Who doesn't like a book about a princess in hiding trying to regain her throne? I know that it is a well-worn story line, but I still love it. This was a great easy read. I wanted Rose to succeed, and I enjoyed reading about her transformation. Was it predictable? Yes, but that is ok. The only critique that I have is that the middle was a little long. I thought it needed a bit more of a middle book crisis.

One more thing--this book is very clean. There is some violence, minor, but the romance is quite clean, just a kiss at the end.

Thank you publishers and netgalley for the free e-arc.

The Crown of Rosemund was an underwhelming read. The main protagonists never grew past their first impressions, while the villain was a stereotypical tyrant. Glaring historical inaccuracies sealed this book's fate for me.

Rosemund is a spoiled young princess when we first meet her, and she never grows up even with the hardships she endures. Even towards the end of the book, she is headstrong, arrogant, and unwilling to listen to others' advice when it goes counter to what she wants. Part of this can be placed on Jacob's shoulders as he focuses on combat training rather than strategy or being a good ruler. He was a frustrating character because he would talk about what needed to be done, then go back to combat training rather than work toward the end goal. It is sheer luck that wins the day instead of strategy or planning.

Sir Drake doesn't help matters as he runs around as the quintessential villain that needs to be overthrown who only the corrupt and hard-hearted would follow. There is nothing remotely interesting about his character. Honestly, it was surprising that he didn't find Jacob and Rosemund, given that they continually put themselves at risk by referring to each other as Jacob and Princess after taking on new identities as disguises.

A bland story is bad enough, but there are jarring historical inaccuracies that kept pushing me out of the story. Some of it is nitpicky, like the fact that fifteenth-century castles did not have drawing rooms. But the author completely ignores that the only Bible in 1499 was in Latin, so no priest would be quoting it in the vernacular. Also, the Reformation and Henry VIII's blow-up with the Catholic Church hadn't occurred yet to weaken the Church's control of marriages. I don't expect fiction novels to be 100% historically accurate, but glaring issues like this just make a lousy book worse.

The premise was appealing, but the book wasn't able to follow suit. It's a pity, but The Crown of Rosemund does not gleam for this historical fiction fan.

I really couldn't get through this one. It wasn't for me. I think it might be for a younger audience. I didn't love how the dialogue was a lot of information for the reader. It didn't seem natural. I lost interest.

In The Crown of Rosemund by Michele Ashman Bell, princess Rosemund finds herself in hiding after her parents are murdered. In the care of Jacob, her parents' trusted servant and friend, "Rose" learns what it's like to be part of the kingdom, gaining strength and wisdom for the time when she hopes to regain her parent's throne from the evil ruler who will stop at nothing to see her dead also.

While The Crown of Rosemund follows a predictable plot typical of fantasy novels, the characters endear themselves to the reader--Princess Rose, especially. She's likeable, honest, idealistic, yet teachable. Love for her people fuels her desire to rule with justic and grace. Along the way, Rose meets a variety of folks, from Maxwell, who becomes an ally, to his puzzling half-brother Ricker, to some gypsy-like characters, trusting villagers, and even evil soldiers. The pastoral setting reminds readers of the time of Robinhood, and references to praying and asking for God's help and blessing hint of a belief in God, though it's not an overly large part of the story.

The book itself provides a good storyline with plenty of action, and believable characters. Best of all, it's a clean read with no questionable language, no overly descriptive violence, and no unneeded sexual scenes. It's a good, clean, enjoyable story. Readers will not be disappointed with The Crown of Rosemund, but will likely long for another installment to find out what happens next for Rosemund. It's definitely an author I'll be recommending to teens and friends looking for clean fantasy

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. However, the opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a YA type novel set in medieval times. This was a quick, clean read that reminded me of Sleeping Beauty in some ways...rose as main character, living in a cottage in the woods hiding out, etc. I liked the twists in the story and thought it was well written.

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.

The Crown of Rosemund April 1



Rosemund, also called Rose cried as she watched the palace burn from her home at Ridley Manor. She called out to her parents advisor Jacob in fear as she knew they had to escape those who had attacked and killed her parents.
Rose found out that Sir Drake had conspired to kill her parents and take over Anduron so she had to hide. Rose decided to disguise herself as a boy and Jacob taught her how to take care of farm animals and trained her in hand - to hand combat and sword fighting in his cottage near a lake.
Rose had met a young man named Maxwell when he had saved her from being captured by Sir Drake's soldiers and he had asked to learn how to train to fight like she was being trained - his brother Ricker was friends with her, too!
She and Jacob lived as poor peasants and interacted with the people in their town of Putney, even sharing their food with them when there was a shortage of food because the crops had failed that year.
How can Rose gain her kingdom back?

First of all, I love that instead of the cliche of the handsome hero protecting the princess and falling in love with her (and vice versa), this novel has a grandfatherly figure tasked with protecting the princess.

Although he respects her royal status, Jacob is determined that the princess know how to protect herself. To that end, he has her take on menial chores that will build her physical strength, as well as training her in combat.

Rose is determined and feisty. Though initially she complains, she quickly sees the wisdom in Jacob's training and begins to take pride in her accomplishments; simple though they would seem to any peasant of her day.

It did feel as though parts of it moved too quickly, particularly near the end. But overall, a well written novel that strikes a chord with the tragedies Rose lives through, while also drawing the reader in with the intrigue.

This was a fun read. I loved how resilient Rose was and she made me want to be better at facing my trials. I love Maxwell and Ricker. They were both fun characters. Maxwell is definitely a very great heroic lead, but I love that Rose doesn't just sit back. I did find it slow at times and it took me a little bit to get into it.
#netgalley #thecrownofrosemund

This book is a historical fantasy, set in the 1400s. Amazon doesn't tag this book as YA, but after reading it I'd put it firmly in that category.

When her parents are killed, 15 year old Princess Rosemund must flee into hiding with a trusted advisor. In the early part of the book, she's learning survival skills—fishing, cooking, fighting, etc—while at the same time learning leadership and strategy so that she may regain the throne that is rightfully hers.

The story kept me interested and I liked her bravery and the friends she made that help her along the way. Toward the end, it wrapped up a little too fast and neat for my tastes. I also prefer a deeper POV. But tweens and younger teens would most likely not care about that.

It is clean, no language or intimacy. Just a few short kisses at the end. There is however violenceL hand-to-hand fighting, beatings, knife stabs, and death. Might be upsetting to those who are very sensitive, but I would have let my 12+ kids read it.

I give it 4 stars.

This is a suspenseful adventure! The plot was captivating and engaging. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

This is my first experience with a book by Michele Ashman Bell. I enjoyed her writing style. I enjoyed the book, the mystery, suspense, and overall story. There were a few times in the middle (when Rose and Jacob were hiding in the small town) that were slow and mundane and I felt were a little unnecessary. However overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it!

THE CROWN OF ROSEMUND by MICHELE ASHMAN BELL starts in 1498 in the fictitious country of Anduran with the murder of princess Rosemund's parents and her flight to safety with Jacob, a man totally loyal to her father. She, dressed as a boy, becomes Silas, and Jacob poses as her grandfather Arthur.
Under Jacob's training Rose becomes strong, and when Maxwell and Ricker join in they all learn a lot from the old man which will stand them in good stead.
It is an exciting story as we follow Rose's flight from Sir Drake who seeks to kill her and take over the throne.
I am not going to tell you any more as I do not want to spoil the read for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Covenant Communications. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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

I struggled with the first part of this book because I felt like it wasn’t an original enough idea. The idea seemed hurried like Jacob and Rose’s imminent departure was. Life was breathed into the book when Maxwell and Ricker appeared but then we were hurried again because Maxwell had to go to academy. The mid part was all about giving back to the people but Rose’s return still showed a green youth since they were caught even though it turned out in there favor. The ending was tidied up but I still feel like the book should have been fleshed a bit more when it felt hurried.

This is my first by this author, and I gave it three stars. Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read, I will wait until after it is published to post my review. I loved the cover and blurb. I voluntarily left this review.

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.

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.

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.