Book Review (and a Giveaway!): Washed Under the Waves by Gloria Clover

A hidden island. A prince in disguise…and a lady torn between love and duty.

Lady Tayte Bashan never desired the distinctive black hair that marks her as Undae royalty, but when her family perishes in a devastating tsunami, the burden of leadership falls upon her young shoulders. Even as she prepares her island for the prophesied prince, she fears the duty to marry him is truly meant for another.

Dispatched by the King to an island untouched by the outside world for centuries, Prince Geoffrey Athan D’Ambrose must lead its people to the ultimate truth. But how is he supposed to win the heart of Undae’s princess when the King sends him disguised as a tutor?

Betrayal stirs within Castle Bashan, a threat as deadly as the rising wave. Now Tayte and Athan must brave the maelstrom or watch as the entire island succumbs to treachery’s destructive tide.

SERIES: Children of the King #1
GENRE: Inspirational Speculative Romance
PUBLISHER: By the Vine Press
RELEASE DATE: March 6, 2018
PAGES: 305

Other Books In This Series

“For ones such as these, the King had come.”

Washed Under the Waves is probably one of the most unique reads I’ve encountered in a while. While it could certainly be classified as an allegory (closer to the style of The Pilgrim’s Progress rather than Lewis or Tolkien), I would almost make a slightly more specific distinction and call it a parable. Also making this story unique is that the cadence and mood of the writing style reads like a delightful children’s tale, while the subject matter is often quite sensual. Make no mistake, though. This is not a story for young children. While tastefully done, there are some very steamy moments. If you’re like me, one in particular may even leave you blushing a bit!

(Please note: I by no means intend to diminish the quality of the writing by comparing it to that of a children’s tale; rather, I’m referring to those profound children’s tales which resonate just as strongly – perhaps even more – with adults. The structure may be simple but the meaning is deep. As C.S. Lewis himself said, “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”)

In Washed Under the Waves, Gloria Clover paints a tender picture of the love that Jesus our King has for His children, of the value that He gives each one of us, and of the importance of obeying Him even when we don’t understand His reasons. The process of dying to our old lives and being made new is creatively presented and that clear picture really made salvation come alive for me in a fresh way. This story also reminded me how much He delights in spending time with me, how much joy it brings Him for me to come to the throne of grace with my burdens, my fears, and my happiness. Some of these scenes can easily be used as a starting point for deeper conversation with new believers, too.

Bottom Line: Washed Under the Waves is a uniquely creative take on familiar truth, one that will captivate you by the King’s love and by the sheer joy that comes from being in His Presence. It is told simply but lyrically, and it’s a great pick to curl up with on a dreary day. While I stumbled over certain parts of the narrative (the princess’ naivete gets tedious at times, and the ‘blond hair, blue eyes’ of nearly all of the island’s inhabitants may set uncomfortably in our reactionary culture), its overall message is beautifully presented. Additionally, the romance between Tayte and Athan is a swoonworthy portrayal of God’s intention for marital passion and a gentle reminder not to awaken love before its time. This is a read that lingers with you, and I’m looking forward to the other books in the series.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4 stars / Unique and captivating

KissingBook Level: 5 / I’m still blushing!

Gloria Clover, Christ-follower and Truth-seeker, writes romantic fiction with the hope of showing God’s love and our need in both humorous and haunting ways. The Children of the King series is her first endeavor into speculative fiction, a series set in the future when the King sends out his children to reclaim his lost lands.

Gloria’s contemporary romances, published by Barbour Books and Son-Rise Publications, include: The Remaking of Moe McKenna in the Race to the Altar anthology, Brianna’s Pardon, and Tangled Truths. She compiled ten volumes of Penned From the Heart and wrote a short devotional, Who We Are in Christ, A to Z.

She is a member of Emmanuel Christian Church, active in prayer ministry, women’s ministries, American Heritage Girls, and various other projects. She participates in writing/book days at local schools and enjoys giving and receiving from her various writing critique groups. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, participating in the ACFW book club and prayer loops.

Married with child, she writes from her little white box in western PA.

website | Facebook | By the Vine Press

Stay tuned for my Q&A with Gloria Clover later today!

TWO GIVEAWAYS!

First Giveaway:

One of my readers will win an autographed paperback copy of Washed Under the Waves! (US only) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.

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Second Giveaway:

This giveaway is hosted by By the Vine Press to celebrate the release of Washed Under the Waves! The prize is a KINDLE FIRE, e-book of book 2 of the Children of the King, The Fire Starter, an autographed paperback of Washed Under the Waves, and a $10 Starbucks gift card.

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 What about you? What do you enjoy about allegories and parables in modern literature?