I’m so excited to see more Medievals coming out. I wish there were more adult based ones, but since I love Young Adult Literature too, I’m happy it’s becoming popular there. And who can resist a cover with a girl in chain mail, girl power! 🙂
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England , Foreign Setting , 1210s , 1200s Foreign, The 13th Century , Aristocrats/Social Elite, Knights , Gender NonConformists , Classic Literature Spinoff, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage, Young Adult , Abuse , Sleiman-Dina |
1217 – England Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit. When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles–along with twists and turns aplenty–await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies. |
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Others in this Series:
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Questions about Dina’s Story
What inspired your story?
The inspiration for my Valiant Hearts Series in general is the idea of placing young medieval women in legendary male roles. I suppose that idea came from so many strong heroines in books, television, and film these days. Chivalrous relates in many ways with Arthurian legends, particularly Sir Lancelot. It takes place in a fictional dukedom in Northern England that strives to incorporate Arthurian ideals, including a round-table type of government. It is a tale of tournaments, chivalry, and courtly love with a surprising twist on the Lancelot and Guinevere story.
Why did you choose the year your book is set?
This book is set in 1217, basically because it is a year after book 1, Dauntless. However, I chose 1216 for book 1 because it’s a Robin Hood type story, and 1216 is a very pivotal year in the life of King John, better known as Prince John from the Robin Hood legends. It is also a year after the signing of the famous Magna Carta. So Chivalrous plays out against the same backdrop, but in a fictional dukedom that has sought to avoid the political corruption taking place in the rest of England.
If you could be guaranteed to publish a book set anywhere and at anytime, what setting would you love to set a novel in?
Medieval England always was my dream setting. It’s actually hard to sell a medieval novel in Christian publishing, but by incorporating a lot of action and gearing it towards older teens through adults, I was able to make it work. I’m really looking forward to book 3, Courageous, when the lady’s maid from Chivalrous will go on crusade to the Holy Land. My husband is from Lebanon, and I’ve visited there several times, so the Middle East has been another dream setting for me.
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Questions about Dina’s Reading
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What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline? My books are most often compared to Melanie Dickerson’s medieval fairy tale retellings, and I recently read Jody Hedlund’s first medieval romance, which has many overlaps as well. Our writing styles and use of language are all similar, and we all incorporate romance, suspense, and some iconic medieval elements. Mine stand out from most others in this genre because I put my heroines in typically male roles. I want my books to inspire girls to think outside of the box and seek God’s very best for their lives, even if that takes them in surprising directions. |
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If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one Christian Historical Novel, which would you pick? Can I bring a short series? I would choose A Stray Drop of Blood and its sequel A Soft Breath of Wind by Roseanna White. These Biblical novels are both so rich and epic, full of history, philosophy, romance, and adventure. Most importantly to me, they are both spiritually insightful and inspirational. So while they would make for awesome entertainment that wouldn’t grow old, they would also remind me what is truly important in life and draw me closer to God. If I had to choose only one, I guess I’d pick A Soft Breath of Wind, because it better relates to where I am in my walk with the Lord right now. |
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Dina is giving away a copy of her book and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!