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The Warrior's Vow
He Was Hers to Command
Swept away from her home and into the desert, Abigail is as much a prisoner as she is a princess. A ruthlessly ambitious captain of the palace guard intends to force her into marriage and rule Judah through her. Yet the badly beaten soldier Abigail rescues offers another choice—if she dares trust him.
She is royalty, yet Jesse is surprised by the gentle compassion Abigail shows him as he heals. In return, he will help her escape to Jerusalem, protecting her life with his own. But Abigail's rank and Jesse's deadly past makes any future impossible, unless forgiveness forged by love can triumph over all.
Swept away from her home and into the desert, Abigail is as much a prisoner as she is a princess. A ruthlessly ambitious captain of the palace guard intends to force her into marriage and rule Judah through her. Yet the badly beaten soldier Abigail rescues offers another choice—if she dares trust him.
She is royalty, yet Jesse is surprised by the gentle compassion Abigail shows him as he heals. In return, he will help her escape to Jerusalem, protecting her life with his own. But Abigail's rank and Jesse's deadly past makes any future impossible, unless forgiveness forged by love can triumph over all.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
74 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Christina Rich
75 books72 followersChristina is an author of clean contemporary and historical romances, some with faith-based elements. She also owns and operates Redbud Row Publishing.
But that's not why you came here, is it? You want to know more about Christina.
Christina—just Christina—has no beginning, since she was found in a strange vessel looking like a giant meteorite. She was raised in a small farmhouse in Kansas by Jonathan and Martha Kent, where, once she became a young lady she was swept up in a giant cyclone and carried off to a magical place called Oz. She spent a considerable amount of time unconscious and running from flying monkeys and wicked witches while recovering from a head injury. She eventually woke, but not before dancing on a golden brick road in ruby red shoes with her friends Lion, Scarecrow and Tinman, and discovering that there really is no place like home.
She began penning tales on a steam train shortly after it was held up by Jesse James at her favorite theme park in Kansas City. However, she spent twenty years earning a doctorate in domestication and life before she traveled to New York and applied for a position at the Daily Planet. Of course, domestication skills and big dreams did not qualify her for the job, so she sought out smaller venues for her muse.
And if you believe all of that she has beachfront property on the moon she'll give you for the right price.
But that's not why you came here, is it? You want to know more about Christina.
Christina—just Christina—has no beginning, since she was found in a strange vessel looking like a giant meteorite. She was raised in a small farmhouse in Kansas by Jonathan and Martha Kent, where, once she became a young lady she was swept up in a giant cyclone and carried off to a magical place called Oz. She spent a considerable amount of time unconscious and running from flying monkeys and wicked witches while recovering from a head injury. She eventually woke, but not before dancing on a golden brick road in ruby red shoes with her friends Lion, Scarecrow and Tinman, and discovering that there really is no place like home.
She began penning tales on a steam train shortly after it was held up by Jesse James at her favorite theme park in Kansas City. However, she spent twenty years earning a doctorate in domestication and life before she traveled to New York and applied for a position at the Daily Planet. Of course, domestication skills and big dreams did not qualify her for the job, so she sought out smaller venues for her muse.
And if you believe all of that she has beachfront property on the moon she'll give you for the right price.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 27, 2014
Great sequel!
The Warrior’s Vow is Christina Rich’s second book for Love Inspired Historical, after The Guardian’s Promise. It picks up right after the first book ends, following Jesse’s story, whom we met in the previous book. While it is technically a sequel, you don’t have to read the first book to understand this one - they both standalone very well. I liked Jesse in The Guardian’s Promise, so I was very excited to read his book and am happy to say that I really enjoyed it!
I loved all the historical details Ms. Rich included in this book. It is set in Bible times, during the very early days of King Joash’s reign, and she brings this time to life, with interesting descriptions and compelling characters. While most of the characters in this book are fictional, they often felt so real that I had to remind myself they were not.
Abigail is the heroine in this book and I have to say that I really liked her. She has spent most of her life in the palace, locked in her rooms, and has a sort of childlike wonder about the world she has suddenly been thrust into. She learns strength, courage, faith, forgiveness, and love. I enjoyed watching her grow throughout the story. Her curiosity about the Lord also endeared her to me. She has heard little about this God that her mother forsook and desires to learn more. It is actually because of this desire that she helped Jesse in the first place - that and she is a softie who hates to see anything in pain.
Jesse is also an interesting character. I confess that even though I know he was in the last book, I didn’t remember much about him. We are quickly reintroduced to him, though, so I didn’t feel like I was missing something by not rereading the first book. He is strong, stubborn, and sure of himself. When we first meet him, he has been injured, and Abigail decides to take care of him in order to learn about the God he serves. We are shown a softer side of him as he grows closer to Abigail and begins to teach her a bit about the Lord. I enjoyed knowing his thoughts and getting to know him and his family (I’m hoping they come back for another book).
The romance between them seemed a bit rushed at times, but looking back on it now, I can see where the author intentionally slowed it down or changed the focus. They know each other such a short time in this book, but considering all the time they spend together, it evens out. I adored how sweet it was and how almost poetic Jesse’s thoughts about her were. There were several times I wanted to sigh aloud because of something he thought or said to her. No worries though, he doesn’t come off as anything less than manly.
The spiritual part was interesting. Jesse seems to teach more by deed rather than word, which I really liked. It made his witness to Abigail and the others more real. Abi also remembers a lot of things someone had taught her when she was a child, so that was woven into the story as well. Jesse struggles with letting go and trusting God - he would much rather rush into a situation, then pray about it. I was able to appreciate this struggle, as I’m sure many people can - we react first and think later. I liked watching him learn and grow in this area, as he had to let go over and over.
The suspense was a nice touch too. It helped keep the story moving and didn’t drag on as some books are prone to doing.
My only complaint about the book is that I felt the epilogue either should have either been longer or perhaps just left off. It seemed a little too pat an ending for me, I guess. I would have been very happy had the book ended at the last chapter and that final page been left out.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with down-to-Earth characters, a bit of suspense, and a very sweet romance!
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Warrior’s Vow is Christina Rich’s second book for Love Inspired Historical, after The Guardian’s Promise. It picks up right after the first book ends, following Jesse’s story, whom we met in the previous book. While it is technically a sequel, you don’t have to read the first book to understand this one - they both standalone very well. I liked Jesse in The Guardian’s Promise, so I was very excited to read his book and am happy to say that I really enjoyed it!
I loved all the historical details Ms. Rich included in this book. It is set in Bible times, during the very early days of King Joash’s reign, and she brings this time to life, with interesting descriptions and compelling characters. While most of the characters in this book are fictional, they often felt so real that I had to remind myself they were not.
Abigail is the heroine in this book and I have to say that I really liked her. She has spent most of her life in the palace, locked in her rooms, and has a sort of childlike wonder about the world she has suddenly been thrust into. She learns strength, courage, faith, forgiveness, and love. I enjoyed watching her grow throughout the story. Her curiosity about the Lord also endeared her to me. She has heard little about this God that her mother forsook and desires to learn more. It is actually because of this desire that she helped Jesse in the first place - that and she is a softie who hates to see anything in pain.
Jesse is also an interesting character. I confess that even though I know he was in the last book, I didn’t remember much about him. We are quickly reintroduced to him, though, so I didn’t feel like I was missing something by not rereading the first book. He is strong, stubborn, and sure of himself. When we first meet him, he has been injured, and Abigail decides to take care of him in order to learn about the God he serves. We are shown a softer side of him as he grows closer to Abigail and begins to teach her a bit about the Lord. I enjoyed knowing his thoughts and getting to know him and his family (I’m hoping they come back for another book).
The romance between them seemed a bit rushed at times, but looking back on it now, I can see where the author intentionally slowed it down or changed the focus. They know each other such a short time in this book, but considering all the time they spend together, it evens out. I adored how sweet it was and how almost poetic Jesse’s thoughts about her were. There were several times I wanted to sigh aloud because of something he thought or said to her. No worries though, he doesn’t come off as anything less than manly.
The spiritual part was interesting. Jesse seems to teach more by deed rather than word, which I really liked. It made his witness to Abigail and the others more real. Abi also remembers a lot of things someone had taught her when she was a child, so that was woven into the story as well. Jesse struggles with letting go and trusting God - he would much rather rush into a situation, then pray about it. I was able to appreciate this struggle, as I’m sure many people can - we react first and think later. I liked watching him learn and grow in this area, as he had to let go over and over.
The suspense was a nice touch too. It helped keep the story moving and didn’t drag on as some books are prone to doing.
My only complaint about the book is that I felt the epilogue either should have either been longer or perhaps just left off. It seemed a little too pat an ending for me, I guess. I would have been very happy had the book ended at the last chapter and that final page been left out.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with down-to-Earth characters, a bit of suspense, and a very sweet romance!
I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 2, 2014
What an enjoyable book!
Though romance is my favorite genre, this is the first time I’ve read a romance novel set during the historical times of the Bible. The Warrior’s Vow, by Christina Rich, brought the people of that period alive for me. It is interesting to get a sense of life during those times through the well-chosen words used by the author.
This is a well-developed story, emphasizing that the choices people make defines their characters. I enjoyed the progression of Abigail’s evolving strength, belief in God, and commitment to Jesse. Jesse is such an honorable man…my kind of hero. A great story!
After reading this book, sunrises will be even more meaningful to me. I’ll definitely be reading more books by Christina Rich.
My favorite quote from The Warrior’s Vow: “I cannot see the plans God has for me. All I can do is seek His guidance and trust that He is faithful in all things.”
The author generously gave me a copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
Though romance is my favorite genre, this is the first time I’ve read a romance novel set during the historical times of the Bible. The Warrior’s Vow, by Christina Rich, brought the people of that period alive for me. It is interesting to get a sense of life during those times through the well-chosen words used by the author.
This is a well-developed story, emphasizing that the choices people make defines their characters. I enjoyed the progression of Abigail’s evolving strength, belief in God, and commitment to Jesse. Jesse is such an honorable man…my kind of hero. A great story!
After reading this book, sunrises will be even more meaningful to me. I’ll definitely be reading more books by Christina Rich.
My favorite quote from The Warrior’s Vow: “I cannot see the plans God has for me. All I can do is seek His guidance and trust that He is faithful in all things.”
The author generously gave me a copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
July 1, 2014
The Warrior’s Vow is a great book. I loved Abigail, the daughter of the evil queen, Athaliah. I felt sorry for her in the beginning but loved how much she had grown and became a strong woman. And who could not love the hero, Jesse.
This book is a short but great piece of Biblical Fiction. Christina Rich definitely know how to write. I look forward to more from her.
4 ½ stars.
This book is a short but great piece of Biblical Fiction. Christina Rich definitely know how to write. I look forward to more from her.
4 ½ stars.
July 12, 2014
The Warrior's Vow by Christina Rich is an awesome read in the historical romance genre. Her descriptions were so real, I felt like I was walking in the desert and hiding in caves along with her characters. The interaction between Jesse and Abigail as she struggles to find God was very well-written. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, especially people who love a good romance...
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January 12, 2016"This second story involving the hero’s family and their part in the struggle to return Judah to worshipping God is an interesting and realistic look at what might have been if these fictional characters truly existed. The time period is well presented" (RT Book Reviews). 4 stars
July 12, 2014
what a refreshing story! I loved it from the first page. I couldn't see how Abigail and Jesse could ever work out, but Christina made it believable. I hate giving specific details in reviews, but my heart broke for what these characters had suffered through. Definitely a keeper.
July 24, 2014
This is the second in a very good Bible series.
July 8, 2020
(violence, kidnapping, idolatry, alters Biblical history, violence against women, references to temple prostitution) This book is based off the fictional Abigail who is supposed to be the daughter of the Biblical queen Athaliah. As such, I wasn't necessarily sure how I felt about it when I started. The beginning of the book was interesting and enough to keep me turning pages, but then it went downhill. The ending is extremely contrived. As with many trade romances, it felt as though the last chapters were extended to make a word count. For example, I just don't like contrived endings.
September 24, 2025
This story is set in biblical times, with the heroine Abigail now away from the castle, and she is still a prisoner. Then she is rescued, and in turn, she rescues a badly beaten soldier, Jesse. This is a story of their journey to Jerusalem, and the difficulties they endure along the way, plus the love that develops between them.
It was a different historical romance story than I am used to reading. The way Jesse believed in God and the way religion was woven throughout the story seemed very fitting for the time that was depicted. All together a nice relief from the usual.
It was a different historical romance story than I am used to reading. The way Jesse believed in God and the way religion was woven throughout the story seemed very fitting for the time that was depicted. All together a nice relief from the usual.
December 4, 2021
Great read
It is a great story but I'd hazard a guess that Hebrews of this time period did not pray with "thee's and thou's" however with that aside an enjoyable story.
It is a great story but I'd hazard a guess that Hebrews of this time period did not pray with "thee's and thou's" however with that aside an enjoyable story.
May 15, 2023
The Warrios Vow is a wonderful story to read because of love and beyond.
April 11, 2017
Read The Warrior's Vow by Christina Rich
He Was Hers to Command
Swept away from her home and into the desert, Abigail is as much a prisoner as she is a princess. A ruthlessly ambitious captain of the palace guard intends to force her into marriage and rule Judah through her. Yet the badly beaten soldier Abigail rescues offers another choice—if she dares trust him.
She is royalty, yet Jesse is surprised by the gentle compassion Abigail shows him as he heals. In return, he will help her escape to Jerusalem, protecting her life with his own. But Abigail's rank and Jesse's deadly past makes any future impossible, unless forgiveness forged by love can triumph over all. I give this book 3 stars and a 6. Ok read...
He Was Hers to Command
Swept away from her home and into the desert, Abigail is as much a prisoner as she is a princess. A ruthlessly ambitious captain of the palace guard intends to force her into marriage and rule Judah through her. Yet the badly beaten soldier Abigail rescues offers another choice—if she dares trust him.
She is royalty, yet Jesse is surprised by the gentle compassion Abigail shows him as he heals. In return, he will help her escape to Jerusalem, protecting her life with his own. But Abigail's rank and Jesse's deadly past makes any future impossible, unless forgiveness forged by love can triumph over all. I give this book 3 stars and a 6. Ok read...
August 6, 2014
Fluid, melt-in-your-mouth writing deepened my reading pleasure. I love this author's way with words. They urge me to lose myself in another time and place and I experience culture shock when I'm pulled back into my present day reality. Great talent for any writer but especially a historical one.
I loved the heart of this story -- one woman's awakening to the world around her and the God who created it. There's a kind of Rapunzel/Sleeping Beauty ambiance about this princess. Abigail has spent her entire childhood locked away in her rooms at the palace under the stringent control of an evil queen. As a result, her views are skewed but her inner moral code has survived unspeakable treachery. Her hunger for the truth is palpable. And though she doesn't realize it at first, Jesse has the answers she is looking for.
He isn't a prince but he rescues the princess just the same. At least he rescues Abigail when she isn't rescuing him! Love that about these two -- both stubborn and daring and definitely each other's equals. Still, the aftermath of political duplicity has far reaching effects that they both must face and conquer before a happily ever after is even remotely possible.
I loved the heart of this story -- one woman's awakening to the world around her and the God who created it. There's a kind of Rapunzel/Sleeping Beauty ambiance about this princess. Abigail has spent her entire childhood locked away in her rooms at the palace under the stringent control of an evil queen. As a result, her views are skewed but her inner moral code has survived unspeakable treachery. Her hunger for the truth is palpable. And though she doesn't realize it at first, Jesse has the answers she is looking for.
He isn't a prince but he rescues the princess just the same. At least he rescues Abigail when she isn't rescuing him! Love that about these two -- both stubborn and daring and definitely each other's equals. Still, the aftermath of political duplicity has far reaching effects that they both must face and conquer before a happily ever after is even remotely possible.
October 1, 2014
This book was short but packed a lot in to the short story so that it was really the perfect length. Abigail is a Judean princess considered to be weak because of her compassionate heart, and Jesse is a Levite soldier whose wounds Abigail tends. They fall in love, of course, and take turns saving each other's lives. I enjoyed the romance because it wasn't half-hearted or overdone, not sappy or too realistic to make a good story. I also enjoy the fact that it shows that not all royals were spoiled and tyrannical.
November 18, 2015
The boys wanted to read something without Cowboys and cops. They wanted something old like Knights or gladiators. They were intrigued by a princess who was a prisoner. We enjoyed the story of Jesse and Abigail. Other characters like Nathan and Jonathan were also interesting. Since I was reading out loud to them, I had fun tripping over some of the names. We enjoyed the adventure and the battles of the story.
January 13, 2020
Great, well researched story
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel depicting the lives of these lesser known biblical characters. The customs and manners of that era have been well researched, and the story with its twists, turns, and heart-wrenching misunderstandings is supremely enjoyable reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel depicting the lives of these lesser known biblical characters. The customs and manners of that era have been well researched, and the story with its twists, turns, and heart-wrenching misunderstandings is supremely enjoyable reading.
December 3, 2015
Sweet
Very sweet, innocent love story suitable for any age group. God based story of love, betrayal, cruelty and the age old quest for power. Biblical history, blended with a delightful young couple who are trying to overcome their differences in their upbringing and faith.
Very sweet, innocent love story suitable for any age group. God based story of love, betrayal, cruelty and the age old quest for power. Biblical history, blended with a delightful young couple who are trying to overcome their differences in their upbringing and faith.
January 19, 2016
I really enjoyed this second book! I was hoping for this particular story and was not disappointed! This was a hard book to put down. I read it as swiftly as I could! :)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews