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For Such a Time as This

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Ishtar the elf has been a slave working in the castle kitchens her whole life, but one day her owner decides he has other plans for her. Before she can protest she finds herself in the King's harem, but will she be able to adapt to the new situation and what will happen if anyone discovers she's more than human?


For Such a Time as This is a rags to riches tale of one young elf's journey of faith. A romance story where obedience, determination and a few good friends can conquer even the deepest of fears.

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First published June 24, 2013

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About the author

Jess Mountifield

112 books65 followers
Jess was born in the quaint village of Woodbridge in the Uk, has spent some of her childhood in the States and now resides in the beautiful Roman city of Bath. She lives with her husband Phil and her very dapsy cat, Pleaides. Jess can often be found either in a cafe, grinning behind a large mug of hot chocolate, at her desk, getting annoyed with her cat for sitting on her keyboard, or on her comfy corner sofa with friends, enjoying her high definition tv and surround sound system.
Jess likes playing massively multiplayer on-line games and has written fan fiction for Entropia. Her choose your own adventure story, written under the penname Marie Woodell, covers a romance about two in game characters. She also runs Flight Productions, a film production company, with a fellow writer. Jess' role is managing script writing and she's involved with a science fiction twitter project, a television fantasy drama and a feature film. She also has a clothing company where she produces her own original designs in a gothic style.

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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for AM.
246 reviews
July 31, 2013
This is the first book from this particular author that I have had the pleasure of reading. I was not sure what to expect when I first started reading this book, but I was quickly drawn into another world and had a hard time putting this book down. If you enjoy fantasy books, with just a touch of romance, then this is definitely the book for you; and is suitable for most readers.

Ishtar is a slave working in the King’s kitchen, but unbeknownst to most, she is an elf; a secret that she must keep to herself, with the exception of her best friend, the head chef. She is a very hard worker in all that she does, and you cannot help but like everything about her. Then the chef helps her become chosen for the harem, which if chosen, means she would become a new bride for the King.

As a wife of the King, she expected to be obedient and act a certain way; though she is rewarded with luxurious beyond her wildest dreams and experiences. Then a conflict arises, and she struggles between being obedient to her King, and doing what she feels is right in her heart.

The surprise ending caught this reader off guard, as I was trying to guess the outcome throughout the book. I loved the way this novella was written, and look forward to reading more from this wonderful author.
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,855 reviews211 followers
July 6, 2013
When I was first asked to read and review this I didn't really know what to expect. Was it fantasy, romance ? It's just a darn good story that contains both of those themes and suitable for young and old.
The main character is a young woman called Ishtar who is a slave working in a Kings kitchen and unknown to all but one is an elf. She's a very likeable character who exhibits nothing but kindness to all those around her. She is a joy to read about and such a strong hardworking heroine that the reader truly wants her to find happiness as she deserves it!
Although initially we find her working in the royal kitchens her journey has only just begun .
I loved this book! It's not very long so more of a novella really but manages to capture the readers imagination very quickly. As it is a work of fantasy there are so many possible outcomes and the author managed to pull off a surprise ending.Romantic at times but not hot and heavy so suitable for all ages.i would certainly read more from this talented author
I received a copy of this free in return for an honest review
I am more than happy to rate this 5
Profile Image for Christoph Fischer.
Author 49 books468 followers
July 23, 2013
"For such a Time as This" by Jess Mountifield is a beautifully told story, somewhere between fairy tale and fantasy. Young slave Ishtar, who is also secretly an elf, works in the kitchen of the Palace of human King Andrew. Ishtar is chosen for the harem and possibly even as the new bride for the King. The book tells about the customs at the court and the necessary obedience and trust in her superiors there, the world in the kitchen and her training for other tasks.
When conflict between her duties arises Ishtar needs to put her faith in her God and her King.
This is a wonderful tale about faith and trust, maybe not in the most feminist of approaches, but it still depicts a woman who has strong ideas of her own.
Told at an even pace this makes for some charming entertainment and reads like a fairy tale for adults. Very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Rachel Banham.
19 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2020
Great read

Struggled to put it down. When I did, I was then thinking about when I could pick it I again..
Profile Image for Janie.
235 reviews5 followers
August 16, 2013
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.

A thoroughly enjoyable story, although again I would like to have read more.
This story gives a bit of background to "Innocent Hearts" and I really fell in love with Ishtar and Malden!!!
I loved following Ishtar's tale on her preparation for becoming a bride to the King.

This is the 5th book that I have read by this author and she always leaves wanting to read more by her!!!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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