‘FOR LOVE AND HONOR’: Medieval Fable Echoes ‘Beauty and the Beast’

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‘FOR LOVE AND HONOR’: Medieval Fable Echoes ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Review of the 2017 historical fiction novel. Text © Rissi JC

STORY: There is little happiness in Sir Bennet’s future. His family fortune is bleak thanks to the folly of his elder brother, which leaves him with few options. One of them being to marry well, and use his wife’s dowry to pay off his brother debts. Debts he accrued, all due to a powerful and unforgiving man. 

BOOK REVIEW | ‘A Daring Sacrifice’ by Jody Hedlund – Robin Hood (with a Twist!) Re-Told

Bennet always hoped he’d marry for love not convenience but the idea of selling off the artifacts that have been in his family for generations’ pains him. Then Lady Sabine walks into his life. Intelligent and the kind of pretty that doesn’t know she’s pretty, Sabine surprises Derrick in the best kind of ways.

They bond over an appreciation of his ancestral artifacts, but when secrets come between them, will their friendship be enough to withstand their revealing nature. To withstand war?

For Love and Honor, by Jody Hedlund | Book Review

The third, and presumably final, novel in Jody Hedlund’s YA historical series rounds to its end with its final Knight, Bennet, finding his own story. In this story there’s a distinct fairy tale quality that doesn’t overshadow the story’s quiet nature, but rather enhances it. There are nods to the Beauty and the Beast fable because of the secret Sabine hides, only the difference here is that Bennet doesn’t know what it is for the majority of the story. This heightens Sabine’s reactions to Bennet (from the reader’s perspective), and her emotional turmoil is all the more poignant and heartbreaking as we struggle along with her.

Each one of us is imperfect in some way. Perhaps God designs it so. Then none of us can claim to be like him, the only true perfect being.” – Jody Hedlund, For Love and Honor

‘FOR LOVE AND HONOR’: Medieval Fable Echoes ‘Beauty and the Beast’ #bookarchives #Fairytale Click To Tweet

Inside the artifacts and marble “pages” of this story lies a beautiful gem. Hedlund has again crafted a sweet, nostalgic tale that revisits a time when men were gentleman and let nothing stand in the way of honor. The characters complement one another, all at some point willing to sacrifice anything (even their lives) for the good of others. Surface level may place For Love and Honor as sweet, but underneath, this is a story of loss, hope, honor, forgiveness, and love.

Those who enjoy Hedlund’s adult historical reads or YA historical fiction will find a treasure in this series. It’s an easy, quiet kind of read that ups the excitement in the latter half (in rapid fashion). The most important thing being that there is a happy ending. It’s just one that comes at the cost of time, adversary and misunderstandings. All of which serve a greater purpose. For the characters (and us!) to realize that sometimes the most precious things come at the cost of patience and persistence.

A B O U T THE B O O K

Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Zondervan
Source: Publisher Provided via Author Launch Team
Publication Date: 2017
Find the Review elsewhere: Goodreads
Add the Book: Goodreads
Genre: Fiction; Young Adult Historical
Series: An Uncertain Choice, book 3
Rating: ★★★★

Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book.

Review text is © Rissi JC and first appeared on Finding Wonderland (Dreaming Under the Same Moon), RissiWrites.com

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

8 comments

    1. As am I, Julie. Part of the reason why I CANNOT wait to read next week's Hunted. Which re-tellings are some of your favorites?? :)

  1. This is one that I didn't end up getting a review copy of even though I did for the last two. I'm going to have to go and buy a copy because I've really been looking forward to this one and loved the second book in the series. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

    1. You will have to buy a copy, Tressa! It's such a sweet story as all of Jody's are. Hope you enjoy. Let me know if/when you read it. :)

  2. I knew your review would be wonderful for this one! "Surface level may pit For Love and Honor as sweet, but underneath, this is a story of loss, hope, honor, forgiveness, and love." Absolute perfection, Rissi!

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