New Release Book Review: Rachel Rossano's HONOR + a GIVEAWAY!

I've been wanting to read one of Rachel Rossano's novels for some time - having heard only good things about them - but I kept admonishing myself: "You already have 100+ books (mostly Kindle!) in your to-be-read pile... You ought not buy another one until you've read a few of those!"

Rossano's books lured me, however, and the opportunity to throw off all restraint ;-) came when Rossano announced that she needed more reviewers for her latest novel, which released on February 23, 2015!

I was in. :-)

So, here is my review of this novel, entitled HONOR. Enjoy! {And then enter the GIVEAWAY at the end!}

The book:
HONOR, by Rachel Rossano. Published February 23, 2014. Available in paperback and on Kindle.

Back cover description:
The Earl of Dentin excels in his position as Securer of the Realm. But the king’s order to pluck an orphaned child from a loving home unsettles Dentin. When a dark-eyed woman challenges his honor regarding the mission, Dentin finds himself unable to justify his actions or get her out of his mind. Something about her lack of fear intrigues him.

Lady Elsa Reeve attempts to avoid the marriage of convenience her brother and mother demand of her. She understands the need to pay off her brother's massive debt. She only wants her family to consider her wishes in the process.

As Elsa becomes further entangled in a snare of her brother’s creating, only one man defends her. But can she trust Dentin, her unlikely champion, and his motives? With a murderer on the loose, Elsa’s fate in jeopardy, and a traitor plotting against the king, Dentin finds his priorities shifting in an unexpected direction.

My thoughts:
This was such a delightful novel in so many ways!

In Honor, Rossano creates a Medieval-style culture set in the author-created country of Rhynan. Rhynan seems like a place that could truly exist, with its own history and sister-countries, political intrigues that have gone on before and will continue after this story, and more. The feeling invoked is that of historical fiction but without the "pressure" or heaviness that hard-core historical fiction sometimes produces - the overwhelming of the story by too much history! {And this is a hard-core historical fiction author talking... Hopefully, my comrades don't take me out to the firing squad! ;-)}

And the story? I enjoyed it tremendously. Straight-out romantic fiction is not usually my go-to for reading, but I really loved the beautiful balance Rossano struck between the interior story of the hero (Dentin) and the heroine (Elsa) falling in love, albeit against their wills, and the exterior story of murderous political intrigue. I feared for them, I rejoiced with them... and stayed up past my bedtime to see whether they would get out of the snares set for them. :-)

As I mentioned, there's quite a lot of "romance" in this story, so be prepared for smooching and such. :-) However, Honor keeps it all honorable... There's no condoned lustful behavior, any allusion - and it is allusion only (nothing beyond kissing is described) - to intimacy beyond kissing occurs after marriage, etc..

Also, something wonderful to see was the concentration on virtue and admiration toward a person for that rather than merely for external qualities. The title word, "honor," is key to understanding and appreciating the trusting relationship that develops between the main characters - and to understanding the demise of the antagonists. Honor is something so desperately needed both in the imaginary Rhynan and our world today, don't you think? That and other more minor themes are timely and thought-provoking.

Overall:
If you love Medieval times, clean romance, and adventures with sword and on horseback, I believe you'll really enjoy Honor. Due to the romantic {but very well-handled} story of the book, I'd recommend it for ages 15+. {Actually, it's an encouraging book to give to a mid-to-older teenager to show what real honor looks like in a romantic relationship.}

And me? I'm looking forward to reading Rossano's Duty!

Purchase Here: Amazon (clickable link)

Enter the Giveaway! :-)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grace and peace,
Alicia

For readers: What clean/Christian romantic novel have you enjoyed and would recommend to others?