it stays true to its description as a Christian novel. The character development is mediocre and the plot predictable. An enjoyable vacation read but I'm unlikely to read more in the series.
October 31, 2019
The book was okay to read as I think I am very critical in saying that I was hoping that the author wrote in the same style as Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy (my two favourite authors).
Overall the book was good so I would give it three stars. The author does have a very grasp on their writing style, I did like the book and the characters.
Overall the book was good so I would give it three stars. The author does have a very grasp on their writing style, I did like the book and the characters.
September 11, 2020
Lady Breanna Durville is not happy when Royce Canwell shows up at her castle. However, she can't deny that he may be her only hope of escaping the clutches of the despicable Lord de Beaufou. I enjoyed this historical novel that reminded me how different times were in the days of castles and keeps, lords and ladies, and the precarious state of women during that time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews