The Price of Happiness

A Medieval Tale #5

by Lina J. Potter, Kristina Tatarian (Translator)

The royal court has always been a realm of intrigue, conspiracy, death and sorrow. You didn’t expect to be spared, did you Lilian? A sinister conspiracy against the King is gaining momentum, with Lilian and her family in the epicenter of this deadly game. Meanwhile Count Jess Earton himself, vigilant and dissatisfied, has arrived at the royal palace. The family reunion Lillian has been dreading has finally arrived. She has had enough time to prepare, to plan and consider all her options. King Edward is on her side, as are the Khangans and the Virmans… So why is her stomach in knots, why are her knees shaking and her heart pounding loud in her chest? On the eve of her meeting with Jess, Lilian's affections from her previous life resurface. Thank Aldonai that at the masquerade, it is easy to cover your personality and feelings with a mask of indifference. “The Price of Happiness” is the fifth but not the final book in the bestselling Medieval Tale series by Lina J. Potter. She has already conquered the hearts of thousands of readers, both male, and female, and has a loyal international fan basis. This volume centres on romance more than previously seen in the Medieval Tale series but nevertheless remains the beloved historical fiction of Countess Lilian and the Kingdom of Ativerna. It is an epic fantasy story about choosing your own path, struggling for happiness and carving an alternative path through history. The story of Lilian’s second chance is at it's peak. Knots will be untangled as she faces the kings, politicians and rivalling entities all warring for power. Until now, every step Lilian has taken has been discreet and with careful measure, but even that was not enough to avoid the attention of several nations. Medieval ages are those of cruelty, a time of chaos and distress. No matter if you are a friend or a foe, a family member or a villain, if you are loved or you are lost, expect no mercy and no sympathy. This is all just a heavy load for strong but kind and compassionate Lily. She can only try to cope with the disastrous consequences of the race for power. After all, she is a medic and saving lives is what she is good at, what she was taught to do, what she swore to do.

Genres: Fantasy, Time Travel, Historical, Medieval, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance

485 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

Call it inspiration, the voice of a Muse, or plain obsession… Lina J. Potter has been dreaming up stories for as long as she can remember. She has a light-hearted approach to writing. Whenever she is not writing, you can find her practicing karate and lace-making. Nowadays, she lives in the quite town of Tambov with her husband, daughter and two cats.

Lina is looking forward to hearing from you! Connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/linajpotter

Connect with readers and join in the discussion
www.facebook.com/groups/1041553379344...

Also have a look at:
www.lithunters.com
www.facebook.com/LithuntersPH/

Reviews

[Solaris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love a story about a heroine stumbling onto a mess, and fixing everything up, righting wrongs, making the world a better place, proving the strength and ingenuity of women... That's how this series gets started, but not how it ends up as of the fifth installment.

Apparently there was a previous version to Lilian's conclusion in which Jerrison leaves the picture and Hans and Richard are the two closest moons in her orbit, so to speak.

I give this book one star for the bad translating that only confuses further, the lack of editing, and trying to force the most unlikable man in the known fictional universe, Jerrison Earton, to becoming an adoring, amorous husband to our Lilian. The book failed to sell him as any kind of person worth bothering with, --he is so entitled and selfish that his version of 'trying' and 'atoning' for his abuses makes me fucking gag at the joke of it. I repeatedly put this book down out of disgust at the story trying to push this particular ending onto the reader--it was a chore to read this book.

Having recently realized that there was a previous version before this current edition, I see why I hate it. My advice to all writers is to always go with your gut. Intuition and instinct will lead you in the right direction the first time.... as clearly the original text had us all rooting for Lilian and baying for Jerrison's blood but this current version leaves it horribly unfitting and dissatisfying. Just yuck.

[Carmina Valdizán · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending for the series, there are no loose ends. Be prepared because a lot happens in this book, but it moves fast.

“Even the strongest man needed a place where he could rest. Even the strongest woman needed the knowledge that she was not alone, that she had a strong shoulder to lean on. It was too early to speak about the union of the two hearts. That would only become possible after a lot of hardship, difficult decisions, blood, and death.”

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very fast-paced wrap-up -- although there are more books! The discussions about manufacturing and trade are really interesting to me!

I found it frustrating that she made up with her husband. Do I understand why? Yes, it made sense from a technical standpoint. But the whole shift to love and easy understanding was not very believable for me. Here is this guy who has been built up as a villain and really kind of a douche. He calls her a cow for the entire series, he has to be bullied into being nice, and then all of a sudden he realizes he has to grovel and he loves her because she's beautiful and successful. I did not want that ending for him! Politically, it made sense, and I guess the main character had to work with what she was given, but aghhhh I wanted him to go through more first. She did not make him work very hard to get into her good graces again. It didn't make a lot of sense for either of their characters. It was...unsatisfying. But maybe I am bloodthirsty or just not sympathetic enough to him. While it's good that they found happiness in the end, and although I do appreciate a happy ending, this one wasn't as pleasant as it could have been. Bah.

[Gina Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary

Never have I ever encountered a story line as intriguing as this one. I am a fan of medieval mysteries and strong women. This series of books are more like a cross between Brother Cadfael and a Connecticut Yankee in King Author's Court. A fantastic read and one that will keep your interests till the very end. High Five ✋

[Ladyhawke · Rating 3 out of 5]

.... For all 5 books

The series easily could’ve been 12 books. I almost wish it had. The author has good ideas and I like the characters. But she needs to work on her writing. it may be the translator I don’t know. But I felt I was being told the readers digest version of the story. I got lost a few times especially with the different jesses... so maybe not the translator. The story is about a genus who is reincarnated as a countess in a strange land... and takes what she knows from our world with her. I didn’t care for the fact that there was nothing she couldn’t do excellently she had few flaws ... righteous, pious merciful, only looking for the love of a good man. The plots were good!! And some I didn’t expect especially this last book. It should’ve been 2 at the very least and felt very rushed. I could’ve used way more explanations. And a more progressive development. Despite that the series had me up all hours of the night!!

[Darlene Schnatz · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing finale to the series

I was very disappointed in this book . It was a great story but the writing (or the translation from Russian to English ) was awkward and poorly done. The writing included phrases like "WEREN'T NEVER" .
There were frequent inconsistencies like in one paragraph saying that there was no meeting of the hearts between a husband and wife , and the next paragraph stating that their hearts had come together . I believe that Ms. Potter is a great storyteller and has a wonderful imagination so I am very disappointed in the book that I had pre-ordered and eagerly awaited.
This series had so much potential but this final book seemed rushed anh haphazardly translated.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong ending to an excellent series

This was great! Very strong conclusion to an awesome, clever story. This book was my favorite after the first. I especially enjoyed the multiple prologues with time jumps so we have some idea of the impact Lily made.

[Sharon Crone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Series

Depth, honesty with strength and frailty of emotions. I couldn't put the book down. You never knew what would happen next. I hated seeing the series end and saying goodbye to the characters.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I really enjoyed this series. Fantasy but it works. Strong women raising strong women and changing their world. Well thought out and very entertaining. Thank you, Lina.

[Erica Goetz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Medieval Tale series. I liked the characters and the story progression. Although, I thought the ending was came up sooner than I expected!

[Lela Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

This was such a fabulous series. Gripping, timeless so full of history, intrigue. Several times, the twist and turns felt like a roller coaster ride. Loved it, thank you.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

April 2019
Audio & Kindle

Review for entire series
Book 1 - 4 Stars
Book 2 - 4 Stars
Book 3 - 3 Stars
Book 4 - 2.5 Stars
Book 5 - 3 Stars

This is the premise of the series in a nutshell:

Aliya is a medical school graduate gifted with both smarts and an athletic body. Her life seems perfect...until she finds herself in a fatal car accident. Instead of dying, however, she wakes up in a completely different body, in the middle of a half-ruined castle during alternate medieval times. Confused and dismayed, Aliya realizes she was given a second chance in life as Countess Lilian Earton, so she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work on restoring the castle and her new life.

This series is promoted as a romance, but I would disagree with that. This series is more of a Historical/Fantasy/Time-Travel/Adventure. The main "couple" don't even meet until the last book. Well..... the "hero"

who is Lilian's estranged husband, has met Lilian - that is - the real Lilian, but he has no idea what this new Aliya/Lilian person is like. He's not even around. His marriage to Lilian was arranged and he wasn't attracted to her at all. He married her, drunkenly bedded her, then shipped her off to one of his old crumbling estates and only visits once or twice a year. In the meantime, he sleeps around and has mistresses that he doesn't bother trying to hide.

Lilian is over weight. There is a lot of fat shaming on the part of the husband. Aliya/Lilian isn't used to being in an out of shape body and she doesn't feel good in it, so she immediately gets to work on getting in shape. She also quickly realizes her vulnerable situation and that her husband doesn't care what happens to her or the estate. So she decides she needs to get busy on getting things put to rights.

Aliya was a very smart girl and she is able to put her twenty-first century knowledge to work. This is what made the story so good for me.

This series was translated from Russian and the translation isn't always good. The first few books are available in audio, and I recommend going that route. The narration helps to smooth the rough edges (and there are a lot of rough edges). I'm not sure what the translators native language is, but I doubt it's English, because she got a lot of the translation wrong. Just some stuff that didn't flow or make sense. If that type of thing bothers you, you should steer clear of this series. If you can work through such things, then you might enjoy these books.

What I liked about the first couple of books is the world Ms. Potter has created. I liked watching Aliya/Lilian learn to make her way in her crazy situation and I really enjoyed watching her use her knowledge to bring new advances to this medieval type world. What I didn't like was the estranged husband. The POV's switch between several different people, one being the husband. What an asshole!! Seriously grade A jerk. And he stays that way through the first 4 books. I'm not sure he ever redeemed himself completely in the final book, but I learned to live with it. The only thing I had to hold on to was that he didn't know THIS Lilian. Still, I feel sorry for the life the real Lilian had to live. She didn't have the inner strength of Aliya to make something more of her situation.

I really liked the first couple of books, the third book was still likable but a little slower, and the 4th book felt like a different translator took over and the writing got worse and not much happened. The final book picks back up and everything happens quickly. We do get answers to our questions and everything wraps up.

I would definitely consider more books by this author if I could get them in audio. I really liked her overall story. I was engrossed from the beginning.

Side Note:
It's been a few months since I read the books so I can't remember some details, but I think a trigger warning is likely needed for harm against women/children. Also, the estranged husband cheats on Lilian and there are a couple of mildly detailed sex scenes with other women.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fit conclusion.

At last we see some real romance for Lily. Her husband returns and has some work to do. Still a lot of mystery and intrigue. Greatt conclusion to a fun and intriguing take on an alternate universe.

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what to make of it. It's a pretty different ending from the original version of the last book (where she has a one night stand with Richard, ultimately marries Hans and eventually sort of gets together with Richard in the end) and it ends a bit happier, but definitely derails some of the leadups in the first four books by having Jess survive the poisoning. Like the entire discussion about Richard's ideal match was clearly leading up to something... only to fizzle out in this version. To be fair, I did think the affair between the two in the original to be also a bit abrupt and a little bit out of left field. I also want to say that Jess' complete about face change in behavior is also a bit abrupt in this version but it leads to a better ending, I guess, for Lily.

Also the new version.... oddly avoids talking about Lydia's fate? (Is it even still the same, in which she marries the Wellster king's milk brother, Lort? I'm assuming that's still the reason for the tension at the end of this novel.)

The change in translator in the last couple of volumes is fairly noticeable as there are many modern colloquialisms in the text but I went with the "Lily made some verbal slips and everyone adopted it" mentality to go with that.

[Nick Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hard book! Although it was awesome

I loved this book and enjoyed it to the end. But was sadden by now completely it wraps itself up. For i would explore you to maybe revise and detail out the broader plots laid out in the museme history reviled. I love this series with my now broken heart because it ends. Thank you my kind author for your hard work.I know I will reed these stories many times to come.

[Brandie Lea Slicer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite by far! I hated to see the story end. You know you have finished a great series when you close the book and feel like you have left friends and family. But what an ending! Bravo! For fans of Middle Earth, Game of Thrones, and other similar series. Look no further! I have a new favorite Author and I cannot wait for more books!

[Lyndal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A weeks read

This series was excellent. Possibly book 3 was a bit slow but the others more than made up for it. I could not close my e-reader till I had purchased the next one. It was enjoyable to have the prologue as so many book make u wonder happened then. I think the 5 book was just the right amount to tell the story. A great and enjoyable series.

[Sandra Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Couldn't put it down. Although it begs credulitY at times it also informative about the reality of how peoples.

lived in filth and thought nothing of it. Certainly the plight of women was almost impossible to overcome, it really did need a 21st century mind and soul to overcome.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series with intrigue

I really enjoyed the character interaction and plot development in this book. No element was predictable and the string female protagonist was very relatable.

[Maryam Wakili · Rating 1 out of 5]

I quit. After reading book 1-4 I dont think I could read anymore of this series.

In the first 2 books I was swept off by the plot and wanted to see how she would develop. But the more I read the less I liked the protagonist.
The less believable the plot became and I found book 4 very hard to read and book 5 not worth it. No surprises anywhere so I'll just stop

[cathy mitchem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the finish was not what I expected

Lol, but was such a great happy ending. Even though I might have wanted something different for her, you were able to capture us again. Great read

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

All is revealed. A husband returns. A wife is pacified. Excellent ending but wished for more details. Loved the series; wish there were more like this. I really like this author. I don't care for demons so didn't like the looks of her next series.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit rushed but still good

The final book of the series, it tried to wrap up each story as much as possible, but parts seemed rushed and other scenes seemed too drawn out. But the character development went pretty well over the course of the five novels.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series

Delightful story of Lilian as she time travels to the middle ages. The royal intrigue is done well. Lilian struggles with survival in her new world and works to bring ideas from 21st century to 17th century.

[Herma · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Price of Happiness more like the price of disappointment.
This is the final book of a series so it should bring things to a close with a bang. This did not.
Screw it. I'm giving it one star. I'm just mad.

[Demei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable series. Wonderful nostalgic ending.

[Mickie Danner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! What an interesting take on time travel! Featuring a lady who is wise & entertaining.

[Лина Сакс · Rating 3 out of 5]

И все умерли
Это не рецензия, это высказывание моего недоумения.

Начало цикла отличное, и вот это вот выстраивание быта то, что я как раз искала на чтение, ну пальчики оближешь, хорошо написано. Логично и появление героини в неизвестном мире, не с бухты-барахты, и знания всего в голове откуда пришли понятно, и откуда, скажем так, гонор у человека, в разумных пределах, без истерик, бестактности, все просто на ура.

Но вот как бы последняя книга цикла "Цена счастья"... Ее надо было назвать "И все умерли". Там просто сплошной поток мертвецов в какой-то момент организовался. И концовка, не сам эпилог, а как жизнь графини продолжилась и тут глаз дергается. Сильная женщина плачет у окна - это понятно, тут претензий нет, есть претензии к автору, который героиню как бы без любви оставил. Тут не цена счастья, тут отсутствие счастья, как бы все хорошо, но то того нет, то другого и куча человек дополнительно вздыхает и страдает.

Больше всего меня взбеленила, конечно же, смерть графа. Про него отдельный разговор будет, но губы я поджала, на Анелии Уэльстерской. Это что было? Ты автор, ты ведь знаешь, что она глупая девчонка, ты зачем ей такую судьбу устраиваешь, за что? За то, что ты сама ее мужа грохнула? Ведь это ты зачем-то написала, что люди взяли и просто пришли на место встречи, умные люди, воины, знали что может быть ловушка и не проверили округу? В смысле? Любовь любовью, а война по расписанию, просто необходимо было проверить, что стрелы в тебя не прилетят, тем более в таком удобном месте. И как бы еще вопросики, почему никто не удивился, что принцесса знает, где выход у золотарей? Никаких подозрений, не? Ну-ну. Ну ладно, по твоей задумке, девочка должна пропасть, шевалье убит, потому что там у тебя другие интриги и всякое такое, но ведь ты как автор, могла девчонке помочь, сколько ей там, пятнадцать-шестнадцать? Ну, или чуть больше и ты ее на корабль закинула, где ее к��ждый день насилуют. Отличное решение. Это может и было бы решение, если бы девочка действительно интриговала, но она каждый день свой считай жила в страхе и не любви, и она мелкая!, и концовка вот такая у ее жизни, еще ведь не факт, что ее довезут, что ее пользованную кто-то хороший купит, потому что никому не нужна пользованная девчонка, которую тр...ать можно на свой страх и риск, если ты понимаешь, что ее кораблем имели, там нет разницы только ли офицеры или нет. То есть, или в бордель пойдет, или на тяжелые работы, ну может не тяжелые, но не в богатый дом, потому что там чистых брать предпочитали, без возможных болезней. Так ее судьбу просто нельзя было решать. Это низко.

Ради любопытства я посмотрела, что можно было написать дальше в цикле, есть же еще что-то около шести книг. Следующая For the King. Книга уже не печаталась в издательстве, она уже самиздат в типографии. И там неожиданно граф Иртон жив... Можно озадачится и поискать с какого перепуга он живой, так-то это радостно, я люблю, когда герои не помирают во славу задумки автора, а находят свое счастье, я поэтому книги Svyatoslav Albireo люблю, там всех счастье найдет и это приятно. Но я озадачиваться не стала, просто пробежала несколько страниц взглядом и точно понимаю, не может так быть, потому что автор конкретно описала что было с графиней в конце Цены Счастья и там как не крути не помещается живой граф Иртон. Радостно за него, но не помещается. Зачем ты вообще его убила, если у тебя идей, что было дальше, море и все с ним? Я честно думала, ее издательство заставило, ну не знаю, долго пишет, а у них конец контракта или еще какие-то заморочки, ну там, продажи маленькие. И я посмотрела не издательский текст, а черновой вариант какой нашла, не, там тоже граф Иртон почил и концовка о том, что графа нет очень явная. У меня только: "Зачем?" и "Как?". Глупо, глупо делать такую концовку, если ты планируешь еще книги про героиню и героя и он еще и активный герой, а не кашку ест перетертую с ложечки в какой-нибудь башне, но зато живой.

Для меня Цена Счастья - разочарование, вот за обрубание концов - разочарование.

[Veronica245 · Rating 4 out of 5]

После всей серии которую я прочитала наверное за неделю(не прослушала а прочитала) осталось очень двоякое послевкусие. Она мне определённо понравилась, чему и следует то что я её проглотила, но мои ожидания совершенно не оправдались. Для меня лично автор хорошо и увлекательно пишет, кто то может сказать ой тут нет красивого литературного языка, мне плевать на это совершенно, Сара Маас тоже не имеет красивого литературного языка, но читаются ее книги на одном дыхании в сколько раз там герои рычат и шипят, мне абсолютно все равно. Есть авторы которые красиво описывают что и как делают их герои но читается это абсолютно пресно и скучно. Но проблема с этой серией это то что она выпущена под неправильным форматом, опять же это не ромфант, по сравнению с этим даже Демина ромфант, там хоть все и мрачно но таки присутствуют какие-то отношения. Тут же отношений нет, и счастья в конце ну как бы вроде все и хорошо но не так как надо, когда человек берет в руки книгу с такой обложкой, то есть определённые ожидания, и очень часто эти ожидания они нужны в этот момент, нужно чтоб была любовь, было счастье было все хорошо, так как новости в данный момент просто устрашающие. А тут конец возможно самый логически вероятный но не тот что надо, не нужен нам читателям ромфанта логический реализм, для этого есть куча других жанров! Я же желаю сказку! И уже мне было к пятой книге все равно, граф это или герцог или принц! Ну хоть кто то! То что выбрала Лиля было слишком прагматично, слишком жизненно, слишком реально, нафиг надо! Сказка где?!?! А то что произошло с графом это вообще полный слив построенного в течении четырёх книг персонажа!

[Mina Purser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad I stumbled on to this series. I have read all the books, and found them to be both a challenge and a joy. I didn't realize until the second book that these have been translated from Russian, that explained a lot! The story, and the phrasing, doesn't make sense at times. Clearly some details were lost or changed during translation, but if you continue reading, the main point of the story is clear. There are many characters with similar names and titles. Over the course of the series, they become confusing at times. I often had to remind myself who they were, what family they belonged to, what country they were from, and how they were connected to Lillian. This was the most challenging part of the series! I was very impressed with the time hop aspect of the series, and interested in the different items she decided to introduce. Also the medical information she chose to introduce at that time seemed appropriate and not too sensational. I rarely read anything from this time period or genre, but I'm glad I came across this series and decided to give it a try. A nice change from the other works of fiction i have read this year.