Everyone believes Lady Evangeline is dead, so why not let them? Her survival depends on it.
After escaping from assassins and healing from her injuries, Evangeline Stanton finds refuge in a crumbling abbey. Her physical scars are nothing to the wounds left by the death of her daughter and abandonment of her husband. She spends most days disguised as Sister Margaret Mary, but when necessary, she … Margaret Mary, but when necessary, she dons the disguise of the recently deceased bandit, the Fox, to steal from the rich and help the starving children and widows who come for aid.
Lord Henry Stanton still grieves the death of his beloved wife, Evangeline. Raising their young daughter is now the most important role in his life, even though the child serves as a daily reminder of the love he and his wife once shared. He may never shed the weight of his guilt for not protecting Evangeline from the band of outlaws who killed her, as well as the lies sown by his sister-in-law, which he allowed to separate him from his wife just before her death.
When Henry’s ailing father-in-law sends an urgent request for help to manage his lands, he has no choice but to take his daughter with him to Castle Brighton. But the nun who comes to care for the sick man catches Henry’s notice from the first moment he catches sight of her. When the life of their precious daughter is threatened, can they overcome the lies and secrets of the past and join forces to save their daughter before it is too late?
Escape to another century in this action-packed inspirational medieval romance!
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This medieval novel is well-written. It pulls the reader straight into the story. There were many unexpected twists. But true love remained in the end.
Jan Warren crafted a wonderful story with a lot of action and tension. She draws a beautiful and descriptive picture of the medieval time. A must read. I was given a copy by the publisher.
This medieval novel jumps into a tense time in the story after Lady Evangeline and her husband, Lord Henry Stanton, have been separated by evil plots and lies. He believes she is dead, and she thinks her baby died at birth. Although we soon learn who is behind the dastardly deeds and lies, the compelling tale drives us onward to follow a saga of loss and pain with more misadventures than any person should ever have to face in a lifetime. Evangeline has had to hide her identity in order to survive and to help the needy around her. Just when we think things might work out for her and bring resolution, another suspenseful incident occurs, increasing the danger and the mystery. This heroic romp through Middle Ages intrigue will keep readers engaged. The author did a good job at making the setting and plot seem realistic. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
A Medieval tale of courage, family and faith.
I was intrigued by the plot of this book when I read the description, so I decided to take a chance and jump right in. This story is unique in that the main characters are already married, which is perhaps why it was easier to get away with them spending so much of their time– especially in the first half of the story–apart. This story relies heavily upon backstory, which is relayed in various ways throughout the book.
Henry and Evangeline are indeed very brave and capable people, and I liked that they are given a second chance, and that they are willing to fight for their daughter. Also, both of them are quick to lean on their faith, even when things don’t make sense right away.
In the end though I struggled through this book, the characters felt predictable and and their situation as well as how they got there was just infuriating to me. I will note that for readers not in the USA words are used that in other countries could be considered strong language. In the end I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did, and while it definitely has it’s high points, showing themes of faith, family, and forgiveness, as a whole I felt it was rather mixed.
I received a complimentary ebook. Opinions expressed are my own.
“I shall find out the truth, either through my guise as Sister Margaret Mary, or, if need be, with my sword as the Fox.”
Set in 1186 England, this is the intriguing story of Evangeline Stanton, who has been forced into a life of danger, deception, and heartache. She believes that her baby died at birth. she harbors deep misgivings about the man who was once her husband, and she is unable to tell her aging father that she is still alive. Assuming identities as a nun named Sister Margaret Mary and a female Robin Hood known as the Fox, Evangeline works to help those less fortunate by taking from the rich to give to the poor. Will these charitable efforts put her in grave danger? Can she find solace living as a nun or will she forever be searching for a true and lasting peace?
Author Jan Davis Warren has created some fascinating characters in this exciting book filled with misconceptions, suspense, and intrigue. A sword-wielding heroine with a loving heart, a guilty husband grieving for the wife he couldn’t protect, and an evil villain named Millicent all make The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline a wonderful medieval tale. Add an inspiring message of faith and loyalty and this is a story that you won’t soon forget!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and no compensation was received. These are my own thoughts
The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline, #1, Secrets, by Jan Davis Warren is a thrilling medieval adventure that I found totally enthralling. Warren starts her novel with prickles of danger warning Evangeline Stanton that something is very wrong. The suspense never lets up. As one situation starts to resolve, another quickly presents itself. The pacing was very even and well-balanced. At no time did my attention wane. I did chuckle a few times as the twists and turns were fulfilled in pleasing, yet surprising ways. I found Warren to be a great, thorough writer. Many separate elements are introduced, yet Warren brings every single one to a satisfying conclusion. This is a rare talent.
It was heartbreaking to see Evangeline and Henry struggle so to overcome the past. I loved that they kept on trying, and forgiveness was part of Evangeline’s attitude towards others. She determines that a course is right spiritually, and commits to it verbally, and lets the feelings happen later.
Recommended for those who dream of the world of lords and ladies, medieval castles, pirates, and Robin Hood-type lore. Also, for those who enjoy a suspenseful struggle between good and evil with spiritual lessons woven in.
I cannot wait to get ahold of the next book in this series! May it live up to its predecessor!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are solely my own.
Medieval time period, is not a time period that I read a lot about. I was excited to read The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline for that reason. This is the first book that I have read by the author. It is the first book in the Secrets Series. The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline is set in 1186. The author has done a great job painting a realistic picture of this time period. In this book we meet, Evangeline Stanton. She has met near death – and has a lot of physical scarring. She finds solice in an abby – and she assumes a new identity as Sister Margaret Mary. She sometimes will rob the rich to help the poor.
Evangeline’s husband, Lord Henry Stanton was separated from his wife on that fateful night due to the meddling and deceit of a family member. He is raising their young daughter alone. He travels to aid his father in law in caring for lands – and the nurse caring for him, strikes a cord. What will happen if they figure each other out? Can Henry realize it’s his wife? Can Evangeline trust him?
Twists and turns, suspense and danger all in a 1186 setting. Well written characters, flowing storyline – a must read for lovers of historical fiction.
I receive a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
Oh how I wanted this story to never end. The author does a good job of transporting readers back in time to 1186 England. I loved the woods where a group would hide out in search of helping those in need. The brilliance of the author to disguise the group made it more exciting. Yes I cheered because a woman was the leader and had courage that withstood test after test.
Evangeline is everything I had hoped for in a Warrior. She is compassionate for the needs of people who struggle to survive everyday. Evangeline finds out a secret that will compel her to protect those she loves at all cost. What evil person would lie and tell someone their child died? Evangeline has led a secret life but the truth will come out at a time when she is not prepared. Will she confuse her reasons for the deceit to Henry? Can they repair their relationship and save their daughter from danger?
The story is riveted with danger, secrets, and a road that takes them into enemy territory. The characters are realistic and I appreciated that the author focused on saving the child and not so much on rekindling a romance. God was there with Evangeline and Henry as their faith was tested. I held my breath as they became closer to the kidnapper who had their child. The ending is action packed and I liked how the author showed that it is never to late to forgive someone.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I can relate to this book in that I’ve definitely found myself being different around different people. This book is set in Medieval times and that is fun. It’s a time period that we don’t often get to visit and I love it.
This book has lots of mystery and intrigue and you won’t be able to put it down. Henry thinks his wife is dead, but she’s not. Lady Evangeline becomes Sister Margaret Mary and thinks her husband and daughter are dead, but they’re not. It’s complicated but it’s wonderful.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one day. It read fast and furious and the characters really came to life. I loved how much mystery there was and how much had to be overcome, from Lady Evangeline’s father being deathly ill and the nasty sister-in-law you’ll find all the characters make you love or hate them.
A great book to add to your library and I recommend that you ask your library to get a copy today!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline starts the Secrets series by Jan Davis Warren. I am becoming a big fan of stories set during the Medieval times in England and this one gives me another reason why. I enjoyed getting to know Lady Evangeline. I was entertained with her from start to finish. There was danger, action and adventure involved that kept me captivated throughout. I had to keep reading until I was completely finished in one day.
I am giving The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline a very well deserved five plus stars. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Secrets, The Sword and the Secrets, to find out what happens next. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy clean Medieval era historical fiction.
I received The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline from the publisher. The review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
A secret life. Have you ever wanted a new identity? A persona to reinvent yourself? Reading novels does that for me. I can be someone else and have a life full of adventures. And then I can settle back into my calm, low key world, having learned a few lessons from beloved characters.
Evangeline takes on personas to protect her life and extend the quality of life for others. Keeping secrets becomes her normal routine without knowing so many secrets are kept from her.
As I read this novel, I wonder at my different personas or my secret life. I might be able to hide my scars from others, even those close to me, but I can’t hide from God. He loves me—scars and all.
I love the setting—1186 England—where law and order struggled to exist. Robin Hood, secret hideaways, costumes, royalty, and peasants. I look forward to the next novel in the series.
This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page. It is full of action and twist and turns, it will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one in this series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline was an intriguing story! I was caught up in the continual danger and adventure that Lady Evangeline faced throughout this book.
What a tangled mess of deceit Evangeline and Henry were caught up in! I really felt for these characters. Mistaken trust placed in the wrong person had brought much grief to both of them.
I thought that the chemistry and love that still existed between Henry and Evangeline was very well-written. Even as they still had things to work out between them, they both loved their daughter so much and would do whatever was necessary to keep her safe.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of danger, secrets, and reclaimed love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I’ll admit it – I almost didn’t read this book. I was not familiar with the author and medieval fiction is not my favorite genre. The publisher sent me a digital copy but I was not required to read or review it. I could have just let it go. But since I had a copy, I decided to give it a try. After all, if I didn’t like it I could just go on to another book.
Surprise, surprise! I really liked it! It didn’t take very long before I found myself totally involved in this unique tale of a young woman who took on several identities for her protection and in order to help protect her father’s threatened kingdom and to help take care of its starving families. The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline is chock full of action, secrets, danger, betrayal, and reconciliation. Faith is a strong but natural component of the story which is beautifully written.
The plot is well developed with words that flow. I loved the characters complete with their flaws but also their determination to do the right thing and to rid the kingdom of the evil that had overtaken it. One particular character underwent a stunning transformation during the course of the story that was remarkable.
I would recommend this book even if like me, you are not a huge fan of medieval fiction. Take a chance on it. I think you may like it also.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Wild Heart Books. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This time period is usually my least favorite to read so I avoid it but I was asked to read this book so I took a chance on it. I’m so glad I did! This story is fantastic and I fell in love with the characters and story line! It kept me thoroughly engrossed from the first page to the last and I was sorry when it ended! I’m actually looking forward to the next book in this series and I never would have imagine that! Evangeline is a wonderful role model for women! She’s strong, compassionate, sacrificing but doesn’t let anyone push her around! When she thought her marriage was crumbling and her baby died, she was supposedly killed but instead, survived and became a nun so she could freely move around the Kingdom. She also becomes something like a female Robin Hood! Her husband, however, never stopped loving her and when she chances a view of him AND their daughter, she can scarcely believe it! However, there are SO many wicked & terrible people in the Kingdom and she must fight to overthrow them, along with her husband….but just how she does it is amazing! There is SO, SO much action, deceit, and unexpected twists that you have to make sure you have lots of time to read! I loved this!!!!