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Tales of Taelis #4
Dreams and Devotion
Some dreams will be dashed, and their devotion will be tested.
Dara's life is full of farm work and worries, especially now that her older brother is a priest in a far off city. Yet she still has time to dream of the life she hopes will someday be. She dreams of marrying her dear friend and the worries of her family ending. Now, the selfishness of one person threatens her very way of life.
Dresden's initial excitement about living a life devoted to the service of God quickly is dashed on the rocks of reality. The life of a priest is nothing like what he imagined. To make matters worse, he finds out his family back in his home village is on the brink of disaster. Torn between his vows and his love for his family, what will he choose?
Dara's life is full of farm work and worries, especially now that her older brother is a priest in a far off city. Yet she still has time to dream of the life she hopes will someday be. She dreams of marrying her dear friend and the worries of her family ending. Now, the selfishness of one person threatens her very way of life.
Dresden's initial excitement about living a life devoted to the service of God quickly is dashed on the rocks of reality. The life of a priest is nothing like what he imagined. To make matters worse, he finds out his family back in his home village is on the brink of disaster. Torn between his vows and his love for his family, what will he choose?
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2017
About the author
Sarah Holman
46 books461 followersSarah Holman lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Scott. When not working on her next novel, she can usually be found hanging out with her family, reading, or hiking at state parks with her husband. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it’s because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined. You can find out more about her at her website, www.thedestinyofone.com.
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June 14, 2017Not since The Destiny of a Galaxy as a book contained so many of my emotions. I hope Dara and Dresden's story will bless many.
July 3, 2017
This was a sobering story, filled with true-to-life heartache and choices amidst hardship. I appreciated the lessons that Dara and Dresden learned about forgiveness and trust.
I know it was true to the time, but some people may be hesitant to read this because Dresden was a priest. In ways it was true to the Catholic priests of that era in that he vowed to never marry and to hold the church's needs above his own, yet the message of salvation through grace alone and not works was clearly presented. It was definitely evangelical and not works-based-salvation. That would be one thing I'd like to address with younger readers as they read the book so they wouldn't be confused about the doctrines portrayed here vs. traditional doctrines of priests.
As with the other books in this series, it makes a great children's book with a simplistic style and easy to understand lessons.
*I received this book from the author and happily provided my honest review.*
I know it was true to the time, but some people may be hesitant to read this because Dresden was a priest. In ways it was true to the Catholic priests of that era in that he vowed to never marry and to hold the church's needs above his own, yet the message of salvation through grace alone and not works was clearly presented. It was definitely evangelical and not works-based-salvation. That would be one thing I'd like to address with younger readers as they read the book so they wouldn't be confused about the doctrines portrayed here vs. traditional doctrines of priests.
As with the other books in this series, it makes a great children's book with a simplistic style and easy to understand lessons.
*I received this book from the author and happily provided my honest review.*
July 12, 2017
There are some powerful truths packed into this book. There is trouble, sorrow, pain, joy and forgiveness. Though set in the days of knights, castles, peasants, and ladies, the lessons learned fit our lives today. I’m not a big fan of medieval times, but I did enjoy this story. The author did a good job of showing God’s love, help, and forgiveness, as well as the dangers of trusting in your own dreams. This is the forth book in the series and I enjoyed how the author pulled character names from the other books into this one.
July 9, 2017
Dreams and Devotions tackles some hard-hitting feelings. Trust. Forgiveness. Anger. Hope in the future. Diligence. Bitterness. Faith.
Dara is coping with a few problems at once. Her hopes of marriage are being dashed, her brothers have moved away from the family – one for selfish reasons, the other, selfless – the burdens are stacking on her shoulders faster than she knows how to deal with on her own.
“Dreams were wonderful, but they did not always come true.”
There is some excellent, quality spiritual content in here, which I found very encouraging. I liked seeing Dresdon's growth in his new position as priest. He had to learn to give more of himself than he thought he was going to have to, by walking in faith, not just teaching it. He matured much over the course of the book, and learned valuable lessons from God, as does the reader.
And you know what else? I really like the Taelis community. Neighbors pull together in times of need for others. They care not for credit in their work, but for the gift of giving something of themselves. This is good stuff I like to see in a book.
“...love can hurt as well as heal, it tears and binds, it gives pain as well as joy. Love is always a risk. There is nothing about it that is safe. Even though you love, family can wound you, best friends betray you, and people you count on can disappoint you.”
The main thought that I pull from this book is that God is in control, and He has it all planned out for us already – perfectly. Stick with Him and you'll be alright.
“Prayer is always the best place to start for matters of the heart.”
This is an emotional read from the Taelis series, and it's one to remember. Youth and adults alike can find similarities in their own lives compared to the circumstances the characters are going through. Definitely a relatable story.
Dara is coping with a few problems at once. Her hopes of marriage are being dashed, her brothers have moved away from the family – one for selfish reasons, the other, selfless – the burdens are stacking on her shoulders faster than she knows how to deal with on her own.
“Dreams were wonderful, but they did not always come true.”
There is some excellent, quality spiritual content in here, which I found very encouraging. I liked seeing Dresdon's growth in his new position as priest. He had to learn to give more of himself than he thought he was going to have to, by walking in faith, not just teaching it. He matured much over the course of the book, and learned valuable lessons from God, as does the reader.
And you know what else? I really like the Taelis community. Neighbors pull together in times of need for others. They care not for credit in their work, but for the gift of giving something of themselves. This is good stuff I like to see in a book.
“...love can hurt as well as heal, it tears and binds, it gives pain as well as joy. Love is always a risk. There is nothing about it that is safe. Even though you love, family can wound you, best friends betray you, and people you count on can disappoint you.”
The main thought that I pull from this book is that God is in control, and He has it all planned out for us already – perfectly. Stick with Him and you'll be alright.
“Prayer is always the best place to start for matters of the heart.”
This is an emotional read from the Taelis series, and it's one to remember. Youth and adults alike can find similarities in their own lives compared to the circumstances the characters are going through. Definitely a relatable story.
October 14, 2017
Dreams and Devotions is a well-written medieval tale about a brother and sister, Dara and Dresden (love their names!): a peasant girl’s life at her farm and home village, and her brother’s life as a new priest, separately facing adversity and growing stronger in their faith. It’s an extremely emotional and rather bitter-sweet book, focusing on the little things, but it kept me so absorbed and it was overall quite good.
My favorite part was the moonlit harvest scene—I loved it! <3 There’s a scene that’s staying in my memory for a long time. ^_^
Even though it was not an “exciting” story, and focused mainly on the day-to-day life of farming in medieval times and other struggles, it was so well-written and had me absolutely hooked. I could NOT stop reading! I was super caught up in it. :) It’s definitely an unusual and unique tale, more somber and thoughtful than fun or adventurous, but keeping the reader’s attention all the same.
There were many heart-touching or heartbreaking moments, both good and sad, which made me tear up a few times. I don’t always like when books do that but it definitely made me feel strongly. ;) Sometimes there seemed to be no hope for awhile, but it did sometimes bring goodness out of the darkness and show God using some things for good. There were a lot of good messages throughout the story, many of which I liked. :)
I’m continuing to love visiting this land of Taelis! :) Delmore Castle and various characters from Courage and Corruption feature in this book, which was super neat! The harvest song even came back! I’m curious to see where the rest of the stories will take us, so I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series! ^_^ In the meantime, this is the fourth and latest Taelis book (though they can all stand alone!), and I’ve enjoyed the whole series so far. :)
It was a lot sadder than books that I normally like to read, feeling more like real-life sometimes than a work of fiction, leaving a few threads not wrapped up in a (to me!) satisfactory way (I wanted one character’s story to end up differently, but all we got was a note in the epilogue that unfortunately left it hanging, and I also expected a romance but didn’t find one; both were sad parts), but despite all that I’d still say it’s a good book, even if not my usual cup of tea. It was very well written, and I’m so impressed with the fact that, despite any quibbles or sadness (and these are my own, personal opinions!), it was still a very good book and had me extremely absorbed. Overall, quite good. :)
If you like Christian fiction and medieval times, a well-written book with heart, some bittersweetness, and people overcoming daily struggles and growing closer to God, you will love Dreams and Devotion. ^_^
(I received a free e-ARC from the author for review purposes (many thanks!); these opinions are my own.)
(Review originally posted as part of the release blog tour, here: https://thepagedreamer.wordpress.com/...)
My favorite part was the moonlit harvest scene—I loved it! <3 There’s a scene that’s staying in my memory for a long time. ^_^
Even though it was not an “exciting” story, and focused mainly on the day-to-day life of farming in medieval times and other struggles, it was so well-written and had me absolutely hooked. I could NOT stop reading! I was super caught up in it. :) It’s definitely an unusual and unique tale, more somber and thoughtful than fun or adventurous, but keeping the reader’s attention all the same.
There were many heart-touching or heartbreaking moments, both good and sad, which made me tear up a few times. I don’t always like when books do that but it definitely made me feel strongly. ;) Sometimes there seemed to be no hope for awhile, but it did sometimes bring goodness out of the darkness and show God using some things for good. There were a lot of good messages throughout the story, many of which I liked. :)
I’m continuing to love visiting this land of Taelis! :) Delmore Castle and various characters from Courage and Corruption feature in this book, which was super neat! The harvest song even came back! I’m curious to see where the rest of the stories will take us, so I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series! ^_^ In the meantime, this is the fourth and latest Taelis book (though they can all stand alone!), and I’ve enjoyed the whole series so far. :)
It was a lot sadder than books that I normally like to read, feeling more like real-life sometimes than a work of fiction, leaving a few threads not wrapped up in a (to me!) satisfactory way (I wanted one character’s story to end up differently, but all we got was a note in the epilogue that unfortunately left it hanging, and I also expected a romance but didn’t find one; both were sad parts), but despite all that I’d still say it’s a good book, even if not my usual cup of tea. It was very well written, and I’m so impressed with the fact that, despite any quibbles or sadness (and these are my own, personal opinions!), it was still a very good book and had me extremely absorbed. Overall, quite good. :)
If you like Christian fiction and medieval times, a well-written book with heart, some bittersweetness, and people overcoming daily struggles and growing closer to God, you will love Dreams and Devotion. ^_^
(I received a free e-ARC from the author for review purposes (many thanks!); these opinions are my own.)
(Review originally posted as part of the release blog tour, here: https://thepagedreamer.wordpress.com/...)
May 4, 2019
This one had a sadder tone than the rest of the series so far, but I was thankful that it ended with hope and promise. It felt very true to life in that things don't always work out the way we want or can understand. Dresden's struggles were understandable, and I liked the way I could see where some of his approaches were failing before anyone pointed it out. Dara's story was probably the sadder of the two, although I liked the way she was able to move on from her disappointments and reach out to others even in the middle of her need.
There were a few small things that confused me a little--like Dresden being called "father" instead of "brother"--and one part that really bugged me, which wasn't a fault of the story as much as the church culture of the time. I did really like the glimpses of King Christopher and others from Courage and Corruption!
Content--mentions of cursing; mentions of wounds and blood (not graphic); mentions of running away
There were a few small things that confused me a little--like Dresden being called "father" instead of "brother"--and one part that really bugged me, which wasn't a fault of the story as much as the church culture of the time. I did really like the glimpses of King Christopher and others from Courage and Corruption!
Content--mentions of cursing; mentions of wounds and blood (not graphic); mentions of running away
July 11, 2017
Dreams & Devotions was actually my intro into Taelis-- I read it before I read books 1,2, & 3; so as I went back and read them in order (along with the short stories) little details included in this work made total sense. They can each totally be read alone; however, when you read it in correct sequence, you 'get' and appreciate the cameos and 'history' references so much more lol ;)
What I Liked:
This book was just ..... super realistic. It is as though Sarah took realistic struggles we deal with today, crafted them, and plopped them into the middle ages.
One character makes a selfish decision that leaves the rest of his family to wonder, stress, and pick up the pieces. REAL. Another character begins the book with an incredibly real and passionate walk with God-- and then experiences incredible discouragement while trying to serve Jesus and make a difference. SO, SO REAL!! Yet another suffers romantic disappointment-- and doesn't get her stereotypical 'happy ending'. STANDING OVATION, HAND-CLAPPING REAL REAL REAL!!!!!!! I am passionate about this story for these reasons! I could identify with each character and their characters (some to small degrees, and others 110% because I am literally walking through them!!!) and I can think of friends and family members who are also going through similar circumstances. I found myself saying "YES!" and being able to empathize and then being convicted and encouraged and inspired.
These characters experience and deal with major disappointments in a very satisfying way . The story lines are so realistic, but so were the outcomes; and THAT is why I love this book. The problems the characters face that cause their character development were 'resolved' in realistic, 'this actually is what happens' ways-- not the way you 'know' or expect it to happen in a fictional story. You empathize with these characters SO much because you relate to their pain. You want them to experience their happy ending; however, they experience their "God-grace" endings. God meeting them where they are, providing the daily strength they need to survive and be a blessing to others.
This story was an incredible blessing in that way because wow. You can tell Sarah prayed over and really put heart and love into this story. It shows. You do not walk away from a neatly package bow ending thinking "yeah well that was just a story, but this is real life". You walk away thinking, "wow, that was legit!"
What I Didn't Like:
The only thing in this story that I had a hang up about was Dresden's struggle. He goes from very spiritually mature, to having what I felt was a very immature faith problem. However! I may have struggled with this plot-line because.... well... Have I mentioned this book was real? I can't quite hate on it too much because I have done the SAME THING in my walk with God, so......
It was a sharp contrast that happens very fast- and I think that is what I struggled with. I know in my life it was a slower dissent into where he then finds opportunity for character development. But this may just be my reaction to it and don't think everyone will have this reaction. ;) As so many of my 'dislikes' are, it may just be because the author is talented in her craft and I was feeling the desired emotion!! :)
I loved each of these books in the Taelis series for different reasons; this story's characters and the way God meets with each of them, met me where I am at. It was a very timely read and was a great encouragement to me, and I believe it will be to others also!!! Sarah worked hard on this and it shines through in her writing!
What I Liked:
This book was just ..... super realistic. It is as though Sarah took realistic struggles we deal with today, crafted them, and plopped them into the middle ages.
One character makes a selfish decision that leaves the rest of his family to wonder, stress, and pick up the pieces. REAL. Another character begins the book with an incredibly real and passionate walk with God-- and then experiences incredible discouragement while trying to serve Jesus and make a difference. SO, SO REAL!! Yet another suffers romantic disappointment-- and doesn't get her stereotypical 'happy ending'. STANDING OVATION, HAND-CLAPPING REAL REAL REAL!!!!!!! I am passionate about this story for these reasons! I could identify with each character and their characters (some to small degrees, and others 110% because I am literally walking through them!!!) and I can think of friends and family members who are also going through similar circumstances. I found myself saying "YES!" and being able to empathize and then being convicted and encouraged and inspired.
These characters experience and deal with major disappointments in a very satisfying way . The story lines are so realistic, but so were the outcomes; and THAT is why I love this book. The problems the characters face that cause their character development were 'resolved' in realistic, 'this actually is what happens' ways-- not the way you 'know' or expect it to happen in a fictional story. You empathize with these characters SO much because you relate to their pain. You want them to experience their happy ending; however, they experience their "God-grace" endings. God meeting them where they are, providing the daily strength they need to survive and be a blessing to others.
This story was an incredible blessing in that way because wow. You can tell Sarah prayed over and really put heart and love into this story. It shows. You do not walk away from a neatly package bow ending thinking "yeah well that was just a story, but this is real life". You walk away thinking, "wow, that was legit!"
What I Didn't Like:
The only thing in this story that I had a hang up about was Dresden's struggle. He goes from very spiritually mature, to having what I felt was a very immature faith problem. However! I may have struggled with this plot-line because.... well... Have I mentioned this book was real? I can't quite hate on it too much because I have done the SAME THING in my walk with God, so......
It was a sharp contrast that happens very fast- and I think that is what I struggled with. I know in my life it was a slower dissent into where he then finds opportunity for character development. But this may just be my reaction to it and don't think everyone will have this reaction. ;) As so many of my 'dislikes' are, it may just be because the author is talented in her craft and I was feeling the desired emotion!! :)
I loved each of these books in the Taelis series for different reasons; this story's characters and the way God meets with each of them, met me where I am at. It was a very timely read and was a great encouragement to me, and I believe it will be to others also!!! Sarah worked hard on this and it shines through in her writing!
June 24, 2017
This book left me just a bit speechless! The lessons were so revelant to me and what my family and I have been learning that it touched me deeply.
This was a book filled with real struggles, and yet learning that "God works all things together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Nothing is unknown to Him and He will work all things for our good. Beautiful lesson.
I was just really impressed with this one. I know I say that with all of the Tales of Taelis series, but I mean it. These books are just grand. I wish I had them all in paperback form to underline and stickynote my favourite spots, and to share them with my younger sister.
These books aren't just incredibly enjoyable, they are meaningful.
I think "Dreams and Devotions" may be my favourite of the Tales so far. It isn't really your typical story where everything goes how you want it to go or even just how you expect a story should pan out. The even greater aspect is trusting God when things don't go the way you dreamed or planned. And learning to love others - even those who have hurt you deeply - was a significant lesson.
I really appreciated the ending. I won't spoil it for you, readers, but know that it is excellent. Oh what a story! And as usual, Miss Holman's author note at the end is extremely touching. Beautiful reminder and encouragement.
This was a book filled with real struggles, and yet learning that "God works all things together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Nothing is unknown to Him and He will work all things for our good. Beautiful lesson.
I was just really impressed with this one. I know I say that with all of the Tales of Taelis series, but I mean it. These books are just grand. I wish I had them all in paperback form to underline and stickynote my favourite spots, and to share them with my younger sister.
These books aren't just incredibly enjoyable, they are meaningful.
I think "Dreams and Devotions" may be my favourite of the Tales so far. It isn't really your typical story where everything goes how you want it to go or even just how you expect a story should pan out. The even greater aspect is trusting God when things don't go the way you dreamed or planned. And learning to love others - even those who have hurt you deeply - was a significant lesson.
I really appreciated the ending. I won't spoil it for you, readers, but know that it is excellent. Oh what a story! And as usual, Miss Holman's author note at the end is extremely touching. Beautiful reminder and encouragement.
March 13, 2018
Best book by Sarah since Emmeline. I enjoyed it an awful lot.
May 13, 2020
I’ve always loved true biblical fiction. Sadly most is written on a very adult level. As a soon to be teacher that saddens me greatly. Authors like Sarah are a true blessing & I thank God for the opportunity to hear this beautiful story. I know I will be comfortable sharing it with my future students.
September 26, 2020
4 stars & 4/10 hearts. So far I’ve enjoyed each one of the Tales of Taelis books & short stories. They’ve all held amazing lessons. This one I had a problem with from the very start. The idea of becoming a monk & renouncing marriage + comfort (shoes or blankets, for example) is not from the Bible. I know Dresden & Arthur were saved, but I couldn’t agree with their idea that they had to be called Father (only God is our Father, the Bible says) and do other monkish things—and I’m not convinced Dresden was right to not go home to help his family. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book. I liked Dara a lot, and the lesson of trusting God for our future & choosing love & not driving people away by self-righteousness was amazing. These books always bless & astonish me by their deep messages. <33
A Favourite Quote: “Her heart and soul were once again in the right place—surrendered to God and trusting in Him, not others, to save her. Her body might ache from her work, her mind might still worry from time to time about the future, but she was truly well for the first time in months.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The words ... reached deep into her wounded heart and poured over it much like the cool brook water had poured over her body. It did not take away all the pain, but it cleaned it, soothed it, and prepared the hurt for healing.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘However, if you do not risk your love you can be sure that you will not have a family surrounding you in your old age, you will not have friends you can count on when life is hard, and life will be disappointing anyway.’”
A Favourite Quote: “Her heart and soul were once again in the right place—surrendered to God and trusting in Him, not others, to save her. Her body might ache from her work, her mind might still worry from time to time about the future, but she was truly well for the first time in months.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The words ... reached deep into her wounded heart and poured over it much like the cool brook water had poured over her body. It did not take away all the pain, but it cleaned it, soothed it, and prepared the hurt for healing.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘However, if you do not risk your love you can be sure that you will not have a family surrounding you in your old age, you will not have friends you can count on when life is hard, and life will be disappointing anyway.’”
November 6, 2018
I think I liked this fourth book the best out of some of the others in the series. The characters somehow seemed more mature and less childlike, and it did really speak to me with some of the issues I had in my life. There was a sound Gospel message in it too.
Also, the Historical details did not seem too badly 'off' on this one, although its not set in a real time or place. I rather liked the fact that the hero was a priest, since clerics generally get a very bad rap in stories like this.
The only complaint I had was some apparent confusion between priests and monks. Once it says Dresden went off to become a priest and, but then later on it says he was to become a monk. He was referred to interchangeably at one point as both 'father' and 'brother'.
Seriously, there was quite a difference between priests and monks, they were not the same, they had different roles and different jobs.
Aside from that though, very good book for younger readers and adults. Now there is an audiobook, I got through it in just over 2 hours.
Also, the Historical details did not seem too badly 'off' on this one, although its not set in a real time or place. I rather liked the fact that the hero was a priest, since clerics generally get a very bad rap in stories like this.
The only complaint I had was some apparent confusion between priests and monks. Once it says Dresden went off to become a priest and, but then later on it says he was to become a monk. He was referred to interchangeably at one point as both 'father' and 'brother'.
Seriously, there was quite a difference between priests and monks, they were not the same, they had different roles and different jobs.
Aside from that though, very good book for younger readers and adults. Now there is an audiobook, I got through it in just over 2 hours.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews