Description
By Joy Crain
Three years ago, Princess Saraphina watched as her abusive father stripped her older sister of her title and banished her forever because she dared love someone she wasn’t supposed to. Sara finds herself next in line for the throne but also obligated to complete the marriage alliance her father forced upon her sister. Now that her father is dead, Sara decides to take matters into her own hands by going undercover to America to see her sister and have one month of freedom before she his bound to return to her country and marry her arranged fiance.
Prince Alexander used to know who he was. Now he’s not too sure. As the second son of the king of Andelar, Alexander struggles to find where his place in the family is. The one thing he does know is that the palace is suffocating and he needs to leave to find himself. So he travels to America and after a chance encounter with the lovely Sara and her family, Alexander suffers from an unfortunate accident that leaves him without a memory.
Slowly as secrets begin to unfold and with time closing in on them, both Sara and Alexander have to learn who they are. And with her arranged marriage and his amnesia, they must learn to trust in God to secure their future.
Margaret Nelson –
This is Joy Crain’s second Royals of Andelar novel and it was very hard to put down! Once again I loved the characters. The plot pacing was just right. To themes of forgiveness, grief, finding someone who sees the real you, and trusting God when things seem terrible or impossible, she adds the “spice” of the trope of amnesia, which adds lots of humorous scenes. I was eager to find out how she resolved all the challenges and impossible situations.
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Kathryn Pfeifer –
When I read Joy Crain’s first book in the Royals of Andelar series, I was hooked. And now, with her second book, The Trials of the Title, I am even more addicted. Following closely on the heels of its predecessor, The Trials of the Title focuses on the second prince of Andelar, Alexander, and the princess of Harmon, Sara. Amid palace intrigue, familial abuse, and a discovery of restoration, Crain presented a tale of love and redemption for the future. I absolutely adored the characters, each flawed and so relatable. The plot kept me turning page after page, and the ending was so satisfying, I could not help but sigh in fulfillment. Truly, this is a story not to be missed!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Anonymous –
I should start this review by clarifying I love the Royals of Andelar and their unique, imperfect, but loving family. So, I am biased, but I was convinced I would like the second book in the series. I wasn’t disappointed–I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Alexander more and I really enjoyed The Trials of the Title by Joy Crain. Joy Crain is an author to watch in the genre of royal reads! I felt Joy Crain handled the issues of neglect, abuse, and feelings of inadequacy that stem from these wrongs deftly and with skill. I loved how gentle Alex was with Sara, helping her to overcome, and showing her God’s care.
I appreciated the strong themes of learning to trust the Lord and his will for our lives, no matter where that might take us.
There a couple things that didn’t sit right with me. One was Alex’s depiction as a strong Christian, and yet he had a desire to pursue Sara, despite her bitterness against and outright lack of a relationship with God. I understand a love and care for a hurting person, and I did appreciate it, but I would have liked to see more of a balance between trying to reach her and break down her walls, but also struggling with the desire for a relationship knowing she has a big problem with the Father you love and serve. I am NOT saying Sara shouldn’t have struggled with the feelings she did, because how can you imagine a loving Father God, when your own father treats you so cruelly and despicably?
And for Sara, were we to suppose she was saved at a young age and then grew bitter? Or was her breaking down supposed to convey the repentance and surrender that leads to salvation? I would have liked to see a clear picture of personal salvation.
Overall, I did enjoy The Trials of the Title, and read it in one sitting on a road trip. I am looking forward to the last sibling’s story–Genevieve!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Megan –
This is the second book in the Royals of Andelar series, and it was just as enjoyable as the first book! Even though its the second in a series it can easily be read as a standalone, though you do get more out of it if you read it in order.
I really appreciate how the author handled the heavier subject matter in this book, while balancing it with a sweet romance. Sara suffered terrible abuse at the hands of her father, the King. After he dies she wants nothing more than to be reunited with her sister, who he banished. That sets up this wonderful story of how she meets Alexander, a prince who is seeking to find his own purpose in life.
The subject matter could have easily made this book heavy, but the author balances it so well with the cast of characters and a dose of amnesia for one of the characters. I really enjoyed seeing both Sara and Alexander’s growth throughout the story. The faith element was woven so perfectly into the story, both characters are searching for a purpose that can only be found in Christ. The ending in particular will leave you with such a happy feeling.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one. I recommend for anyone who enjoys a good royal romance but wants something with a little more depth to it.
I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Jeanti Steenkamp –
Trials of the Title is the second book in Joy Crain’s series about the royals of Andelar and it doesn’t disappoint! After loving the first book, I was excited to dive into this one, and it lived up to my expectations.
The love story between Sara and Alexander is just beautiful. It’s not just about romantic love; it also shows how deep and impactful the love of God can be. I appreciated how she explored these different layers of love throughout their journey.
The storyline kept me engaged from start to finish. There’s a great mix of serious moments and light-hearted humor, especially in the exchanges between Sara and Alexander. Their chemistry is fantastic, and their witty banter made me smile.
What I admire about the author is that she doesn’t shy away from tough topics. She addresses how difficult experiences can affect a person and highlights the healing process that follows. Themes like forgiveness, finding your purpose, and dealing with grief are beautifully woven into the narrative, all tied together by the theme of God’s love.
In short, Trials of the Title is a fantastic read! Joy Crain has a talent for creating a story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Lana S –
After meeting Alexander in the first book in this series, I couldn’t wait to learn more about him and see what life was going to look like. It was well worth the wait! With wonderful characters, flawed like the rest of humanity, and detailed settings that helped to shape the story, this book was impossible to put down. Alexander and Saraphina’s characters are not run of the mill royals. Looking for an escape, they both end up on a small island that gives them the space they need to help find the path God has for each of them. I was fully involved in the story with the plot keeping me madly flipping pages to find out what happened next.
Joy Crain has done an amazing job creating new countries and making them feel like I could go visit. The details are wonderful, pulling out new and old traditions that make the setting that much more real. A true royal storyteller! And the ending is worthy of a deep sigh of contentment. A story you do not want to miss! Now I have to impatiently wait for the next book in the series! It is already on my TBR pile. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Talita Adendorff –
Joy Crain is one of my new favourite authors, and for one so young she really writes well. I loved her debut novel, The Cost of the Crown, and looked forward to Alexander’s story, The Trials of the Title, and she didn’t disappoint. I made the mistake of starting to read it in the queue of my grocery store, and when the tears started to prick behind my eyelids, I rather put it down for later.
It’s really hard to write this review without including spoilers, so I am just going to go with its a beautiful story, that has you coming back for more. It has some twists that you don’t expect, but definitely enjoy, and the end leaves a big smile on your face. There are some deeply emotional moments, some funny moments, some romantic moments, and some thought-provoking moments.
Joy has improved on her first book and has included some more cultural references. I recommend reading both The Cost of the Crown and The Trials of the Title and I am looking forward to the 3rd book in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but the views and opinions are my own.
Heather Byrd –
The Royals of Andelar has been an amazing series, with book two introducing Sara as our heroine, a downtrodden princess, abused and lacking self confidence, but with a beautiful soul, full of love and wanting change and peace in her land. Alexander is a prince of Andelar who was supposed to be king, but he dealt with having his birthright given to another with grace and dignity, meeting the princess in a land foreign to them both. I loved this sweet love story that showed that God is always in control and He has a plan for our lives. The couple spending time together in America was so fun to read, seeing them fall in love but not knowing how they could ever be together, and I enjoyed meeting Sara’s sister and her husband. I think their love story would make a nice novella! Seeing Andelar again was great, and catching up with the characters from book 1, and I can’t wait to read book 3, to see Julian get his happy ending with his princess. This story had beautiful settings, wonderful Asian culture added, and very likable characters. This is a must read series!
Karen Waide –
I loved this second book in the Royals of Andelar series by Joy Crain. The Trials of the Title focuses on the brother of Aiden, who was the crown Prince we read about in book one. Alexander was introduced in book one, but this is his story, after Aiden decides not to abdicate the throne, which sort of leaves Alexander feeling like a spare.
It is also the story of Princess Sara from the neighboring, Asian island country of Harmon. The story opens by informing the reader that her father, the king is dead. We discover quite quickly that he was nowhere near the kind of king Andelar has, and Sara is next in line to become queen, as long as she marries a royal. Unfortunately, it is an arranged marriage looming in her future.
Both royals need time and space, and head to America. It’s not really a surprise that they will eventually meet up, but the reader has to wonder if and when and how they will tell the truth about themselves. And of course what obstacles they will have come between them and their happily ever after.
I have to say, I loved the way the author had both of them be royals. So many times royal romances have one of the couple being the Royal, and the other being a commoner and then they fall in love. This story had plenty of other obstacles thrown at the couple. So, even though some things were a bit predictable, there were plenty of surprises along the way.
I loved that we got to see Aiden and Missy and get caught up with their story. And there were other characters we had met before, plus new ones that I grew to love.
And faith played an important part in the story, which I always appreciate.
Great story, and one I highly recommend. Just make sure you’ve read book one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.