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Title: The Sound of Diamonds
Author: Rachelle Rea
Series: Steadfast Love #1
Genre: Historical
Audience: Young Adult-Adult
~ MY REVIEW ~
**4 stars**
I've been a long time excitedly awaiting to read Rachelle Rea's debut novel, The Sound of Diamonds. That gorgeous title. That stunning cover. And Christian, medieval/renaissance historical! I'm delighted to say I was not disappointed! *smiles*
Book One of the STEADFAST LOVE series starts off in a nun's cell, where a privileged young woman named Gwyneth is caught in a brutal conflict between rioting Protestants and outlawed Catholics. Her life is narrowly saved by Devon Godfrey, a man she wants nothing to do with.
In a tumultuous time, Gwyneth must decide who to trust ... and what to believe.
An exciting, dramatic, beautiful story - I enjoyed it from beginning to end! There was a deep theme of Christian faith, explored during a confusing time. Martin Luther and other reformers are mentioned; Catholic nuns' lives looked into; troubled individuals journeyed with as they search for true faith. It was all intriguing, sometimes very sobering, and ultimately beautiful! I love stories about finding out the true loving character of God. For though He is our holy creator and king, He also loved us so much He gave His beloved Son to redeem us! He seeks a personal relationship! So, The Sound of Diamonds is truly a journey of finding that!
And I enjoyed the journey very much! Gwyneth and her two nun friends, Agnes and Margried were lovely companions to travel with; along with Dirk (Devon) and his men. I particularly liked Margried and her little side story! ^_^ Devon was such a wonderful young man! Kind and conscientious. Brave. Loyal. Despite his dark past, he was ever the knight in shining armor for the women under his care.
That being said, the romance of this novel was very sweet! Rather gentle, and noble, and endearing. It definitely had a rocky start, but came together beautifully! <3 *sigh* The Sound of Diamonds is really the classic "fairy tale" romance story; with a good amount of depth, faith, and poignant scenarios added in.
I would say sixteen and up might be a good audience for this book.
Overall, it was a lovely medieval/renaissance tale. I'm so excited to read more! *smiles*
I received a copy of The Sound of Diamonds from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This is one of the best debuts I've read. Rachelle certainly does a fantastic job crafting this story and she's taken great care with each detail. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, she did, Rissi! Definitely a wonderful author, and one I greatly look forward to reading more by! ^_^
DeleteRissi, your words mean more than you know! I love that you love Dirk and Gwyn :)
DeleteShantelle, thank you! :)
This sounds really good! And it's in a time period I particularly enjoy reading about! :) I'll have to try it sometime. :D
ReplyDeleteYou should, Jesseca! It was a delightful story - really good!! And yes, I love the Medieval/Renaissance times too! :) So excited to finish the series!
DeleteThat's my favorite time period, too. ;) Glad to meet others who love it as well!
DeleteI keep seeing this book! I need to read it :D I love the idea of a book that's positive about Catholics and Protestants in loving God :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a very good book; you should really pick it up sometime, Stefanie! :) I thoroughly enjoyed it! ^_^
DeleteStefanie, that's a tension that's important to me! I hope you are able to pick up Dirk and Gwyn's story! :)
DeleteHi Shantelle! Please forgive me for taking so very long to respond to this post; shame on me for having lost the link! I want to thank you again for this lovely review--and for talking it up in the comments section here! I'm thrilled to see everyone interacting, and overjoyed about this year bringing the culmination of Dirk and Gwyn's saga :)
ReplyDeleteHi Rachelle! Oh, I understand! And you're welcome! I'm glad you liked it! ^_^ Love to write good reviews for authors and all that! :) I'm so excited to read the next two books about Dirk and Gwyn! Best wishes to you on writing and editing! :)
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