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One year and one week ago, today, author Rachelle Rea Cobb released her book baby, The Sound of Emeralds -- the third and final novel in her Steadfast Love series -- into the world! And today, I have the pleasure of sharing with you Dragons a bit about the book, as well as a giveaway for signed copies of the entire series (!!), and my review of book one, The Sound of Diamonds.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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What once was blazing hatred has turned to lasting love, but could the union of a wild heart with that of a lady ever result in more than heartache?
With the help of an old friend with uncertain loyalties, Dirk inches ever closer to clearing his name. Gwyneth throws her faith into good tidings and the promise of a future as a family. But an old evil comes to call, just as tragedy rips apart a fledgling truce. Enemies from the past and grief for the future threaten to tear asunder what God has brought together...
As the date of Dirk's trial approaches, his fate and his family hang in the balance. Will he be proven innocent of Gwyneth's parents' murders -- or be separated from her forever? How much pain does it take to erode a love steadfast?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Times gone by snatch Rachelle Rea Cobb close, so she reads and writes about years long ago -- her passions include the Reformation, revolutions, and romance. Rachelle wrote the Steadfast Love series during college. Five months after she graduated, she signed a three-book deal with her dream publisher, WhiteFire. She's a homeschool grad, Oreo addict, and plots novels while driving around her dream car, a pick-up truck. In June 2016, she married a man with the same name as her fictional hero, and they live happily ever after in Small Town, South. She is also the author of Write Well, a guide for writers, which released on March fourth!
You can connect with Rachelle via her website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, and Amazon page.
GIVEAWAY
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| {Provided by Rachelle Rea Cobb.} |
Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win signed copies of ALL THREE of Rachelle's
novels. The whole
series -- signed!
International
friends, this giveaway is open to continental U.S. addresses only (sorry!). But
do still enter, because one
international winner will also be chosen to receive all three e-books.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
BOOK REVIEW: THE SOUND OF DIAMONDS
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★★★★☆
(4.5 stars)
(4.5 stars)
Nay. Hatred would not bar my heart against pain. Hatred would only bar my heart against healing, redemption, love.
~Rachelle Rea Cobb, The Sound of Diamonds
I love a good rogue romance. Unfortunately, most of those romances I hold so dear rarely come true, so to put it (*coughs* I'm looking at you, Guy and Marian). But this... My dear friends, this was so good.
Gwyneth Barrington is on the path to becoming a nun. Living in a convent in Leiden, the Netherlands, she suffers from the memory of her parents' murders, and their promise for her happy future.
And then the assumed murder shows up, claiming that Leiden's convent is under attack, and he wishes to bring Gwyn to safety.
If only it were that simple.
I've been interested in The Sound of Diamonds for a while, now. That gorgeous title, that intriguing cover... As Prince Edward from Disney's Enchanted would say, what's not to like? So when a review opportunity came up, I pounced. 😉
The first chapter begins with action and adventure. Gwyneth, a young, headstrong noblewoman. Dirk Godfrey, a redeemed rogue with a scandalous past. Two of Dirks closest friends, a strict nun, and a sweet postulant.
The characters -- One of my biggest pet peeves in religious romance novels (and probably the main reason I don't read more romance, period) is the helpless (and very beautiful) Mary Sue and the slightly flawed (yet still very handsome) Gary Stu. I love how Rachelle took these stereotypical characters and tossed them out the window. 😄
We have a feisty daughter of nobility (with glasses! *cheers*), a God-pursuing son of a lord and lady, and a cast full of fun characters.
My only complaints in regards to the cast were Cade and Ian, both of whom seemed very similar (though the latter got much less "screen time"); and the villain, who, though his reasons seemed comprehensible enough, felt like he needed a little more motivation.
The romance -- I'll start by saying that the side-romance (between a certain friend and postulant *winks*) was super sweet. There was what was possibly an implication of sorts later on in their relationship that seemed a bit out of place, but it was left open to interpretation.
But the main romance. Our hero and our heroine. (*smiles*) Even though I know the answers, I'm still tempted to scream at them, "What took you so long?!" ♥
The writing -- I've yet to experience a novel so wonderfully historically accurate, yet so well written at the same time. Never in my life have I heard of the Dutch Revolution, but Rachelle brought it to life in wonderful ways, with her little phrases in late-Renaissance Dutch and Spanish.
The setting -- I'm not big on description; in fact, if there's more than one sentence of description in a book, that's the part I usually skip. However, I did feel as if this area could've done with a tad more development.
The plot -- Fantasy lovers, take your favourite fantasy quest -- journeys across seas, through forests, to castles, you name it... Now apply it to a historical romance, with an emotional murder mystery along the way. (*nods*) Remarkable, isn't it?
So, yes, my dear friend -- go read The Sound of Diamonds! Even if you're not big on historical romance, go do it. You won't regret it. ☺
You may want to know: There is violence (murder included) and kissing, as well as a few slight implications.
Note: I received a free ebook copy of The Sound of Diamonds from the author, in exchange for my honest review.
Note: I received a free ebook copy of The Sound of Diamonds from the author, in exchange for my honest review.
Read my review on Goodreads and Merikthorne Library!
TOUR SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 15th:
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Have you ever read any of Rachelle's books, before? (If not, go do so. Now.) Have you ever heard of the Dutch Revolution?
❤,
Loved reading your thoughts! I agree her covers are gorgeous and have yet to read them. I thought it interesting that you mentioned fantasy and applying it to a historical romance. Remarkable, indeed!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura! Thank you for stopping by! The covers are amazing, aren't they? My publisher did a swell job. I hope if you pick Diamonds up soon, you enjoy it. :)
DeleteThanks, Laura! LOL, I guess it goes to show I'm a fantasy nerd. ;)
DeleteLiv! Love your review! I'm terribly sorry for not stopping by until today, especially since such a lovely, well-thought-out review awaited me. I so appreciate your support and I'm grateful you've joined the tour. Glad you love Dirk & Gwyn!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you, Rachelle! I absolutely adored being a part of your tour! And thank you for letting me review Diamonds! <3
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