Reviews
ELINORE'S CHOICE:
Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty are just a few of the fairy tale protagonists ultimately saved by a male suitor. When author Madelyn S. Palmer began writing her new book, she wanted to twist this convention into something new that ultimately showed the strength of women. She achieved this through her new fantasy book "Elinore's Choice " (published by Trafford Publishing), a fairy tale meant for pre-teen and adult readers.
Elinore is an independent-minded princess who wants to do the right thing for her people. Prince Abram is seeking her hand in marriage and successfully passes the test to determine his worthiness. Elinore is distressed at the possibility of marrying Abram until Robert of Danforth also passes the test. With both men vying for Elinore's affection, an invading lord offers a final test to determine the men's worthiness.
Palmer hopes readers will see themselves in her story. Her desire is that everyone will come to understand that there is hope even when things look dark. She believes that by tapping into inner strength, solutions can be found to any of life's challenges.
Young adult readers will be especially charmed and inspired by Princess Elinore, a fitting heroine for this compelling quest narrative. Known for her beauty and indomitable spirit, she is a strong and adventurous female protagonist who acts with agency. Her kingdom espouses a democratic attitude, with an emphasis placed on hard work and equality, as evidenced by her ability to speak her mind, defend herself, and ride alone. She may appear to be the quintessential fair maiden, but Palmer deftly creates a multifaceted character who is all too aware of the role she is expected to play.
~US Review of Books
MATTHEW'S REDEMPTION:
Press Release about Matthew's Redemption August 2019
It's a remarkable achievement for this writer to combine engaging fantasy with such realistic detail. The royal families of Sterling and Adonia offer charming characters across three generations in the age of knights and castles, sailing ships and pirates. Prince Matthew faces life adventures and romance with an apt blend of wit and perseverance, self-doubt and growing confidence, confrontation of evil and championing of the good. "Happily ever after" was never more engaging nor more believable.
Cherry B. Silver
co-author of Knit Together in Love
co-editor of New Scholarship on Latter-day Saint Women in the Twentieth Century
co-editor of the Emmeline B. Wells diaries.
This third book in the Land of Sterling series is a classic coming-of-age story mixed with high seas adventure and a little bit of romance. Matthew has to wrestle with the shadow of his sister and mother's accomplishments, as well as try to figure out what he wants to do. Matthew is portrayed as a compassionate, strong-willed, and intelligent boy, possessing all the qualities of leadership. But he is unhappy with what the routine of his life would be if he were to choose to be a knight.
~US Review of Books