The Hidden Blessing by Melissa Buell - Book Review and Character Interview!

How do you test for happily ever after?

Nine years ago, Emma became orphaned as a result of the Zynachnean-Mittra War. Although her memories are gone and she has no idea who she is or where she came from, she’s kindly adopted by a fairy and raised inthe small village of Weymouth.

Now eighteen, Emma has come to love the life she’s made with her fairy mother. But tragedy strikes Emma’s home just as Prince Will and his sister, Princess Allessia, travel incognito through Weymouth on their way to Mittra. Allessia offers to hire Emma as her lady’s maid, despite Will’s reluctance.

Once they arrive at the home of Queen Samantha and Prince Nolan in Mittra, Emma’s life rapidly becomes entwined with the lives of the royal family. There are rumors that Princess Emmalyn Meredith, tragically found dead when she was eight years old, did not really die. As a result, girls swarm to Mittra to try and prove they are the missing princess. The idea is presented to hold a series of tests to see if any of the girls are indeed Princess Emmalyn.

Talia, Samantha’s fairy godmother, puts together a series of “princess tests” in order to discover the true identity of the long lost princess. Emma volunteers to help with the tests, which creates more opportunities for her to interact with Prince Will. But emotions run high as Emma tries to decipher her own feelings for Will, who has offered to help her find a proper suitor when it is discovered that she is suddenly heir to a large fortune.Can Emma discover the truth about her past and attempt to plan her future while navigating the stormy waters of courtly intrigue?

Review:

This book was a whirlwind adventure that follows Emma as she tries to uncover the mystery of the missing princess of Mittra. This book was very refreshing as just as good as Buell's debut, THE SEVENTH BLESSING. Unlike Samantha, Emma is smart, reserved, polite, yet doesn't have trouble speaking her mind. I like that there was a contrast between her two main characters and that we got to see Samantha, Edric, and Nolan in action all over again.

There were three things I loved about this book: the romance, the mystery, and the action. These are all great elements that make any fantasy story come to life, and that was definitely the case with THE HIDDEN BLESSING. I loved the adventure and the plot line kept me anticipating more. 

I read based on characters and I'm happy to report THE HIDDEN BLESSING did an outstanding job on defining old and new characters. I loved sweet, sensitive, and sometimes confused Will and how he complimented Emma. I also enjoyed Talia's presence again, as she's one of my favorites. Also, I thought Allessia was an excellent BFF to Emma--spunky, giddy, and full of fun. 

I'm a sucker for happy endings and was pleased with THE HIDDEN BLESSING left me with a fulfilled. happy sigh at the end. As far as second novels go, I think Buell did a brilliant job with THE HIDDEN BLESSING! If you're a fan of fairy tales and fantasy, I highly suggest picking the first and second book up.

A CHARACTER INTERVIEW WITH THE HIDDEN BLESSING'S MAIN CHARACTER, EMMA OF WEYMOUTH. 

 1. Your story is largely about identify and finding yourself even in a tough situation. What was the biggest emotional struggle you faced through being in Mittra? 

My biggest struggle was finding where I fit in. It was very odd to be accepted by the royal family yet feeling disconnected from them at the same time. I had to make sure I protected my heart.

2. Describe your personality in three separate words. 

Cautious, logical, loyal.

3. Fairy blessings are a typical tradition for royalty. If you were able to give yourself your own blessings, what might some be?

I could do without long fingernails! I would include things like bravery and perseverance.  

4. You're a big history fanatic and enjoy literature. What's your favorite book?

A Chronological History of the Fairy Rebellion. It’s actually quite interesting to learn how the war started and who the principal players were.

5. What qualities would you typically look for in a guy (or, perhaps, a prince)?

I would look for kindness, honesty, bravery, quick wittedness, and I would love it if he could make me laugh.

6. Tensions tended to run high when you first got to Mittra. What was the biggest problem that you had to overcome?  

I had to overcome my desire to run away from awkward situations. Growing up in a small village, there wasn’t really anywhere to retreat to except to run home. I missed having that sense of comfort when I first arrived at Mittra. I had to learn to face problems rather than run from them.

7. Do you believe in happily ever afters?

I do now. Will has taught me many things, I’m happy to say.