I confess when I selected this book to review I was slightly basing my opinion on the impressive and intriguing cover. Little did I know that I'd be taken on an adventure back to 1217.
Chivalrous (Book 2 in the Valiant Hearts series) by Dina L. Sleiman tells the story of Lady Gwendolyn Barnes who prefers riding horses and fighting like a knight than the more lady-like tasks of the day such as embroidery.
Now sixteen her controlling father sees her more as a marriage pawn to be sold off to the highest bidder...in this case he has selected a knavish knight for his daughter.
Gwen is opposed to marriage and family partly because of not wanting her parents marriage and because she sees how her father treats her mother and she wants none of it. Until she meets Sir Allen of Ellsworth.
Allen and Gwen must fight for their futures as they struggle to find love, destiny, and their true identities.
I liked Lady Gwendolyn Barnes the moment she appeared on the pages of this story. I admired her for wanting to learn how to fight and ride a horse when this was not typically the custom for ladies during this time period. One of the qualities I liked about Gwen was she was always willing to stand up to injustice.
Sir Allen was everything a knight should be. He was kind, humble, and most importantly he considered his relationship with God to be of the highest importance. I love how the author has him frequently praying asking God's guidance and searching the scriptures for answers to his questions. He was everything a hero ought to be and more. He also took being a knight and the rules/code of a knight very seriously. I really liked Allen's constant effort to remain honorable.
Ms.Sleiman is a wonderful story-teller. Her descriptions make you feel like you are right there in the action/ scene. When Gwendolyn formally meets Sir Allen I loved the author's description:
"He lifted her hand and kissed it, sending pleasant shivers to dance across her skin, up her arm, and down her spine. Again he stared deeply into her eyes. Though she must steal her heart against any romantic silliness, something told her that she could happily lose herself in the swirling hazel pool of his gaze." (Sleiman, 91)
I know we live in the 21st century, but personally I would love if men still kissed ladies hands and put the title 'lady' before our first names.
I went through a gambit of so many emotions though reading this book. I laughed a lot, cried some, and cheered incessantly.
Ms. Sleiman's books will be on my 'favorites' shelf and I will definitely be adding her books to my 'must read' pile. Looking forward to reading more books by her.
By the end of this book, I wanted to take on the world and go on an adventure. Read Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman...you wont' be sorry you did. You'll only wonder why you didn't read it sooner.
~~ Chivalrous was provided to me by Bethany House in return for my honest opinion. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, for which I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone ~~
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