{Book Review:} The Sound of Emeralds by Rachelle Rea

My Review:
A lovely, emotional conclusion to a beautiful series!

Ever since I finished The Sound of Silver I have eagerly anticipated The Sound of Emeralds. And I was not disappointed! The end of Silver left us with glad tidings, yet a shadow to be resolved. Namely, proving Dirk's innocence. I just LOVED how this book touched on real life feelings and struggles.

Emeralds rounds out the stories of the characters we've come to love so dearly. This book deals with a lot of emotion, both the good and what could be classified as "bad." I loved how Ms. Rea handled the "bad" emotions, such as the sadness and the depression, the grief and the anxiety. It made the characters raw, vulnerable, and realistic. But I also particularly appreciated how she handled the healing that came after; both the joy and the peace.

Over the course of these three novels, Ms. Rea tells a beautiful story. I loved watching Gwyn, Dirk, and even the minor characters grow through these novels. This book had me gripping my e-reader, desperately needing to know how things would be resolved. So while Diamonds (I think. It's hard to choose!) remains my favorite of the series, Emeralds definitely gave it a run for its money! If you like historical novels, you must not miss this one!!

I received a e-ARC of this novel from the author in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thanks, Rachelle!! 

Back Cover:
What once was blazing hatred has turned to lasting love, but could the union of a wild heart with that of a lady ever result in more than heartache?

With the help of an old friend with uncertain loyalties, Dirk inches ever closer to clearing his name. Gwyneth throws her faith into good tidings and the promise of a future as a family. But an old evil comes to call, just as tragedy rips apart a fledgling truce. Enemies from the past and grief for the future threaten to tear asunder what God had brought together…

As the date of Dirk’s trial approaches, his fate and his family hang in the balance. Will he be proven innocent of Gwyneth’s parents’ murders—or separated from her forever? How much pain does it take to erode a love steadfast?

{Book Review:} The Sound of Silver by Rachelle Rea

My Review:

(Quick side note... I apologize for my absence! My new husband and I made a big move in August and we're still settling in.)

This book is incredible!! I thoroughly enjoyed The Sound of Diamonds, the first in this series, but I was unprepared for how much I would enjoy it's sequel!

Silver picks up right where we left off in Diamonds. Boy, does the story pick up speed! Rea throws us in the heat of the action fairly soon into the pages. Her pacing, the story line, and the historic elements to this novel were simply fantastic and worthy of applause. As I read, I could see the story unfolding in my mind. It was absolutely beautiful!

My favorite thing about this novel would probably be Gwyn's character development. She truly changes in a realistic manner. Rea takes her from point A in Diamonds, to now point B at the end of Silver. I'm eagerly looking forward to how she takes Gwyn to point C in Emeralds!

If you like historical novels with a little bit of action and adventure thrown in, I would highly encourage you to check out this series. You won't regret it! Rea is a shining new novelist that you won't want to miss. Trust me. ;-)

Back Cover:
The stalwart saint and the redeemed rebel. One is fighting for faith, the other for honor…

After Dirk rescues Gwyneth from the Iconoclastic Fury, she discovers that faith is sometimes fragile—and hope is not as easy as it may seem. Gwyneth continues her quest to learn more about the love of God preached by Protestants she once distrusted.

Meanwhile, Dirk’s quest is to prevent his sullied name from staining hers. Will his choice to protect her prove the undoing of her first faltering steps toward a Father God? Once separated, will Dirk and Gwyneth’s searching hearts ever sing the same song?

{Book Review:} The Sound of Diamonds by Rachelle Rea

My Review:
Wowza!
Are you seeking a historical romance novel to send you back in time? A book to make you sigh and smile? The Sound of Diamonds is the book for you! This novel is a beautiful debut from the lovely Rachelle Rea and it is sure to please historical fans.

I was sucked into the story after only a few pages. The character voices of Dirk and Gwyneth are distinct and carry you through the story well. There were a couple times I wasn't paying one-hundred percent attention and might have gotten a little confused but...it was my own fault. ;-) Honestly, I loved the artistry of words in this novel. The reading experience was completely captivating! I definitely would read this one again. And now I eagerly await the release of a sequel...

One of my favorite things about this novel was the theme of hope and the message that God wants more than your actions, He wants your heart. This really impacted me most out of the whole story, primarily because I had just been marveling at that myself. So, with that all said, I can easily recommend this book to anyone into historical, young adult, and romance genres. This debut is simply amazing so go check it out!

I received a free ebook copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review of my opinions, which I have done. Thank you, Rachelle!

Back Cover:
Her only chance of getting home is trusting the man she hates.

With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle's castle. She doesn't dare to trust him...and yet doesn't dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent.

Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her but what is he to do when those goals clash?

The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope...or be overcome.