I loved the suspense and heartache in this book. Izzy is fleeing from all she knows and pretends to be someone she isn't in order to heal from an injury. Cole falls for her as she is healing and in hiding and wants to all he can for her. Unfortunately when the truth comes out, they both have a lot to work out as they have both began to care for each other. On top of everything, there is a revolt going on and they are both on seemingly opposite sides. I loved reading and could not wait to see how it all turned out. ( )

"'You don't have ugly hands,' he said quietly, his eyes reassuring me that I didn't need to be a perfect woman for him to accept me, that he wouldn't let my scars define who I was. 'I would touch them if you'll allow it.'"

Jody Hedlund once again delivers such tender Medieval romance laced with terrific writing and fantastic dialogue and infused with solid spiritual truths. There is plenty of action and battle scenes, great character development, gentle twists and turns in the plot that will have you turning the pages, and skillful interweaving of Scripture into the characters' lives and conversations. The theme of faithfulness and overcoming evil with good is prominent in the plot and plays a big role in Izzy and Cole maturing.

The year is 1395 and Izzy, Olivia's younger sister (featured in A Loyal Heart which is An Uncertain Choice book #4), has had their wealth and prestige ripped out from under her family due to her deceased father's treachery against the king. Izzy is sensitive, tender-hearted, emotional, fragile, kind, and compassionate and cannot stand that she needs to marry a wealthy but cruel neighbor to rescue her tenants and family. Izzy is beautiful on the inside and out, but people only see her outward beauty. As her journey unfolds, she must learn who she is and figure out what she stands for. Cole is a peasant woodworker in Izzy's neighbor's jurisdiction and he is loyal, strong, and trained to be fighter. Unfortunately his need to lead a peasant's uprising is fueled by hatred and need for revenge and this darkness pushes him into numbness and fearlessness. When Izzy runs away from her cruel almost-betrothed, she finds herself in the circle of the peasants and discovers joy in simplicity.

Although it's book #5 in the series, this book can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I do need to go back and read books #1-3 since I'm now so emotionally invested in these characters! If you enjoy historical romance, you will absolutely love this book. Jody Hedlund will transport you to a land and time far away where noble knights conquer evil and fair maidens are rescued for a happily ever after.

I was given a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was not obligated to write a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. ( )