Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781733753401 |
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| Publisher: | Northern Lights Press |
| Publication date: | 08/13/2019 |
| Series: | Lost Princesses |
| Pages: | 178 |
| Sales rank: | 448,756 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.41(d) |
| Age Range: | 13 - 18 Years |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Always: A Lost Princesses Novella
4.8 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
34 reviews.
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In Always, the dying queen of Mercia knows her husband, the king, is fighting King Ethelwulf’s army in a losing battle. She implores Lady Felicia to flee with her newborn twin princesses and their toddler sister. Meanwhile, the gravely wounded king asks Lance, his guard, to protect his family as well as the ancient family treasure. Felicia vows to protect them at all costs, even if it means a marriage of convenience. Together Lance and Felicia have to outrun the advancing enemy and hide the young girls. Will their efforts preserve the king’s daughters?
Eagerly anticipating the rest of this series!
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This is the perfect prequel to the upcoming book, Evermore, Jody Hedlund! I completed this prequel in one sitting and with good reason. Readers learn the back story of the future queen and what a backstory it is! I couldn't put this down until I read the last page. While the story ends at a good point, I didn't want it to end. Mrs. Hedlund has such a wonderful way with words; I was drawn into the story from the first page. The character development is impeccable. The scenery descriptions leave one feeling like they are in the story. Just so you know, the ending will leave you wanting more!
While this is labeled for YA, I loved this book (and I'm not YA). It is a good clean story with great character development, use of setting, plot development, and detail. The pacing is fast due to this being a novella but it is so full of detail that one doesn't feel rushed. With medieval history as the setting, this is a unique and interesting story that will keep the reader's attention. This is one of those just one more chapter books that one just can't put down until the last word.
I was provided an advance review copy (ARC) of this book with no expectations but that I give my honest review.
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This prequel novella sets the stage for a world of adventure and treachery, love and honor, sacrifice and bravery. The Lost Princesses series is a great choice for both teens and adults alike who crave stories where noble heroes and heroines will go the extra distance to keep a solemn vow.
I so enjoyed reading this book and getting the background story of Lance and Felicia’s quest to protect the three princesses of Mercia. The slow bloom of the love story between these two was simply perfect, too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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This is a great novella for introducing us to the backstory of the three lost princesses in Jody Hedlund's exciting new YA series! The reader is thrust into the action which never slows down- danger is nipping at the heels of Lance and Felicia throughout the story which gives it a quick, suspenseful pace. The world-building is vivid and I felt like I got a good sense of the setting as well as the dynamic of the kingdom, its people, and its enemies. The author skillfully weaves in character development and I felt invested in the fate of these selfless people who sacrifice for their kingdom. Lance's awakening of feeling for Felicia was sweet and I admired his fortitude over the years of denying himself. It makes their budding romance a little rocky, though, since he's not used to allowing himself any emotional connection to a woman. Felicia recognizes the noble qualities he has and appreciates the action he takes to protect her and the princesses. Their falling in love was only natural and I enjoyed the special moments they share. I'm so excited to read the books in this series!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
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This is a novella??? Could have fooled me. I’ve read novels that haven’t been as rich and complete as this book. Jody Hedlund has outdone herself with Always! I have never read a young adult, fairytale, medieval type setting book before and was quite surprised with how much I LOVED this book. Although I shouldn’t have been as anything Jody Hedlund write is amazing. I found the characters to be excellent, some of the best characterization I have read. I loved getting lost in this book! It was like stepping right into the time period, location, etc. The characters and settings are real and believable. By the time you're done reading it leaves you wanting to check in on them later to see how everyone is doing. Which is exactly what I plan on doing as soon as every book in this series comes out! I highly recommend this book.
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What a fabulous start to a brand new (and GORGEOUS) series from Jody Hedlund.
And. It’s. About. Lost. Medieval. Princesses. (Need I say more?)
Anywayyyy,
I really enjoyed this book! The author wove a fascinating tale of romance and danger, as the characters embark on a journey, not only of rescue, but also of new beginnings and new faith.
I really liked Lance especially, and I thought it was so intriguing how he was kind of different from the stereotypical “knight” image. He was a warrior, struggling with his destiny when he is forced to take a journey and a task he never imagined possible. The author also gave more detail into his life as an elite king’s protector, and that made me interested to learn more about this time period and his occupation.
The characters’ interactions were great and the faith journey was powerful.
(I also really swooned over the fairy tale elements sprinkled throughout, so yeah, there’s that! )
Fabulous read, that I highly recommend for YA readers!!
Note: I’ve also completed the next book in this series, and it’s even BETTER!! *Squee*
I received a copy of this book for FREE and a positive review was not required.
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Always by Jody Hedlund is the novella that is the beginning of her new YA fairy tale series, The Lost Princesses. If you love fairy tales you don't want to miss out.
The King and Queen of Mercia would do anything to protect their children so when they both realize they are dying and need to entrust that their children will be protected, the queen chooses Felicia, the youngest of her ladies-in-waiting and the king chooses Lance of the Elite Guard to get their children out of the city and to keep them safe until they can rightfully return and take their place once again in the royal castle.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
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This little novella got started with a bigger bang than I anticipated and the story just kept moving right till the end! My heart was racing as Lance and Felicia fought to keep the princesses safe from those who chased them! I greatly admired the way they both thought nothing of sacrificing everything to protect the rightful heirs to the throne! I really liked both of their characters and enjoyed seeing their relationship develop.
Hedlund created a great story world and perfectly set up the books that are coming in this series! I definitely recommend reading this first so you can see how everything gets started! I’m looking forward to reading each of the princesses stories and seeing how the story will end!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Always is the prequel to the upcoming new series, The Lost Princesses, by Jody Hedlund. I enjoyed this short story. It is a perfect back story to what is to come in this series.
I am giving Always a well deserved five plus stars. Readers will not want to miss out on this one. I highly recommend it. I can not wait to get my hands on the first installment of The Lost Princesses series.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
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What an exciting adventure! The non-stop action had me on the edge of my seat reading as fast as I could.
Lady Felicia and Sir Lance are each tasked with saving the Princesses. Legendary warriors close in behind them as they flee the castle with newborn babes in tow.
Do they make it out of the castle? Are the princesses safe? No spoilers from me.
I'll share some words of wisdom from the queen: "Oft times we cannot change the entire direction of a route already set in motion. But we can do our small part to shift the path one degree at a time."
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Whilst novellas are not my forte, a well-developed world most definitely is and Always sets the scene for Jody Hedlund’s new Young Adult series. It’s also a great story in and of itself! Fast-paced and action-packed, I read it straight through.
As a war closes, the losing royals struggle to protect their infant children and thrust them into the arms of Lance, a highly trained knight, and Felicia, a friend of the Queen and the race to safety begins.
Using all his skills and wits, Lance battles the odds and is grateful for Felicia’s help with the babies saying “I stepped back, uneasiness swirling around my gut. I could handle the most vicious of Saracens, and the toughest Dane. But manage a newborn babe?”. Humour runs throughout as the two come to trust one another.
To give more a way would spoil the adventure but, the ending is satisfying whilst setting the stage for the full series! I look forward to seeing the three daughters grow up and challenge the throne! It’s going to be exciting! I highly recommend it and it’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale!
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I love Jody Hedlund's stories. When I read her first YA book, I thought I wouldn't like them as much as the more adult ones, and I was wrong! I love her YA medieval stories too!
And this prequel was no exception. Although short, as prequel ussually are, I was captivated from page one and couldn't put it down. It starts in the midst of a tragedy, two vow's and fleeing their Kingdom with the newborn princesses to save them from their biggest enemy who is about to reclaim the throne.
Queen Aurora dies after giving birth to her twin daughters, but not before making Felicia vow she will take the princesses to a safe place and protect them. King Francis of Mercia dies from his wounds in battle, but not before making Lance vow he'll save his daughters from Ethelwulf's wrath and evil desire for power.
Lance and Felicia have made their own vow's to their king and queen. lance is sure Felicia will only slow him down, but Felicia is determined not to live the princesses alone and protect them with her own life. Both are loyal, incredible characters. I really loved them. They are honest, loyal, respectful, but kind and selfless. So it's impossible for admiration and stronger feelings not to grow in their journey to find the oldest princess, protected in an abbey.
This book is full of adventures, danger and peril, keeping always their lives on the line while they try to escape Ethelwulf's army, a pack of wolves and many other dangers just to ensure the princesses safety.
It's the start to the princesses story, but Lance and Felicia were the best part of the start. they are so loyal to their Majesties and the princesses, that they are willing to isk everything they had. A title, family, freedom. Will it be worth it? When the only solution arrives as a marriage of convenience they both feel unsure. Sure enough, there are feelings, and lots of admiration, but is it love?, will it sustain them though their new life?
I thought it was a beautiful sorry. I was sad it ended so quickly but I'm guessing we'll be knowing more about Lance and Felicia's lives through the princesses adventures in the coming books. I loved this couple. I want more!
Thanks Jody for a wonderful and captivating story. You made it so real I was really afraid for their lives. And I was touched for every single gesture of kindness, protection, selfgiving and sacrifice that each of the hero and heroine exposed.
I can't wait to read Evermore. In fact I'm starting it right now!
Definitely recommended, young adults, mid-adults, elderly, anyone! So sweet1
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but wasn't required to review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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Warning! Do not start this story unless you have the next hour or two free-because once you start, you will NOT want to stop till you finish-and even then you will be looking for the next book stat! This story sets up Jody's next series of three orphaned princesses hidden away from their cruel and murderous uncle who stole the throne from their father. In "Always" we are introduced to Felicia and Lance who give up nearly everything to save the orphaned princesses. It is an exciting read wondering if Lance and Felicia will manage to escape with the three babies. This is an immersive tale that sucked me in from the very beginning. Very enjoyable read! I am looking forward to reading each of the princess's stories as soon as possible!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
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What a superb story! In writing Always, Ms. Hedlund has created a strong and firm foundation for her new YA series, The Lost Princesses. Both young adult and adult readers will take delight in reading this novella. Within its chapters, Ms. Hedlund has crafted a page turning adventure filled with peril, sacrificial love, and virtue. I fell in love with the hero and heroine, Lance and Felicia. They are honorable and steadfast. They are exemplary characters who learn to trust in God's strength, not their own. Please, don't miss this treasure! It is a tale one will wish to read again and again.
*I am grateful to the author and publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book. I was not obligated or expected to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*
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What an amazing start to a new series by Jody Hedlund! If you plan on reading The Lost Princesses series, you need to begin with this novella. There is so much backstory here that I know is going to be important when reading future installments. Not only that, but it's good! Hedlund provides a story that will keep you on your toes, surprise you, and toy with your emotions. I literally read this in one sitting because I could not put it down. You won't be able to either!
A series for any age, not just young adults, readers will find themselves swept away with Hedlund's beautiful writing, adventurous storyline, and wonderful characters. If this is any inkling as to what's ahead in this series, I can tell you it's going to be something great. Probably my favorite from Hedlund to date!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Jody Hedlund’s new series has it all! Medieval knights and ladies-in-waiting, evil kings and princesses in hiding, add in a little romance and a touch of something magical and Always is a recipe for success.
Lady Felicia made a vow to the dying Queen to protect the Princesses from the invading King Ethelwulf. Lance, an elite knight of the King’s Guard, gives the same promise to the King on his own deathbed. With the fate of the princesses in the balance and Ethelwulf’s forces close behind, the two must learn to rely on and trust each other quickly. Will they be able to accept their changed fates and safeguard the Princesses’ futures?
This novella did an excellent job of setting the stage for this new series! There were little hints of what’s to come and a cliffhanger that will have you eager to pick up Evermore as soon as it releases. With a fast-paced plot, characters you will want to meet again and some stellar writing, Jody Hedlund has begun an adventure that teens and adults alike will want to dive into.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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This novella was a perfect beginning to a great new series by Jody Hedlund! The story is set in a historical fairytale like setting with kings and queens amidst picturesque kingdoms being fought over by the tyrannical King Ethelwulf. This novella does not read like a novella in the sense that the characters have sufficient time to develop, the plot has depth and great descriptions, and the reader has time to truly get to know the story. I loved the strength and bravery of the characters and enjoyed watching the romance develop. The plot has some suspense as the danger lurks along every corner in wait. This book may be marketed to Young Adults, but I must say that readers of all ages will love this novel! I most highly recommend this book and am eagerly awaiting the rest of the series to see what happens next!
I received a copy of this book from author in exchange for an honest review.
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“Sometimes, when we think we’ve come to a dead end, we’ve arrived instead at God’s stepping-stone on the way to bigger plans.”
In Jody Hedlund’s YA novella Always, Felicia is a noble lady-in-waiting to the Queen. With the kingdom under attack, the Queen elicits a vow from Felicia with her final breath... to protect her newborn twins and the three-year-old crown princess to the last. A vow Felicia intends to uphold... with no idea how she possibly can. She feels woefully inadequate— the youngest lady in the Queen’s court with her pampered upbringing and inexperience.
Across the castle, Elite Guard knight Lance is making his own vow to the mortally wounded King. Protecting the three orphaned princesses is his task, though the hardened warrior can’t fathom how he’s supposed to care for three tiny female humans.
Lance and Felicia reluctantly join forces and begin a perilous journey to escape the ruthless usurper, who will stop at nothing... wolves, torture, murder... to end the lives of the three princesses and anyone willing to assist them.
How will they ever succeed? Lance and Felicia must learn to trust God when they feel like all hope is lost. They must also learn to trust the advice of a very wise nun... who teaches them that dead ends can be God’s stepping stones to something far better than they ever could have planned.
I don’t want to give anything more away! Though this is a young adult novella, I loved it. The story is enjoyable no matter what your age and is an absolute must-read if you plan on reading the three full-length novels about each of the three princesses... which you will certainly want to do after reading Always! It is critical back-story for the series and an enjoyable story all by itself.
Many thanks to Jody Hedlund for giving me a copy of Always to read and review in order to spread the word about her new series!
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Always is a prequel novella to the Lost Princesses young adult series by Jody Hedlund. This medieval tale set the stage for the series that I eagerly look forward to reading. When a knight's elite guard and a noble lady are tasked with saving the newborn twin princesses and their older sister after the death of the king and queen, they must both learn to work together to accomplish their mission. Lance and Lady Felicia take on adventure and adversity on their quest and end up finding themselves forming a bond that neither can deny, whether they want to or not. This romantic story weaves love, faith and trust into an adventure that will have you anxiously wanting to read the next book.
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next book, I gave the book 4 starts because I was able to put the book down and walk away for a while before picking it back up. This is a great, clean read for any age group. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to escape into a land of kings and queens, noble ladies, and knights in shining armor.
I was given an advance copy of this book by the author without compensation. The thoughts and opinion of this book are all my own.
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Spellbinding. In a fictional land ruled by Kings and Queens, there are struggles between generations with twins as to who is the rightful heir. Christian Historical Romance. I was hooked right away, on the edge of my seat the entire rest of the story. In depth characters. A noblewoman lady in waiting Lady Felicia was given newborn twin princesses to rescue by their dying mother the Queen, one of the King also chose one of his guards, Lance, for the task. But first they have to get out alive - then stay that way. And find the other Princess and take her to safety as well. Constant danger, strength and courage, deepening the character's personalities and lives. A great way to start a series! Although this is marked as a young adult book, adults will enjoy it as well. Not childish in any way.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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“‘Ofttimes we cannot change the entire direction of a route already set in motion. But we can do our small part to shift the path one degree at a time.’” Always, Jody Hedlund
Always is the story of seventeen-year-old Lady Felicia and Lance of the king’s Elite Guard. Their journey to keep the three young princesses of Mercia safe from the usurper, Ethelwulf, is their “small” part in shifting the path for the future of Mercia.
I suppose “small” is relative. Lady Felicia’s vow to the queen to take the newborn twin princesses and their three-year-old sister to safety and Elite Guard Lance’s final orders from the king to keep the princesses safe send these two strangers and their young charges on a dangerous journey that will forever change the course of all of their lives.
This fast-paced prequel to The Lost Princesses series introduces us to the three lost princesses and sets the stage for adventures to come. Jody Hedlund keeps the reader moving right along with her characters and does not disappoint with a predictable ending. Yes, there is a bit of romance along the way, but who has time for romance when you are plunging to the bottom of a waterfall or fending off wolves? There is just the right amount of closure to the story that made me satisfied for the moment, but still wondering, “What next?” Fortunately I won’t have to wait long. The first novel in The Lost Princesses series, Evermore, will be available later this month.
As a fan of Jody Hedlund’s YA series, The Noble Knights, I was excited to be given the chance to read her latest YA novella, Always, just prior to its official release. Now I have purchased a copy for myself. This is a book I will enjoy reading again.
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Jody Hedlund is an author that I always enjoy, so I eagerly anticipated this new series, especially knowing it would be a book my daughter would also enjoy. Stories of royalty are favorites in our home, especially combined with an element of danger. This prequel to the Lost Princesses series ticks both of those boxes, and nicely sets up the reader for the series that will soon release.
Even though this is a novella, Hedlund takes time to set the stage for the full-length books to come. The characters, while likely minor in what will follow, are well-developed; the reader can understand their motivations, their weaknesses, and feel the attraction between them.
The pacing is incredibly fast here with the action literally beginning on the first page. I had almost no breathing space throughout the novella with the events and reactions to them coming back to back in rapid succession.
I appreciated the world building that the author does, too. I know very little about medieval times, so I can’t speak to whether the customs and descriptions are real or Hedlund’s creation for her own fictional kingdom, but the vows, medicinal remedies, customs of the realm, and social divisions were interwoven with the plot to help readers understand why the characters might act differently than our modern expectations.
I highly recommend this novella for readers who enjoy historical romance or stories of royalty and court life. While an exciting and romantic novella, the content remains clean and free of overly graphic battle scenes or foul language, making it appropriate for my young teen to enjoy as well.
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
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Superb! I was captivated from the first page. I was engrossed in the entire storyline as if being a fly following each character. Excellent story telling and the perfect type of YA reading my daughter’s truly enjoy!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
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I am a longtime fan of Author Jody Hedlund, and I can’t believe I had never read one of the books in her Young Adult genre. I realize after enjoying Always I have been missing some excellent reading. The author’s research into medieval times is meticulous and the descriptions were so real. A definite page-turner! I think it is suitable for both Young Adults as well as adults. It’s a good, clean romance and who doesn’t enjoy a story about princesses and strong, handsome knights in shining armor. Always is a novella that you will want to read before you start The Lost Princesses Series. I look forward to reading the first book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author. The opinions are completely my own.
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Always is a novella to introduce the back story of Jody Hedlund's Lost Princesses series. I enjoyed this very much. Although written for young adults, I, a 53 year old woman, found it to be quite enjoyable. The plot was well thought out and moved at a decent pace. I liked how the story was told by Lance and Felicia in alternating chapters. I really liked the theme that we all need to depend on God for strength, we cannot make it on our own. I am looking forward to reading Evermore, the first full length novel in the series. So grab a glass of Ice water and settle in for a great read.
I was given a copy of Always by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
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