In
ancient Mesopotamia, women had little or no say in the course of their
lives, and were often sold into marriage contracts. Still, Kenana had
always hoped to one day marry for love – a dream that was dashed when her
own mother’s treachery caused her to be wed to Prince Jubal, a man older
than her own father, and who she has held no small measure of distrust for
since her childhood days.
Dutiful Kenana determines to make the best of the situation, honoring her
wedding vows and fulfilling her wifely responsibilities to the elderly
prince. However, she cannot help but wish for what might have been –
especially when her strikingly handsome Guardian Angel, Malluch, returns to
her life in a very corporeal form, serving as no small distraction.
Malluch’s mere presence is enough to stir feelings of unrest in Kenana, who
holds fast to her resolve to remain faithful to her new husband. But
Malluch’s persistence grows, and the new Princess begins to question his
nature – is he truly her Guardian Angel, or a creature with dubious
intentions?
Verna Hargrove’s novel Glorious Companion is not the kind of
story that would normally catch my attention on the shelf in the book store,
but having now read it, I am pleased to have been asked to review this
delightfully intriguing tale! Mrs. Hargrove’s prose flows smoothly,
providing a story that easily engages the reader from the first chapter.
Her use of modern vernacular in this historical setting engenders a
familiarity with the reader, ensuring that even the dialogue will be
palatable even to those who may normally be put off by the more alien
parlance a historical novel typically employs and thereby broadening her
potential audience.
Although it can be classified as a romance, I would not say that romance is
the primary genre of this story. Indeed, to pigeon hole Glorious
Companion in one genre alone would do a disservice to this book, as
it blends aspects from several popular genres – romance, historical,
paranormal and even some theological elements.
Adding to that, this story really has only one main character, Kenana, who
is surrounded by several supporting characters. This is truly Kenana’s
tale, and romance happens to be a small part of it, but her journey into
womanhood while she uncovers her family’s mystical legacy is the foremost
story.
Kenana struggles with the events in her past and present as she attempts to
forge her future in this new world she finds herself thrust into as the wife
of a royal. As she takes her place as the Prince’s bride, dark memories
from her childhood begin to surface, serving to both explain and exacerbate
her feelings of disquiet concerning her new life. She shows a strength of
will and character in her ability to deal with her traumas and accept the
situation she finds herself in, albeit without her choice.
The story ends with some major cliffhangers, leaving the reader with hope
for a sequel to this fascinating book. I know I will be looking forward to
it!
Reviewed by Jennifer
