Book Review (and a Giveaway!): Common by Laurie Lucking

COMMON by Laurie Lucking
SERIES: Tales of the Mystics #1
GENRE: Young Adult Christian Fantasy/Romance
PUBLISHER: Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing, LLC
RELEASE DATE: February 14, 2018
PAGES: 299

Only one person knows of the plot against the royal family and cares enough to try to stop it—the servant girl they banished.

Leah spends her days scrubbing floors, polishing silver, and meekly curtsying to nobility. Nothing distinguishes her from the other commoners serving at the palace, except her red hair.

And her secret friendship with Rafe, the Crown Prince of Imperia.

But Leah’s safe, ordinary world begins to splinter. Rafe’s parents announce his betrothal to a foreign princess, and she unearths a plot to overthrow the royal family. When she reports it without proof, her life shatters completely when the queen banishes her for treason.

Harbored by an unusual group of nuns, Leah must secure Rafe’s safety before it’s too late. But her quest reveals a villain far more sinister than an ambitious nobleman with his eye on the throne.

Can a common maidservant summon the courage to fight for her dearest friend?

Prince Charming’s not the only one who can save the day, as Leah so handily proves in Common.

First and foremost, let me say that I loved Leah in this sweet romance. She wants to do the right thing and has great courage in doing so – even when afraid or uncertain. Her struggles to trust the Luminate (God) are presented authentically, as is the culmination of that journey. I also loved how the author crafted the Mystics and their unique relationship with the Luminate, incorporating some elements of fantasy while at the same time painting a tender picture of our own relationship with God & how He speaks to our hearts.

And then of course there’s Rafe. The swoony prince who also happens to be commoner Leah’s childhood friend… a friendship that has deepened over the years to something more that catches both of them unaware. He’s in a tricky position – with parents who seem to barely tolerate him (and don’t seem to be acting in his best interests) and a kingdom who depends on him to put its needs first, even over his own heart. When he realizes he’s fallen in love with Leah, the swoon factor increases exponentially … as do the kisses 😉

Bottom Line: What a delightful story! The tender message and layered plot accompany endearing characters (the nuns!!) you’ll hope to visit with again soon. The medieval setting adds a wonderful element of fantasy and adventure, too. Common is a perfect choice for fans of fairy tales and medieval romance!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received via CelebrateLit Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4 / love it!

KissingBook Level: 3 / May forget to breathe on occasion

An avid reader practically since birth, Laurie Lucking discovered her passion for writing after leaving her career as an attorney to become a stay-at-home mom. When she gets a break from playing board games and finding lost toys, she writes young adult fantasy with a strong thread of fairy tale romance. Her debut novel, Common, won the Christian Editor Connection’s Excellence in Editing Award, placed third in the Christian Women Reader’s Club Literary Lighthouse Awards, and is a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards. She has short stories published in Mythical Doorways, Encircled, and the upcoming Christmas Fiction off the Beaten Path. Laurie is the Secretary of her local ACFW chapter and a co-founder of Lands Uncharted, a blog for fans of clean young adult speculative fiction. A Midwestern girl through and through, she currently lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children. Find out more by visiting www.laurielucking.com.

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To celebrate her tour, Laurie is giving away a themed basket with a signed paperback copy of Common, a beaded velvet bookmark, a handmade book sleeve, and a wooden “Have courage & be kind” sign!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

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This giveaway is hosted by Celebrate Lit, not RimSP
Follow along for more chances to win – click the banner below!

What about you? What interests you most about Common by Laurie Lucking?