Beholden (The Fairest Maidens book 1) by Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund never fails to delight with her stories. Beholden is no exception. I love the imagery and language she uses. She paints beautiful word pictures. I also enjoy the plot. She takes her characters on fantastic adventures with plenty of action. The theme of this book is revenge, but at what cost? Also, the idea of do you truly know your motives? Both Gabi and Vilmar are strong people but they are also willing to change and grow. I love this book and am anxiously awaiting the next two! So grab your hot chocolate and a comfy blanket, then settle in for a delightful read!

I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectations. All thoughts are my own. 

From Amazon:

In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse . . .

A beautiful noblewoman with a terrible secret, and a prince subjected to slavery.

Upon the death of her wealthy father, Lady Gabriella is condemned to work in Warwick’s gem mine. As she struggles to survive the dangerous conditions, her kindness and beauty shine as brightly as the jewels the slaves excavate. While laboring, Gabriella plots how to avenge her father’s death and stop Queen Margery’s cruelty.

Prince Vilmar of Scania enslaves himself in Warwick’s gem mine as part of a royal test to prove himself the most worthy of three brothers to become the king’s successor. Amidst the hardships, he doesn’t anticipate his growing compassion for the other slaves, especially tenderhearted Gabriella.

As the annual summer ball looms nearer, Gabriella sets into motion her plan to end Queen Margery’s evil. When Vilmar learns of Gabriella’s intentions, he resolves to come to her aid and fight against Warwick’s queen. But doing so may require him to give up his chance of becoming Scania’s next king, perhaps even cost him his life.

The real Cinderella story.

The Fairest Maidens
Book 1: Beholden (Sept 2020)
Book 2: Beguiled (Oct 2020)
Book 3: Besotted (Nov 2020)


Other 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

About the author:

 Following

Biography

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.