Review of Gracious Gift

[Bertha Jackson]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Gracious Gift" by Abiah Patterson.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Gracious Gift by Abiah Patterson is a medieval historical fiction about King Edward I's daughter, Joan. Gilbert de Clare agrees to marry 12-year-old Joan when she turns 18 to regain his lands. Joan is unhappy with this arrangement because Gilbert is the same age as her father, he is divorced, and he has children and grandchildren. Over the next five years, Joan realizes that her future husband is a kind and generous man who lavishes her with monthly gifts. How will her marriage to Gilbert affect her duties as a princess? Will Joan remain an obedient daughter of King Edward I? Will her marriage survive?

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the author's inclusion of her research and how she included conflicting information she found. The characters were all fully developed and had significant roles throughout the storyline. My favorite character was Joan, who stood up for herself as a woman. It was interesting to learn how some traditions that still hold true today were started. For example, do you know why brides stand on the left side of their grooms? It was also interesting to learn what was expected from those who served in the knighthood. The author's excellent writing skills allowed me to visualize the castles, the countryside, and the wars.

I found nothing negative to discuss about this well-written and action-packed book, except that it ended. A few minor punctuation and spelling errors did not impact my reading enjoyment. These and the positive aspects I discussed earlier justify my rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about England's and Scotland's history, with a focus on a strong female character. The book best suits Christians because the Catholic faith plays a strong role in the traditions and the characters' actions, and non-believers may not appreciate reading about it. For example, the Pope's approval had to be obtained before a couple could get married. Sensitive readers should also be aware that this book does contain a few profane words that they might find offensive.

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Gracious Gift
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[Kibet Hillary]

I like history because it always provides a way for one to revisit the path and historical fiction is one of the best paths, as one gets to enjoy while learning as well. I am wondering whether Joan's marriage will survive, or even whether she will accept it. It seems she is facing a dilemma. The book, definitely, sounds enthralling. Thanks for the review, @Bertha Jackson.

[Hills Christopher Albert]

Thank you for such an insightful review! I really appreciate how you highlighted both the historical accuracy and the emotional depth of the characters—especially Joan. It’s rare to find historical fiction that balances thorough research with strong character development. I’m particularly intrigued by how the author weaves in real traditions and the role of the Catholic Church during that time. It sounds like Joan’s journey is both empowering and moving. I’ll definitely be adding this to my reading list!

[Ami Sanghavi]

I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on this book. Joan sounds like such a strong and memorable character, and I loved how you highlighted the historical details, like the bride tradition and knighthood expectations. Your review made me curious to pick this one up, especially for the rich setting and faith-based perspective.

[Onyemuwa-dave]

This is a wonderful review of Gracious Gift! I particularly appreciate how you highlighted the women empowerment theme through Joan, who "stood up for herself as a woman." It's great to hear how the historical details and strong character development resonated with you. Thanks for sharing your positive experience!