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Secrets #2
The Sword and the Secrets
When Julianna’s final mission proves more deadly than she imagined, help comes from the most unlikely of places. Raised in a castle on the remote border of England and Scotland, Lord John Stanton is the last male heir of his royal lineage. He has the responsibility to marry and carry on the family name, but a secret vow to God, after a near-fatal battle wound, could change his future from royal heir to humble servant of the church. His journey to the monastery to become a monk is interrupted when he meets a dangerous, but beautiful, woman who has plans and secrets of her own. Abandoned by her father and raised in an institution as property of the Crown, Julianna Westerfield longs to be free to pursue love and have a family of her own. Trained to be a spy and assassin, she has a chance to earn her freedom by completing this last and most dangerous assignment. Her mission to uncover a murderous plot and the identities of the Black Guard has already cost several agents their lives, and now the assassins are after her. To survive she must depend on a handsome monk and his cantankerous donkey. Was it divine intervention that caused John and Julianna’s paths to cross? Can they put aside their differences and join forces to deliver stolen papers containing vital information to the king in time to save countless lives?
282 pages, Paperback
Published April 12, 2021
42 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 19, 2021
The Sword and the Secrets was an exciting story full of adventure, danger, and romance. It is the second book in the Secrets series and follows the son of the couple from the first book, The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline. It is not necessary to have read book one in order to understand and enjoy book two.
I enjoyed watching these characters work together to bring their information to the King. They battled many people along the way and had to learn to trust each other in order to stay alive.
As John and Julianna spent time together, they began to care for one another. Yet, Julianna was indebted to the Crown as a spy and John had made a vow to serve God, which he believed meant that he needed to become a monk. These were roadblocks to a possible life of love together.
The author did a good job of illustrating that God can use anyone for any purpose and that the plans you believe God has for you may not be what He intends at all. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I enjoyed watching these characters work together to bring their information to the King. They battled many people along the way and had to learn to trust each other in order to stay alive.
As John and Julianna spent time together, they began to care for one another. Yet, Julianna was indebted to the Crown as a spy and John had made a vow to serve God, which he believed meant that he needed to become a monk. These were roadblocks to a possible life of love together.
The author did a good job of illustrating that God can use anyone for any purpose and that the plans you believe God has for you may not be what He intends at all. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
March 17, 2021
The Sword and the Secrets is the second installment from Jan Davis Warren’s exciting Secrets series. I really enjoyed the first book, The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline, and enjoyed this one so much more. It was so very good. I just adored John and Julianna’s story. It had a lot of action, danger, adventure, and romance. I loved every single page and could not put the book down until I was completely finished. I had to find out how it would all end.
I am giving The Sword and the Secrets a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading books Historical Fiction in Medieval era. I am hoping Jan Davis Warren has more coming in the Secrets series in the near future.
I received The Sword and the Secrets from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving The Sword and the Secrets a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading books Historical Fiction in Medieval era. I am hoping Jan Davis Warren has more coming in the Secrets series in the near future.
I received The Sword and the Secrets from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
April 29, 2021
I'm sorry. I genuinely do not relish giving books by other Christian authors and especially ones I agreed to review through Celebrate Lit negative reviews, but I have to be honest.
This book has a good concept, and it was kind of a good story (female spies/agents and a "spy school") but it should not have been Medieval Fiction. I mean it. If it was Fantasy, I could forgive most of what is to come, but it was marketed as Historical Fiction. As such, the bar is set higher.
The mistakes and inaccuracies are so frequent and egregious as to be painful. This novel is meant to be set around the early 13th century (1200s) in the reign of King John.
Yet the characters eat potatoes (from the Americas and not introduced to Europe until the mid 1500s.
Smoke tobacco pipes (ditto)
and drink tea from teapots - even later, tea wasn't introduced to Britain until the 17th century (1600s)
My reaction to the 3rd or 4th reference to a character drinking tea 400 years before tea was even introduced to the British Isles)
Oh, they also drink brandy in decanters, have tea trays, girls go to school, learn in mixed classrooms, and study "science". Castles have studies and Dining rooms, and nobles have fleets of carriages which sound very much like something which should be trundling down the streets of 19th century London.
One of the worst errors was how a character was described as a "Protestant". I mean, I've come to expect Medieval fiction to have a version of Christianity that is more akin to modern American Evangelical Christianity than anything which existed in the Middle Ages, but to actually use the term "Protestant" is something else.
The term did not exist until at least the late 1500s, and it would have been as meaningless to a person in the 13th century as the term American.
I think that what makes the above so unacceptable for me is that these aren't just things only historians or specialist scholars would know. 5 minutes research on Google is enough to find out that there were no potatoes, tobacco or tea in Medieval Europe.
Seriously, there was nothing remotely "Medieval" about this novel, except the characters using swords. Why? I mean no disrespect here, but why set a novel in the Medieval period at all if you're not even going to get the basic details right? Because they get to have cool swords? Yeah, giving them lightsabres and IPhones would not make it anymore inaccurate.
It would have worked as a Regency. It set in the Regency or Victorian Era it would have been great, although one of the leading female characters is a rather hideous Mary Sue. Or Victorian Steampunk fantasy or something. The possibilities are endless. Just not as Medieval historical fiction.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for accepting me on the Blog Tour for this title. I was in no way influenced by them, nor was I required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This book has a good concept, and it was kind of a good story (female spies/agents and a "spy school") but it should not have been Medieval Fiction. I mean it. If it was Fantasy, I could forgive most of what is to come, but it was marketed as Historical Fiction. As such, the bar is set higher.
The mistakes and inaccuracies are so frequent and egregious as to be painful. This novel is meant to be set around the early 13th century (1200s) in the reign of King John.
Yet the characters eat potatoes (from the Americas and not introduced to Europe until the mid 1500s.
Smoke tobacco pipes (ditto)
and drink tea from teapots - even later, tea wasn't introduced to Britain until the 17th century (1600s)
My reaction to the 3rd or 4th reference to a character drinking tea 400 years before tea was even introduced to the British Isles)
Oh, they also drink brandy in decanters, have tea trays, girls go to school, learn in mixed classrooms, and study "science". Castles have studies and Dining rooms, and nobles have fleets of carriages which sound very much like something which should be trundling down the streets of 19th century London.
One of the worst errors was how a character was described as a "Protestant". I mean, I've come to expect Medieval fiction to have a version of Christianity that is more akin to modern American Evangelical Christianity than anything which existed in the Middle Ages, but to actually use the term "Protestant" is something else.
The term did not exist until at least the late 1500s, and it would have been as meaningless to a person in the 13th century as the term American.
I think that what makes the above so unacceptable for me is that these aren't just things only historians or specialist scholars would know. 5 minutes research on Google is enough to find out that there were no potatoes, tobacco or tea in Medieval Europe.
Seriously, there was nothing remotely "Medieval" about this novel, except the characters using swords. Why? I mean no disrespect here, but why set a novel in the Medieval period at all if you're not even going to get the basic details right? Because they get to have cool swords? Yeah, giving them lightsabres and IPhones would not make it anymore inaccurate.
It would have worked as a Regency. It set in the Regency or Victorian Era it would have been great, although one of the leading female characters is a rather hideous Mary Sue. Or Victorian Steampunk fantasy or something. The possibilities are endless. Just not as Medieval historical fiction.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for accepting me on the Blog Tour for this title. I was in no way influenced by them, nor was I required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
April 29, 2021
The Sword and the Secrets is book two in the Secrets Series. I have not read the first book but I didn't feel lost reading this one so I think its safe to say that this could be read as a stand alone. This another book set in Medieval times which is not a genre I typically pick up but it was a good story. There is adventure, danger, action and of course romance! Definitely a captivating story that kept you reading just so you could find out what was going to happen to these characters.
Julianna is a spy and an assassin (definitely gave me Black Widow vibes if you are a Marvel fan!) She was raised in an institution to do just that. In order to earn her freedom she must accomplish one last extremely dangerous mission. We also meet John who is expected to marry but has aspirations of doing the opposite and becoming a monk but instead crosses path with Julianna. They both work together to uncover the truth and of course in the process grow closer to each other.
There are some great twists and turns in this book that make is such a great read. I really liked how the author weaved God through the story. The message of God's plan are greater than ours is very evident as you are reading the story. Overall I thought this was a great book. It was my first by this author and I thought it was well written. I definitely recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction set in Medieval times.
I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Julianna is a spy and an assassin (definitely gave me Black Widow vibes if you are a Marvel fan!) She was raised in an institution to do just that. In order to earn her freedom she must accomplish one last extremely dangerous mission. We also meet John who is expected to marry but has aspirations of doing the opposite and becoming a monk but instead crosses path with Julianna. They both work together to uncover the truth and of course in the process grow closer to each other.
There are some great twists and turns in this book that make is such a great read. I really liked how the author weaved God through the story. The message of God's plan are greater than ours is very evident as you are reading the story. Overall I thought this was a great book. It was my first by this author and I thought it was well written. I definitely recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction set in Medieval times.
I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
March 23, 2021
Since I enjoyed the first book, I just knew the second would hold intrigue and surprises. With every turned page, a spy or counter attack appears as the evil schemes beg for the death of the king and his royal lineage. With so many lives at stake, I wonder how anyone sleeps with death around every corner. Who can the servants and noblemen trust?
Sometimes secrets in our lives become heavy burdens weighing us down with their unrealistic expectations. I’m not about to spill all of mine, but an element of trust needs to exist in our lives: trust in God as the author of the plans He has for each of us, trust in the ones placed in our lives, trust that good will prevail. In The Sword and the Secrets, one wrong move or thought could foil man’s plots and schemes. But God can and does work through our faults and mistakes, and He works them for the good.
I’m looking forward to the next book. I can guess who the main characters will be, but I’ll let you read and determine that for yourself. Happy reading.
Sometimes secrets in our lives become heavy burdens weighing us down with their unrealistic expectations. I’m not about to spill all of mine, but an element of trust needs to exist in our lives: trust in God as the author of the plans He has for each of us, trust in the ones placed in our lives, trust that good will prevail. In The Sword and the Secrets, one wrong move or thought could foil man’s plots and schemes. But God can and does work through our faults and mistakes, and He works them for the good.
I’m looking forward to the next book. I can guess who the main characters will be, but I’ll let you read and determine that for yourself. Happy reading.
March 11, 2021
Such an engaging story! I also read the 1st in this series and this is a great 2nd, but one does not need to have read the 1st in order to read this one. There is so much content and action, and there are so many secrets that it is a delight to read. Loved the flow and the wrap-up to the story. Can't wait for the 3rd.
April 26, 2021
I have said it before, the Medieval time Period is not normally a Genre I normally like to read. I was interested in reading The Sword and the Secrets by Jan Davis Warren, as I had read the first book in the series. The Sword and the Secrets is book 2 in this wonderful series.
Julianna Westerfield is on a mission to free herself and be able to love and have a family of her own. She was raised in an Institution and is now a spy and assassin. She can earn FREEDOM by completing a VERY Dangerous Mission of uncovering a Murderous Plot. Lord John Stanton is the last heir to his family line and expected to marry and carry on the family name. John Stanton has a different plan and wants to become a Monk. Plans and journey to become a Monk are interrupted when he crosses path with Julianna Westerfield. He gets to know Julianna and her Dangerous Mission and he is determined to help her uncover the plot and succeed at her mission. Will Julianna and John succeed at uncovering the Murder Plot? Will they deter danger and stay safe? Will there be a romance for the 2, something they both are wanting from someone?
Jan Davis Warren has another "Page Turner" book! The twists and turns in the story and happenings, it is really hard to put it down once the reader opens the book. Julianna and John both had a path and plan for their separate lives, but it was almost like Destiny bought them together. They are a really great team and I LOVE how the chance meeting led to something more for them. The Historical theme in the book is so intriguing. The Sword and The Secrets is a book of how God's plan is always greater then our plan for life. FANTASTIC BOOK!
Julianna Westerfield is on a mission to free herself and be able to love and have a family of her own. She was raised in an Institution and is now a spy and assassin. She can earn FREEDOM by completing a VERY Dangerous Mission of uncovering a Murderous Plot. Lord John Stanton is the last heir to his family line and expected to marry and carry on the family name. John Stanton has a different plan and wants to become a Monk. Plans and journey to become a Monk are interrupted when he crosses path with Julianna Westerfield. He gets to know Julianna and her Dangerous Mission and he is determined to help her uncover the plot and succeed at her mission. Will Julianna and John succeed at uncovering the Murder Plot? Will they deter danger and stay safe? Will there be a romance for the 2, something they both are wanting from someone?
Jan Davis Warren has another "Page Turner" book! The twists and turns in the story and happenings, it is really hard to put it down once the reader opens the book. Julianna and John both had a path and plan for their separate lives, but it was almost like Destiny bought them together. They are a really great team and I LOVE how the chance meeting led to something more for them. The Historical theme in the book is so intriguing. The Sword and The Secrets is a book of how God's plan is always greater then our plan for life. FANTASTIC BOOK!
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April 20, 2021The Sword and the Secrets is the second book in Jan Davis Warren's Secrets series. Having not read the previous book, I would say that this one seemed to work just fine as a standalone as well.
As I have admitted in the past, medieval fiction is not really my preferred genre in the least. This isn't a book I likely would have picked for myself, nor am I really the target audience. As such, those who DO prefer this type of story are going to get a lot more out of it than I did. That said though, it was an enjoyable story even still. Good storytelling is good storytelling regardless of genre, and the author did just that--- told a good story.
As someone who doesn't read this type of story regularly and who doesn't know much about this period in time, it did not bother me in the slightest that the author chose to keep the historical details to a minimum (due to inconsistencies found during research). While I appreciate a well researched story (and clearly this still was that), I'm also one that doesn't mind some liberties taken for the sake of the story. Those who like those detailed, 100% historically accurate stories may find this bothersome, but hopefully knowing the reason behind that choice will help with that. Either way, I personally found it to be a good blend of adventure and romance to keep the pages turning.
Overall, an entertaining read and one that fans of the medieval time period will surely enjoy most!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
As I have admitted in the past, medieval fiction is not really my preferred genre in the least. This isn't a book I likely would have picked for myself, nor am I really the target audience. As such, those who DO prefer this type of story are going to get a lot more out of it than I did. That said though, it was an enjoyable story even still. Good storytelling is good storytelling regardless of genre, and the author did just that--- told a good story.
As someone who doesn't read this type of story regularly and who doesn't know much about this period in time, it did not bother me in the slightest that the author chose to keep the historical details to a minimum (due to inconsistencies found during research). While I appreciate a well researched story (and clearly this still was that), I'm also one that doesn't mind some liberties taken for the sake of the story. Those who like those detailed, 100% historically accurate stories may find this bothersome, but hopefully knowing the reason behind that choice will help with that. Either way, I personally found it to be a good blend of adventure and romance to keep the pages turning.
Overall, an entertaining read and one that fans of the medieval time period will surely enjoy most!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
April 21, 2021
It is a wonderful adventure that finds two unlikely people joining together. I loved how John and Julianna became dependent on each other as they didn’t trust anyone else. The mission is mysterious and dangerous as they travel to their destination. I have to mention Precious who is a donkey. Now this donkey is very important to the story as John has been assigned to watch over it.
His promise to God is not well known but for John it means everything. I loved the faith element in the story that weaved in and out of a high octane action packed mystery. I’m not sure how I feel about Theroux and was pretty sure he should not be trusted. Julianne being a spy was quite entertaining as she consistently finds herself in situations that could give her identity away. The exciting part for was me was when they were in the secret tunnels. I would be shaking in my shoes about this time. Can you imagine what lives there among the dark, cold environment? Arriving at the castle proved to be dangerous as they try to identify the Black Guard. Oh my was this an emotional journey as John finds himself questioning if he is doing the right thing.
If you like adventure, swords, castles, heroes and a faith themed story, then grab a copy of this book. The author gives readers much to enjoy in this story that captures faith, trust and honor.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
His promise to God is not well known but for John it means everything. I loved the faith element in the story that weaved in and out of a high octane action packed mystery. I’m not sure how I feel about Theroux and was pretty sure he should not be trusted. Julianne being a spy was quite entertaining as she consistently finds herself in situations that could give her identity away. The exciting part for was me was when they were in the secret tunnels. I would be shaking in my shoes about this time. Can you imagine what lives there among the dark, cold environment? Arriving at the castle proved to be dangerous as they try to identify the Black Guard. Oh my was this an emotional journey as John finds himself questioning if he is doing the right thing.
If you like adventure, swords, castles, heroes and a faith themed story, then grab a copy of this book. The author gives readers much to enjoy in this story that captures faith, trust and honor.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
May 3, 2021
Book two of a series, and I would highly recommend reading book one, The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline, first. You can read this one alone, but you would miss so much I can't stand for you to miss. John is the son from that story so it continues on in this book. this installment we find more adventure, drama, action, romance, deep thinking, faith, and an awesome story. Oh, but please note; as with book one, you should think of this as more Steampunk, or Victorian. It's has pitfalls that don't fit into a Medieval story, unless we are in a parallel Earth or another time frame. While they stand out to me as out of place, it's okay to give this a pass because the book is so very good!
John is a fantastic example of being pretty sure you're doing what God wants you to, but you're doing it the wrong way. He's convinced that he's supposed to be a Monk, which, would excluded a relationship with Julianna. What if God's plans are not quite what he thought? Can they find the person who's guilty of murder and bring them to justice? Will they have a happily every after? What will God do in their lives and will we loose sleep as we stay up reading this story?
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review contains my thoughts and options of this book, left freely. A positive review is never required.
John is a fantastic example of being pretty sure you're doing what God wants you to, but you're doing it the wrong way. He's convinced that he's supposed to be a Monk, which, would excluded a relationship with Julianna. What if God's plans are not quite what he thought? Can they find the person who's guilty of murder and bring them to justice? Will they have a happily every after? What will God do in their lives and will we loose sleep as we stay up reading this story?
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review contains my thoughts and options of this book, left freely. A positive review is never required.
May 2, 2021
The Sword and the Secrets is book 2 in a series but honestly, I read it before I read book one so you can too! of course, I did then go back and read the other book in the series. It was out of order but still a very good read.
I enjoyed Julianna and John. They were fun characters who each had secrets of their own that they would eventually have to share with each other so they could trust each other and help get the mission done.
Precious was precocious and I loved her. Probably my favorite animal in a book before.
Despite the different backgrounds that John and Julianna have they each understand certain aspects of their character and I enjoyed how the author used God to work through both of them.
Great read and I highly recommend the whole series!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I enjoyed Julianna and John. They were fun characters who each had secrets of their own that they would eventually have to share with each other so they could trust each other and help get the mission done.
Precious was precocious and I loved her. Probably my favorite animal in a book before.
Despite the different backgrounds that John and Julianna have they each understand certain aspects of their character and I enjoyed how the author used God to work through both of them.
Great read and I highly recommend the whole series!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
March 24, 2021
As I said when I read the first book in this series, I usually don't like this time frame in books but I love this series! The author knows how to write compelling characters, interesting storylines and terrific action scenes! John and Julianna's story was wonderful! I felt from the very beginning that they were destined to meet and become involved. John was born to the aristocracy. He should be thinking of getting married but he feels compelled to become a monk! He doesn't want to tell his parents though so he sets out on a journey to meet up with his parents later and along the way, meets Julianna & her mentor, who are in disguise but have a very important mission for the King. John realizes he needs to help them because of the great danger from assassins and what follows is an amazing story of danger, betrayal, love, loss, and so much more! I had to finish this book as fast as possible and spent every minute reading it! Every character was important and well written. How I wish the 3rd book was already out!
April 27, 2021
The Sword and the Secrets by: Jan Davis Warren is a Christian Historical Romance. This is set in the Medieval time period. This book is full of action, adventure, romance and suspense. This book is part of the Secrets series. I have read book one. The son from book one is the one that this book focuses on. Lady Evangeline's son wants to become a monk. However, he soon finds out that this is not in God's plans. Julianna Westerfield longs to have her own life. She is a trained spy and up next to try and figure out the identities of the Black Guard. However, previous agents have lost their lives trying to figure it out. She soon finds that she has to depend on a monk.
I loved how the author wrote this story. She weaved together two very different characters with a great build up. There is so much action and suspense. I enjoyed trying to figure out who was behind the plot. The author does a great job dropping bread crumbs to figure it out.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
I loved how the author wrote this story. She weaved together two very different characters with a great build up. There is so much action and suspense. I enjoyed trying to figure out who was behind the plot. The author does a great job dropping bread crumbs to figure it out.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
April 20, 2021
Historical romance especially the Medieval era is rarely my first choice in reading but I have come to love the Stantons now looking froward to any and all of their stories. The Sword and the Secret is the Second in the Secret Series by Jan Davis Warren. It has gone forward in time to Lady Evangeline’s grown son John.
This story is full of suspense, danger, secrets, romance, all within the plan of God. The characters are complex but ones that are engaging, at crossroads in their lives and desire to make the best decisions possible.
I highly recommend the series as well as The Sword and the Secret. I have no doubt that you will come to love the Stantons as I have. This is especially true of the strong women in the family and the new one that is loved by a Stanton man. I so enjoyed from beginning to end John’s and Julianna’s story.
The publisher Wild Hearts Books provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
This story is full of suspense, danger, secrets, romance, all within the plan of God. The characters are complex but ones that are engaging, at crossroads in their lives and desire to make the best decisions possible.
I highly recommend the series as well as The Sword and the Secret. I have no doubt that you will come to love the Stantons as I have. This is especially true of the strong women in the family and the new one that is loved by a Stanton man. I so enjoyed from beginning to end John’s and Julianna’s story.
The publisher Wild Hearts Books provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
May 1, 2021
This intriguing book follows the author’s first novel in this series, but you don’t have to read the first one for this exciting medieval story of the next generation to make sense. Lots of action and adventure accompany the characters as they try to stop an evil plot and save their loved ones. In fact, they find it’s much bigger than they originally realized. What an outrageous idea—that a school would train abandoned young people to be spies and assassins. That’s where Julianna Westerfield learned the strategies and tactics that she used for good. John Stanton had made a vow to serve God after his life was spared in battle, and plans to become a monk. En route to the monastery, he and Julianna are thrown together in their efforts to foil the enemies’ schemes. Along the way, their faith and love grow. Hopefully, they’ll survive to see what the future actually holds. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
May 3, 2021
A historical Christian work of fiction, this book grabbed my attention and would not let go. With a young woman playing the part of a blind princess along with a lord seeking his place with God and the world, the storyline forced me to keep reading until I finished the book.
Juliana, Lois, Lord John Stanton, John’s family, and servants add interest to this story. I definitely felt connected to the characters in this book. It illustrates how sometimes the path we believe God desires us to take differs from His actual plans for our lives. The ending of this book made it worth reading. As the second book in this series, I thoroughly recommend this book and the series as well. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Juliana, Lois, Lord John Stanton, John’s family, and servants add interest to this story. I definitely felt connected to the characters in this book. It illustrates how sometimes the path we believe God desires us to take differs from His actual plans for our lives. The ending of this book made it worth reading. As the second book in this series, I thoroughly recommend this book and the series as well. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
April 21, 2021
The reason I have to give this three stars is that I had no idea what was happening to start this book. I totally missed that this was a book 2 before I started. So, read the first book first; then read this.
Otherwise it was a decent story. I though the plot was a bit dragging at times and the main character was hard for me to connect with, but overall it was a nice read. I like historical fiction, but this felt way too modern for me. Add that to my confusion to start, and characters I didn’t love, I just couldn’t get this one higher than a 3 star.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review positive or otherwise.
Otherwise it was a decent story. I though the plot was a bit dragging at times and the main character was hard for me to connect with, but overall it was a nice read. I like historical fiction, but this felt way too modern for me. Add that to my confusion to start, and characters I didn’t love, I just couldn’t get this one higher than a 3 star.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a review positive or otherwise.
April 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. It's the second in a series, but stands alone just fine. I knew the previous characters but I didn't have to have read their story to enjoy this. Julianna and John were great characters. John's vow to God supersedes anything else in his life.
This book is full of suspense and intrigue. I love castles and that point in the historical time, so this book was great for me. Julianna has her own things to deal with and her own allegiances. I really liked the overall story and how the author wove it and twisted.
5/5.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
This book is full of suspense and intrigue. I love castles and that point in the historical time, so this book was great for me. Julianna has her own things to deal with and her own allegiances. I really liked the overall story and how the author wove it and twisted.
5/5.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
May 4, 2021
This book The Sword and the Secrets is the second one I have had the privilege of reading by Jan Davis Warren. Jan Davis Warren writes in a way that invites you into the lives of her characters and involves you in their quests. This story is medievalish and as such has a knight in shining armor, plus, the damsel in distress (who may, or may not be a spy!). The main characters in this book helped bring it to life and I thought that their reactions, and interactions were mostly realistic. Overall, a very good story that I enjoyed reading and a definite 4 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
May 1, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish! Lavishly crafted, artfully written, quite delightful. Filled with suspense, intrigue, faith and sweetly revealed romance. This author is a master storyteller whose work reveals her heart for the Lord and her craft. There is everything to love about this book – I highly recommend it! Grab yours and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
April 20, 2021
What a wonderful read! John and Julianna's will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. It is full of drama, suspense, action, and romance. I can't wait for the next book in this series! I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Wild Heart Books for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you Wild Heart Books for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 2, 2022
The Sword and the Secrets
This book is an amazing story written in the medieval period. The characters are great with many dangers to overcome. John must find God’s will for his life and Juliana believes she can never live a normal life. This is my first experience with this author, but definitely not my last. I recommend this book.
This book is an amazing story written in the medieval period. The characters are great with many dangers to overcome. John must find God’s will for his life and Juliana believes she can never live a normal life. This is my first experience with this author, but definitely not my last. I recommend this book.
Want to read
April 9, 2021Eligible for a 2021 Swoony Award, to nominate/vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
April 22, 2021
Excellent
Ah, at last a great clean adventure read. Loved every minute of it. Especially appreciated the God aspects. Can't wait to read the next one.
Ah, at last a great clean adventure read. Loved every minute of it. Especially appreciated the God aspects. Can't wait to read the next one.
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