Foremost (The Lost Princesses Book 2)

This series keeps getting better with every installment! Foremost follows Maribel, the eldest of the twin princesses, and Edmund, the last son of a noble family. Maribel and Edmund have grown up sheltered in a secluded abbey in the mountains with very little knowledge of the outside world. So, when an old, disfigured nun arrives and reveals Maribel’s identity, they approach the ensuing conflict very differently than Adelaide and Christopher. Foremost has more of a fantastical feel than the previous stories and I loved every bit of it. Mazes of death, ancient spiders, mysterious guardians and animal companions, what more could I ask for?

And then there’s the romance. Swoon inducing kisses? Check. Near death declarations of love? Check. Unforeseen circumstances? Check. Sign me up!

With the way this series is progressing I’m going to need to clear my schedule before Hereafter releases. If you’re a fan of medieval romance you need to get your hands on this series ASAP!

I received a copy of this novel from the author. All opinions are my own.

This is the second full-length novel in the Lost Princesses series. Due to the books building on each other, I highly recommend reading them in order, starting with the prequel novella for the most enjoyment.

Maribel is a unique princess, having had the opportunity in hiding to learn something she would likely have not been able to in the palace: medicine. She wants to continue to pursue her passion, but can see only one limited way to do so in her society, as a nun. I could relate to her struggles in this; often I lock into one particular method of accomplishing a goal and become blind to another way God may want to work in my life or in others.

Edmund is a truly heroic character, but I loved that he also wasn’t perfect. He has a bit of a temper and a desire for revenge that puts him in danger at times. However, this is overshadowed by his capacity to love without return, unselfishly and completely. Even before Maribel notices his devotion, it was beautiful to read.

This book struck me as the most intense in the series so far; perhaps that is because the series itself is further along, or maybe it’s simply that several of my own nightmares play out before me on the page. This installment had me gasping and drawing attention from my family as I jumped in my chair or squeaked in surprise. I was certainly engaged in the story!

I highly recommend this book for young adult readers, especially those who enjoy adventurous stories. I know my teen daughter can’t wait to read this series, but she also doesn’t know she’ll be getting her own copy for her birthday, so she’ll just have to wait. Exciting and fast-paced, this latest Hedlund novel should not be missed and I look forward to the final book’s upcoming release.

I received a review copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

Jody Hedlund’s Foremost took me by surprise! I absolutely loved it! It has flawless fairy tale appeal! This exciting and beautiful story is the best fairy tale I’ve read since I was a little girl!

I didn’t know what to expect in this third story of Jody Hedlund’s, The Lost Princesses, but I was delighted! There were surprises around every turn in this novel. Sheba, the harpy eagle, Barnabas, the wolf, giant creatures, a labyrinth, just to name a few. The plot was filled with unexpected twists and turns. This story was super entertaining and very, very difficult to put down!

I so enjoyed Princess Maribel’s gentle caring nature and her gift for healing. I admired Edmund’s steadfast devotion to Princess Maribel. Both characters portrayed beautiful devotion to God and to one another. Their experiences and travails in the story grew their courage, determination, and love for each other.

One piece that I greatly appreciated about Foremost and each of Ms. Hedlund’s novels is the author’s steadfast dedication to always include the character’s faith story. In Princess Maribel’s story, she truly wanted to to use her gift of healing to glorify God. She thought she had to become a nun to do so. It was a joy to read about Maribel’s faith journey, discovering how God would use Princess Maribel and her gift of healing. Princess Maribel had to release her desires and “embrace His greater plan.” He revealed and unfolded a plan that was unlike anything that Princess Maribel thought possible. It reminded me of Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.”

Foremost was a captivating story. The Lost Princesses series is a collection that I will reread again and again! I can’t wait to read Princess Emmeline’s story! It will be a joy to read and find out what gifts and talents she brings to her sisters so that the Kingdom of Mercia may be peace-filled at last.

*I am grateful to the author and publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book. I was not obligated or expected to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are solely my own.

Wow!! This keeps getting better and better!! Or maybe I should say, more dangerous and thrilling than ever, but covered in a story filled with inspiring characters that, even though they’re flawed, have soo much deepness, integrity and virtues to learn from! And a love story that will sweep you of your feet!!
As you probably must now, the story starts with the the Prequel “Always”, where Lance and Felicity, after the death of their Majesties of the Kingdom of Mercia, are given the honorable quest to save the three small princesses from the attack of King Ethelwulf who wants to rule over Mercia, besides Warwick. Finally, without their king and queen, Mercia surrenders to Etherwulf’s violent imposition, but Felicity and Lance embark in a perilous journey to save and hide the princesses. This is an awesome story so I won’t say more, only that each one has to be separated and hidden, each with a proof of their royalty, a jewel and a key that supposedly together will open King Solomon’s legendary treasure.
In “Evermore”, an astounding book, we see Princess Adelaide (or Constance as she was royally named), discover her true identity, and flee on an adventurous journey with Christopher and Trent, her adoptive cousins, to escape the King Ethelwulf knights. I don’t want to spoil it either, but just to say that she’s finally on a safe place and trying to form a rebellion to reclaim her true right as a ruler of Mercia, especially to stop King Ethelwulf’s abuses and crimes.
And now “Foremost” is the story of Princess Maribel, who was raised in a convent by Sister Agnes. As her guardian, she wishes only to become the greatest physician so she can save lives, and to atone that she couldn’t save her, and to make her vows and become a nun. But as with her sister, her identity is revealed when a mysterious and disfigured nun arrives to the convent and tells her she’s also a princess, and has a twin. She needs to reunite with Adelaide in Norland where she is preparing her people to attack King Ethelwulf and claim her throne. And her companion in her journey will be Edmund. She couldn’t have chosen better as Edmund is her best and truest friend since childhood. Edmund was also saved from King Ethelwulf’s attack, by Wade, an Elite Guard loyal to the deceased King Francis, but not before seeing his whole family, parents and siblings being tortured and amurdered in his eyes. He also has grown in the abbey, and seeing his abilities with animals, more than a soldier nature, he has been trained to communicate with the animals, while training to defend and attack as well, as it mostly will be needed.
So that’s how they embark on the most adventurous and dangerous journey. There’s the key that’s needed to find the treasure, should they find that place first or should they go directly to Norland to escape from the Kings claws and forces?
It was a beautiful story! It was engaging and captivating because of the constant danger and persecution they had to endure. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Who can they trust?
But what I loved best where the characters. Maribel was so innocent and kind. She really wanted to serve God and others by embracing her celibacy for God and becoming a nun. She loved Edmund, and deeply, but viewed him still as her childhood friend. Edmund, instead, loved her unconditionally since they were children, and know that she had grown into a beautiful woman, he couldn’t love her more, not only because she was innocently breathtaking, but he loved her kind and determined soul. But he feels doomed as he constantly becomes aware that his love is not returned, at least not in the same way, a love between a man and a woman. Besides, will she really become a nun?
Edmund was also a beautiful character. I loved his unique ability to communicate with animals, especually the eagle Sheba, who will play an important part in this book. And I loved how he put always others before him. His pure, but respectful love for Maribel, fearful of losing her friendship by letting his feelings show, even if they were truly evident for everyone else except for Maribel.
It was a sweet story, the friends to lovers development was beautifully made and never rushed.
And the plot was so captivating with its twists and turns, that I really wanted to read every free second I had!
I definitely recommend it! To Young Adults, Middle and Big Adults. An beautiful and inspiring story!
The faith elements and messages in the story flow so naturally that it’s not preachy at all, it’s attractive because you see it through the characters lives.
Now I can’t wait to get “Hereafter” on my hands, even if I don’t want the series to end!!!
Don’t miss this story, and you should really read the previous too to make it a richer experience!

Jody Hedlund does not disappoint in her latest release from The Lost Princesses series. Foremost is yet another fabulous read! I love, love, LOVE Edmund and Maribel’s story. It is so good, I had it read in one sitting.
I would give Foremost one hundred stars if I could. It is that good. I would highly recommend it, as well as, the rest of the series for readers who enjoy a sweet, clean, and quick young adult story.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

I absolutely loved reading this story, and I didn’t want it to end. I’m so very glad that the next book in this series will be coming out soon and I have another book to look forward to reading. Engaging and fast-paced, these stories fairly leap off the page!

Sword fights, a secret treasure, a dangerous labyrinth with hidden traps and a hungry monster, a dashing hero, and a daring heroine. This story has something for everyone! Whether you are young or young at heart, if you delight in well-told, stories of adventure and love then look no further!

The characters learn and grow along the way. They discover that the plans they had for themselves are pale in comparison with the perfect plan that God has for their lives. They learned that it is important to wait on God and not rush ahead. A lesson we can all learn!

This series just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to read Emmaline’s story! Do yourself a favor and snatch this book up as soon as possible!

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Foremost
The Lost Princesses #2
By Jody Hedlund

Maribel’s only memories are of life within the isolated abbey hidden away in the Highlands away from the eyes of all save those who call it home. She is anticipating the day when she can take her vows and become a nun. Her healing skills are a gift from God and only as a nun will she be allowed to treat those in need. She knows that she along with her two best friends Edmund and Colette were orphans of noble families that were slaughtered when King Ethelwulf invaded Mercia.

But Maribel’s world is shaken when a visitor arrives declaring that she is one of the Lost Princesses of Mercia. Worse she is being hunted by King Ethelwulf’s Elite Guard in an attempt to secure his hold upon Mercia forever. Maribel is determined to reunite with the sisters she never knew she had but she isn’t willing to give up her desire to take her vows.

Time is against them and all too soon Maribel and her appointed protector Edmund are on the run from Ethelwulf’s troops. Can the pair stay ahead of their enemy and make their way to Norland and the presence of Queen Adelaide Constance?

Maribel’s protector Edmund Chambers has loved Maribel as long as he’s known her though he knows she sees him as just a friend or perhaps a brother. And he is willing to do anything to keep her safe even if it costs him his life! And to get this Lost Princess away from the clutches of Ethelwulf he just might pay it.

Foremost is the second book in the Lost Princesses series and it is just as good if not better than the first book Evermore. Now you absolutely must read the prequel novella Always and Evermore before starting Foremost. The books must be read in order to fully enjoy the series and to understand what exactly is taking place. And seriously they will look great on your bookshelf lined up together.

Those familiar with Jody Hedlund’s YA books will enjoy this latest offering that offers enough twists and teases to capture the reader’s attention from cover to cover. And the ending gives just enough of a hint of what is to come that the reader will be anticipating book 3 which is releasing at the end of October 2019.

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.

It seems whenever I read a series, there is always one book that is not up to par. This book is proving me wrong! It is just as good as the others in the series. Foremost is a wonderful read, full of adventure, fantasy, a great love story and good Christian values. Lessons of selflessness, forgiveness and the love of our fellow beings are woven into this amazing story. It was hard but put this book down! As I read the last chapter, (which I love to hear the King’s prospective) I feel like I have a good idea where the last princesses story will go. I cannot wait to find out if I’m right!! Thank you Jody Hedlund for sharing your amazing storytelling talent with us!

Foremost is the second book in Jody Hedlund’s series, the Lost Princesses. In this book, we finally find out what happened to Maribel the older twin. The last we had heard of her she had been hidden in a convent with nuns. This book reveals what happened to her and her journey to escape from King Ethelwulf. I loved this book, and I couldn’t put it down.
This books starts with you meeting Maribel. Maribel has been hiding with the nuns for her whole life. She doesn’t know that she is a princess, the only thing she knows is that she was rescued by Sister Agnes from King Ethelwulf. She has grown up loved and cherished by the nuns in the convent, and by her best friends Colette and Edmund. These two have grown up with her, both orphans who managed to escape the wrath of King Ethelwulf.
Maribel was a wonderful character, she was stubborn like her sister but she is also kind and loving. She knew what she wanted to do with her life since she was little. She has wanted to be a nun so that she might help people and care for the sick. But God has a way of shaking up our plans and Maribel is forced to flee with Edmund from the only home she has ever known.
Maribel is told of her lineage by Sister Katherine who has yet again escaped the evil clutches of KIng Ethelwulf. When Maribel is told that she is a princess she is so excited, especially when she learned of the key that was given to her. She immediately tries to figure out what kind of clue is hidden inside of it. She leaves with Edmund to find the clue which was hidden in her key.
Maribel and Edmund set off from the convent, trying to run away from King Ethelwulf. They end up in the Labyrinth of Death. In this labyrinth, is where Maribel learns of Edmonds love for her. But she can’t return his feelings, because she believes that she is called to be a nun. As they travel together, Maribel sees that she too loves Edmund, but can she give up her dream to marry him. She has wanted to become a nun and help people for so long, she doesn’t know if she can give up her dreams for one man.
Edmund has loved Maribel for as long as he can remember, but he knows that there is a good chance that she will never feel the same way he does. He knows that all she wants to do is to become a nun and help the sick. He respects her wishes but he wishes that she will come to love him and choose him.
Edmund was rescued by Wade, one of the king’s elite guards, before he could be killed along with his family. Edmund was trained by Wade in all of the ways of the elite guards, but he was also trained to be an Fera Agmen, an animal trainer. He was tasked by Sister Katherine to protect and lead Maribel as she searches for her sister. This is no easy task, but Edmund is willing to do anything for Marible.
As Maribel and Edmund travel together, trying to escape from King Ethelwulf’s men, Edmund sees that his love for Maribel can only grow stronger. He will do anything for her, but is it enough for her to give up her dream. As they face off against King Ethellwulf’s men, Edmund will have to face the man who cruelly killed his family when he was just a boy. He will have to figure out if he can forgive the man who made him an orphan or if he will seek revenge.
Edmund and Maribel both have to learn the lessons that God wanted them to learn before they could begin to hope for a life together. I loved these quotes where Maribel finally realized that God’s plans were better then her own plans “Maybe I wouldn’t use my gift the way I planned, but I could always be on the lookout for the work God would give me to do.” and “Only when I’d let go of my selfish ambitions and been willing to embrace His greater plans, had I found true contentment.”
This quote from Edmund is so true “Was it time to finally stop trying to forget about all that had happened and instead forgive? Was that where true freedom was found?” There is true freedom found in forgiving others for the wrongs they have done us. It is not just for them, but most of all for us. We need to forgive as God forgives us.
This was a great book, it might even be better than the first two books and I didn’t think that was possible. I would recommend this book to girls 13 and up. This is a good clean christian book, with a wonderful message.

I received a free copy from the editor, this review is my own. I was not obligated to write a good review.

I’d read another review that said this book topped the other two in the series–and I agree! I really enjoyed both the prequel novella and the first book in the series, but there was just something about this one that made it even more enjoyable. There were a few times when I thought Maribel was a little dense, but I liked seeing her figure things out. I really loved Edmund’s character; he was just so endearing. The plot was interesting, adding some cool elements to the series, and I’m definitely excited for the last book in the series!
4.5 stars.