Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman

Page Count: 368

Published on: September 8th 2015 

Published by: Bethany House Publishing 

Genre(s): Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, YA, Fiction, Christian Romance, YA
Source: Print: Paperback: From Bethany House Publishing

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Dina's Twitter: @DinaSleiman1

Facebook Page: Facebook

Goodreads synopsis:

Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit.

When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles--along with twists and turns aplenty--await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies. 

~~~

Hey guys!

      I received this book for an honest review from Bethany House Publishing. I'm so glad I've read this book! I loved the characters, the plot, and I especially loved the messages throughout the book...

What I Loved:

• The characters! 
• Allen: Allan was such a great character! I loved how chivalrous and polite and kind he was to everyone he encountered. He has such a kind spirit and he was such a wise and God fearing soul. I love how he encouraged Rosalind and Gwendolyn to read the Scriptures and educate themselves in the way of the Lord. 
• Gwendolyn: She was such a strong character! Even though this took place in the 1200s, she remained independent and she wanted to be treated like a person not an object. I love it. I loved how she stood up for herself and she didn't take most of the crap that was thrown her way. Even though her father was quite abusive and violent she didn't give up, because she knew what she wanted for her future! I could empathize with her throughout this book, girl to girl. Eventually, Gwen realized that even though her earthly father wasn't there for her all the time, her Heavenly Father is there no matter what and He loves her and forgives her and will protect her no matter what.
• Rosalind: I absolutely loved Rosalind. She was definitely one of my favorite characters. She's had such a sweet temperament, she's so hardworking, and she really did care about her family and her own salvation. I was kind of taken aback by the events concerning Rosalind towards the end of the story. I promptly checked Dina Sleiman's website to see what the next book would be about. I am so glad that the next book will be about Rosalind! Woooo!
• I like how Sleiman dealt with domestic violence and abuse. She did it perfectly.
• I loved the messages of the story.
• You can be feminine and still be strong and brave. Men can be feminine and be brave and strong as well, and women can be masculine and strong and brave and not have to be protected by a man. Men and women draw from each other's strengths and weaknesses. 
• God will protect you no matter what. He will protect you through everything.
• God has a plan for everyone.
• The women in this book KICKED BUTT! Gwen, Rosalind, Lady Barnes, Duchess Adela --the women were feisty and strong and stuck together for the most part. They didn't let the attitudes of the men stop them from trying to be as happy as possible. 
• I also love the links to Camelot and King Arthur's reign. It adds a bit of magic to the story.

Things I Didn't Like:

• I hate Lord Barnes. I mean it doesn't stop you from enjoying the book, but I hate his whole personality.
• I didn't like that the Gwen and Allen, when they were narrating in their POVs, would occasionally think something along the line. "He awakened something inside of her, something that made her see how women could like 'such touches' or Allen's face heated up at the thought of how children came about." Honestly, that was kind of awkward and I didn't really like it when that would come up. This book was supposed to be geared towards young adults, but I read a review where it mentioned this same topic and Sleiman said that she though that the feelings shared are healthy. She said she wants girls to know that those feelings are healthy, but if girls become guilty because of their feelings then that could damage their future marriage.
• I also think the romance was kind of rush or underdeveloped and kind of insta-lovey. Gwen just kind of randomly changed her viewpoint on marriage and love and again I felt it rushed. 

       This book actually deals with some heavy topics: alcoholism, domestic abuse (mental), domestic violence (physical), unwanted pregnancy, and it had hints of a discussion of sex. Mind you it only had one detailed kiss, but it was kind of mentioned a little. 

      I love loved this book. I'm really excited for the next one and I really hope I can get a review copy of Courageous (the next one).

Similar Books To Read:

• Dawn's Prelude by Tracie Peterson {gr}
• The Broadmoon Legacy series by Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller {gr}
• Treasure Of the North by Tracie Peterson {gr}
• Amish Promises by Leslie Gould {review linked}

       I'm sorry I've not posted as much this month! I've been so busy with school it's insane! I'm still reading as much as I can. It also doesn't help I'm kind of in a reading slump :/.  I'll try to post a bunch this Saturday, and I'll be trying to put up a review on Thursday of Destined For Doon by Lorie Langdon & Carey Corp. I hate not posting and reading as much, but I'm working on it!

Enjoy guys!

Olivia

~livthebooknerd~

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // Bloglovin