Kingdom of Love by Tracie Peterson

Kingdom of Love
by Tracie Peterson

ISBN-13: 9781636097176
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Released: November 1, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
From bestselling author Tracie Peterson come 3 unique historical novels, rereleased for old and new fans alike. Liberty and love--even life itself--are fragile commodities those living in medieval England. Will God's love and power triumph in the lives of these three courageous women? Arianne is finally finding love and kindness in an arranged marriage until her past overpowers the castle gate and threatens to take her hostage. Helena must escape a savage stepbrother and devious stepsister, and try to enter thick walls of safety...for herself and her heart. Mary, a physician's daughter, brings life and health to others at the threat of her own safety. Will a shining knight come to her rescue?


My Review:
Kingdom of Love is a collection of three romance novellas set in medieval England. The first two stories were set during Henry III's rule. The second one continued the first story. The first felt staged and the second was melodramatic. Arianne was proactive in working to save others, but the men around her didn't warn her of danger so she made some bad assumptions. It felt staged because she was easily captured, easily escaped, and just as easily was recaptured, repeat. The men knew that they would surrender the moment she was captured but delayed fighting the enemy when they had the upper hand and repeatedly left her vulnerable to recapture. Anyway, her husband was a kind man who valued her in word and action, and they got to know each other before falling in love. Arianne learned to trust God for her salvation and safety. Overall, nice.

Helena was melodrama. When faced with a situation she didn't want to deal with, she usually fainted. She loved a man 11 years older than her who saw her as his best friend's little sister. When she was nine, he was exiled as a murderer. She loyally didn't believe him guilty and pined for him even though she didn't know if he was still alive. Yet she apparently knew him so little that she didn't realize that she'd fled from her abusive stepfamily to his brother's castle. And when they mentioned the full name of her love, she had no idea they meant her beloved. Yet she instantly recognized him after 11 years apart. He mentioned that he'd changed and shouldn't they get to know each other, but she passionately declared her undying love. He'd come to know God and was kind to and protective of her. He was flattered by her strong support and liked her beauty and lovely singing voice. Overall, it was ok.

The third story was set during the bubonic plague in England under Edward III. Mary was taught healing by her physician father but also to despise religion. She wondered how people could believe in a God who allowed so much death. She ended up helping sick monks who explained why God might let this happen. The knight protected and supported Mary. They both cared about the orphaned children, so they took some with them. This shared caring for the children brought them close. The knight changed his attitude from 'enjoy life while you're alive' to believing in life after death for those who believe in Christ. Interesting historical details were woven into the story. I liked this story the best of the bunch.

There was no bad language or sex scenes (though married sex was implied).


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.