A second princess. Another key to the treasure. And a cruel king desperate to squelch the growing rebellion.Raised in an isolated abbey, Lady Maribel desires nothing more than to become a nun and continue practicing her healing arts. She’s carefree and happy with her life…until a visitor comes to the abbey and reveals her true identity as one of the lost princesses.When he was a young boy, Edmund … he was a young boy, Edmund Chambers helplessly watched King Ethelwulf murder his family. Edmund escaped and has lived in the abbey ever since, uniquely trained to work with wild animals. Secretly, he loves Maribel and desperately hopes she doesn’t complete her holy order vows.
When King Ethelwulf’s army arrives at the abbey to capture Maribel, she flees with Edmund across the desolate Highlands in an attempt to reach Adelaide’s rebel army. Edmund can no longer hide his love, but can Maribel give up her dreams of becoming a nun to love him in return?
YA books by Jody Hedlund:
The Lost Princesses
Prequel Novella: Always
Book 1: Evermore
Book 2: Foremost (Sept 2019)
Book 3: Hereafter (Oct 2019)
The Noble Knights
Prequel Novella: The Vow
Book 1: An Uncertain Choice
Book 2: A Daring Sacrifice
Book 3: For Love and Honor
Book 4: A Loyal Heart
Book 5: A Worthy Rebel
Other books by Jody Hedlund:
The Bride Ships Series
Book 1: A Reluctant Bride
Book 2: The Runaway Bride (March 2020)
The Orphan Train Series
Prequel Novella: An Awakened Heart
Book 1: With You Always
Book 2: Together Forever
Book 3: Searching for You
The Beacons of Hope Series
Prequel Novella: Out of the Storm
Book 1: Love Unexpected
Book 2: Hearts Made Whole
Book 3: Undaunted Hope
Book 4: Forever Safe
Book 5: Never Forget
The Michigan Brides Collection
Unending Devotion
A Noble Groom
Captured by Love
The Hearts of Faith Collection
The Preacher’s Bride
The Doctor’s Lady
Rebellious Heart
Historical
Luther and Katharina
Newton and Polly
more
This epic tale of three hidden princesses (and the fellas who love them) continues with action, exploration, and fantastical creatures. Themes of seeking, introspection, and faith make Foremost in particular an excellent fit for the young adult audience (and nostalgic young-at-heart readers as well)!
Although the mama bear in me growled and fussed at the main characters for their failure to follow specific instructions, I’m well acquainted with the notoriously poor judgment of young people (from experience and observation). Rather than becoming annoyed with the hero and especially the heroine for this troublesome habit, I found myself sincerely blessing their hearts and cheering them on in their journey. Like many of us, they eventually learn and mature through their experiences.
Although I’m not usually a fan of fantasy, I enjoyed the inclusion of a few mythical creatures and found one character’s ability to communicate with animals to be a fascinating and entertaining concept. I am eagerly anticipating the conclusion of The Lost Princesses series and wholeheartedly rooting for the rightful heirs of Mercia!
I borrowed this title through the Kindle Unlimited program. The opinions expressed are my own.
Wow! Jody Hedlund has outdone herself with this one! Each book in this series just keeps getting better and better! Maribel was a very likable character and Edmund was a great hero. I loved them! I enjoyed all the adventure. This whole story was so unique! I didn’t want to stop reading! This is a book that you will want to read in one sitting if you can!
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
Life changes when Maribel learns she is one of the lost Princesses of Mercia. She is reluctant to change her plans of becoming a nun. She has trained for years in the healing arts and cannot understand why she should give that up.
This was quite an exciting adventure to read! I loved Edmund so much. He protected and loved Maribel with his whole heart.
Maribel is a strong-minded girl, very knowledgeable in herbs and medicine. She is a bit naive when it comes to the actual danger she is in. I yelled at her a couple of times, she didn’t listen.
I can’t wait to read “Hereafter” next month! King Ethlewulf is still evil and angry. He is sending his son, trained by the elite guard, to find and capture the third and final lost princess.
Foremost, by Jody Hedlund, is the second book in The Lost Princesses series. Brimming with adventure, romance, mystery, and faith, this medieval fairytale is utterly captivating from the stunning front cover to the final paragraph. Distinctively well-written and engaging, Foremost is truly imaginative and enchanting.
Page after page, this novel welcomes the reader to venture into a land that is fraught with both beauty and danger. From the chambers of a hidden monastery, to the total darkness of an ancient labyrinth, Ms. Hedlund has a genuine talent for creating settings that are immersive and vivid. The characters in this novel are equally as impressive. With complex motivations and heartfelt longings, they are wholly intriguing. Their desire to serve others and to find redemptive meaning in their lives is compelling. With a gripping plot that flourishes with myth, legend, and magical elements, this story is remarkably riveting, unique, and memorable.
Foremost is a young adult novel that will certainly appeal to readers of all ages. Uplifting and worthwhile, this novel is incredibly entertaining and very satisfying. I recommend it enthusiastically.
*I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
“Only when I’d let go of my selfish ambitions and been willing to embrace His greater plans, had I found true contentment.”
The Lost Princesses series just keeps getting better. And each princess’ journey is unique as are the princesses themselves and their heroes. The series should be read in order though. The prequel sets the stage well and each consecutive book spurs the overarching theme and plot forward with intricate details, beautifully crafted characters, and plenty of action and suspense. Jody Hedlund is a master storyteller and her gift in weaving YA medieval fairytales is a true gem to behold. If you enjoy medieval fairytales, you will absolutely love this book and the entire series!
This book focuses on Maribel, the older of the twins, who has been raised by nuns and aspires to be a nun-physician (healer). She’s stubborn like her older sister Constance Adalaide but is also impulsive, more tender-hearted, and compassionate. Edmund is an orphan of noble blood who has grown up with Maribel in the convent and has always loved her. Taught to be an animal trainer and a soldier, he’s the perfect guardian for Maribel with his intelligence, patience, and undying devotion but is a very different kind of hero, certainly different from Lance and Christopher whom we’ve met from the previous books. In the midst of trying to locate the clues to King Solomon’s treasure, they battle monsters, a confusing and deadly underground labyrinth, men sent by the evil king, and a terrible disease even as they battle their feelings for each other. It’s a fast-paced adventure ride a bit reminiscent of an Indiana Jones movie, filled with wonder, excitement, anticipation, innocent first love, and firmly grounded faith. I can’t wait to meet Emmeline in the next book, for it promises a very interesting twist to a main theme running throughout the series!
I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I don’t know what took me so long to read this series but I absolutely love it! Jody Hedlund’s storytelling at it’s finest – the plot, the characters, the romance all draw me in and I literally could not put the book down! Now I’m off to read the next book in the trilogy because I cannot wait to see how it all ends!
4.5 stars, this series continues to entertain me. Hedlund does another fantastic job creating adventure and romance with her book Foremost. I was happy to see reoccurring characters from the first book. Maribel and Edmund were great and I loved how unique their journey was. The labyrinth and healing pieces were definitely intriguing. Maribel was a little frustrating at times, but in the end, I loved her personality and the way she cared so deeply.
Definitely a book and series I am loving and recommend.
“If we let worry control us, we shall never accomplish anything.”
Maribel and her escort have plenty of reason to worry; their lives are in danger, their futures are in jeopardy, and they have embarked upon a journey that many would never attempt. . . . . but Edmund Chambers would risk anything, including his own life, to ensure Maribel’s safety. After all, she is one of the lost princesses of Mercia, and he has secretly loved her since childhood. Maribel, on the other hand cherishes Edmund’s friendship, but is determined to take her holy vows in order to become a nun. She’s convinced that her abilities as a physician would never be socially acceptable any other way; but as their journey continues Maribel begins to wonder if her aspirations are worth losing her relationship with Edmund.
Facing death has a way of narrowing down one’s choices, and in this lovely continuation of “The Lost Princesses” series, Maribel and Edmund both discover what true love really means; sacrificing the best of one’s self, only to discover that it can reappear stronger than ever before, wrapped securely beside the heart of another and tightly fastened together within God’s will.
“You are the only woman I need to know.”
Foremost by Jody Hedlund is the second book in The Lost Princesses series and definitely worth reading if you love fairy tales, like I do.
Maribel has spent her whole life living with the nuns. She knows nothing else so it only seems natural to follow in their footsteps and take the oath to the church and God while still being able to fulfill her desire to practice medicine.
Edmund has spent his whole life loving Maribel even when he knows that she only thinks of him as a friend. Even so when her life is in danger he knows he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe even if that means losing his, but when they find themselves fleeing King Ethelwulf’s men their relationship begins to change. Maribel realizes that it is possible to follow God, love Edmund and practice medicine at the same time she is doing what she can so that she and her sisters can take their rightful places as Mercia’s royal family.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Oh, wow
Can I just say this world is fantastic and I can’t imagine myself saying goodbye to it in the next book?
For one who has her life figured out, Maribel has no idea what’s to come. And she’ll have to hold on to those she trust the most to travel this unforeseen road in which she’ll face a king she’s always known to be dangerous but who is now her personal enemy.
Most surprising, though, will be the constant presence of a childhood friend gently changing her heart.
This series just keeps getting better and better! I am thoroughly captivated and addicted to these characters and the story! The plot thickens in this book (the second full book in the series) and I am so anxious to see how the whole series wraps up!
Ms. Hedlund has woven a story of pure brilliance and creativity. New adventures around every corner. New dangers. New love. And such sweet reunions and romance. Maribel and Edmund lived such an isolated and quiet life…And in an instant, their lives are turned upsidedown. One thing that really struck me was how both Edmund and Maribel were trained from childhood to fulfill their callings. God places guardians and mentors in our lives strategically. To prepare us for our future. It’s truly beautiful.
If you haven’t read the first books, I recommend starting with Always, the novella. Thankfully these books are being released in quick order. There is still time to catch up before book 3 releases at the end of October.
I received a complimentary copy of Foremost from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This series keeps getting better! The author draws the reader in immediately and I felt like the characters really came to life. There is quite a bit of adventure in this one with hidden passages, caves, mazes, dangerous creatures, and as always the king’s soldiers on their heels. Poor Edmund has quite the unrequited love for Maribel, and it was sweet to see her become aware of his deeper feelings and have her own awaken as well. She’s a bit stubborn with her thinking that her only path is to be a healer and nothing else, but fortunately her sister the queen helps open her eyes and opportunities. Maribel is full of compassion for those she helps and she’s easy to like, even when she is being a little frustrating 😉 I felt satisfied with this story as a part of the whole, and eagerly anticipate the final book in the series!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
A beautifully drawn tale to captivate any age. Endearing characters on an epic adventure unravel not only a hidden mystery, but also discover their true purpose as they wind through the maze in their own lives with its twists, its turns, and dead ends along the way. Truly inspirational and compelling. I can’t wait to follow along on the next adventure!
Foremost is the next exciting installment of the Lost Princess Series and I very much enjoyed it. Maribel was a neat character with her love and expertise in healing and Edmund was quite the hero. I liked the the element of the Labyrinth and what that brought to the mystery of the
hidden treasures. It kind of reminded me of the Princess Bride and the Fire Swamp, which was fun. Edmund’s abilities to communicate with the animals was super cool as well. All in all, a great read! Need the finale ASAP!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
This series! I mean, it’s my favorite of Jody’s by far. There so much excitement, action, and not knowing what is coming next for these characters. And the fact that Maribel is on her way to becoming a nun, and (not at all) having feelings for our dashing hero? Yeah that makes for an interesting story line to be sure!
For those readers who have had a best friend that they suddenly see in a new light, you will totally relate to Maribel and Edmund’s story. And even those who haven’t (such as myself), you will enjoy the story too. Hedlund has been so creative in writing this series. And what’s fantastic is that we see the Queen in this story, so little by little the series is coming together and readers get a glimpse of what’s in store (hopefully) in book three. I will say it is extremely important to read this series in order, starting with the prequel. You will miss so much if you don’t, and I imagine a lot of this story will be confusing.
As with the other installments, I read this all at once. I just can’t seem to put it down. I’ve already told myself when book three is out I am going to have to just block out a certain amount of time so that I can read it. I might even try to read the first 2.5 books again before it comes. There’s no harm in reliving all the excitement!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Just wow!! I was so excited to get this book in my hands and it definitely did not disappoint! Following the story of the lost princesses and their quest to reclaim the lost throne creates a real page-turning story. Mrs. Hedlund keeps delivering again and again. Her character development is impeccable; it’s easy to fall in love or hate with the characters she creates. It is also easy to see the role forgiveness plays in our own lives. Set in the rugged, mountainous region, Mrs. Hedlund’s descriptions make it easy to see the scene right before your eyes. Her plot and pacing are spot on; the story has a great flow and doesn’t have any scenes that are weird or out of place. Her attention to detail makes the characters come to life, along with the creatures that are included in the story.
I recommend this story to anyone wanting a clean read, Christian fiction, page-turner, and willing to stay up past their bedtime!
Haven’t finished reading this book. So far, so. Has kept my interest!
Foremost is book two in Jody Hedlund’s The Lost Princess series. This book centers on the oldest of the twin princesses, Maribel and her childhood friend and protector, Edmund. Each chapter is told in the first person of either Maribel or Edmund.
Princess Maribel was raised by nuns in a convent hidden in a cave. There were three orphans who had lost their parents in king Ethelwulf’s massacre of supporters of the former King. Maribel, Edmund and Charlotte. Maribel doesn’t have any idea she is one of the lost princesses or that she has a twin. Then Sister Katherine pays an unannounced visit to the cave and tells Maribel her true identity. From that time on life isn’t the same.
Maribel and Edmund must leave the convent immediately. Wicked King Ethelwuff has sent his ruthless captain of the guards to find her and bring her back to Mercia to force her to marry his son. Maribel and Edmund escape the convent and go in search of clues to help them find King Solomon’s hidden treasure. Will they be successful in their search for the treasures. Can they avoid the wicked king’s knights and make it to Norland where Maribel’s older sister Queen Constance Adelaide now lives?
This story is action packed and filled with twist and turns and unpredictable situations. They must travel in the winter and the going isn’t easy as they travel over snow and harsh weather conditions. There is physical attraction that grows between the two main characters as they flee from their pursuers. Though no sex is in the story there is kissing .
If you have already read the prequel Always and the first book of the series Evermore, you will want to read Foremost. All readers of medieval Christian Fiction will enjoy this entire series. I highly recommend it to you.
I downloaded a Kindle version ebook copy from Amazon. I was not asked to do a favorable review. All opinions shared here are my own.
Maribel grew up in a convent, dreaming of taking her vows and using her skills as a healer to be a blessing to others. The news that she is the second of the lost princesses change everything and she and her faithful friend, Edmund are swept into a battle for their very lives and the fate of the kingdom. But will the growing feelings between her and Edmund mean giving up her calling as a healer?
Maribel is passionate about helping others with her medical skills, she has learned all she can at the convent, and has aided many with her skills. She feels strongly about her calling, and selflessly puts herself at risk in order to help others. I admired her love for others, even her enemies.
Edmund and Maribel were raised together by the nuns, orphaned when Ethelwulf took the throne. Edmund was trained by an Elite Guard, as well as a Fera Agmen who can communicate with animals. Edmund is a brave, selfless, and willing to die for Maribel. Over the years he has come to see her as more than a friend. I admired how he respected her ambitions even at the cost of his heart.
There is plenty of action, as well as good dialogue and interaction between the main characters. I liked how this book focuses more on their quest for Solomon’s treasure, drawing them ever closer to regaining their kingdom. I thought it interesting how this installment in the series incorporated more fantasy elements like the marvelous and fearsome creatures encountered and Edmund’s ability to communicate so clearly with animals. One of my favorite things was the chemistry between Maribel and Edmund, taunt with tension, filled with hope, and unconditional.
Overall, a stunning installment in Ms. Hedlund’s latest series, it brings the princesses one step closer to reclaiming their father’s throne. Maribel is strong willed, compassionate, and a strong leader in a more supporting sense than her sister, yet still unafraid to stand up for what is right. I can’t wait to see what will happen next and how Emmeline’s story will tie them all together!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Jody Hedlund has outdone herself again! The Lost Princesses series is the first young adult, fairytale, medieval type setting book that I’ve ever read and I’m quite surprised with how much I LOVE this series. With each book I love this series more and more. Lady Maribel and Edmund are so likable. Foremost is filled with lots of adventure, action and romance that will keep you staying up late quickly flipping the pages. I loved getting lost in this book! When you’re done reading this book it leaves you anxiously waiting for the next book. How anyone can give this book less than five stars is beyond me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.