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The Crown of Rosemund #1

The Crown of Rosemund

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Anduron, 1498

The king and queen are dead, murdered by one who will stop at nothing to rule. But the young princess—Rosemund—has survived, spirited deep into the forest by her parents’ most trusted advisor. There, she finds refuge in a small cottage and a new life, one in which she must play a role that will ensure her survival. Soldiers are combing the countryside searching for the lost princess, and they will not rest until she is found—and eliminated.

Rosemund’s strength grows as she trains for battle and endures the hardships and dangers of peasant life. When chance brings Maxwell, a young man from the nearby village, into her life, Rose finds in him an ally and a friend. As her sixteenth birthday approaches, the time has come for Rose to reclaim her birthright, and in a court controlled by a vengeful new ruler, she must play a deadly game of politics in order to seize the throne that is rightfully hers.

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2021

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About the author

Michele Ashman Bell

42 books333 followers
I grew up in St. George, Utah, where a lot of my family still lives, but now reside with my husband and family in the Salt Lake City area. My favorite thing to do is support my kids in their many interests. Between basketball, ballet and piano lessons we squeeze a lot into a week, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

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5 stars
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158 (34%)
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126 (27%)
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24 (5%)
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9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
Profile Image for Lily.
470 reviews240 followers
March 18, 2023
The king and queen are dead, murdered by one who will stop at nothing to rule. But the young princess—Rosemund—has survived, spirited deep into the forest by her parents’ most trusted advisor. There, she finds refuge in a small cottage and a new life, one in which she must play a role that will ensure her survival. Soldiers are combing the countryside searching for the lost princess, and they will not rest until she is found—and eliminated.

Rosemund’s strength grows as she trains for battle and endures the hardships and dangers of peasant life. When chance brings Maxwell, a young man from the nearby village, into her life, Rose finds in him an ally and a friend. As her sixteenth birthday approaches, the time has come for Rose to reclaim her birthright, and in a court controlled by a vengeful new ruler, she must play a deadly game of politics in order to seize the throne that is rightfully hers.

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Pros:
- Great coming-of-age story
- Good female role model
- Clean and not graphic
- Quick read
- Great themes
- Aligns with Biblical morals and principles (e.g. faith, mercy, endurance, trust in God, prayer, not giving up, loving others (even if they're your enemy))


Cons:
- If you're looking for this to be a romance, it's not. All the other Covenant medieval books I've read have more romance than this one but personally, I don't mind that much because I was reading the book for the book and not for romance. It's got like one kissing scene at the end though and two of the characters do come to love each other but they're mostly just friends for most of the book and that is all.
- Sometimes it feels like the author is just straight-out telling you what's happening as if you're not a part of it instead of making you feel like you're going through everything along with the characters.
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My favorite character was Jacob! I loved him so much. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys medieval settings and/or good female leads. Also to girls around 12-18.
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,625 reviews202 followers
June 2, 2021
4.5*

I really enjoyed this book and the story of Rosemund. I loved watching her grow in strength, both mentally and physically. She loses her parents, the king and queen, at the beginning of the story. She doesn't have much time to mourn as she is also fleeing for her life with the help of her father's trusted advisor Jacob. Jacob was one of my favorite characters in this book (ok to be fair I really liked and connected with all of the key characters in this book).

I loved seeing how Rosemund was protected throughout the book. Whether by strangers, by those close to her or by those who grew to trust her because of her goodness even without knowing her true identity. She truly took up her crown long before she was officially crowned Queen. I loved how she was aware of her parents' goodness and care for their people that she wanted to protect and care for them as well. It truly showed in her interactions (undercover of course) with the people of her kingdom.

I loved when she started to step up and speak to the people to help rally them and ask them to join the cause of overthrowing the Regent. Especially because she was still in disguise. But she didn't shirk away from her duties as the princess/queen, she met them head on and did so with strength and a desire to do what was right by her people whom she was a steward over.

Such a great book. I think that fans of YA will really dive in and enjoy it. I can't wait to share it with my own YA loving family members. I listened to some of this on audio and I really enjoyed the narrator. She was fabulous! So if you choose to read or listen, you're in for a treat!

Content: Clean. This book does deal with the overthrow of a kingdom so there is some death, some fighting, some training, bloodshed and such. But the author wrote it in a way that wasn't overly graphic and flowed well with the story. There is an underlying love story and there is only one kiss at the end. The love story is not the focus of the book.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Lauren (thebookscript).
854 reviews498 followers
March 28, 2021
The Crown of Rosemund is a story about believing in yourself and knowing you have all the potential to become something beyond what you can imagine.

Set in medieval times, Rose is now the heir to the throne after her royal parents are murdered by someone who will stop at nothing to seize power. She takes shelter in the woods with her parent's most trusted advisor and lives a life completely different than she's ever known.

This book is about her struggle to train and become the ruler she was meant to be. Rose is only 15 so while the story is super sweet it also the tackles the violence of the times with a dash of political intrigue. She finds friendship in unexpected places and solace in her new life and you slowly start to see her take on duties that will help her become a great queen.

For me it just moved a little bit slow and was more simple in nature. This is not a bad thing, its just my personal preference. The ending has a little spark of a romance, but it's not really a main product of the book itself.

I think this would appeal incredibly well to a younger audience looking to get more into historical fiction, and would like a "cleaner" YA historical story.
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,628 reviews477 followers
December 30, 2020
3.75*


This is an entertaining adventure. At just fifteen years of age princess Rosemund finds herself fleeing for her life. With only her parents trusted advisor Jacob for company. Together they escape and start a new life is a small run down cottage. Danger is always close as Sir Drake who now rules the land hunts the young princess.

Under Jacob’s tuition Rose trains for battle. She also meets two brothers Maxwell and Ricker. These provide some much needed companionship of a similar age.

This is a nice easy read. While there’s no real depth to it I still enjoyed it.

So if you’re looking for a good clean young adult read this could be the book for you.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley
Profile Image for Jane.
1,063 reviews76 followers
April 26, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This was a pretty good YA Historical Fiction/Romance book set in 1498 in England.

Princess Rosemund's parents have been murdered by a trusted military leader who betrayed them. Rose is secretly rushed away and hidden in the country by a longtime family friend. As they assume new identities and uncle and nephew and try to blend into a small community, Rose begins to train in self defense and learns survival skills. When Maxwell, a young man from town, asks to train with Rose and her "uncle", Rose earns a faithful friend. As soldiers scour the countryside searching for Rose, Max's trust will be put to the test.

This is a typical "parents murdered, princess hides and learns skills to take her kingdom back and make the villain pay" story, but I still enjoyed it. The story was steady and there weren't too many surprises, but I liked Rose and Maxwell, and especially liked Rose's relationship with her "uncle". Most of the story was pretty simple and predictable, with things always working out just right. That's fine, but a little bit more tension and set-backs would have been better.

I receive a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Covenant Communications. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,306 reviews45 followers
April 3, 2021
I was so excited when I found out that Michele Ashman Bell had a new novel coming out. I was very interested because of the time period when this novel takes place. The Heroine is only 15 years old when the book starts. Right off, Rosemund has to grow up quickly as her parents, the King and Queen of Anduran are murdered in their sleep. A trusted royal adviser, Jacob, takes Rose and hides her away and teaches her how to protect herself and prepare to be the future Queen of Anduran.

I really loved how Rose started out as a young sheltered girl and eventually rises to become the young woman needed to reign over her country. This book is so inspirational, especially for teens and young adults. I will admit it inspired me too, even if I am an "older" lady.

There were so many excellent characters in this novel besides Rose. I also loved Jacob, Max, and Ricker. I can't wait to read more in this series. There is a little bit of romance in this first book but I know there will be more in the next one. The Crown of Rosemund is a fantastic start to a series that is full of action, adventure, and a great new world for readers to get lost in. I know that readers will also be renewed by the messages that all of us have greatness within us to achieve, the ability to overcome trials, and also become a Warrior Queen in our own lives.

***Go to my blog to read the exclusive author interview I did with Michele Ashman Bell***
https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot...
Profile Image for Emily Flynn.
472 reviews11 followers
January 12, 2021
Oh. My. Goodness. This book is so much goodness. I could not put it down. I was so intent on reading this story that my hubby was not able to distract me with his usual distractions.

Rosemund is a new favorite Heroine. This story is girl power in all it's finest without being overtly girl power. This girl is a true leader and faced difficulties when her parents (the king and queen) were killed when she was 15. Her father's trusted advisor was given the knowledge she would need to train her to become queen and lead her people. She is forced to hide out as boy while her country is devastated by her parents' killer. Jacob becomes like a grandfather to her as he trains her to survive and they work together. Along the way they are faced with moments of determining who is a friend and who is a foe. Through it all Rose's leadership skills, kindness, and love of her people grows.

This is truly a story of her growth and development to the time where she must retake her parent's throne to save her people.

This story was beautifully written and left me wanting more in all the best ways, What a way to start a new year. I will gladly be in line to purchase it as it is released. Well written with well developed main characters and side characters that add rather than detract. I felt drawn into this world and didn't want to leave. I felt like I lived her heartache and triumph with her.

I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Katie Marie.
378 reviews
July 30, 2021
The Crown of Rosemund was a good and enjoyable read! I liked it, and at times became really invested in it. Plus the cover is absolutely beautiful!! That being said, it just wasn't a favorite.

The characters, while likable, were distant and hard to connect to. I feel like I didn't get a true sense of Rose at all because the writing was distant and didn't go into her head much. Not only that, but she just wasn't all that realistic. She was a princess, lived in a castle, had luxuries, yet when she had to move, cut off her hair, WORK, learn how to hunt, skin animals, and fight, she didn't complain. Not a single time. While I understand that her character was selfless and wouldn't whine, nobody wouldn't complain about transitioning to such a different lifestyle once or twice, or even in their head. It just didn't sound believable, especially for a 15-year-old princess.

The events of the book seemed to drag at times, bogged down by mundane things and details, and I did skim a little bit here and there. I feel like if the author had been a little more concise with her writing it would've been a lot more engaging.

Then there's the book description. It makes it sound like this is going to be an epic Sleeping Beauty retelling, but it isn't. Not at all. While yes, it technically did have that storyline, the way it was worded made it sound like it was supposed to be a retelling, so when it wasn't I was disappointed.

Now, all of that being said, I did enjoy the story and some of my thoughts could be because I was reading another book at the same time, so my attention was divided. And I loved Rose's strong character, inside and out. She was not only a good, nice person but had trained hard and could wield a weapon expertly. I love that!

/I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own./
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,233 reviews200 followers
April 12, 2021
Books containing political intrigue have always interested me. This story is set in the 1400s in a fictional kingdom. One man will stop at nothing to obtain the throne. His obstacle is a Princess named Rosemund.

Rosemund was spirited away by her father's loyal advisor, Jacob. Her parents were murdered by a man they should have been able to trust. Jacob takes her away to a remote village and raises her to be a warrior. The catch is that she has to pose as a lad. The danger is always near and one false step would cause their plans to come to naught and allow a villain to rule the country.

Rose undergoes intensive training and is joined by two young men from the village, Maxwell and Ricker. The friendship and camaraderie they share were wonderful. Both believe that they are training with a boy. Their friendship helps propel the story to a satisfactory conclusion.

I enjoyed the story. I loved Rosemund's transformation from victim to Queen. The Crown of Rosemund had a few surprise moments. There were things revealed that I did not see coming. Overall, this is a very satisfying book to read. The main characters are young, it would be appropriate as a young adult book.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.



Profile Image for Mara.
1,260 reviews90 followers
May 2, 2024
Rosemund's parents, the king and queen, are murdered when she's 16 years old and her father's most trusted advisor, Jacob, whisked her away to safety. In order to hide they cut her hair, disguise her as a young lad named Silas, and live in a small cottage in the woods where Jacob trains her to fight for the time she will need it to rightfully claim the throne. When they must go into the village they refer to each other as grandfather and grandson. Before long, two young men, Maxwell and his brother Riker, join in the training with Rosemund (Silas), whom they believe to be a boy.

I was completely absorbed into this story from the beginning. I can't possibly imagine what Rosemund goes through when are parents are killed. Knowing someone they trusted did it means she doesn't know if there's anyone she can trust besides Jacob. I was afraid for Rosemund and Jacob, hiding from the soldiers sent to find the missing princess. Thank goodness for Jacob! I don't know how he managed to keep Rosemund safe for almost two years, but he does and he turns her into a warrior. Someone who will be able to fight for the throne that is rightfully hers.

I loved her friendship with Maxwell and Riker and how she comes to trust and depend on Maxwell. Thank goodness for Jacob! I liked how the good deeds Jacob and Rosemund do are returned in kind when they decide it's time for Rosemund to fight for the right to rule her people. #WarriorQueen

This is a great book for YA girls because of the strength the author gives the character of Rosemund. She was raised to be a princess but her life took a major detour and she had to learn to do hard things. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Covenant Communications. All thoughts expressed in my review are my own.
Profile Image for Aimee (Getting Your Read On).
3,041 reviews281 followers
April 1, 2021
I really love the cover of this book and I have to say that this publisher is crushing it with novel covers overall. They are so unique and connected to the story, just like this one is. I'm a fan.

The Crown of Rosemund is a mixed bag for me. I guess I was expecting something a bit more than I received. The first half of the story is slow. So slow and so repetitive. It was a struggle sometimes to stay connected. I didn't ever feel an emotional connection to any of the characters so the plot really had to be the primary motivator for me to read. The second half of the story got better and picked up in pace a bit.

I really liked the transformation of Rosemund from insecure, sheltered princess to a strong, resilient young woman, ready to fight to be queen. The last bit of the book was my favorite because it was where Rosemund really steps into her role as leader and queen. She bands people together and takes her castle and her position back. There are some good fighting scenes and it felt climactic for sure.

I'm not really sure of the target audience for this book. After reading, I would say the younger set because of the age of Rosemund (about 16) and how the story progresses. The romance isn't really a romance, just a friendship for most of the book. Everything stays pretty surface and as an adult, I was really hoping for more. So, maybe this book would be better suited for the younger YA crowd? That would make more sense.

3/5 stars for this book.

Content: peril, some violence and fighting. One chaste kiss at the end.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Amanda (BookLoverAmanda).
524 reviews570 followers
February 5, 2021
The Crown of Rosemund is an outstanding historical fiction read filled with adventure! I absolutely loved this story. The details written surrounding the setting, time period, location, characters – wonderful. I could see this being a movie or tv show – it was THAT good! If you love the medieval time period and historical fiction – you will love this! I also love that we have some aspects of faith and discussions surrounding prayer, God, heaven etc.

I especially enjoyed the relationship between Jacob and Rosemund. His loyalty to her and her family – truly inspiring and beautiful. The scenes between them were some of my most favorites. They have a true grandfather – granddaughter relationship style and it truly made you love them together.

Rosemund’s growth and character development was truly heart warming to witness. While she struggled, she never gave up. She constantly fought for the people she cared about – whether it be Jacob, Maxwell or people of Anduron.

Wonderful story and ending. I couldn’t put it down and thank you Covenant Communications and NetGalley for providing this free advanced copy for me to review. This is one of my favorites that I’ve read in a long time!
Profile Image for Dee/ bookworm.
1,397 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2021
I had a hard time connecting with the main character of this book. She seemed aloof and almost two dimensional. She did accept and adapt to her surroundings and circumstances, though. Once though the first part the book really picked up and was exciting and intricately written.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!).
765 reviews38 followers
March 30, 2021
The Crown of Rosemund was exciting, action packed and emotional! Rose's story drew me in immediately, with her parents being murdered and having to flee and hide for her safety. I felt like I was watching it unfold on the big screen! Jacob was one of those characters that seemed so real to me. I loved his loyalty to the crown and to protecting Rose. Watching Rose grow as a person was beautiful to behold. I loved her passion for her duty and her people! Books about royals are some of my favorites to read and The Crown of Rosemund did not disappoint! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lindy Thompson.
474 reviews21 followers
February 28, 2021
I was really intrigued by Rosemund's story because we really don't see a lot of Medeival historical fiction right now. I really loved how Rosemund grows so much over the course of this book. She starts off as a painfully shy girl and grows into the strong, kind woman she was born to be.
Parts of this book did feel slow and a bit repetitive, particularly in the beginning.. Once Rose met Maxwell and Ricker, I was sucked into the story and in wondering how Rose was going to succeed in her quest.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,261 reviews90 followers
December 25, 2020
The Crown of Rosemund by Michele Ashman Bell is an excellent historical fiction that has it all: HF, action, suspense, romance, and faith. I really enjoyed this novel.

This takes place at the end of the 1400s/turn of the century 1500s in a fictious kingdom that reminds me of England: Anduron. It starts off with the reader meeting the young, not quite of age, Rosemund whom is trust into the spotlight when her parents, the King and Queen, are murdered. She quickly becomes not only the heir to the throne, but also a woman that is at risk of getting murdered herself. Not knowing who to trust within the court, she is taken by her family’s trusted servant, Jacob, away into hiding and under disguise as a commoner. While in hiding, she is further educated, trained, advised, and prepared for the coming day when she will be 18 and rightfully able to take the crown. There are obstacles abound: external from the treasonous individuals that are seeking her capture and removal from ever achieving power, and internally from her struggles of growing up, preparing for a monumental and adult task, and making her way as a peasant hidden away with the loss of those she loved most. Here she finds herself, her inner strength, her faith, loyal friendships, and her renewed purpose. The multitude of battles she must overcome (within herself and amongst others) take the reader through a wonderful narrative to the perfect end.

I really enjoyed watching Rosemund grow throughout this story. She overcomes so much and succeeds with the help of a great collection of characters. I was so glad she was able to find a group of people that loved her for her, were able to support her and give her the loyalty and strength she needed. I also enjoyed Maxwell and their relationship that blossoms. I enjoyed the inclusion of a strong female character with a grounded moral compass.

I really enjoyed this novel and even though it has a perfect and satisfying ending, I think that there plenty of material presented to carry on to another novel.

5/5 stars highly recommend

Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications for this Arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 12/25/20 no BB listing has been created) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/1/21.
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,171 reviews152 followers
March 28, 2021
This was a beautiful story of an exceptional young woman who found the courage to fight for herself and for her kingdom, even when all seemed lost. I admired Rose's character for her strength and her goodness, and Jacob for his as well. There was so much to this story I found myself wishing it was longer!

This is not a romance, but a wonderfully told story of empowerment, perseverance, and friendship. This is one I will have my teenagers read for both for the entertainment value and the notable themes woven throughout.

4.5 stars and I hope we get to see some of the side characters in future books!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,056 reviews34 followers
April 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book by Michele. It is the first book by her I have read. I really enjoyed how she developed the characters and how she described the scene. She made the characters come alive for me and made them seem like friends who I wanted to know what happened next. I also loved the story and how they main character was a strong young woman willing to do whatever she could to make her kingdom a good place to live and that she was willing to stand up to those who tried to take her rightful place. Great story that I highly recommend!

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 50 books584 followers
Read
April 5, 2021
Princess Rosemund has an idyllic life with her parents---until they are murdered. A kind servant hides her away in the forest until such time she can go back and reclaim the throne that is rightfully hers. Rosemund spends the time wisely, training and learning who and how to trust. But when the country is nearly falling to ruin under the selfish new ruler, Rosemund must return earlier than expected. But danger lurks around every corner and the window she has to put their plan in motion is quickly closing. She has one chance---and if she fails, she will die.

This is such a fun adventure story with a little bit of romance. Rosemund is a relatable character who is thrown into extreme circumstances and muddles her way through trying to adapt. She has good people around her that help strengthen her for the hard road ahead---including Maxwell, a warrior who has captured her heart. But it is his love and support that sustains her and helps her as she works to get her kingdom back. The romance is definitely in the background, however, as the political intrigue is front and center. There are specific trials that have to be overcome before Rosemund can claim her throne and the danger level is ratcheted up with nearly every chapter. Halfway through the book you won't want to put it down, just so you can see what happens to Rosemund as she claims her birthright. A really fun read!
Profile Image for Shauna Jones.
481 reviews8 followers
December 22, 2020
A great book of struggles to make wrongs right
A fantastic read. This book is full of struggles, danger, finding inner strength, discovering what you are capable of, and sacrifices large and small to help obtain a worthy and valuable goal to bring good to others. The fifteen-year-old princess, Rosemund, has to stand by and watch as smoke rises from her family’s castle. She’d been sent away with a trusted advisor to be kept safe until she could be place on the throne. But with her parents’ deaths, for her safety, she begins a life of meager existence, extensive training in governing as well as warfare, hiding her identity in the guise of a young boy, and constant watchfulness as the leader of the coup searches everywhere for the missing princess. As time passes, she and her advisor/guardian meet and befriend three individuals who offer her friendship and hope without knowing her true identity. Can a young woman of fifteen succeed at leading an uprising, regaining her throne, and righting the wrongs of an evil man looking out only for his own power and prestige? You won’t want to put it down. A riveting tale that will keep you fully engaged. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Joelle.
361 reviews24 followers
May 3, 2021
This book starts off with a heartbreaking scene that tore at my heart. I cannot imagine what it would be like to loose my parents at a young age, and both of them. This event throws Rosemund's life into a spiral, though sadly one that they had planned for and it leads to a new life for a time where Rosemund is able to stand back and not only take a look at her own life, but at the life of the people in her precious kingdom.

Where some readers find the beginning of the story slow I found it fascinating. We get to experience the whole journey of Rosemund stretching and growing to become the future queen. You see someone who may be seen as a young sheltered girl grown into a strong, caring, bright and capable young woman ready to take on the responsibilities of her kingdom. Ready to care for those around her. Rosemund was such a fun character in this story and faces so many different obstacles before her but she is blessed with other wonderful friends along the way who help her set things right and get to her rightful place.

Jacob is one of those characters and I loved his part in the story. Can I just learn all things about life from him? Can he be one of my honorary grandfathers? And then there is Maxwell. We get just the right amount of him in this book. I love Maxwell, he has my heart, but I love that the story isn't centered on their relationship per say. Don't worry, he's still an important part of the story. This story really is about Rosemund and her journey to the crown.

Maybe we aren't running our own kingdoms, but we can accomplish the goals and dreams we set before us just as Rosemund does in her story. Rosemund is a wonderful example to young and older women alike. I was inspired reading this story, and still am honestly, I can do great things no matter if they are big or small. Books that inspire us to be better and do better are definitely worth reading.

*I received a complimentary copy from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,171 reviews85 followers
March 25, 2021
This book has all the makings of a wonderful book. A strong heroine, a compassionate teacher and advisor, a corrupt man trying to take over the kingdom, and a swoony hero. I liked how Jacob taught Rosemund and helped her to develop physical strength, as well as emotional strength. She grew and developed a lot and I liked how her adversity and living like a peasant helped her grow into her role as Queen. I liked the plot twist with Maxwell’s family toward the end. I didn’t really see that coming and I like when an author can pull that off. I really liked Maxwell and Ricker and thought they were great additions to the story.

I did feel like the narrative was a bit choppy and didn’t flow as smoothly as it could have. And I would have loved for the romance thread to be more developed. The story is good, I just wish some parts had been fleshed out a little more.

I think this book would especially appeal to a young adult crowd, ages 12-16 or so.

Note: this is a book about war and contains hand-to-hand combat, blood, and other forms of violence. There is also political intrigue and unfaithfulness. I do not feel, however, that anything is overly graphic or disturbing.

Quotes:
“Your mother vowed to be with your father in life and in death. ‘Twas a love like none other I’ve been blessed to witness.”

“Sometimes good things can come from something that seems bad at the moment.”

“My dearest Princess,” Jacob said. “What is courage if it isn’t doing what needs to be done in spite of fear?”

“You are of noble birth, you are strong, you are powerful, and you will lead this country to greatness.”

“I punched the Queen!” He bowed and repeated, “Please forgive me.”
“Not Queen yet, Maxwell, and don’t forget I punched you as well. There is no need to apologize.”


Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Profile Image for Kye.
291 reviews10 followers
February 28, 2021
They Crown of Rosemund is you typical spoiled princess has her life turned upside town by a coup and must learn to become a strong leader to retake her throne. There is not thing new in this story that has not already been done; however, it is still a very enjoyable tale. The writing in the beginning needs some work and is stilted. As the story progresses the writing becomes better and the author stops failing at trying to make the language seem time appropriate considering the story takes place in the late 1400s.

Rose's transformation from pampered princess to capable monarch is well paced. In the beginning, I found the author's choice of phrasing annoying as she tried to point out how different this lifestyle is from Rose's life in the palace. We do not need to know that Rose's royal scheduled consisted of her getting up late and take naps late in the afternoon. It did not create the juxtaposition I believe the author intended. Instead, it created a contempt for Rose until she had finally begun to prove herself.

Rose's plan to take back her throne and the relationships she builds along the way are fleshed out and enjoyable. There was even a twist I did not see coming, and I definitely enjoyed it. Overall I would give the book 3.5/5 stars, rounding up to 4 for GoodReads.

Thank you to the publisher for gifting me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #NetGalleyReview
841 reviews8 followers
December 24, 2020
An enjoyable read about a women coming of age and the trials she must undergo to save her kingdom. Rose had her entire life upended due to the murder of her parents. With their most trusted advisor, Rose goes into hiding until she is ready to regain her kingdom. Keeping her identity a secret, she becomes stronger, learning to fight and protect herself while learning about what she needs to do to regain her throne. Rose meets a couple of boys, whom become very close to her. She cannot divulge her secret, but they train with her and she begins to trust them. Rose sees and hears the suffering of her people, which forces her to speed up her plans, but she needs allies. With the help of Maxwell and Ricker, Rose puts her plans in motion, but will it be enough to dethrone a tyrant and save her people?
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Yesenia  (bookbrunette).
37 reviews22 followers
February 16, 2021
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

The Crown of Rosemund is a historical fiction novel about a young princess who goes into hiding after her parents are murdered. It's an enjoyable and interesting story with plenty of action. It suffered a bit from too much exposition, especially at the beginning. The flow of the story felt staggered from the constant interruptions the commentary made. This is something that does improve after the start of the book. Some of the character development that the characters go through doesn't feel earned. Other characters also feel a bit one-dimensional or don't develop as the story goes on. The book is still quite enjoyable and fun to read. The adventure was exciting throughout. It could have been a bit longer to expand on some characterization and details, but it still had a satisfying ending. I recommend The Crown of Rosemund for readers looking for a short and easy to read young-adult historical fiction story.
Profile Image for Megan.
256 reviews
March 26, 2021
Rating 3.5

This book is a medieval story about a princess who has to go into hiding until she can rightfully claim the throne.

It was an intriguing story with some great plot twists. A lot of action happened throughout the book, which kept my attention. I loved how princess Rose was so compassionate toward the common people, and was able to keep their loyalty and get them to rally behind her and support her.

The biggest thing that kept me from absolutely loving this book was the lack of depth. I felt like most things were just skimmed over and was lacking the emotional, gripping depth that could suck me right in. There were also a lot of actions the characters took that made absolutely no sense to me.

I did enjoy this book, and would recommend to those who enjoy the medieval time period, also think this is a great book for YA readers.
May 25, 2021
This book was spectacular!
Definitely on my re-read list as Michele Ashman Bell is a talented writer and one I will be watching for future books!

I enjoyed that is was a clean read that was exciting and entertaining, as well.
The fight scenes felt real, without being overly graphic or nasty.

Rose was a wonderful heroine that you really relate to and I appreciated that aspect for sure.

If you are a fan of Young Adult literature set in Medieval Times this book is definitely worth checking out.
It's action packed and gives a new spin on this type of tale.

***Thank you to the Author, Publisher, and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of the book. All views and opinions expressed are my own.***
Profile Image for Lucy Anne Holland.
Author 4 books57 followers
March 21, 2021
This was a fun adventure! The idea behind this story was compelling and exciting.
But I had a really hard time getting through this book.... Especially at the beginning, there was a lot of telling rather than showing. It slowed the plot down a bit. And there was so much dialogue! I know there are readers who love dialogue; it's just not for me.
The relationship between Jacob and Rose was really sweet and his loyalty to her was to be admired!
This book wasn't a personal favorite for me, but I know there are others who have loved it. So maybe you'll enjoy too.
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