Chivalrous ~ Review

Chivalrous 
Valiant Hearts #2
By Dina Sleiman

Gwendolyn Barnes hopes to someday earn her father's love.  She scorns the duties of being a lady, longing to instead to be a knight like her brothers.  But seeking to right the wrongs is not in her future, rather an arranged marriage of her father's choosing is her fate.  And her father is sure to choose someone like himself - domineering, cruel, and unloving.

Allen of Ellsworth has left Lady Merry and the Ghosts behind seeking to find a new cause to fight for and woman to whom he could offer his heart.  A tournament for knights in Edendale offers Allen a chance to prove not only his skill as a knight but also the honor of his heart.  Allen's selfless act while in the tournament brings him to the attention of not only Gwendolyn but also that of Duke Justus.

But when treachery finds its way into Edendale the new path that Allen's life has taken takes an unexpected turn.  And this turn could leave his heart again bruised.  But Allen is determined to do his duty for his new home, even if it means denying his heart's desire.  But can he allow Gwendolyn to remain in her father's control if he can prevent it?

Gwendolyn is determined to not be crush in spirit by her father's decisions.  But she is hopeful that her mother and perhaps the Duchess can sway him in another direction.  But as far as her father is concerned his only daughter has little value except as a marriage pawn to get him greater power and influence.

Can Gwendolyn and Allen see the path that God has set before them or will they instead follow the path set before them by men?  The fate of their hearts and a people may rest on what they do.

This is the second book in the Valiant Hearts series and is as good if not better than the first book Valiant. This book / series should appeal to YA readers who are looking for clean fiction.  This is an enjoyable book that captures the reader's attention from beginning to end.  Though one doesn't have to read the first book to enjoy this book it is recommended so that one can fully appreciate Allen and where he is coming from.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
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.