Book Four in Best Selling Author, Grace Walton’s, Inspirational Medieval ChristKeepers series.
Magnus is the new Scottish Earl of Windham. Twas not a title he wanted, nor one he sought. But he will do his duty and take up the mantle of stewardship over his lands. He’s been a rough-hewn blacksmith all his life. Now he must become an aristocrat. A rake and a rogue in his youth, he’s had his fill of the lures and snares of females.
Hope, the virgin Dowager Countess of Windham, wants nothing more than peace and her widow’s jointure. She’s secured a place for herself in a cloistered abbey. There she will accomplish her heart’s desire- learning to read. And there she will be free from the abuses she suffered from both her husband and his courtiers. She wants nothing to do with men.
A scheming steward, a treacherous Mother Superior, an unknown baseborn daughter, stolen riches, and wretched pain and guilt cripple both Magnus and Hope. They each need the other for very different reasons. Magnus wants Hope as a tutor for his newfound daughter. Hope wants her promised dower to pay her way into the convent. Neither likes or trusts the other, though the passion between them is undeniable. Can they face an uncertain future together when they cannot even secure Hope’s Reward?
Grace Walton is a grateful Christian. She is also an award winning multi-published author. She'd been married to the love of her life for over 37 years. Together they have two adult children and one adorable grandson.
She believes Love Never Fails and that everyone deserves a 'happily ever after' even if comes from the pages of a novel.
. I enjoyed the first two books of this medevial - historical- romance - tale series, much more than the last two. They each encouraged steadfast faith, and provided examples of how hope conquers fear.
The last two books were not as captivating, since they concentrated more heavily on the obscene greed, vile degradation, cruel abuse, betrayal, and powerlessness of mankind when dealing with evil. It is difficult to escape the thoughts of the shameful acts committed by such horrendous villians. A saving grace, the books shine a light on how prayer can intervene, showing how God's goodness can change any situation.
I much prefer a pleasant fictional experience when I delve into another realm for adventure. The clear message is these tales repeatedly demonstrate that steadfast faith is the key to a fulfilling Christian walk.
These experiences are filled with twists and turns throughout each book, with the biggest one sometimes included in the conclusion. The unfathonable events in this book lead you to wonder if Hope and Magnus will ever come to terms with how to communicate effectively with each other.
How insane I found it that this book concluded with unresolved conflicts and no title for another book in regard to the cliff hanger that fills your heart with compassion and fear for one of the supporting characters.
These are mostly clean reads (aside from the torturous acts referred to from Hope's past), each able to stand on its own, delivers an H.E.A, and throws in a quick cliff hanger regarding a supporting character to interest you in the next book.
Cliffhanger. The 5th book was promised in 2018. This one was a painful read. So much talk of ravishment and degrading names for women. Mother Agnus teams up with a depraved man to kidnap, murder, and steal. I'm not a fan of Magnus from his first mention in previous books. Hope was a victim of horrific degradation and some of it's mentioned. Not for me. Too much darkness and not enough light.
I have read just about everything this author has written and I am never disappointed. The truth of the Gospel comes through in a compelling and honest way. The book also reminds me that I am blessed to be living in a time and place where I have access to education and not treated as chattel but a cherished woman loved and given the freedom to know God's word for my self.
I've read several of this author's books, and I have liked every one of them. Hope's Reward gave the story of Magnus and Hope, and it was a clean romance.