Friday, February 14, 2014

Valentine’s Surprises

Happy Valentine’s Day! I know it’s been a while since I updated this blog. I have WAY too much going on lately. But I do have a couple little Valentine’s surprises to share. One thing, and this is pretty big for fans of my Makilien Trilogy (which I published under my original pen name, Molly Evangeline). Today I published a cute romantic short story that takes place several years after the trilogy and follows one of my favorite of the trilogy’s characters. It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day read. You can get the eBook copy for 99 cents. I have the cover and short blurb about the story below.

Today I’m also offering a code for free shipping on my Etsy shop from now through Sunday. Just use the coupon code FREESHIP on any order of $10.00 or more.

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00003]

For the last several years, Elmorhirian has watched as his sister and closest friends all marry and settle down. Now, he just has to figure out how to navigate the confusing, sometimes exasperating, captivation of his own heart.

(5,000 Words)

Kindle
Smashwords

Monday, February 3, 2014

Book Review—The Captive Maiden

jpeg Captive MaidenHappily Ever After …Or Happily Nevermore?

Gisela’s childhood was filled with laughter and visits from nobles such as the duke and his young son. But since her father’s death, each day has been filled with nothing but servitude to her stepmother. So when Gisela learns the duke’s son, Valten---the boy she has daydreamed about for years---is throwing a ball in hopes of finding a wife, she vows to find a way to attend, even if it’s only for a taste of a life she’ll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten’s eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.

* * *

The Captive Maiden is the fourth book of Melanie Dickerson’s fairytale retellings, which I have enjoyed immensely. I particularly loved how three of the four books, including this one, followed members of the same family. It was good to read Valten’s story. As much as I loved Gabe in The Fairest Beauty, I had to feel bad for poor Valten when he lost Sophie. This story totally made up for it.

I thought Valten and Gisela had a very cute love story. I really liked how real Valten seemed, especially in his insecurities when it came to women. It was very endearing to me. His character growth was very good in learning to let go of his pride and let God work instead of trying to do everything himself.

My favorite part of this book was the tournament in the first half. It was very vivid and exciting. I loved the scenes between him and Sophie during it and the feast. It had the perfect fairytale feel.

One of my only complaints about the book was the number of times the characters escaped only to be recaptured. It seemed to happen over and over to the point of being tiresome and a bit unrealistic. Still, it didn’t detract too much from the story. My second complaint might be sort of petty and has nothing to do with the story, but the cover. The model is clearly wearing an 18th century style gown, not 15th century. But then, I’m a costumer/reenactor so I would notice something like that.

While it may not be my favorite of all the books, it was a good continuation, and I really can’t complain about a sweet romance like this. I definitely recommend it and the others to anyone who enjoys a good medieval tale or fairytale retelling.

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.