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Sky Nymph #5
Blessed
Following the angel's light, I leave everything behind, and walk into your arms.
When Rhys Saint Michel rescues a child from an abusive home, his quiet life as a lawyer in a small coastal town in Brittany is changed forever. Acting according to the child's grandfather's will, he transports the boy to a boarding school in North Wales, but in securing the boy's safety Rhys loses everything: his family, his job, and even his country.
Rhys doesn't regret saving the little boy, but now that Emrys is safely at the boarding school, Rhys is left alone and forced to start completely over from nothing, having lost everything he had worked for. In an even smaller town, Rhys must learn a new language and build a new life.
His one saving grace is a Welshman named Gethin, a social worker at the boarding school who corresponded with Rhys throughout the years it took to get little Emrys to safety. Bright sunshine to Rhys' softer clouds, Gethin is a boisterous storyteller, and believes in the mythological heritage of Wales and the magic of an older world. Now Rhys is Gethin's roommate, and at seeing Rhys' loneliness, Gethin takes charge in helping Rhys learn Welsh and adjust to his new home.
They fall fast together, soon becoming best friends, and as the months pass Rhys begins to realize that the feeling in his chest is of him handing over his heart to Gethin's gentle care. On a night when the veil between worlds is thin, and monsters and benevolent creatures alike roam the streets, Gethin confesses his secret, that he too has been harboring tender and sincere feelings. Though the world may be cruel, they hide away in each other. Guided by the blessed light surrounding them like an angel's wings, Rhys finds his home in Gethin's arms.
Blessed is a 45,000 MM romance with magical realism, a little boy who speaks to angels, a boarding school of rambunctious boys, and a best friend who becomes beloved. Although Blessed takes place in the same magical Europe as the Augarten and Sky Nymph series, it can be read as a standalone.
When Rhys Saint Michel rescues a child from an abusive home, his quiet life as a lawyer in a small coastal town in Brittany is changed forever. Acting according to the child's grandfather's will, he transports the boy to a boarding school in North Wales, but in securing the boy's safety Rhys loses everything: his family, his job, and even his country.
Rhys doesn't regret saving the little boy, but now that Emrys is safely at the boarding school, Rhys is left alone and forced to start completely over from nothing, having lost everything he had worked for. In an even smaller town, Rhys must learn a new language and build a new life.
His one saving grace is a Welshman named Gethin, a social worker at the boarding school who corresponded with Rhys throughout the years it took to get little Emrys to safety. Bright sunshine to Rhys' softer clouds, Gethin is a boisterous storyteller, and believes in the mythological heritage of Wales and the magic of an older world. Now Rhys is Gethin's roommate, and at seeing Rhys' loneliness, Gethin takes charge in helping Rhys learn Welsh and adjust to his new home.
They fall fast together, soon becoming best friends, and as the months pass Rhys begins to realize that the feeling in his chest is of him handing over his heart to Gethin's gentle care. On a night when the veil between worlds is thin, and monsters and benevolent creatures alike roam the streets, Gethin confesses his secret, that he too has been harboring tender and sincere feelings. Though the world may be cruel, they hide away in each other. Guided by the blessed light surrounding them like an angel's wings, Rhys finds his home in Gethin's arms.
Blessed is a 45,000 MM romance with magical realism, a little boy who speaks to angels, a boarding school of rambunctious boys, and a best friend who becomes beloved. Although Blessed takes place in the same magical Europe as the Augarten and Sky Nymph series, it can be read as a standalone.
- GenresMagic
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2022
14 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 20, 2022
The good
+ Rhys being the best dad ever
+ Rhys and Gethin both openly admitting from the start they're looking for a real relationship, not a fling
+ Emrys and his love for Rhys and all the other good people
+ How (almost) everyone took Emrys seriously, instead of treating him like a baby
+ Gethin being so open and honest about his wants and needs
+ Dylan
+ Emrys' letter
+ Emrys' chosen name
+ Religion not being used as a tool for homophobia, but as something beautiful
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o The backstory with who was related to whom, and who was friends with whom, was very complicated and took me a while to understand
o I still don't know what "crying angel tears" means
The bad
- Sometimes, the amount of information on folklore and religion was so high, it felt like I was reading a textbook
- Rhys had trouble understanding Gethin's Welsh sometimes when they were having conversations about their relationship, but the info dumps about history and legends and magic that I had trouble understanding in English went without a hitch
I think this story was very cute and magical. I wonder if I'd have understood the lore better had I read the other books in the series, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Would definitely recommend if you want a sweet romance with an adoptive father to a very special boy, a touch of magic, and a dose of religion and spirituality.
+ Rhys being the best dad ever
+ Rhys and Gethin both openly admitting from the start they're looking for a real relationship, not a fling
+ Emrys and his love for Rhys and all the other good people
+ How (almost) everyone took Emrys seriously, instead of treating him like a baby
+ Gethin being so open and honest about his wants and needs
+ Dylan
+ Emrys' letter
+ Emrys' chosen name
+ Religion not being used as a tool for homophobia, but as something beautiful
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o The backstory with who was related to whom, and who was friends with whom, was very complicated and took me a while to understand
o I still don't know what "crying angel tears" means
The bad
- Sometimes, the amount of information on folklore and religion was so high, it felt like I was reading a textbook
- Rhys had trouble understanding Gethin's Welsh sometimes when they were having conversations about their relationship, but the info dumps about history and legends and magic that I had trouble understanding in English went without a hitch
I think this story was very cute and magical. I wonder if I'd have understood the lore better had I read the other books in the series, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Would definitely recommend if you want a sweet romance with an adoptive father to a very special boy, a touch of magic, and a dose of religion and spirituality.
August 12, 2022
This book takes place in the Augarten world, but decades before those books. However, this book is really important to that series, because it develops a foundation for the world. It was truly lovely to see it and get a new look at the world.
Normally, these books are very heavily spiritual and mystical. This one does have that aspect, but it is not as prevalent as in the Augarten books, but that goes back to the whole foundation of the world, and we get to really see where the mysticism started.
Myrddin Emrys is a true joy, and I really like how he saw the world.
Rhys is an incredibly strong and loving man. He sacrificed so much to get Emrys safely to Wales, but he gained so much more. He is just good to his core.
Gethin is a beautiful and calming presence. He just seemed to know what to do and how to help. He and Rhys are perfect togather.
Robert is this strong foundation that everyone could build on.
All in all, a wonderful addition to this world.
Normally, these books are very heavily spiritual and mystical. This one does have that aspect, but it is not as prevalent as in the Augarten books, but that goes back to the whole foundation of the world, and we get to really see where the mysticism started.
Myrddin Emrys is a true joy, and I really like how he saw the world.
Rhys is an incredibly strong and loving man. He sacrificed so much to get Emrys safely to Wales, but he gained so much more. He is just good to his core.
Gethin is a beautiful and calming presence. He just seemed to know what to do and how to help. He and Rhys are perfect togather.
Robert is this strong foundation that everyone could build on.
All in all, a wonderful addition to this world.
August 13, 2022
Good grief. Whenever I read a Charlie Godwyne novel I always end up blubbering all over the place which is generally disconcerting to my dogs, Lily and Izzie. However, it is always worth it. Blessed, like the other books in this Sky Nymph series (as well as the Augarten series), elicits tears from reading some of the heartrending moments. But most of the tears for me, came from the joy of this story which left me with feelings of some sort of inner well-being.
As in other Godwyne novels, we see that just as some people manifest evil, others exude a genuine selflessness, goodness, and kindness. Both exist in this world and sometimes we have choices to make.
One very important thing that helped me understand the story is something called magical ethics, which the author explains at the beginning of the book. We all have different beliefs and need to respect the beliefs of others, which are just as powerful for them as whatever our beliefs are. There is magic, and it is powerful. There are guardian angels. There are things that are perhaps difficult for us to understand. I assure anyone who reads this book (and you should) you really don't need to be particularly concerned about any of the above in order to completely enjoy this read.
A delightful surprise in reading Blessed, is that the character of Michel, who plays an important role in the first book of the Augarten series (Equinox) is at the center of this book as a young child. However, Blessed can be enjoyed and easily read as a standalone. For me, I was happy to read Equinox first...and then Blessed, because it allowed me to say OH MY GOODNESS and it put a very big smile in my heart.
The Augarten series I think will never be dated and will be, at the very least, a classic read in this genre. The Sky Nymph series books are in the same universe but can be read as standalones. All of the books have quite a bit of non-gratuitous sexy time. Blessed, as in all of the other books, weaves love...in all forms, into each storyline. The bottom line is, read this book.
As in other Godwyne novels, we see that just as some people manifest evil, others exude a genuine selflessness, goodness, and kindness. Both exist in this world and sometimes we have choices to make.
One very important thing that helped me understand the story is something called magical ethics, which the author explains at the beginning of the book. We all have different beliefs and need to respect the beliefs of others, which are just as powerful for them as whatever our beliefs are. There is magic, and it is powerful. There are guardian angels. There are things that are perhaps difficult for us to understand. I assure anyone who reads this book (and you should) you really don't need to be particularly concerned about any of the above in order to completely enjoy this read.
A delightful surprise in reading Blessed, is that the character of Michel, who plays an important role in the first book of the Augarten series (Equinox) is at the center of this book as a young child. However, Blessed can be enjoyed and easily read as a standalone. For me, I was happy to read Equinox first...and then Blessed, because it allowed me to say OH MY GOODNESS and it put a very big smile in my heart.
The Augarten series I think will never be dated and will be, at the very least, a classic read in this genre. The Sky Nymph series books are in the same universe but can be read as standalones. All of the books have quite a bit of non-gratuitous sexy time. Blessed, as in all of the other books, weaves love...in all forms, into each storyline. The bottom line is, read this book.
August 11, 2022
This was a sweet and an easy read for me. It was unlike most of the books I have read which was a nice shift. There are times when I just need some books that are sweet and easy. I didn’t realize it was a book in the “Sky Nymph” series. I am intrigued about the first 4 books which I plan to remedy soon.
The story focuses on Rhys a young man who has lost his job, his family, and his country by taking this young boy named Emrys to safety. Emrys’ mother and grandmother were very cruel to him (thankfully it wasn’t described in the book but the implying was there). Rhys and Emrys traveled to North Wales so Emrys could be safe and attend school. While there, Rhys fell in love with the school social worker named Gethin and started a relationship. You’d need to pick up the book if you want to know whether the relationship continues between Rhys and Gethin and how Emrys comes out of all of this.
The story focuses on Rhys a young man who has lost his job, his family, and his country by taking this young boy named Emrys to safety. Emrys’ mother and grandmother were very cruel to him (thankfully it wasn’t described in the book but the implying was there). Rhys and Emrys traveled to North Wales so Emrys could be safe and attend school. While there, Rhys fell in love with the school social worker named Gethin and started a relationship. You’d need to pick up the book if you want to know whether the relationship continues between Rhys and Gethin and how Emrys comes out of all of this.
August 9, 2022
Definitely an interesting book-it starts off with such a sad story. Rhys is in such a bad spot trying to protect Emrys who is such a bright, sweet character. With providence on their side, he is able to get him to safety in Wales and faced with new challenges and uncertainty about his decisions. Enter Gethin who is such a great character. He is wonderfully written with a mix of confidence in magic and his job and uncertainty when it comes to Rhys. Rhys and Gethin have such a sweet dynamic and it’s a great read to see their relationship develop. The backdrop of magic and religion give it a spirituality without being judgmental or overbearing.
I’m definitely interested in reading the rest of the series. The author handles delicate topics with care and sensitivity and although discussed, incidents take place off page. I received an early copy of the book from GRR and this is my honest and fair review.
I’m definitely interested in reading the rest of the series. The author handles delicate topics with care and sensitivity and although discussed, incidents take place off page. I received an early copy of the book from GRR and this is my honest and fair review.
August 9, 2022
A SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENING!
I never read the previous books as this is a new to me author, however I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I read a few reviews and it said the magic was downplayed in this story, however magic is how you perceive it. It can be spiritual as this is how I see the author bringing it to light in this story, or it can be magical as in fairy tales and myths or legends.....
This is a story about finding your true religion whether it be spiritual or magical and realising how blessed you are to be able to see everything from the perspective of a precious autistic soul like Emrys and how he was the catalyst to Rhys and Gethin finding their true magic and mending Robert's broken heart and soul!
It was an aw-inspiring story with great characters and wonderful world building!
I never read the previous books as this is a new to me author, however I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I read a few reviews and it said the magic was downplayed in this story, however magic is how you perceive it. It can be spiritual as this is how I see the author bringing it to light in this story, or it can be magical as in fairy tales and myths or legends.....
This is a story about finding your true religion whether it be spiritual or magical and realising how blessed you are to be able to see everything from the perspective of a precious autistic soul like Emrys and how he was the catalyst to Rhys and Gethin finding their true magic and mending Robert's broken heart and soul!
It was an aw-inspiring story with great characters and wonderful world building!
August 11, 2022
Blessed was sooo freakin good! It’s best read along with the Sky Nymph series. Rhys loses everything to save a small child. Gethin was a pen pal of sorts while Rhys was trying to get Emrys safely to boarding school. Now he’s alone and living with Gethin as a roommate. They become fast friends blossoming into more. Everything about this story was amazing! Loved Emrys, loved Rhys and Gethin, loved the magical world the author has built! Fantastic world building! Overall, fantastic! Well written with nice pacing that didn’t let me go!
August 12, 2022
The world building in this is absolutely unbelievable, Charlie Godwyne always delivers in that department but this is above and beyond. Familiar places are wrapped in a dreamy magical web where you absolutely believe the veil between worlds can be breached for good or ill. Into this world comes Rhys who epitomizes the saying, "No good deed goes unpunished". As he slowly pieces a new life together with the help of Gethin, we get to see a real friendship develop, one that provides a perfect foundation for a true love.
August 5, 2022
3.5 stars
I think I was expecting something a little bit different and while it was still an enjoyable read, after reading the blurb I was expecting more.
I loved Rhys and the love he had for Emrys. Emrys really was his son in all but name. Everything he did, he did with Emrys in mind and for his benefit. He gave up a lot but at the same time it didn't sound like he was actually happy in his other life.
Gethin was lovely, he was so considerate and I enjoyed his pleasing personality. I felt his loneliness at times and the great joy he felt at having that someone special.
Emrys was a well portrayed character. There were times I thought he was acting too old for his character but then he would do something and revert back to the child again. I enjoyed his relationships with the men in his life. I did kind of feel sorry for Rhys that he took Roberts last name and became part of his family.
It was a slow moving book, that didn't bore me but it just felt like not a lot happened. I expected some blow back from Emrys mother but nothing, she really just became a hollow character who did bad things to her child.
*** Arc provided by GRR. This is my honest review ***
I think I was expecting something a little bit different and while it was still an enjoyable read, after reading the blurb I was expecting more.
I loved Rhys and the love he had for Emrys. Emrys really was his son in all but name. Everything he did, he did with Emrys in mind and for his benefit. He gave up a lot but at the same time it didn't sound like he was actually happy in his other life.
Gethin was lovely, he was so considerate and I enjoyed his pleasing personality. I felt his loneliness at times and the great joy he felt at having that someone special.
Emrys was a well portrayed character. There were times I thought he was acting too old for his character but then he would do something and revert back to the child again. I enjoyed his relationships with the men in his life. I did kind of feel sorry for Rhys that he took Roberts last name and became part of his family.
It was a slow moving book, that didn't bore me but it just felt like not a lot happened. I expected some blow back from Emrys mother but nothing, she really just became a hollow character who did bad things to her child.
*** Arc provided by GRR. This is my honest review ***
August 10, 2022
This book blends magical, mystical, and spiritual elements to tell an emotionally powerful story. Rhys’ care for Emrys is profound, as are the sacrifices he makes for him. What builds between Rhys and Gethin is full of gentleness, warmth, and wonder, and as a result it’s very easy to care about all of these characters. The narrative moves slowly but surely, and it’s all-in-all the kind of reading experience that gets more compelling as it goes on— if you’re like me, you’ll start off interested and end up emotionally invested.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 10, 2022
Well written story about magic and myth. I loved how Rhys rescued Emrys from abuse, and considered him as his own. The love story between Rhys, and Gethin was beautifully done, their ending a well deserved happy one. What I didn't care for was the information dump about Welsh myth, I know it was relevant to the story, but it could've been presented in a less 'textbooky' way. Some lovely emotions described in the story though. 3 and a half stars.
August 10, 2022
This is the story of Rhys and Gethin. It is the 5th book in the Sky Nymph series. It is a wonderful world that was created by the author and I loved that Rhys and Gethin were friends first. Their love story is written beautifully and in a way that you feel all they feel. The characters, main and secondary are amazing. Looking forward to what is coming next. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
August 11, 2022
He saves a young child from a life of an abusive home. He loses everything but he is not worried as he is happy that he has saved them. He now needs to learn a new language and a new way to live. How will he get on? Will he finds love? See how he gets on in this delightful tale
August 11, 2022
WOW this is very emotional and powerful story that draws you in with mystery and magic. When all seen lost their is the light around the corner that bring our characters together
September 20, 2022
So nice
I have read all the Augarten books and Sky Nymph books. This book was so nice to see happiness for Michel. He is such a tragic character in the other books. I enjoyed seeing some happiness in his life. There was also a very happy story between Rhys and Gethin. I read a little at a time to make it last longer.
I have read all the Augarten books and Sky Nymph books. This book was so nice to see happiness for Michel. He is such a tragic character in the other books. I enjoyed seeing some happiness in his life. There was also a very happy story between Rhys and Gethin. I read a little at a time to make it last longer.
August 8, 2022
This is a bit magical, a bit mystical and a bit spiritual. This journey is an emotional one, it has lots of warmth that is a comforting factor. The amount of anxiety it possesses it palpable. Your heart aches for them. As the book concludes the ending is sweet and you almost breathe a sigh of relief as it concludes so happily. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
August 10, 2022
Magical
This is a beautiful and a bit magical story. I enjoyed following Rhys and Gethin's journey together.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.
This is a beautiful and a bit magical story. I enjoyed following Rhys and Gethin's journey together.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.
August 13, 2022
This was such a beautiful story. Sacrifice for the sake of a child. The story was full of love and magic the whole way through. The characters were wonderful. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 3, 2022
This is a book about found family and protecting an innocent. I felt this was well done and the magic aspect is played down.
August 14, 2022
This book has everything. It touches on some very heavy topics but has enough humor and lightness to keep me from devolving into ugly crying. I really love the characters in this book. Gethin and Rhys are super sweet together. I love Robert and his parents Alys and Owen. I love how they all interact with each other as well as how they interact with Myrddin Emrys. Emrys, though, steals my heart through the whole book. Emrys also has one of the best lines ever written - "Weenies from Ostrich." I look forward to the two other books in this world and will definitely miss the characters and this world when this series is complete.
August 15, 2022
Beautifully written and my goodness. Can this author world build. You really do need to read the previous books in the series but don't miss out on this beautifully written world.
December 1, 2022
A RELIGIOUS AWAKENING
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Rhys Saint Michel is a gay man that is so concerned about the welfare of seven-year-old Myrddin Emrys that he spirits him away from France to Wales. The story is steeped in Catholic spirituality along with the pagan gods and their spirits. The story takes the reader through the path of Rhys being accepted as gay, along with the rules, laws, and beliefs of the people in the 1980s. The journey of everyone in this book makes this reader believe that there is spiritual love for everyone no matter their beliefs or customs.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Rhys Saint Michel is a gay man that is so concerned about the welfare of seven-year-old Myrddin Emrys that he spirits him away from France to Wales. The story is steeped in Catholic spirituality along with the pagan gods and their spirits. The story takes the reader through the path of Rhys being accepted as gay, along with the rules, laws, and beliefs of the people in the 1980s. The journey of everyone in this book makes this reader believe that there is spiritual love for everyone no matter their beliefs or customs.
December 1, 2022
I don’t quite know how to describe this book. It’s labeled as a standalone story and it is, but it’s also an offshoot story to the Augarten series and can be read either way. It is just as magical and lyrical as the rest of Charlie Godwyne’s writing. I enjoyed learning more about Rhys and Gethin and how they meet and fall in love and to see how Emrys is saved from his mother and begins to thrive. A lovely story and I mean that in the best possible way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2023
I loved Blessed by Charlie Godwyne. It's the fifth book in the Sky Nymph series. I loved Myrddin Emrys and how Rhys got him away from his abusive mom and got him to safety by delivering him to a boarding school in North Wales that Emerys's grandfather and his best friend, Robert, had gone to. I also loved the love story between Gethin and Rhys and how they had to keep it on the down low because of Gethin's job at the boarding school. I also loved all of the Welsh folklore, mythologies, and traditions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 27, 2022
Blessed focuses on the story of Rhys, a young man who has lost everything in his effort to get the young Emrys to safety. Emrys's family were horrifically cruel to him. Rhys, wanting to save him from more harm. decides to take him to his pen pal Gethin, who is also a social worker in North Wales so that he can be safe and attend a good school. Rhys and Gethin's connection deepens and they slowly fall in love. An intensely emotional ready that will have your heart melting.
August 17, 2025
M/M Standalone romance in a fantasy world. Does have child abuse off-page. Quick read.
January 26, 2025
2.5 stars
A bit too meandering for my tastes, there's very little plot and yet also little character or relationship development. The bulk of the story was bogged down in spiritual happenings, which admittedly I know are not my thing, and I knew before reading that they were the premise of this book. YMMV.
A bit too meandering for my tastes, there's very little plot and yet also little character or relationship development. The bulk of the story was bogged down in spiritual happenings, which admittedly I know are not my thing, and I knew before reading that they were the premise of this book. YMMV.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews