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 … 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?
YA books by Jody Hedlund:
The Lost Princesses
Prequel Novella: Always
Book 1: Evermore
Book 2: Foremost
Book 3: Hereafter
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
Wow! Action packed drama almost from the beginning. Unpredictable, gripping, edge of seat reading. A forced marriage turns to romance and Love. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series including the prequel but author Jody Hedlund definitely saved the best till last.
In this book the last lost princess comes out of hiding. She’s captured immediately by wicked King Ethelwulf’s son ,Prince Ethelrex. After two failed attempts to escape she’s forced into an unwanted marriage to the handsome enemy. That’s all I’m saying but rest assured there’s a story you won’t want to miss in this last book. I highly recommend that readers start at the prequel and read the other three books in order so you can get the most out of the story.
If you like Jody Hedlund’s writing you will love this series. If you like medieval stories these books are for you. This series is written for youth but I’m seventy three and I wasn’t disappointed. I give the entire series five Stars and feel better for having read it.
I purchased and down loaded a Kindle ebook version of this book. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Hereafter, by Jody Hedlund, is the final book in the Lost Princesses series. With sweeping adventure and heartwarming romance, this young adult novel is as exciting as it is charming. Beautifully written and utterly captivating, this book offers a thrilling and truly satisfying conclusion to a fantastic, medieval series.
Beginning with the very first page, Hereafter transports the reader to a world that is full of danger and intrigue. From a secluded cottage deep in the woods, to the spacious rooms of a castle, to the perilous chambers of an ancient labyrinth, Ms. Hedlund reveals her extraordinary skills for creating settings that are intensely alluring. And the characters in this book are just as striking. With relevant motivations and earnest desires, they are thoroughly compelling. Their willingness to endure uncertainty, to persevere through hardships, and to find purpose in their trials is inspiring. With a riveting plot that abounds with legends and mythical elements, this story is very enthralling, memorable, and special.
Ms. Hedlund has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her books never fail to inspire my spirit and thrill my heart. Hereafter is no exception. From beginning to end, this novel is a genuine joy to read. Truly, the entire Lost Princesses series is remarkable and worthy of attention and sincere praise. It is a pleasure for me to recommend Hereafter as well as the other books in the series.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
“Courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to persevere when circumstances are at their worst.”
I love Jody Hedlund’s books – both historical and YA – and this finale to the Lost Princesses series is Jody Hedlund at her finest. Though I expected to see some surprises in the plot, I was not prepared for the intensity of emotion, flurry of non-stop action with danger and rescues aplenty, depth of character development and unexpected plot twists in this beautifully crafted novel. Once I started the book, I could not put it down! If you love YA medieval fiction, you will absolutely adore this book and the entire series. I do recommend reading the series in order, starting from the novella Always.
This book is a little different from the others in that Emmeline has always known her true identity as a princess while being raised by an ex-elite guard and a former lady in waiting. Emmeline is asked to overcome her fears and lay aside her own personal misgivings for the sake of restoring the kingdom of Mercia. Rex, the crown prince of Bryttania, is the hero of the story which is quite surprising given that his father forcibly and ruthlessly took Mercia from Emmeline’s birth parents and Rex is tasked with drawing the last unmarried princess out of hiding. Emmeline and Rex are both deeply feeling, compassionate, loyal characters and their emotions are raw, heartbreaking, and captivating. King Ethelwulf, Rex’s father, has a bigger role in this book and Emmeline’s sisters and their husbands also return to the story for a long-awaited reunion.
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This series goes out with a bang and I couldn’t be happier with the conclusion! The third novel delivers more nonstop action yet the levels of romantic attraction are significantly higher due to the nature of this marriage of convenience story! Deliciously swoony, this sweet romance is a slow burn and tastefully done!
Innocence, chivalry, and life lessons are woven throughout the story of Hereafter. Just as in real life, the right choice isn’t always easy to discern and characters find that moving forth when the way is clearly treacherous often takes more courage than they (or we) possess. Messages of faith and character are foundational to this story yet it is compassion and grace which conquer all!
I highly recommend this series to readers of all ages! It’s an excellent selection to read along with a daughter or granddaughter or younger sister or mentoree! Jody Hedlund clearly understands what readers (young and young at heart) truly enjoy in a story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
An EXCITING conclusion to The Lost Princesses series! I enjoyed every minute of it! There were many times I was holding my breath, sitting on the edge of my seat while reading.
I loved the feelings and emotions shown throughout the story. Emmeline grew up knowing her history and who she. Lance taught her well but the fear of being discovered was always there.
I loved it when Emmeline learned this definition of courage;
“Courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to persevere when circumstances are at their worst.” I cheered when she took that definition to heart and used it!
Prince Ethelrex grew up trying to prove himself to his father but he sees people very differently than his father.
It is very hard not to give any spoilers, there are so many great things that happen in this book!
I can say, I did like how King Ethelwulf and Prince Ethelrex’s story played out.
*I thank the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book. A review was not required. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.
Hereafter is Princess Emmeline’s story. Emmeline is raised as a poor charcoal burner’s daughter. Her adoptive parents are a former elite guard and a lady-in-waiting. Even hidden away in the forest, her adoptive parents share Emmeline’s true identity with her. Because she is one of the lost princesses, Emmeline harbors fear of being discovered. She is content with her simple existence. She wants no part in the uprising led by her two other sisters, Queen Adelaide Constance and Princess Maribel.
Prince Ethelrex is King Ethelwulf’s son, the enemy Princess Emmeline fears. Prince Ethelrex is an honorable and faithful son. He wishes to honorably serve his father. He willingly searches for the last lost princess, Emmeline. Once discovered, he marries the princess immediately per the king’s wishes. Prince Ethelrex takes his marriage vows seriously to cherish and protect Princess Emmeline. Can Prince Ethelrex win Princess Emmeline’s heart even pulled together in a forced marriage. Can Princess Emmeline use her key to the treasure to aid her sisters in their quest for peace in the land?
Jody Hedlund is a truly accomplished author. I enjoyed reading her vivid descriptions of woodland landscapes, castles fortresses, adventure, peril, and the characters’ array of emotions. She is a master storyteller. The plot immediately drew me in and captivated me.
I truly love the characters Ms. Hedlund creates. Princess Emmeline and Prince Ethelrex are both dynamic characters. Their struggles and victories are moving. It is a joy to read and see them change and grow throughout the novel. In Hereafter, Ms. Hedlund does a lovely job incorporating previous characters from the novella and previous two novels in the series. It was fulfilling to hear from those characters again.
Jody Hedlund’s great talents truly shine in The Lost Princesses Series. The talent she portrays in her medieval time period writing gleams like an exquisite jewel. Hereafter was my personal favorite. It had meaningful and beautiful faith elements. The romance was lovely, powerful, completely wholesome. Teen and young adult readers as well as the young at heart will be captivated by Hereafter. I did not want this beautiful story to come to an end. I will cherish Hereafter and The Lost Princesses series for many years to come!
*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.*
Absolutely fantastic! I think it might be my favorite book from the series. Jody is masterful storyteller and I love how she wrapped up the series. I loved it all – the romance was swoony and the characters were so well-written. This will be a series I re-read over and over.
The conclusion to the Lost Princesses books is full of action and twists. Secrets drive the good and the evil forcing answers. Will the virtues as old as Solomon reign as truth?
This book was SOOOO good! In fact, it was one of those reads that as the end neared it was bittersweet because I was enjoying the story so much, I didn’t want it to end.
Emmeline was such a unique character and I loved the themes in the story as she discovered her courage and what it meant to have courage and how to love. Rex was the perfect unexpected hero! Seriously, he was swoony and so good! I loved how devoted he was and his own character arc in this novel. The romance was wonderful as well as the elements of the series culminating in this one. I have enjoyed the entire series; between Evermore and this one I don’t think I could pick a favorite. Definitely a reread and definitely a book I highly recommend.
Epic. I love how this final book finished the series in such an unexpected way! After reading the heroic adventures of her two sisters, I struggled with Emmeline’s personality a bit, the way she gives in and doesn’t fight tooth and nail or make the sacrifices others think she should. But over time I grew to appreciate her strengths and attributes that helped finally bring peace to the land. The Prince was another unknown personality to get used to, and it was great to see his perspective and learn of his inner turmoil as he seeks with Emmeline for a future void of war. The story played like a movie in my mind with the action and suspense of the dangerous journeys, treacherous maze of tunnels, and vindictive villains, balanced with blossoming romance, reunited sisters, and self-discovery within the two main characters. This is an exciting series that is perfect four young adults and not-as-young adults alike!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
What an exciting and thrilling conclusion to this incredible series! The final sister…The final key…The lost treasure…And a whole lot of the unexpected!
I have been so blown away by this whole series. These sisters, driven by the call on their lives, overcoming the enemy, fighting for good, together…Drawn by the bond of family.
Emmeline has grown up KNOWING who she is, PREPARING for the day that she would have to step into her birthright…But at the same time, hoping that day would never come. She was happy in her life. She was content…She was comfortable. It wasn’t until she was swept away from everything that she held dear…From the only life that she’d known…That she began to understand the depth of who she is and who she was supposed to be. Drawing out the courage…The Survivor…The Fighter.
This book, I think, is my favorite of the series. All I kept thinking of was this verse…
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20 NLT
How many times have we seen God working this way in our lives? Taking what the enemy meant for evil and turning it for good? Probably more times than we know. One of my favorite songs right now is See a Victory by Elevation Worship (see video below).
In the face of danger…In the face of defeat, Emmeline put her foot down and said, “NO! I will not back down. I will not surrender the fight.” And in the end….Well…You’ll just have to read it yourself.
Rex…I admit…He had to grow on me. While I respected that he was put in a tough position…It wasn’t until HE finally stood up for HIMSELF that I started to fall in love with him. His kind heart, his caring spirit endears him to Emmeline and to myself. A redemption story if ever there was one. #VillianTurnedHero for the win.
I want to thank Jody Hedlund for writing a story with depth, with truth, with emotion for Young Adults. A story of high quality and so exciting! It was a blessing to be able to read them all in quick succession. I don’t think my heart would have been able to handle waiting months between releases.
I strongly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys YA lit and medieval settings…with a taste for the fantastical.
I received a complimentary copy of Hereafter from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
After reading the previous books in Jody Hedlund’s Lost Princesses series, I was highly anticipating Hereafter, the final installment in the series. Not only did the book live up to my expectations, but it also gave me some things to think about!
Hereafter reunites readers with Lance and Felicia, the main characters of Always, the series’ prequel novella. They took Emmeline to raise as their own, while her sisters Adelaide and Maribel were taken to other places. Emmeline grew up knowing she was a princess, and Lance trained her to fight, should the need arise…which, of course, it does.
This book is different from the others in that the hero, Rex (Prince Ethelrex), is not at all likeable in the beginning. He had to win me over, just as he had to win Emmeline over. Also, Emmeline is forced into marriage with Rex. While I love marriage of convenience stories, I prefer the woman to have some agency in the decision, so I didn’t love the forced marriage aspect of Hereafter. (I know it fit with the time period, though, and Hedlund did handle the relationship well, thanks to Rex’s desire to be a man of character.)
There’s action, adventure, scary creatures, and romance. And there are also lessons to be learned—about courage, obedience, and integrity. My favorite line from the whole series comes from this book; it really resonated with me:
Courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to persevere when circumstances are at their worst.
So good!
Actually, this whole series is so good. I’ve loved it from beginning to end, and I sincerely hope Hedlund keeps writing medieval YA. 5 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
This is the one I’ve been waiting for! Not only do we get Emmeline’s story, which I wanted ever since reading Always, knowing she ended up with Felicity and Lance, but after reading Adelaide’s story, I’ve wanted Rex’s story too, and to get both in the exciting twist? *gimme – gimme!*
Review: I was right! I loved this one! Actually, while I was excited for this one, I ended up caught up in the story and loved the surprise twists that came at just the right places. I’m so glad I was able to read this series, and can totally see binge-reading this as a reread in the not so distant future! I really enjoyed seeing the princesses grow and build friendships of trust and seeing them learn to get along and work together, and this final installment was the perfect conclusion to this exciting adventure!
*I received an early copy from the author, this does not affect my review.*
This was such a wonderful end to the series. I wish it didn’t end and continued on! I enjoyed the 3 princesses stories. Again, this is a series for all ages, teen to senior adult! A couple of quotes from the book I liked. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to persevere when circumstances are at their worst.” “ I also believe true courage puts the needs of others above one’s own.” There was courage displayed by Emmeline in this book. I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions stated here are my own.
I really enjoyed this book a lot!! I sure wasn’t disappointed! Jody really is a fabulous midevil storyteller!! Fans of Jody will not want to miss this one for sure!
Emmeline is the feistiest of them all and that is what I loved about her! I think she’s my favorite sister even though I love them all. I can’t imagine being a twin. I think that is a special gift from God.
Each sister has a special talent that they needed to discover about themselves and Emmeline was no exception.
I enjoyed the mystery, action and adventure that Emmeline was forced to discover.
This is definitely her best and I love it that she saves the best for last! I was sad to see this series go!
I didn’t want to say goodbye because I wanted to savor the last book in the series.
I do hope she writes more because she’s so talented where midevil is concerned.
God does indeed give us more than we deserve!! Too often we take for granted what others have less of.
Rex was an interesting character himself. While I didn’t always agree with his ways, I felt sorry for him in other ways as he tried to please his father and his wife. It’s like he’s caught in the middle and I can certainly understand that one.
Rex reminds me of my husband in that regard. He’s caught in the middle with his mom and me. This book has made me realize that it isn’t easy pleasing the ones you love. Yes, it’s hard very hard.
Some are just never satisfied. Others just don’t care in how they treat you.
I also loved that Rex wanted to try and do what’s right despite his background and how he was raised.
God made you for more…. This was the time for more.
I loved how Jody wove these faith filled themes like the two I mentioned above. I really think readers will enjoy this one because it’s not too preachy like some can be. But really, I’ve never run across anything like that.
Can Rex and Emmeline find a way to learn to get along together or will they always be at each other’s throats and will Emmeline try to keep running away?
Well, you’ll just have to pick up a copy and read it for yourself. I guarantee that once you start reading this book you won’t want to put it down!
This is the last book in the series and will answer any questions you might have! I know it did mine!
Hereafter by Jody Hedlund is the final book in The Lost Princess series and definitely worth reading if you love fairytale romances.
In this series four sisters are fighting for their rightful places on the throne of their kingdom after it was usurped when their parents were killed.
This series is a definite must if you love stories with a HEA.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
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.
So much to take from this beautifully concluded tale.
I loved seeing how the story played out with the new characters featured. Fun unexpected parts. I especially liked the way the themes were woven in. Good takeaway quotes too. I truly enjoyed the whole series.
A wonderful book.
“God made you for more . . . . This was the time for more.”
Torn between saving the lives of her parents and fulfilling her destiny, Princess Emmeline faces an impossible challenge. Marriage to King Ethelwulf’s son was either an escape route, or a prision sentence; she highly doubted it could ever bring peace.
In spite of the fact that Prince Ethelrex exudes enormous skill as a warrior, Emmeline has to reluctantly admit that he is a surprisingly honorable leader; treating her with a strange mix of kindness and protection. However, the real question remains; when faced with monumental decisions, will the prince become as despicable as his father; suggesting that she betray the sisters that she has never met or will he offer the ultimate sacrifice to restore the throne of Mercia?
This stirring conclusion to the “The Lost Princesses” has everything a climax should embrace; “wisdom, healing, and courage” to the very end. . . . . and of course quite a dash of romance! “But was love enough?”