To tie this point in with one of the main things I talk about on this blog, I think my problem with Maribel has to do with personality type clashes. Her character is well-developed and consistent. I understand why she’s written the way she is. Characters usually make or break a book for me, so not connecting well with Maribel in particular made this book less enjoyable for me personally than the first two in this series. Though I did enjoy this book, I liked the story far more than the characters. There’s also plenty of adventure along the way, with attacks by giant spiders, travels through a deadly labyrinth, and perils from pursuit and pestilence.

Of course, we all know how these kinds of stories go so it comes as no surprise that romance ensues in spite of Edmund’s best efforts to keep a secret that everyone except Maribel already knows. He will not stand in the way of her dreams to become a nun and a healer, no matter what it costs him. Edmund goes with her as her protector, hoping and praying she won’t discover that he loves her as far more than an adopted sister.

With wicked King Ethelwulf’s soldiers hunting her, Maribel must leave the abbey and travel to join her sister, Queen Adelaide Constance. Sure she feels trapped sometimes and longs for a little adventure before settling down, but she does intend to take her vows and settle into life as a nun.Īdventure finds her with the arrival of an unexpected visitor who reveals Maribel’s true identity as one of the three lost princesses. She has all the friends she needs in the nuns, their protector Wade, and her fellow orphans Edmund and Collette. She knows nothing outside her cloistered world but that doesn’t bother her much.

Raised in an isolated abbey, Lady Maribel desires nothing more than to become a nun and continue practicing her healing arts.

Mild spoiler warning: I’m not going to disclose any major plot points but if you don’t want to know anything about the plot and character relationships before reading this book then you’ll want to skip my post for now.

The series started with prequel novella Always and novel Evermore, and now it continues with Foremost. If you’re looking for a wholesome and sweetly romantic series for your teens and young adults (or yourself - there’s no age limit!) then you’ll want to check out Jody Hedlund’s new Lost Princesses fairy tale series. A second princess, another key to the treasure, and a cruel king desperate to squelch the growing rebellion.

Foremost jody hedlund