January 1, 2023 
Reviewed by:
Contessa Hussong from Vandalia, Ohio, a Professional Writing student at Taylor University in Upland, IN.
REVIEW INTRODUCTION
Title:
Worthy of Legend (The Secrets of the Isles Book #3)
Author:
Roseanna M. White
Publisher:
Bethany House
http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse
Publication Date:
2022
Format:
Print book
Length:
364 pages
OVERVIEW
“Lady Emily Scofield had become an expert over the years at blending into shadows.” These are the opening words to Roseanna M. White’s Worthy of Legend, and there are few phrases better to describe White’s main protagonist.
Coming from a neglectful family, Emily never learned the true meaning of love. To her, it’s as distant and dusty as the artifacts her father and brother collect, her worth tied up in the disappointing glare in Lord Scofield’s eyes and too many memories of her brother’s mistreatment toward her.
Yet when Emily embarks on a quest to find an artifact unlike any her family has ever seen, she must learn to love and trust those around her for the first time, learning that family goes far beyond blood or obligation.
Sometimes, a book surprises you – and I’m happy to report that Worthy of Legend surprised me in the best way possible. Expecting only a standard romance, I was pleased to discover some true development from each major character, especially the male lead, Bram Sinclair. His relationships felt so alive, and I couldn’t help but cheer him on throughout the twists and turns of the book.
The plot itself did follow the general structure of a romance book, but White did a great job introducing subplots, and quietly subverted expectations as the book went on. There’s nothing shocking that takes place here, but watching the story play out is well-worth the few hours it takes to read.
Overall, the only problems I had with the book was a single extended metaphor used throughout the book (Bram often struggles not to compare Emily to an unloved puppy) and the number of characters White throws at readers. While this may be fine in context with the rest of the series, new readers may feel a little overwhelmed by the number of nobles White introduces.
Readers may also wish to be cautioned about the topic matter of the book. While White very gently handles the theme of abuse (physical and verbal) as well as sexual assault, some readers may not be comfortable finding such behavior even mentioned or discussed.
A Hallmark-style romance with a refreshing dose of realism, White isn’t afraid to tackle themes of abuse, spirituality, and the age-old question of why God allows bad things to happen. But such heavy topics don’t overshadow the true focus of the book: sharing the simple message that we are all worthy of love, and worthy of the call and the legend God has placed on our lives.
With that said, though, Worthy of Legend is a lovely way to pass a cold afternoon, and its message is one that I hope will stay with me for many days to come.
ASSESSMENT
Rating:
4 out of 4
Suggested Audience
Worthy of Legend could appeal to a wide variety of readers, from cozy-romance readers to historical fiction enthusiasts. Readers who enjoy the classic King Arthur stories are also sure to enjoy the many myths referenced through the book, though the true strength of the book is the relatability of the characters. Anyone struggling with self-worth or accepting more than the love they think they deserve can find a friend and a confidant in Bram Sinclair and Emily Scofield.
Christian Impact
Roseanna M. White deftly balances plot and spirituality in this third volume of The Secrets of the Isles collection. While brief prayers are featured through many of the main characters’ inner thoughts, White never comes across as preachy, and the religious dialogue between characters is grace-filled and natural. Mercy and forgiveness are major themes emphasized especially in the second half of the book, but every chapter has a Christian value threaded through its plot, only adding to the gentle beauty of Worthy of Legend.
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