A Fun Reimagining of "Robin Hood" with Time-Travel! --"The Maid of Sherwood Forest" by Sian Bessey--Review

 My Review:

"The Maid of Sherwood Forest" by Sian Bessey is the second book in “A McQuivey's Costume Shop Romance” series. I really loved the first book in the series and thoroughly enjoyed this one as well! This time-travel romance series is so fun, and I especially love that this new book focuses on the Robin Hood legend, which is one of my favorite subjects to read about. As a huge Robin Hood fan, I appreciated the nods to the popular film versions of Robin Hood in today’s pop culture. It was great to see the familiar characters of Robin’s Merry Men in this story. It is clever how the author puts her own unique spin on the story and makes the “Maid Marian” character, Mariah Clinton, be a strong female heroine. It was so neat to see Mariah be so good at archery and even at one point help save Robin Hood and go toe-to-toe with him in an archery contest! It was also cool that Mariah could take her skills in archery and cooking from the present and use them in the past (it was interesting to see how she adapted to the medieval period). The historical details were well researched, and I felt like I was in the time period. The romance is what really shines in this book. The chemistry between Maraih and Robin is sizzling. I especially loved the ending and a certain surprise that Robin Hood aficionados will cheer for and recognize. This was such a fun story that fans of historical romance and Robin Hood will love!

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Some examples of the content: a character curses, but the words are not actually written.

TW: a person thinks they are hallucinating; physical abuse; PTSD.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

 

A New Favorite Time Travel Story! --"A Time Traveler's Masquerade" by Sian Ann Bessey—Review

 

My Review:

"A Time Traveler's Masquerade" by Sian Ann Bessey is a new favorite time travel story. It is the first in a new series called “A McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance” and is part of the award-winning “Proper Romance” collection. It is set in the Jacobean era (early 1600s) in England. I learned so much about Guy Fawkes and the Gun Powder Plot of 1605 while reading this engaging story. I love this period of history and Ms. Bessey really brought it alive with her attention to historical detail and extensive research. She makes history accessible and explains things well in case one is not familiar with this era. It is a time of religious upheaval and division between Protestants and Catholics. I appreciate that this is a clean read, which is not common for stories set in this time period. There is no explicit content, and it is suitable for general audiences, especially young readers. 

The story mixes a little fantasy with history, sweet romance, adventure, amazing characters, and a swoony romance. There’s time-travel, rescue romance, plenty of fish-out-of-water moments, and a race against time. Our heroine, Isla Crawford, loves reading and the past. She is from the present day but travels back to the Jacobean era through a costume shop. I appreciate how Isla struggles to fit in during the past and even things like certain words, how she speaks and writes make her stand out. The obstacles she faces are very realistic. Simon Hartworth, the hero, is one many readers will fall for! I love the banter between Simon and Isla and their horse riding. There’s danger and suspense and I was on the edge of my seat wondering how it would all play out and if Isla has a part to play. Will Isla and Simon also catch feelings in the meantime as they try to help stop the treasonous plot? Another thing that really made this story unique is getting a point of view from Guy Fawkes. This is my first book by this author, but it certainly will not be my last. I cannot wait for book two in the series!

Content: I give this a G rating. Some examples of the content are: someone is an orphan; someone curses, but the words are not written; men drink alcohol; a brief mention of past assault.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.