The Sound of Emeralds
written by Rachelle Rea
250 pages // published in 2016 // Christian fiction // Reformation era
My Review...
I'm a little teary-eyed in my heart while writing this review -- for the final installment of the best historical romance series on the market. To recap (in my own words), "Diamonds" (book 1) was the treacherous adventure. "Silver" (book 2) brimmed over with true hope and sincerity. "Emeralds" (book 3) is... the unthinkable.
From "blazing hatred" to "lasting love" is exactly how Gwyn and Dirk's relationship has twisted and then sprouted. But even for them, it's still a rocky road to maintain a marriage filled with steadfast love.
"He was mine, and I was his. We were one. Forever." (Chapter 1, The Sound of Emeralds)
Set in England during the mid-1500s, this series breaks ground on my own bookshelf, for sure; honestly, I just haven't read much fiction that takes place in this time period. For me, it created an all-new reader experience which I enjoyed being in. Many authentic features are drawn into these books, such as the religious issues (Catholicism and Protestantism), social statuses, crime and punishment of the time, and much more.
"Emeralds" goes deeper and into a much darker place than what I had yet seen in Rea's previous two books... and it was thrilling! How did she hold out this long on us readers before bringing in these unfathomable emotions... and heartbreak? I don't want to give away the plot, as I want you to be as taken by surprise as I was... but "Emeralds" will definitely be an emotional read for anyone.
What a marvelous and inspirational trilogy this is. If you, or anyone you know, enjoys Christian historical fiction... you should read The Steadfast Love series. (Recommended for older teens and adults.)
"How could one heart beat inside two separate souls?" (Chapter 9, The Sound of Emeralds)
P.S. I simply cannot wait to hear about Rachelle Rea's next publication, whatever it may be. And so I commence waiting with bated breath.
The Sound of Emeralds is available on Amazon in paperback and e-book format.
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