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Crowns Legacy #2

Embracing the Outcast

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Crowns Legacy, Book Two: a gentle royal romance

It seems she isn’t what most young gentlemen are looking for.


Now that Princess Eunice of Diachona has come of age, she has much more to study, and a new weight sits on her compassionate shoulders. Her late mother was an admirable ruler, but Eunice can hardly see herself thriving in the political arena. In fact, she doesn't think many people see her at all, especially not would-be suitors who often bypass quiet Eunice to pursue ladies they find more attractive.

So when Eunice meets a serious, gifted artist who expresses his desire for her company, she isn't sure if his interest in her is romantic or simply artistic. And why does this young man seem to be as saddened by Eunice as he is drawn to her?

Enjoy this romantic tale from another time, in a fictional world.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2019

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22 people want to read

About the author

Nadine C. Keels

46 books245 followers
Nadine. A French name, meaning, "hope."
Her lifelong passion for the power of story makes reading and writing an adventure for Nadine C. Keels. She’s driven to write the kinds of stories she’s always wanted to read but couldn’t always find, featuring diverse and uncommon lead characters in a medley of genres.

Through her books and her blogs (Prismatic Prospects, Gentle Reads Fiction, and Selectively Gritty Fiction), Nadine aims to spark hope and inspiration in as many people as she can reach.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Courtney Ranger.
Author 2 books71 followers
May 22, 2023
Find the full review here: https://penspagesandpulses.wordpress....

Embracing the Outcast is a book about accepting that even though none of us are perfect, we are all beautiful in the eyes of God.

Eunice is a sweet, shy princess who wants to help her kingdom, while staying out of the spotlight. She feels she will never measure up when compared to her mother and sisters, which I found relatable since I am from a relatively large family myself.

Juwell is a painter trying to discover his purpose after being denied entrance into his country’s army. He has the admirable ability to see the beauty in all of God’s creations – that is, all of God’s creations except for himself.

Overall, I would have preferred it if this book had a bit faster pacing. Other than that, I don’t really have any complaints!

You should read this if you:
*struggle with understanding your divine worth
*enjoy clean romance
*love and value family

Content:
Language: N/A
Sex: no explicit sex scenes, a few kisses throughout the book
Violence: N/A
Other:

I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for AnnaScott.
453 reviews74 followers
September 10, 2020
A couple of months ago, I got the opportunity to review Reviving the Commander, the first book in Nadine's Crown Legacy series. I loved it, and was so excited to see that she requested a review for the sequel, Embracing the Outcast.

To start off with, I love series that focus on different characters, while still giving you updates on the original characters. It was really interesting to see Opal interacting with Eunice and the rest of the royal family, and get glimpses into her new life as a part of this family. It's just a satisfying confirmation that the 'happily ever after' ending is still in tact.

Moving on to Eunice, she played a small role in Embracing the Outcast, and she intrigued me in the little bit that I saw her. She defies a lot of stereotypes - her body shape is rounder (or as she describes it, "cuddly"), she does not like a lot of attention, and tends to be more reserved. But at the same time she has a huge heart, and genuinely cares about everyone from her family to the villagers. This is one of my favorite things about Nadine's writing style in both of her books - her characters are real. They aren't the stereotypical beautiful, slender, confident, intelligent, overall perfect women. They have gray hairs in Opal's case, and a round face in Eunice's. Nadine does a wonderful job removing some of the more common (and often toxic) beauty standards, and reinforces that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and appearances.

This leads me to my absolute favorite part about this book. I can't say much because it would be a massive spoiler, but suffice it to say that there is a huge plot twist at the end. I am not often surprised with these types of things, but I had to go back and re-read it to make sure I read it right. Nadine continues her theme of beauty in all shapes and sizes, but takes it even further to reinforce the value of all people regardless of what they can and cannot do.

Overall, I have no complaints other than echoing what I said about Embracing the Outcast, which was simply that it was too short. Everything was clean, enjoyable to read, and contained an important message for readers to take away.

I received a copy of this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Karen (BaronessBookTrove).
1,131 reviews109 followers
January 24, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Embracing the Outcast by Nadine C. Keels is an awe-inspiring tale about two people falling in love in two different social backgrounds.
Can Eunice get Juwell to see that she loves him for him?
Princess Eunice
Eunice is the third born and the second princess to Diachona. She is a carefully crafted character, especially with who her love interest is. Eunice is a woman who many people have overlooked but not Juwell, and she never saw herself as beautiful. She is an awesome character who grows throughout from being this shy lady who doesn't think of herself as beautiful until she meets Juwell, who makes her see that she is a beautiful woman.

I like Eunice because she studies and tries to understand things that she should know as a princess. Especially if she were to go over to a different country to make nice with their rulers, I like this about her because Eunice also makes Juwell realize that he is and that he shouldn't take to heart what his parents have told him. I didn't find anything to dislike about her.
Juwell
Embracing the Outcast RCJuwell is the love interest to Princess Eunice. Unlike any male love interest that I have read before, he is a good thing, I think. The author does a great job of telling Juwell's backstory in this wonderfully written tale. When we first met him in Reviving the Commander, I could tell that he still had a story to be told, and I wasn't fooled by thinking that. Juwell is an artist who tells a lot through his paintings or sketches or whatever it is that he is doing art-wise that was around back then. There is a lot of emotions that the characters go through in this story.

I like Juwell because he tries not to tell his story unless he feels like he needs to, but even then, Juwell doesn't want to be looked down upon like he isn't worthy of affection. We see a lot of growth from Juwell in this book, especially from how different he is from the first book.
4 Stars
Embracing the Outcast by Nadine C. Keels is a delightful second book to this series. I loved seeing Staid and Opal again and seeing the love grow for Juwell and Eunice. Two people that never thought that they deserved love... find it in each other. I love how they both make each other feel worthy and beautiful how they looked when they didn't think so before meeting each other. Ms. Keels wrote another sublime book worthy of four stars and a recommendation to anyone who wants to read a historical royal romance.


First Book in the Series

Reviving the Commander by Nadine C. Keels


Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Embracing the Outcast by Nadine C. Keels.

Until the next time,

Karen Signature

Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

Profile Image for Milla Holt.
Author 26 books81 followers
December 6, 2019
The only reason I gave this book four stars instead of five was because I found the opening a bit slow. But when it took off... wow. Nadine is a hugely talented writer, able to describe settings, action and emotion with a vividness that makes them pop off the page and grab you by the gut. I actually had to put the book down several times, just to smile at how she expressed herself. The story deals with a huge theme, one which took a lot of courage for an inspirational romance author to write about. But it was a story that needed to be told. I love how she approached it, and these are two characters who absolutely deserve their happily-ever-after.
Author 2 books2 followers
June 3, 2020
Princess Eunice is an intelligent, determined, and caring young lady. Yet, she doubts she can fulfill her royal duties as well as her late mother Queen Constance. Being taken advantage of by men further convinces the young royal to withdraw from society. Her reclusiveness seems permanent until she met Juwell, an artist, while volunteering at a local orphanage. The two are instantly taken with each other, and their friendship quickly develops into romance. She invites him to have supper with her family, and he invites her to a festival in his village. By spending time with each other, they discover common interests: a belief in God, dancing, and the ability to easily associate with others of different social rank.
Their love seems perfect until Princess Eunice, following the advice of her sister Princess Laurel, attempts to confirm how Juwell feels about her. Moreover, she is brave enough to satisfy her curiosity. Though Juwell has been frank about his past, he resists revealing a secret that could destroy their relationship. Ultimately, their future as a couple depends on who has the strongest willpower, and whether they can be honest with each other.
Embracing the Outcast reveals how true love is achieved by valuing the person underneath the appealing exterior and the qualities that are vital for a healthy relationship. Princess Eunice embodies the title of the book by stepping outside of her privileged lifestyle to interact with children who did not have a loving home, and by accepting a man who was rejected by his parents.
A free copy of this book was exchanged in return for an honest review.
1,324 reviews11 followers
July 2, 2020
This book was rolling along, seemed your average romance brewing between a princess and an artist who wasn’t worthy of her and then bam! Three-fourths of the way through Juwells drops a bomb I NEVER saw coming. It actually made me want to go back and reread the book with this new perspective.

I can’t say, or even hint, too much at what the revelation is but it would be something a Christian might struggle with. I even played mental gymnastics with this revelation and did some research this morning on what is revealed. It was an interesting situation that I can’t even imagine dealing with or the heartache people who deal with this issue must face.

I have read a few of Nadine’s book and have enjoyed them all. They are a bit different and that is what makes them interesting. Not to mention, this was a quick read.

A copy of this book was given to me by the author. All opinions are my own.
219 reviews9 followers
April 12, 2023
I'm not sure what to say here. The author seems to have set out to present a story of God's creative beauty, and the pull on my heart says she succeeded.
Profile Image for Laurin.
159 reviews10 followers
March 29, 2022
Embracing the Outcast is another lovely read from Nadine C. Keels. It’s a story with heart: a story that both grants you an escape into a different world for a time and makes you evaluate the world around you.
Profile Image for The Book and Beauty Blog.
205 reviews27 followers
February 10, 2020
*This book was sent to me for review purposes by the author. All opinions are my own.

This book picks up where Reviving the Commander left off with Staid Alexander’s daughter, Eunice. I say this in every review I do for books by this author but her stories are such a unique blend of genres. The genre that they’re in is inspirational historical fantasy. This is not specifically a Christian, historical or fantasy story. Keels has created her own world and time period. There are some Christian undertones but nothing that would be off putting to non-Christians. These books also have a historical and fantasy feel to them but they’re not set in any specific time period or real location. I feel like this allows for a wide variety of readers to enjoy her books.

I went into this book expecting to love it and I was not disappointed. When I first started reading, I assumed it was going to be a light and fluffy romance but I was so wrong. Keels always weaves some kind of drama into her stories but it’s never the typical, romantic drama. There are no love triangles or overused tropes here, just problems that people face in real life. The main character, Eunice, and her love interest, Juwell, don’t instantly fall in love. They have to work at their relationship and overcome some very real obstacles. I much prefer reading about a complicated romance over insta-love.

Another aspect of Keels’ books that I love is the inclusion of characters of many different races and characters with health issues that aren’t common. These aren’t just side characters, but main ones, and I love that kind of representation in fiction. Her books are filled with positivity and that’s something everyone can benefit from.

For other reviews, go to https://thebookandbeautyblog.com/
Profile Image for Kimmie.
531 reviews24 followers
January 9, 2020
This is the second time I have had the pleasure of reading a book by Nadine C. Keels. It is book two in her Crowns Legacy series titled Embracing the Outcast; it can be read as a standalone, although I still recommend reading the first book. After reading the first book in the series I was not quite sure what to expect of the second book (as just how many follow up books are as good as the first?). I had high hopes for this second book when I started reading and it ended up being so much more than I imagined it would be.

In this story, Nadine C. Keels has such a way with putting words to emotions and feelings that I’ve rarely seen, and she does it subtlety as you get sucked into the character’s lives. I Loved learning about something I was totally unfamiliar with, it was a good learning experience for me. Nadine covers it in a very no-nonsense way and tries to help her characters understand why God does this sometimes. Which I truly found interesting. My favorite quote I think gives a glimpse as to the depth of Nadine’s characters:

“Perhaps it is not given or preferable for everyone to see. They may not all notice or rightly recognize what’s in front of them, but beauty is experienced by those with the capacity to perceive and behold it. Those without the capacity or the will to behold beauty are the ones who miss out, and they’re the poorer for it.” -Pg. 115

Nadine C. Keels created characters that had such vivid emotions, and she covered some very difficult topics. Which in the end gave a beautifully written story about how everyone is special and is used by God for His glory. I give this story 5 out of 5 stars for the creativity and research put into making this such a well-crafted story, for the characters I could relate to, and for helping me see things from a different perspective. I highly recommend this book/series and I am so excited to see where Nadine C. Keels goes next with this series.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Profile Image for Rebecca W..
195 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Juwell is an outcast that is ignored by his family and failed out of the army. Eunice feels like an outcast and unable to live up to the expectations of her family and people. This story is as much about accepting ourselves and others as it is a love story.

You do not have to have read Reviving the Commander (Book One in Crown's Legacy) to enjoy this book. Still, I always recommend reading the earlier books to get to know the world and the people in it.

Embracing the Outcast is an easy read that focuses on these two young people finding their way from very different strata of society. Upcoming artist Juwell and Princess Eunice are an unlikely pair that are fun to watch dance around each other. From the halls of the palace to an evening bonfire, the story moves around Topaz, and they grow closer together. At the same time, they learn to accept what makes them unique. Eunice blossoms and begins to stop comparing her accomplishments to that of her mother and siblings. I did not expect the twist in regards to Juwell's past, but it is one that makes you stop and think.

It was also fun to get more insight into the culture of the Eubaltic Realm. The scene at the bonfire shows an entirely different lifestyle from those that take place in the palace.

This book is a quick read, and I could complete it in an evening. For those who have read the other books set in the Eubeltic Realm, old friends make reappearances, and more of the city of Topaz is fleshed out. If you are looking for an engaging, short story, give Embracing the Outcast a try.
Profile Image for Lin.
265 reviews16 followers
November 19, 2019
Beautiful
This is the second book in the Crowns Legacy series. And it's about Eunice, one of the princesses of the realm. And how she overcomes her shyness and insecurities by and through love.

If the first book of this series (Reviving the commander) was special, this book is even more. It is a unique, beautiful and moving love story that talks about acceptance for oneself as for others.

The romance itself was quite cute, pure and honest. I loved Eunice. She has a huge heart and is so adorable and real. Juwell, on the other hand, was such a great guy. He has a sensitive and true heart, yet fragile. That has been beaten by the roughest side of humankind.

It was a well-written book. I really enjoy Nadine's writing style and the beautiful world she has created through her books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
41 reviews
November 30, 2019
Nadine Keels has a wonderful gift of putting words together to make a beautiful story. I loved the book, Embracing the Outcast! I read it several days ago and have been thinking about my review. I wanted to let this wonderful story simmer in my brain and heart for a while before I wrote my review. The most important element in this book is the message that God created mankind to be loved and beautiful. We were created in love and are to show love to all no matter how people look or act.
The characters are authentic and the story is beautiful. My hope is that all who read this novel are moved by the words they read. I know I was!
Profile Image for Alina Bogateanu.
134 reviews28 followers
January 27, 2020
"Embracing the Outcast" is a historical-romantic book and the second book in the Crown Legacy series.

It is a book about Eunice, the daughter of Commander Exemplar Staid. And her relationship with Juwell, a man with a life not many people will understand. I must say it was a shock to me, because I had no idea such things really existed. I had to stop and do some research for myself.

There are also those surprising moments that you never thought about, just like in the first book.


*I received a free copy from the author and was not obliged to leave a review. All opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,289 reviews17 followers
November 17, 2019
I love the Historical Fantasy this author writes so very well. This return to the Eubeltic world is absolutely wonderful. A princess who is discovering herself and a painter who believes he will never be able to have a marriage. My oh my, this is so good. Highly recommend. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for D.
1,069 reviews
November 30, 2019
I was excited about this story because of the historical vibe it had. Embracing The Outcast started out a bit slow, but please stick with it, because Nadine Keels writes in such a way that you can relate to her characters and their experiences. There is an uplifting message within the pages that Christians will love.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,068 reviews35 followers
December 15, 2019
Embracing the Outcast is the second book in the Crowns Legacy series.

I really enjoyed this story that is set in the Eubeltic world. The characters are wonderful and well developed. The storyline is well written and inspirational. The fictional setting is vividly and beautifully described.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Profile Image for Marlene.
449 reviews10 followers
September 23, 2020
Another good read. Love the theme of the story of how each person is fearfully and wonderfully made and the characters realizing that. Beautifully theme wrapped in a lovely story.
Profile Image for Janet.
651 reviews3 followers
June 26, 2023
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but for some reason wasn't so keen on this one.
It was mainly a romance (Which isn't my prefered genre). I enjoyed the first part, but about 3/4 of the way through there was a twist that I didn't see coming, and I felt a bit awkward with it. Can't really explain, but just personal preference. My other thing was that it ended quite abruptly for my liking. I know I have gone against most other reviews I've read, but we are all different. The general premise of this book was good though, to accept and love people who have been outcast, and who are different. I generally don't read Christian Historical Fantasy anyway, but as I enjoyed the first one, I thought I'd give this a go. I read it through KU.
Profile Image for Nadine Keels.
Author 46 books245 followers
Read
December 21, 2024
A panoramic view of a sunrise over rocky hills, with The Movement of Crowns Series boxed set sitting on one hill, and a castle on another hill in the distance

Well! It wasn't in my original plan to write multiple spin-off series from the Movement of Crowns at the same time. But characters make demands that authors must follow. 😉

Reviving the Commander, first in the Crowns Legacy series, picks up about a year after the Movement of Crowns series ends.

A panoramic view of a sunrise over green, rocky hills, with Reviving the Commander sitting on a hill and a castle in the distance

Eubeltic Descent, first in the Eubeltic Realm series, picks up more than a century after the Movement of Crowns series ends.

A panoramic view of a sunset over green, rocky hills, with Eubeltic Descent sitting on a hill and a castle in the distance

While it isn't necessary to read the different series in the order of their chronological histories, it is best to read the books within each series in their numbered order.

There's also Hope Beyond, a series of tales with both distant and close ties to the Eubeltic Realm. These stories can be enjoyed on their own or as companions to the various Eubeltic series. The first one I wrote is Eminence .

A panoramic view of a multicolored sunset over green, rocky hills, with Eminence sitting on a hill and a castle in the distance
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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