The Reign of Rosemund Book Review and Author Interview

ABOUT THE BOOK

Several years after taking her place on the throne, Queen Rosemund of Anduron is still being threatened by her cousin, King Frederick, ruler of Croydon. He will do anything to take her country from her. To ensure her place on the throne Rose needs to marry her beloved Maxwell and provide an heir to the throne.

When some of her men are captured and killed by the Croydon army, Rose knows the only way to end the threat to her security and ensure peace in her country is to confront her cousin, once and for all.

With Maxwell and her dear friend Ricker by her side, Rose bravely leads her army into battle, knowing that all may not survive… The Reign of Rosemund, a story of courage, honor, and the power of love.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - What will readers love about The Reign of Rosemund?

Michele Ashman Bell - If they read the first book, The Crown of Rosemund, they will like seeing where the last book left off and the new book begins and then they will get to read the rest of Rose's story. If they haven't read the first one, they certainly can still read this book and not feel lost. I think readers really resonate with Rose, the main character. She's relatable and her life hasn't been easy. Her struggles and fears and dreams are just like ours. I also think, like Rose, sometimes we are called upon to do things we don't want to do, things we don't feel like we are even capable of doing, but then we find out we can do hard things. I think it's in times like this that we find out our greatest strengths and talents and gifts. Is it always fun? No. Sometimes it's downright awful. But hopefully we grow and change and come out a better person in the end. And...sometimes we make a difference to someone else, or in Rose's case, her entire country. Her story reminds me of Esther in the Bible, with the phrase, "born for a time such as this," being very true.

Life Is What It's Called - Will there be other books in this series?

Michele Ashman Bell - I never say never with stories. Sometimes a secondary character emerges and needs their story told. Sometimes a reader will ask a question which begs to be answered, resulting in another book. As of right now, I don't have another story planned, but again, you never know.

Life Is What It's Called - Why is it important to have clean and uplifting books?

Michele Ashman Bell - I can't tell you how many times lately I've read a book, or more often, watched a movie, or series, where there is offensive language, or an offensive scene in it, that honestly, absolutely in no way, has any bearing on the character or plot. In fact, it is starting to feel gratuitous that certain language uses are being included in stories, shockingly, that are geared toward kids. The wonderful thing is that the demand for clean and uplifting entertainment is growing and the market is really expanding because readers and viewers are making their voices heard, through social media, through sharing their opinions, and through their spending habits. If they don't buy the book, or the movie ticket, then it hits right where it hurts, and it's hard for publishers and theater owners to ignore.

Life Is What It's Called - What was your favorite scene to write and why?

Michele Ashman Bell - There were a few powerful and emotional scenes that I looked forward to writing, scenes I could see in my head as clearly as if I was standing in the room. There were also a couple I dreaded. In the first book I knew that Rose needed to confront her cousin, King Frederick. He was responsible for the murder of her parents and she needed to confront him and get closure. But it couldn't happen in the first book. That's what this second book is about. There is also a scene between Rose and Max that is incredibly emotional and gut-wrenching. It was hard to go there and let the story unfold organically,and be true to the plot and the characters (I'm a control freak and I want things my way) but it is a tender scene that will always be with me in my heart. I don't know about other authors but these characters become real to me and not only take up space in my brain, but in my heart.

Life Is What It's Called - What book projects are you working on?

Michele Ashman Bell - SO MANY!!! I keep thinking I need to wind down and retire but I can't. There are too many stories to still tell. I have a fun contemporary Rom Com coming out in the next few months, so I'm really pumped for that. Also, I love Christmas stories and I have at least two full novels and three short stories I am working on. Plus I have a contemporary novel that is getting me so excited. Luckily I am going to NYC soon to do research for one of the Christmas short stories and then in April I'm traveling to the UK and doing research in Bath and through the Cotswolds for the novel. This for sure is the funnest part of being an author. And I have a secret project I'm working on that if it actually happens, I will feel like I've died and gone to heaven. Hopefully more about that sooner, rather than later.

Life Is What It's Called - What character are you most like in this book?

Michele Ashman Bell - Oh! It's like saying who my favorite child is. I love Rose and her struggles to be the queen she needs to be and all the complicated emotions she's sorting through. I love Max, her romantic interest. He's a Medieval hunk and heartthrob, but he's also a little more contemporary in his understanding of Rose and giving her love and tenderness when she needs it. One of my favorites though is Ricker. He's just the greatest guy ever. He's such a devoted friend to Rose and Max, he's a great military leader, and he's got such a fun and funny side to him. He is super endearing.

Life Is What It's Called - What type of readers will like this book?

Michele Ashman Bell - The setting is Medieval, early 1500's, in South Central Europe, although the countries in the book are fictitious. However, I've researched this time period and have tried to make everything authentic and accurate. People who like historical novels will enjoy this story. Also, readers who like adventure stories, and of course, romances. This story will also appeal to a wide age range of readers. Rose, at 18, is an adult, especially by Medieval standards, but she is still a teenager by our standards. Adults, young adults, and middle-grade readers will all be able to connect with the story and characters. And because of the theme of the story, that everyone has greatness inside of them, I feel like it is a message that is vital for everyone, especially youth.

Life Is What It's Called - What should readers know about you as an author?

Michele Ashman Bell - Wow, I feel like a pretty boring and ordinary person. I'm married to my college sweetheart. I have four amazing children; 1 son and 3 daughters. I have 9 grandchildren; 6 granddaughters and 3 grandsons. I've taught exercise classes for over forty years and currently teach Zumba. And I LOVE to travel, especially when I can do research for a story.

REVIEW

The Reign of Rosemund is the sequel to The Crown of Rosemund, but could also be read as a stand-alone. In The Reign of Rosemund, Rosemund struggles to settle any threats made against her kingdom especially from her cousin, King Fredrick. This is a clean read set in the medieval times. It would be appropriate for teenagers, young adults, adults, and upper middle-grade readers. The book deals with Medieval drama from trying to stop enemies from taking the throne, politics, stopping wars, etc. There's a lot of action and adventure in this book. The characters are interesting, and the author keeps the reader's attention with many twists in the plot. It's a fun, easy read. To learn more, click here. 

Please note that I received a free ebook to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links.