🏝️🏴☠️💗🗡️ “Worthy of Legend” (The Secrets of the Isles #3) (2022) 🗡️💗🏴☠️🏝️ – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Publisher: Bethany House (September 13, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 0764237209
ISBN-13: 978-0764237201
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“1906
After a summer of successful pirate-treasure hunting, Lady Emily Scofield and her friends must hide the unprecedented discoveries they've made, thanks to the betrayal of her own family. Horrified by her brother, who will stop at nothing to prove himself to their greedy father, Emily is forced to take a stand against her family--even if it means being cut off entirely.
Bram Sinclair, Earl of Telford, is fascinated with tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table--an interest he's kept mostly hidden for the last decade. But when a diary is unearthed on the islands that could lead to a secret artifact, Bram is the only one able to piece the legends together.
As Bram and Emily seek out the whereabouts of the hidden artifact, they must dodge her family and a team of archaeologists. In a race against time, it is up to them to decide what makes a hero worthy of legend. Is it fighting valiantly to claim the treasure . . . or sacrificing everything in the name of selfless love?”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Bethany House (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through the author’s launch team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
It seems odd that I have read the third and final book in The Secrets of the Isles series. And, it concludes the treasure hunt that began with a simple misunderstanding in book #1 – The Nature of a Lady.
As this is a series, and a connected one (the events of each book take place within a month of each other; and in total 2-3 months time), it will definitely benefit the reader to read them in order.
#1 – The Nature of a Lady (Libby and Oliver) [June 5,1906]
#2 – To Treasure An Heiress (Beth and Sheridan) [July 11,1906]
#3 – Worth of Legend (Emily and Bram) [August 20,1906]
Before we get to the review, can we talk about how gorgeous all the covers are?
Admittedly, given the first one has more purple tones, it is my favorite. But, each one was gorgeous. This one? I absolutely loved Emily’s dress. And, each one captured the gorgeous beauty of the isles as well as the women in the stories.
In the first book, White introduces readers to six people who will become close friends over the summer of this treasure hunt, and add in even more charming as well as nefarious characters.
To give some history about the series and how it unfolds, the first book begins as Libby is heading to one of the isles for a holiday before reluctantly accepting a marriage proposal initiated by her brother, Lord Telford (Bram). But, that isn’t what Libby wants.
Libby, after arriving, is immediately drawn into what has obviously caused Beth’s disappearance – a treasure hunt. And, it is because of mistaken identity.
This of course introduces Oliver Tremayne who is looking for his sister, and ends up with Libby. Interestingly, Bram approves of Oliver.
Book #2 is Beth’s story and she ends up with Sheridan, who was originally supposed to be Libby’s intended because of her brother – Lord Telford (Bram)’s friendship with him.
Beth’s friend, Emily, was also drawn into the hunt, despite her family and background. This is her story with Bram.
As a result of this being a continuing series based on story and not new character introductions, MANY of the characters from the first two books return or are mentioned. Some won’t have as prominent of a role as they did:
🏝️ Lady Elizabeth “Libby” Sinclair
🏝️ Oliver Tremayne
🏝️ Elizabeth “Beth” Tremayne
🏝️ Lord Sheridan (Theodore Howe)
🏝️ Lord Telford (Bram)
🏝️ Mabena Moon (recently engaged to Casek Wearne)
🏝️ Casek Wearne
🏝️ Lady Emily Scofield
🏝️ Mrs. Tremayne (Mamm-wynn, Cornish for grandmother)
🏝️ Nigel Scofield
🏝️ Lord Scofield (Nigel’s father)
🏝️ Millicent Howe (one of Theo’s sisters)
🏝️ Abigail Howe (one of Theo’s sisters)
🏝️ Tommie Briggs (Emily’s attendant)
🏝️ Senara Dawe
🏝️ Ainsley (Sheridan’s Valet)
🏝️ Collins (Telford’s valet)
White bounces back and forth using Bram and Telford. It really wasn’t too confusing as I knew who the character was. Since the back cover uses Bram, I’ll be using Bram for this review.
In addition to the other characters, White adds others to the story:
🏝️ Donald Vandermeer (he produces the best “fun” with Bram when Bram slaughters his name each chance he can; which is the funniest part of the book)
🏝️ Prince George (Prince of Wales) [short appearance only]
Despite all the characters, there are only four (4) POVS:
🏝️ Emily
🏝️ Bram
🏝️ Tommie
🏝️ Fitzwilliam Gibson
There will be some references to disturbing behavior of physical abuse, humiliation (an incident when Emily was younger), sexual assault (termed as “violated”). Readers who are sensitive to these triggers might want to take caution with the book.
These are not the main them of the book, but are mentioned with regard to the characters’ backgrounds and Nigel’s behavior.
There are multiple storylines going on:
⚔️ Continued treasure hunt
💔 Emily’s “exile” from her family
💗 Emily and Bram’s “relationship”
💔 Tommie dealing with a “private” issue regarding Nigel
💗 Tommie’s romance with Enyon
💗 Vandermeer attempting to “court” Emily
🛑 Nigel’s “activities”
💍 Lord Scofield trying to “pawn” Emily off to Vandermeer
This, like the previous two books, begins in 1651 with the prologue with the origins of the “find” or the story behind the treasure. This time it is told from Elizabeth Mucknell’s POV. Lizza is giving back a treasure to “save” her husband. It is clear that she knows what is coming or is about to happen.
In 1906, Emily is avoiding her family and trying to hide. She is also reliving a particularly abusive event when she was five (5) that involved her brother and father. It is no secret her father is wanting to marry her off. He is tired of paying for her hats, shoes, gowns to “keep” her. This is perhaps one of the saddest parts.
However, she has a secret admirer in Lord Telford – Bram Sinclair, Libby’s brother. He isn’t stepping forward just yet. But, he will eventually come to her aid after her father does something that affects her and Tommie.
Emily is wondering about being able to go home for Christmas which is four (4) months away. Of course, that depends on if she’ll apologize to her brother, Nigel. However, given his behavior (as demonstrated in books #1 & #2), she feels he has to be stopped. That doesn’t sit well with her father as he is seemingly turning a blind eye to Nigel’s activities (and doesn’t want to hear about them). And, Emily’s father feels as though Nigel can do no wrong – even if it is witnessed by others.
Emily has little time to think about it – Gibson has called a meeting – apparently over the treasure.
Gibson has found a way to issue copies of Elizabeth Mucknell’s diary which they hope will give them clues as to what and where the treasure is, along with deciphering WHY given that John’s treasure supported their lifestyle.
It isn’t long until Nigel gets Emily’s copy of the diary (by force – any wonder why Bram hates bullies) and tries to beat the others to the treasure. However, Bram and the group will learn before Nigel due to Bram’s fascination and learned knowledge of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, even going so far as to have some of his books shipped over.
From there, it is a race to get the treasure and give everything to Prince George while Emily’s father wants it merely for the fortune and glory. And, Emily (along with everyone else) is hoping that Nigel is brough to justice for his misdeeds.
Along the way, Bram and Emily find a strong bond, even more so when he saves her from Nigel and even helps her out after her father cuts her off. The two even begin to consider “courting”, even more so after Vandermeer takes an interest in Emily.
Libby worries that her mother will not like or accept Oliver since their wedding is coming up.
White gives readers multiple connected arcs that are mostly wrapped up by the story, as well as the series by the end of the book.
There are some moments of levity. There is also a showing of God’s grace, forgiveness, as well as acts of kindness. There is a dramatic scene between Emily and Nigel that definitely is heart-pounding, yet so heart-breaking made more so by Mamm-Wynn’s request to Emily to “choose mercy” when it comes to Nigel. It is also poignant given what Nigel did to Emily, as well as others in the book.
There is a moment when Tommie feels “dirty” because of something Nigel did, and Enyon’s compassion towards her is truly heart-wrenching and beautiful.
Like the other two, this has shorter chapters and is descriptive and rich with well-researched history about the King Arthur legend. I absolutely LOVE how the author left a “treasure” open as to whether it was or wasn’t a particular item. It keeps the mystery alive while still being entertaining.
I absolutely enjoyed this as I read it, but I didn’t find it near as funny as book #2 or as intriguing and treasure hunting oriented as book #1. Closer to the end I “couldn’t stop reading it” though.
There was a character from book #2 that didn’t get a resolution or a mention – Rory Smithfield. Readers will remember he was someone who was connected to Senara.
Overall, those who enjoy a cleaner Pirates of the Caribbean-type adventure, love Arthurian legends, and/or who’ve read the first two books, should check it out. Best described as an adventurous, romantic tale with acts of chivalry, and forgiveness that entertain the mind and warm the soul.
Bethany House is a more Christian and faith-themed publisher so there will be references to God and faith. Unlike the second book, the themes presented are a bit more toned down. Thus, they are not overwhelming and don’t come off as preachy.
Roseanna M. White has definitely become one of my favorite historical authors, and I am eagerly looking forward to her standalone book coming out early next year.
HISTORY NOTE: The Prince George referred to in this book was the late Queen Elizabeth II’s (1926-2022) grandfather, and the current King Charles III’s great-grandfather.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
Series: The Secrets of the Isles (Book #1)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (May 4, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764237187
ISBN-13: 978-0764237188
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“1906
Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.
Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.
As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.”
Series: The Secrets of the Isles (Book #2)
Paperback: 384 Pages
Publisher: Revell (January 3, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764237195
ISBN-13: 978-0764237195
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“1906
Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. Now, after stumbling across an old collection of letters and a map buried on her family’s property, she’s found more adventure than she ever anticipated in the hunt for pirate treasure. But in order to discover where the clues lead, she must search alongside Lord Sheridan, a man she finds insufferable.
Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests pique his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth’s search connects with one of his far-removed pirate ancestors, he can’t help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.
As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But which treasure will bring the greatest surprise–the one they find in each other or the one just out of their reach?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.roseannamwhite.com.
You can also find her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseannaMWhite
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseannamwhite/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoseannaMWhite
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