Olivia RaeRecensioni

A Life Reclaimed by Olivia Rae is listed as a work of Christian Historical fiction. It tells the story of Thomas Armstrong, the son of a woman who died in the place of a dethroned queen. When he finds out the truth about his parentage, he sets out to seek revenge on the dethroned queen.

Along the way, he crosses paths with Anne Howell, who is running from her stepfather, who wants to force her to flee to England. She finds herself forced to accept the help of Thomas.

I wish I could say I recommend this book, but I find myself unable to do that. I found instances of the unnecessarily crude language. I find even one instance of that unacceptably in a work that claims to be Christian. So I recommend you consider whether or not this book is one you want to read or not.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

I loved how this story takes two very different people and put them together in an adventure that sweeps over sea and land. We explore a bit of history as Queen Elizabeth makes a grand appearance in this enchanting story.Thomas is determined to find out what happened to his mother and why he has been lied to all these years. The man he calls father is not really his father. He is out for revenge for something that happened to a special person in his life. We witness his downfall when he seems to be obsessed with jewels, gold and whatever makes him wealthy. He has no need to pray for he does not think it helps. When his life starts to unravel, he happens upon a young woman who may be what he needs to help him get rich. “Someday you will learn there are more precious things in this world besides gold and jewels.”

Anne is on the run from her stepfather who wants to force her to marry someone she does not love. Her stepfather is abusive to her and she seeks a place where she can be safe. I love her faith and how she continually prays over every situation. When she and Thomas run into each other she does question if he can be trusted. After all he is a thief and around his neck adorns a stolen cross necklace with jewels that make it very valuable. There are moments when their banter is funny and I loved how the author used this to let their guard down around each other.

As secrets are revealed we witness Thomas having a meltdown in front of everyone. He blames himself for all that has gone wrong at his home with his greed and bitterness. Will he come to understand that God can help him? Anne expresses her emotions with such heart wrenching words that Thomas begins to soften. I love this moment when Thomas begins to find strength to fight for his family and perhaps let the past go.

This story illustrates how greed, secrets and pride can fracture a family. We see before our eyes Thomas trying to sort out what has happened over the years to a family he once felt part of. As the story comes to an ending we witness that, “the truth shall set you free.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

A Life Renewed by Olivia Rae entertained me with its secrets, danger, and romance. The plot clipped along nicely, and I enjoyed the mystery of wondering who knew what, who was lying, and who would betray who. Despite the life-threatening situations of several characters, I found the story fun and adventuresome. It was a pleasure to watch Ella/Jane and Asher fall in love.

Per the author’s note, the prologue of A Life Renewed is historically accurate, but the rest of the novel derived from the question: What if Lady Jane Grey survived her execution? With creative liberty, the author conjured a plausible way for Jane to survive and hide amidst the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants of the time. The novel reverberates with Jane’s call to embrace peace and respect others. It’s a timeless message that our modern culture should consider.

A Life Renewed by Olivia Rae starts the Secrets of the Queens series and is a keeper for my bookshelf. I look forward to more intrigue, danger, and romance in the subsequent novels. Four stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

What a wonderful conclusion to this series! Starting with a mesmerizing scoundrel, one who you certainly do not expect to reform. One might imagine a storm at sea would change a person - but you really will have to read to find out if it did. Secrets seem to be a part of his world, but will the truth ever be known? Is it possible for a heart of stone to become a heart of flesh?

Anne is a young widow, well treated as a young child, but thereafter had a life that was best left behind. What kind of secrets are hidden in her life? Fate throws them together - two orphans with very different goals in their lives. Follow along as they travel from Wales to Scotland to England, where even more secrets could be revealed.

This early copy of book 3 in the Secret of the Queens series was received through HopeKnight Press. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

I considered not finishing several times, but I'm a book finisher so I just slowly chipped away at it. I accepted the very heavy handed Christian agenda as just part of this particular story (though I felt a little beaten over the head by it). But even beyond that the story was just a disappointment. The characters were slow-witted (and the heroine was a hypocritical harpy on top of it), and the plot was painfully transparent. Subtlety and nuance are not its strong suits. You might enjoy it if you are especially pious and looking for a very simple historical.

When everyone has a different goal, can anyone be trusted?

This wonderful story of intrigue and mystery is set on the border between England and Scotland. 1559 was a time of upheaval for those whose allegiance was to one side or the other. Queen Elizabeth was on the throne in England, but this was an unsettled time - would she be able to keep the throne?

Audrey, a former lady in waiting for Queen Mary, is coerced into a task not to her liking. She must travel from her home to be a spy for the queen in Liddesdale, near the Scottish border. Her cover as a companion to Lady Armstrong should allow her the freedom to find out all the information the queen wants.

Mystery and melancholy surround Warring Keep. The well developed characters each tell their own tale - one of guilt, questionable choices, lies and more. How shall our humble young lady find anything of importance? Will bringing these mysteries to light allow lives to be redeemed or are they destined to remain as they are?

An ARC of this second book in the Secrets of the Queens series was received through HopeKnight Press and CelebrateLit. These comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

Here ye, hear ye to those who love to read about 16th century England, grab a chair and get comfy. This book is sure to take you back as the Queen of England rules the land. Perhaps she doesn’t trust everyone as she sends our fair character Audrey on a mission to spy for her. I can just imagine what thoughts went through her head as the Queen sought her out. It will not be a pleasant journey for her as I sensed danger close around her. Well if she goes to Scotland to get answers for the Queen she will find much more than she bargained for. Did I mention that Audrey’s family was in danger if she did not succeed?

If there ever was a person who could be called rude and nasty it would have to be Gavin. He has a massive chip on his shoulder from tragic events, but oh my is his heart as cold as ice. His first encounter with Audrey is somewhat comical to me. She holds her own with him and I could feel his anger start to rise. Well what do you expect dear Gavin when you try to intimidate and belittle Audrey? She was after all sent to be be a companion to someone you care about.

Gavin’s dear wife met her fate in a most dreadful way. Why would a young mother of two want to take her own life? Audrey may have a mystery on her hand and perhaps getting to know Gavin will be a challenge for her. She must find out where his loyalty lies. Perhaps she can befriend his son Thomas and find out some answers.

Thomas is one my favorite characters. He wants his father’s attention so badly. He tries to please his father and spend time with him, but is dismissed like a servant. Audrey knows there is something amiss between the two, but why would Gavin treat his son so harshly? My heart went out to the little boy and I wanted to give him a hug so badly. This is much discord around and Audrey has her hands full trying to find out information for the Queen while wanting to befriend a sweet young boy.

There is much going on as Thomas seems to be in danger. Audrey must act quickly to protect him, but Gavin has grown suspicion of her. Their confrontation is filled with accusations and a secret is exposed. Can Audrey convince Gavin that she wants to protect Thomas ? I fear for Ashley when Gavin finds out who she is. Can he find a way to work with her? Trust will come into play when these two open up to each other. How far are they willing to expose their own secret?

The beginning of the story lays the foundation for an adventure where distrust, secrets and spies abound. I loved seeing how Audrey and Thomas began a sweet friendship. The lad is hungry for attention, but his father seems to hold him at a distance. Is there more to who Thomas is than Audrey knows? With swords and daggers this tale finds that fighting is not always the answer. Learning to trust and have a relationship with God is at the forefront for one particular character. The ending is a battle of faith as families fight for truth and justice. I loved how the center of everything was their faith in God. The author did put a few surprises in the story which made me wonder where the truth would take us. As I finished the last page, a sense of peace fell upon the people who witnessed that “truth shall set you free.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

This is the type of historical fiction that takes history and tweeks some of it. Audrey is forced by Queen Elizabeth l to go to Scotland to spy for her. Audrey is a tough woman that has a hard time holding her tongue around Gavin, the Laird. I loved the intrigue and the romance. These are wonderful characters and I like how Queen Elizabeth l is woven into the story. I recommend reading the first book in the series to get a better idea about some of the things going on in this one. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

As someone who loves history and reading about it, I thought I would enjoy reading a “what if” book that took an actual person from history and gave antoher possible outcome. In this case, the book examines Queen Mary, also known as “Bloody Mary”, and Lady Jane Grey and provides a situation where Lady Jane lives rather than dies.

The bloodshed between the Protestants and Catholics during this time creates incredible tensions. I think one of my favorite characters in this book was Hildegarde, the woman assigned by the Prince in Germany to keep tabs on Lady Jane, who is masquerading as her aunt.

Otto is another character that caught my attention. He seems to want to do what is right, but also has feelings for Hildegarde. Asher Hayes, sent by Queen Mary, to kill Lady Jane, finds himself falling in love with “Ella”, who is actually Lady Jane.

The Biblical values and beliefs shown by Jane in this bok bring her faith to life. The farther I read in the book, the more I became caught up in the story. Truly, faith in God can lead people to face terrible fates.

I definitely recommend this book/. So check it out for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.

My Review: First, the legalities, I was given an e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is freely given and totally my own
.I truly enjoyed this book. It was a unique concept in Christian literature. I wasn't sure how it would fit into being a Christian book but it was very well done. Faith was shown throughout the book.
I enjoyed the development of the characters, and the story plot. It was very well built and progressed nicely. It held my interest throughout. I am a history buff and this coupled both history and fiction nicely.
What I did not like was the odd use of words. For example, Jane's arms were described as "subtle" when I think she meant "supple" but that is even an odd description for arms. There were several of instances like this throughout the book and that threw me off while reading. I enjoy a book that is well edited and the punctuation was well done, but the words, in places were just wrong.
I give this book a 3 out of 5 star rating, this is because of the odd word choices. I would recommend this book to a friend.

This was a very interesting take on what might have happened to Jane Gray if she had not actually been beheaded by Queen Mary I. I like how Asher and Ella were able to work some things out. I would have rather been of the merchant class during the 1500’s. It would have been very hard being a peasant and even being a person close to royalty. Too many people were killed for religious beliefs and for possibly wanting to be Kings or queens. I liked how this author treats religion and the aristocracy. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

One of the most interesting questions to ponder is “What if?” After all, this query forms the basis of literary fiction. Adding in an element of truth serves to enhance the fascination, and thus the historical fiction genre exists. This is one of the many reasons that I love this genre and never become bored with it. While I favor the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, I enjoy reading and learning about other time periods as well, and this book is my first foray into the 1500s, at least for reviewing purposes. An era that has never particularly attracted my attention before, I must say that this was an excellent novel to pave the way!

Olivia Rae’s “A Life Renewed” kicks off her Secrets of the Queens series with a captivating tale of an alternative version of Lady Jane Grey. Instead of being beheaded, she escapes and ends up living as a peasant girl in a small German princedom, a simple life that she loves. However, Prince von Hoffbauer has other plans for her, intending to further his own cause, and English spy Asher Hayes is on an assigned mission to bring her head to Queen Mary in order to save his own family. With intrigue and romance, sixteenth-century Tudor England comes alive in this thrilling story, along with its turbulence and bloodshed. Of all the characters, I think that my favorite is Otto Werner; he wants to do God’s will but allows himself to be sidetracked, as happens to several other characters as well. As such, all of the characters feel genuine, because they each exhibit less-than-admirable qualities at times. Rae does include some Messianic imagery in the story, as when Asher says of Lady Jane, “She was either a lamb for the slaughter or a lion sent to tear all apart.”

The hatred and calculating animosity between the Catholics and Protestants calls to mind the current political landscape in America between the Democrats and the Republicans. If the seeds of division can be sown, they reap disastrous results for everyone. Author Olivia Rae does not appear to take sides when discussing the religious affiliations of those in “A Life Renewed,” and it is Lady Jane who gives the impassioned speech that so perfectly targets the heart of the issue, both then and now: “How can we profess to believe in Him if we curse one another? How can we profess to be His children if we are maiming and killing each other? How can we profess to believe in Him if we do not love our enemies as He has taught us?” How, indeed? We should come together in Christ and strive to demonstrate His love to everyone, seeking to live together in peace whenever possible. Having been given a renewed life in Jesus, we need to extend to others the same grace and mercy that we have received, a necessity for all time periods, Tudor and contemporary alike.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

A story of what might have been...

Be strong and courageous; for the Lord your God goes before you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. — Deuteronomy 31:6

What a fascinating way to look at history. Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days Queen, was executed because she refused to recant her Protestant beliefs. The author has done a great deal of research into what life was like in the 1500’s. Protestants were being sniffed out and murdered just because Queen Mary (Bloody Mary as she later became known) wanted them dead. During those years many wars were fought over religion.
But what could have changed if LJG had not been beheaded?

This is a wonderful story of what might have been. I was very impressed with the faith shown by LJG as she continually faced the possibility of being found out and then murdered. A well-written book with plenty of action and royal drama.

This copy was received through HopeKnight Press and Celebratelit. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

This has been a great look at what might of happened if history could be changed. I didn’t know much about Lady Jane Grey. I found her story to be quite intriguing. The author does a great job of exploring what turn of events could happen if Lady Jane had survived. I was enthralled with Jane as she escapes death. Her travels were dangerous but God watched over her. Her journey lands her in a land where she must hide her true identity. My heart would be beating out of my chest as I encountered people in the village.

I was never very trusting of the Prince who came to her rescue and found her a place to hide in plain sight. What is really good about this story is the history embedded in truth by an author who expertly brings twists to the book. I loved the mystery surrounding Asher as he is found critically hurt. He has come to find Lady Jane. Will he be able to carry out his mission? I came to really like Asher because he has a heart for truth and trusts God to guide him to do the right thing. There is some violence in the story but it is handled with little graphic details.

What I really liked about the story is how the author combines truth with fiction and delivers a powerful story about faith, trust and freedom. Jane is admirable in wanting to lay her life down so others would be saved. Jesus did that for us and everyday we should be thanking Him for His sacrifice. The ending is perfect and gives readers a glimpse into the next story. I will be anxiously awaiting to continue the journey in this very promising series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

More romance than historical novel

A lightweight novel, with a romantic view of medieval history. Modern attitudes are coupled with archaic speech, and the plot devices require you to swallow a substantial helping of disbelief.

Enjoy it as a clean romance, but don’t expect to learn anything about the times or - in this first book in the series - about the Templars. For me it was a disappointment.

SENSUALITY RATING: No PROFANITY; No SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS; No Euphemistic "CODE WORDS

GENRE: 12th century; Medieval; Historical English Romance; CLEAN Romance; Inspirational Romance;

SETTING: 12th Century; Taine Manor, England.

CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: ROSE – persistent; stubborn; does not believe in God; cannot be trusted.

CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: THEO – some say he is a monster; maimed for life; patient; also persistent; strong in his religious faith.

SYNOPSIS: His body is broken and battered. Taine Manor is now her home after living at the convent for three years and driving the nuns crazy. She is determined to leave this broken and in need of repair manor.

WHAT I LIKED: The old man and how he shows up in every book in this series, giving his advice in riddles, is always a joy to read. The slingshot.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: The fact that this series ended with this book. It could have been written all the way up to book 20 and I would have loved each and every book.

RATING: (5) stars BECAUSE the plot is built on a fairytale that we all know and love. Each story connected a character from the previous book. Wish the author had continued to write this series.

SENSUALITY RATING: No PROFANITY; No SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS; No Euphemistic "CODE WORDS

GENRE: MYSTERY; Historical Romance; CLEAN Romance; Inspirational Romance;

SETTING: Château du Vent Doux, France.

CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: Lady Faith de Saint-Marie.

CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: Sir Darrin de Longue; Darrin Longbeard

SYNOPSIS: After 10 years, the King has allowed Darrin to return home but with severe conditions. He must marry the woman that he hates. As the plot goes on, someone is trying to get Darrin out of his beloved home as accidents around the Chateau continuously occur. Somewhere, surely there must be a traitor.

RATING: (4) stars BECAUSE the plot is a mystery and very simply I find mysteries very confusing. I love this series and because the writer is an excellent writer in this entire series, I give 4 stars.

ENSUALITY RATING: No PROFANITY; No SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS; No Euphemistic "CODE WORDS

GENRE: Historical English Romance; CLEAN Romance; Inspirational Romance;

SETTING: Thornwood Keep, England.

CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: Lady ELEANOR de TANIE – playful and considerate; age 20; looks are plain; speaks her mind; cheerful and helpful to all.

CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: HUGH de MAURY/Lord Thornwood – a focused and committed workhorse; suspicious who’s only intent is to build up Thornwood Keep.

SYNOPSIS: The king had assigned Hugh with the task of finding a husband for Lady Eleanor, cousin of his former wife Jane. He expects her to be pushy but instead finds her being playful with the servants as they cheered her on. He refuses to allow his son to be anything other than a knight.

WHAT I LIKED: Busy Isobel. She is so adorable.

RATING: (5) stars BECAUSE each plot has action worthy of reading. Once again, the author provides each character with personality; very detailed. Yes, I have read 4 books and cannot help but come back for more. On my way to the next book; Adoration (The Sword and the Cross Chronicle #5)

SENSUALITY RATING: No PROFANITY; No SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS; No Euphemistic "CODE WORDS

GENRE: Historical English Romance; CLEAN Romance; Inspirational Romance; Mystery

SETTING: De Barres Keep.

CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: Lady GRACE de MELAN – courageous; on the run; willing to take the blame.

CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: GUY ASHTON – incognito; ex Knight in the Templar Order; closest friend to Julian (book 1 and 2).

SYNOPSIS: Grace went on the run trying to get to her true love Edmund. She ran into Guy begging for protection. She becomes ill and he runs to the closest Keep. Attempted murder ensues.

WHAT I LIKED: Going thru the tunnel and look who he finds. AND, courage and a pat on the back leads to a new friend.

RATING: (5) stars BECAUSE plot was a great rescue to surrounded with attempted murder. This is a perfect inspirational with a light touch of romance around a strong emphasis on “whodunit”. I consider this is an adult romance safe for YA.

SENSUALITY RATING: No PROFANITY; Yes SEXUAL ENCOUNTER only perceived.

GENRE: Historical Romance; Inspirational Romance; CLEAN.

SETTING: 12th Century ENGLAND; Crosswind Keep.

CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: LADY ARIANE - Strong in her faith of Allah; Beautiful beyond words; bold and a fighter in more ways than one; a she devil of sorts; a pretender.

CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: LORD JULIANNE de MAURY - Brother in the Order of the Templars; leading fighter with a sword; puts God first in everything he does.

SYNOPSIS: This book leads with Julianne, the brother of Breanna who is one of the main characters in book one of this series He is ordered by the King to see that Lady Ariane gets safely to England. The King has promised her to a cousin in France that she has never met. Julianne has been charged in giving her lessons on becoming a Christian as all she has ever known is Allah. That is all she wants to know is Allah.

WHAT I LIKED: Trying to teach a person that rejects Christianity can be quite trying. I appreciate Guy's ability to deform his body and fool others.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: I would like more to have been written about Simon. Romance was a little slow before the action started in the book.

OVERALL RATING: (5) stars because very well written. As with book one, scripture begins with each chapter that is applicable to the events in the chapter. This is a great book for adults and a safe YA read. Now one to Book 3 because so far I love this series.

SENSUALITY RATING: No PROFANITY; Yes SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS

GENRE: Historical Romance; Inspirational Romance; CLEAN.

SETTING: 12th Century ENGLAND; Derville Keep.

CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTER: LADY BREANNA DERVILLE- demanding; takes charge; no job is beyond her.

CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: ROYCE CANWELL – talented with working in the fields and as a smithy; protector.

SYNOPSIS: Canwell comes to Derville and insist to Breanna that he was sent by her brother to lend assistance. He comes as a peasant. Breanna resist having him around. She has been managing the keep since her husband died BUT a cousin insist on taking claim of the keep as well as marrying Breanna of which she does not welcome.

WHAT I LIKED: The mysterious Lionel Perry shows up. Also appreciated scriptural quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: Canwell all of a sudden cannot handle the situation and becomes a whimp.

OVERALL RATING: (5) stars because very well written. Scottish romances are wonderful however finally a plot that takes place when Knights existed in England. Inspirational in every aspect and CLEAN.