Hereafter ~ Review

Hereafter
The Lost Princesses #3
By Jody Hedlund

Emmeline has always known she was one of the lost princesses of Mercia. For the last 18 years, she has been raised by the very people who saved her and her sisters from the blade of King Ethelwulf. But the time has come to leave all she's known and join with her sisters in their attempt to reclaim the throne that rightfully belongs to Queen Adelaide Constance. But Emmeline fears that she hasn't the courage to face the coming war, she wants nothing more than to continue living the life she has always known. But change is coming whether she wants it to or not.

Prince Ethelrex (Rex), as the elder son of King Ethelwulf, is heir to the throne of the united Kingdom of Bryttania. But to secure his position and to stop the rebellion, Rex has been tasked by his father to secure the remaining princess and marry Emmeline upon capturing her. But finding this hidden away princess is no easy task as he is in a race against Queen Adelaide's rebels in securing her and her key to the ancient treasure of Solomon.

Forced into a marriage she doesn't want Emmeline wonders if this is her purpose to be a means to bring peace to the land and avoid the bloodshed war is sure to bring. Or is she merely a tool to be manipulated by King Ethelwulf to destroy her sisters? And Rex's promise that he meant his marriage vows - manipulation or truth? Emmeline's future and her heart depend on who Rex truly is.

Hereafter is the conclusion to the Lost Princess series and it is a series that must be read in order as each book builds upon what came before. For those who have read Always, we get to catch up on the life that Felicia and Lance took to protect the three princesses. The book and series end in such a way that it should prove satisfactory to almost everyone. And yes this book continues the clean YA standard those familiar with Jody Hedlund's YA works expect and appreciate. This is one series you don't want to miss.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

The third lost princess. 

The final key to the treasure. 

And a battle for the throne.

Growing up deep in the forest as a poor charcoal burner’s daughter, Emmeline has always known her identity as a princess of Mercia, and she lives in fear of being caught and killed. When her adopted father returns from town with news regarding the imminence of war, Emmeline has no wish to join the rebellion against King Ethelwulf.

Prince Ethelrex, the strongest warrior in the land, has done everything he can to prove his loyalty to his father, including searching for the last lost princess. When Ethelrex finally captures Emmeline, the king commands his son to marry the princess in order to win the support of the people and undermine the rebellion.

Forced into marriage, Emmeline has one goal—to escape. But Ethelrex takes his marriage vows seriously, including his promise to love and cherish his wife, and has no intention of letting Emmeline get away. As the battle for the throne rages, will the prince be able to win the battle for Emmeline’s heart?