"An Uncertain Choice" by Jody Hedlund

Lady Rosemarie has spent the past four years preparing to fulfill the vow her parents made on her life. She's come to terms with the unusual requirements and is ready to embrace what appears to be her calling. When the Duke of Rivenshire, her godfather, arrives for an unexpected visit, he has some shocking news for her. There's an exception to the vow, which he believes her parents meant for her to find. The exception states she must fall in love and marry before sundown on her eighteenth birthday, which is only one month away. After years of quiet preparation and not much contact with the rest of the world, this seems an unrealistic idea, even if the duke has brought his three most trusted knights to try to win her hand. Wouldn't it be better to go through with the vow rather than risk heartbreak and dissatisfaction at the end of the month?

After serious reflection, Rosemarie decides that she can't find out God's will unless she gives the knights a chance. Sir Collin, Sir Bennet, and Sir Derrick are all handsome and brave, and soon two of them are showering her with gifts, compliments, and lavish attention. The other seems more focused on meeting Rosemarie in her daily tasks of taking care of her people, and encouraging her to be strong as she prepares to take over full leadership of her land. Although the attention of the more ardent suitors is flattering, it's the sincerity of the third that draws Lady Rosemarie to him.

As the month unfolds, mysterious events begin happening. Two of the knights almost lose their lives to attempted murder, strange outbreaks of illness occur throughout Rosemarie's realm, and the local sheriff is killed in a brutal attack. Meanwhile Rosemarie's guardians and guides have very different opinions about which route she should take for her future, and her own heart is torn over the decisions in front of her. But she might not even be able to make the choice, as an evil influence is working against her to take away her options and force the outcome that best favors his own intentions.

I believe one of the author's chief goals with this story was to show the target audience that choosing a life mate is more about character and similar life convictions than it is about excitement or the delights of a moment. This theme is really excellently done. The plot has a fast pace and the emotions keep you turning pages to see if Rosemarie will end up safe and sound and with the knight who has won over not only her affections but those of the reader as well.

I also appreciated the theme of leadership and the exploration of what courage really means. To be courageous and a good leader doesn't mean to be brash or to necessarily be the first to rush into battle. Sometimes it means the most when taken in the form of humility. It means being able to put the good of others in front of your own desires. These lessons are learned by our main characters in resonating ways.

This story appears to be the first in a series and thus the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, but that just means there is more to look forward to from this author in the future. Thank you to the publisher for my copy of the book, which was given in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.