On a day like this (only those unfortunate enough to live in Kennewickistan will know what I'm talking about) there are few of life's pleasures to be enjoyed. THANKFULLY there are books like this!
Book rating: Best of the Best
What would I do without Medieval heroes and heroines that snatch me from this lone and dreary world and carry me into a far better land of promise! SERIOUSLY?! I LOVE this era/setting!! I have completely binged on Tamara Leigh and here is my last review of her's--at least for a few weeks until her next book comes out . . . *wink*
Lady of Eve was all kinds of perfect. If you read Lady at Arms then you are familiar with the hero, and although the heroine is new, she is marvelous! (Actually--as much as I LOVED Lady at Arms, between the two, this one is my favorite!)
Graeye Charwyck hasn't had it easy. And now, called away from her marriage to Christ, her life is thrown into turmoil! She believes there is only one way out--and friends, I can tell you right now her mom wouldn't be happy with what she's chosen to do . . . gulp . . . but the thought of what awaits her is much more terrible. Yet, the consequences for her actions are more than she ever thought they would be . . .
Gilbert Balmaine is a man with a mission. He's tough, he's grumpy and he's fabulous. LOL I am not one to typically fall for brooding heroes, but Gilbert was so alluring with all his frowns and big muscles all over the place. I don't want to give too much away when it comes to these two, but I really liked their tumultuous relationship. It was super rocky at times, and there were points at which I really wondered if they would get together!!
A wonderful read that will surely consume you with its medieval perfection. I feel compelled to tell you, for those readers who try to keep their literary consumption free of all moral mishaps, what Graeye does is not, um, right, but as with Tamara's other books, there's nothing explicit and I personally would definitely consider this a clean read--but I just wanted to tell you because everyone has different opinions/preferences in that regard.
Sigh. I think I'm going to reread this one. Starting today. I need me some Gilbert.
Happy Reading!
Buy it!
Awwww! Thank you, Amber. This was a pretty special story to re-write. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it--brooding hero and all. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYou've done it again Amber - - another "spot on" review!! One of the things that makes reading a Tamara Leigh book spiritually refreshing is that she dares to tackle sensitive issues. Lady Graeye makes a morally poor choice for a christian - - but haven't we all at some time or another. God gives us "free will" but with it comes the reward or consequences of those choices. We have no problem with the blessings that come with good choices - - but how do we deal with the fall out from poor choices? Although I may have never made the choice that Lady Graeye did - - I've still made some poor choices. So now the question is ... how do I deal with the consequences of my choice(s)? How do I now try to correct myself or make the best out of a bad situation - and how do I get my life back in line with God's will? There's nothing I can do to change what's happened - so what do I do now? This is where it helps to get guidance. Of course the first source of help is God's Word - the Bible, and then after that is to talk to someone who can give you spiritual guidance. And another is to read material that will give you spiritual guidance. I have found on numerous occasions that reading a book by a seasoned christian will provide insight that I am blind to. As when sight was restored to the blind apostle Paul or when Jesus gave sight to the blind - - He opens my eyes that I may see. When I read a Tamara Leigh book I am assured of two things - - 1. An amazing love story - - 2. Spiritual truths that I can learn from. When I finish one of her books, I walk away feeling a deeper understanding of soul stirring love, how to gain peace in the midst of storms, how to weather the tempest of life and how to apply the truths of the story to my own life so I can grow spiritually into a better me. Is it easy to right about issues that are sensitive? Probably not. But are they relevant to what we know happens everyday? Most definitely. Can we use the writers Holy Spirit inspiration to gain insight into how to deal with our own situations - or perhaps help the plight of another? Oh yes. So for those writers who dare to include the "hard" issues of life in their stories - I say thank you - - because falling into to sin is easy - - what's hard is climbing back out - - learning how to forgive ourselves and others and how to turn back to God. King David was called "a man after God's own heart" not because he was sinless - - but because he recognized his sin instead of excusing it and repented from it. The Bible is full of "sensitive issues" - God is not silent about them - - but He also helps us understand how to avoid them or how to gain victory from them. We will fall down . . . we just have to get up one more time than we fall down and with God's help, we can.
ReplyDeletePam, once again, you floor me! Thank you for your wonderful, thoughtful comment on Lady Of Eve. I'm so heartened you're open to stories that tackle tough issues. You are such a blessing to me and others!
Delete*swoon* Another fantastic review. I agree with Pam - there are hard issues to write about and some authors don't touch them. But sometimes we need to read about those fallen and flawed people and issues because we ourselves are human and flawed and need to be reminded about God and His grace! Thank you again Tamara for writing what you do - God has given you a very special gift. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! I truly feel blessed. Must spend more time here at THCRR :)
DeleteI wanted to tear off Gilbert's chain mail and smack him around!!
ReplyDeleteWhaaaaat? Get your minds out of the gutter!
He was being a fool! He needed punishment.
Oh yes he did.
We straightened him out in the end though, Jennifer. Shh. It's okay. It's okay :)
DeleteSo, it took me a little while to get here, Amber. Sorry! But what a joy to read another glowing review of Lady of Eve. I agree with you, Graeye is a wonderful character who has seen the best (eventually, Gilbert!) and the worst in men.
ReplyDeleteTamara just keeps getting better and better, so look out, my friend - more wonderful reading experiences ahead!
xo
Awwwww, Rel! It's fun here at Amber's place, isn't it?
DeleteIt so is, Tamara ;-) Always great fun xo
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