Guardian of the Sunshine Bride

by Austin Rehl, B.J. Harrison (Narrator)

Jane Austen meets Lord of the Rings in this epic fantasy novel…

A CONFLICTED PRINCESS
With her father’s kingdom teetering on the brink of ruin, Princess Kathleen’s approaching wedding day is Candoreth’s only hope of survival — but it is an arranged marriage she hasn’t chosen.
The last time she had spoken to her waiting suitor, the powerful Prince of Tyath, she was only a child. What’s more, Kathleen holds a secret, a magical secret, and it is one that if she cannot hide, may destroy her homeland.

A TORMENTED GUARDIAN
Jared, a fearless warrior with a dark past, yearns to avenge his sister and rescue his brother from a murderous barbarian horde. But before he can do that, his Master tasks him with escorting a princess across the hostile lands of Desnia, and delivering her safely to the altar. Yet this journey will not be as easy as Jared thinks. Haunted by his past, the princess becomes an unlikely confidante and object of his affection. So when the wedding procession is attacked, Kathleen and her guardian find themselves not only in a fight for their lives, but in a battle to navigate the pitfalls of forbidden emotions.

A DANGEROUS JOURNEY
With war on the horizon, and the fate of an empire filled with political strife hanging in the balance, will Jared and Kathleen sacrifice a powerful alliance for true love?

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Young Adult, Young Adult Fantasy

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2018

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a girl who loves a good romance now and again, but it’s so hard to find a novel that doesn’t need pages torn out due to excessive detail. Guardian of the Sunshine Bride is the answer! It’s clean without being boring or too cheesy. Austin Rehl did an amazing job of turning a common princess story into something intriguing and action packed! Right balance of romance and suspense. He definitely hit it out of the park! I listened to it by audiobook so want to give a shout out to B.J.Harrison. He does an AMAZING job with the different voices. He totally helped build the characters image in my mind. I would totally feel comfortable recommending this book to anyone. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/25/2019)! 🎁

[Beth Rohal · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intricate combination of action, romance, drama, humor, and heroism with a splash of magic! I was hooked from the very beginning and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

[Hadassah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever ,would read it over and over. Can't wait until the next book.

[Dini - dinipandareads]

Excuse me please but Jane Austen meets Lord of the Rings?! I'm SOLD!
How have I not heard of this book before now?!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fantasy stories with made up worlds and any story where good triumphs over evil. The stories were first created by Austin Rehl as bedtime stories to his daughters – something my husband also did for our children. Rehl has crafted a believable world with characters who have the power to heal or make things grow. He has also created a world with both evil and good and those who do what they can to protect those in their care. Through the trials they face Jared and Kathleen open up to each other and become stronger. Kathleen learns that sometime you have to do what seems wrong to do what is ultimately right.

Austin Rehl does a fabulous job of making his character real. Readers will feel the emotions of the characters and be drawn in to the story.

I am looking forward to reading book two in the Sihalt series – Guardian of the Golden City – due out soon.

Areas of Potential Concern

While this does not concern me, I mention them as it may concern some. There is an element of magic used for good but viewed by the church as being evil. Since this is a fantasy book with a made-up world, the magic fits well as far as I am concerned. However, I know that some have a problem with magic so I mention it as a warning for those who do.

I would not hesitate to place Guardian of the Sunshine Bride in my K-12 Christian School library. I think my fantasy lovers would enjoy it.

I want to thank Kathy Habel and Austin Rehl for the complimentary e-copy of Guardian of the Sunshine Bride.

[Violet Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

What a lovely book. There was danger, adventure, romance. It was well written and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Although, I will say, there were moments where the dialogue felt awkward or there were scenes pieced together that didnt feel quite right.

The romance, for me, felt rushed. It didn't really carry that umph or satisfaction when they revealed their feelings for each other.

The book was also predictable, from the start of the journey, to the guardian and princess having to take part of the journey alone, all the way to the end. There was nothing that really came as a shock. It was straightforward.

I would have liked to learn more about Talents and for Kathleen to have used hers more. The history was there, the fear of Talents, but I felt like it needed to be expounded upon more.

As for the world building, I thought it was well done. I loved the little cultural tid bits that were thrown in. From martial arts, and why they fought the way they did, to marriage traditions. It's little things like that that helps make a fictional world come to life.

Despite the book's flaws it really was good. The story was clean, enjoyable, and I will go on to read the second book.

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series and it will leave you hanging. So you've been warned, but it is a sweeping saga that spans across the map and will keep you wanting to know what will happen next. For me it read more on the adventure side with some pretty dark moments, but the characters are interesting and the culture is fantastical. I liked it.

[Jenni Sauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, going to be honest and say I skimmed the action parts, I wasn't here for the fantasy xD But that's a me thing, I do with whenever I read fantasy, it wasn't exclusive to this book

But the romance? The characters? They have my heart, my whole entire heart

The story started a bit actiony (there was a lot of death) and there were a lot of points of view to get used to. But once I got into it, the story really found its footing and I found myself flying through it

I wanted Jared and Kathleen to end up together before they even met xD And I SQUEALED over their first meeting. And all their interactions after, they sparkled on page together and I just want more and more of them. They are end game for me and if that doesn't happen, I'mma be so grumpy xD They were so fun and sweet and angsty and there was just the perfect amount of tension and emotion between them

The fake marriage bits were definitely my favorite, that whole part was just SO GOOD. I'm giddy just thinking about it, it was *chef's kiss*

But also. While I don't ship Kathleen with Heathron, I love that sunshine prince so much and he deserves the world. I sincerely hope he gets a happy ending (just...not with Kathleen. I'm holding out for him and Larissa 😏)

Larissa is my absolute favorite character, I want to be her when I grow up 😍

My two complaints are that I'm annoyed with the "the dad won't stop talking about his dead wife in a way that's honestly really disrespectful to his new wife, but it's okay, because we hate the stepmother anyway" trope. It's not exclusive to this book, it pops up a lot, and I'm over it. Imagine being compared to your husband's dead wife and always knowing you'll never measure up to her. What a nightmare

Also, why was the villain so hot? Uncalled for 🙄🤣🤣 (he's also SUPER evil, I low-key wanted a redemption arc, but by the end can tell that's definitely not where this is headed) (this second point isn't a serious complaint xD)

Anyway. This book. It has my heart. I can't wait to start the other books and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of book 4 so I can peek in the end to make sure all my favs are happy 💕

🎶I Was Made For Loving You/Please Don't Say You Love Me by Gardiner Sisters, Kina Grannis

[Trudi Verrico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.. didn't want to put it down.

Loved this book. Was hooked by the end of the first chapter. You really get sucked into the world the Sihalt Guardian and the Princess. Can't wait for the next book.

[Lizzy Hite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

[Emily Yager · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting fantasy novel. Well written, not your average princess story. There's plenty of action to keep you turning the page. A Clean YA book for fantasy lovers.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one in the Sīhalt Series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Princess Kathleen and Jared a Sīhalt Guardian's story. What a start to this series, I want to read the next book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a great read! The story didn't drag but it also didn't move too fast. However, I do wish the book never ended because it was such a good story. But never fear, the story is not over! Can't wait to read the next book. I also really like the cover. The characters are diverse and interesting. Kathleen and Jared are of course my favorite, and I loved how their story developed. The idea that this is Jane Austen meets Lord of the Rings seemed pretty fitting to me. A good blend of action, romance, humor, and good heroes and villains.

[Tamra Headrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the title characters and their relationship. Lots of action and also an inevitable forbidden romance. Nicely set up for the next book, due out in May.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guardian of the Sunshine Bride by Austin Rehl is the first book in the Sihalt Series. The author weaves an engaging fantasy story that follows the journey and dangers of a young woman as she is sent away to the man that she has been betrothed to since she was a small child. She is determined and ready to do her duty, but she does not know the dangers that lie ahead on the roads as there are those who seek to derail the marriage for their own personal gain and will sink the kingdoms into a war that will see many lives lost before it is all over. Love unexpected will bloom, but what will truly come of it? Can it be? Or is it fated to wither away?
Guardian of the Sunshine Bride is the first book that I have read by this author and let me just say this…I DEVOURED this book! I didn’t think that I would enjoy it as much as I did, but the author pulled me so far into this book that I howled when it ended. Haha! Yes, it’s THAT good. The story is suspenseful, full of danger, intrigue, and romance. When I started reading this book I was honestly expecting a spoiled haughty princess who would act and be entitled. I was very pleased to read that Princess Kathleen is more balanced and kind-hearted which I think made this book even more enjoyable to read as she is a tolerable and likable character. I was honestly surprised by the one character that I took a quick disdain towards and even questioned why no one (aka the King) put this certain individual in check when needed.
This book is full of a variety of characters. When I first read the blurb, I was worried that it would be too much and that it would detract from the story with so many characters vying for the forefront of the story, but the author shows great expertise writing this story and it flows beautifully. Each character flows and transitions well from one to the other, and you always know exactly who the author has brought to the forefront in each situation. The story focuses mostly on Kathleen, but it does the transition to Jared and the other main characters of the story.
There is some violence in this story but nothing so bad that would preclude younger readers from being able to read this story and truly enjoy it as the author refrains from becoming too graphic when describing certain scenes. There are a couple of minor editorial errors in this book, but nothing so distracting that it detracted from my enjoyment of the story.
I am eagerly anticipating reading the next book. The author leaves the first on such a note of longing and potentials for the future. War is looming and I can only anticipate what happens next. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. The author has whet my appetite for this series and I am eager for more. If you enjoy epic fantasy novels with lots of drama then this is a book to pick up. You will truly enjoy it I’m sure.

[Windflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I loved this book!!

I will start by saying, I read the Kindle version of this book, and there ARE several typos/errors (as of right now anyway), which is a shame! This book deserves better! 😭

Really I would rate this more of a 4.5, simply because of the typos. Also because, at times, it was a bit confusing who was saying what for certain parts of dialogue. There were also a couple of scenes that were pieced together a bit weird.

Honestly, this book could use some more editing. The more I type about it, the more I feel like I should be deducting a whole star off of my rating. Regardless, I enjoyed this book SO much, I still rate it highly. If it weren’t for the typos and slight confusion in some parts, this book would be a 5 star read for me. The errors in the writing did not ruin the reading experience for me personally.

I loved the story. I loved the characters. The pacing was perfect. The story didn't feel too slow or too rushed. The characters had time to develop, as did the plot.

I found the main characters, as well as some of the side characters, generally endearing. I liked that the fantasy aspects of this world didn’t feel too overdone. They were somewhat subtle, but still effective. It made the world feel more realistic, somehow, as well as the characters.

FYI:

* CLIFFHANGER
This books is not a standalone, and the next book will need to be read in order to get the full story! Doesn't end in a dramatic cliffhanger that will leave you feeling frustrated, but still.

* CLEAN ROMANCE
This book is not a spicy book. Only kisses, light touching, etc.

* VIOLENCE
There is blood and gore in this book. Slashing, blood, bruises, broken bones, arrows through body parts, human skulls used in…. interesting ways. Overall, I personally wouldn’t say it was too detailed, though.

[Austin Rehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy an adventure of epic fantasy, a tragic love story, and magic with a twist, this novel is for you. This romantic story is free of profanity or adult situations.
Jared DeTorre spent his life in the cold north, training to be a Sīhalt Guardian—a fierce warrior with the grace of a poet. In an act of revenge, he sets off a chain of events that endangers the next person he is sworn to protect—a princess coming of age.
With her father's kingdom teetering on the brink of ruin, Princess Kathleen's upcoming wedding day is her nation's only hope of salvation. She has not seen her betrothed, the powerful prince of Tyath, since they were children. Nor is she sure if she can really love him. Now she must travel a dangerous road, hide a deep personal secret, and arrive at the marriage altar on the appointed day—or all could be lost. Although she is in grave danger from the likes of pirates and a barbarian horde, she is determined to do her duty and marry, if she must, for a political alliance. Only the mysterious guardian, hired to protect her, makes her reconsider.
Guardian of the Sunshine Bride

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 5 out of 5]

A princess pledged to a prince from their childhood is now on her way to fulfill the promise. A guardian has been assigned for her personal protection. As the wedding party travels there are challenges, poverty and starvation seen in the princess Kathleen’s’ land. She knows that after her marriage she will be able to help them. Best book I’ve read in awhile. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This book took me way longer to read than it should have because it got stuck on my iPad and I couldn’t get it to pull-up. Depending on internet to read a book can be tough. SighMy first 5 star review in awhile.
I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and NetGalley. They got approved at same time I guess
But it did not change my opinion of the book a wonderful adventure.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book for free for my honest review. This book sounded so good on the summery, but it's so different reading. I could not connect with any of the characters and struggled to stay in gaged with the book. It was so easy to stop reading and come back to it later. To me it seemed like the Characters weren't fully developed. The only thing good about this book I can say is that I didn't find any dramatical errors. I hate to give such a low rating, but I'm being honest. Normally a book of this size will take me less than 12 hours to read and it took me over a week cause I could only read for a little bit at a time before I just had to stop or loss my mind.

[Nerea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the story and I hope this series get the attention it deserves!
The story is really entertaining, the characters are well made and you know the motivations of each one of the characters (even the villain, which I really like because you are able to empathize with him) and the romance is SO good! It's been a long time since I read a clean but I wasn't disappointed AT ALL. I loved the characters of Jared and Kathleen and their relationship, although I'm quite intrigued by Heathron.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next one.
If you're doubting about starting this series, don't hesitate and give it a try please! You won't be disappointed.
Pd: The cover is BEAUTIFUL!

[Jenna Linde · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad to say I started this book and put it down. Very unhappy with the direction of the story. Personally, I feel it is wrong to use the death of young children/toddlers to tell a story. Especially if that death is gruesome, and just straight up pointless. I feel a better back story is written without the use of killing young children. Do not read it unless you want to feel like throwing up. I read to escape and relax, and this was not relaxing. It was appalling. Sad, because it seemed to be a good story otherwise. I like to read many other fantasy novels with amazing, compelling stories and they do not include this type of graphic content that involves small children.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guardian of the Sunshine Bride is the first book in the Sīhalt Series and it was the perfect mix of fantasy, adventure and romance! There are multiple characters and storylines that we are introduced to in this first book, but I was intrigued by each new turn and step the characters took. The main characters Kathleen, Jared, Heathron and Cedric become fully intwined as their paths continue to cross as readers swept into their fantastical world. I look forward to continuing this series and learning more about these characters.

[Jewel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a bedtime story

The main plot points were interesting, but unfortunately I didn’t really enjoy the book that much.

The characters fell short, their personalities were not consistent and the conversations were period inappropriate, I’m not even sure what’s the period.

Too much was happening and there were too many characters.
And some cliche plot points.

This is book one and it ends with a hanger.

This is a review for a free copy courtesy of Netgalley.

[Pam Bolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and exciting!

I am so glad I started the Sihalt Series and recommend it to all! The author leads you along with very good character building. It is exciting, romantic, suspenseful and very well written. I am moving straight to book 2!!! If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clean YA fantasy novel

[Rosemary Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, well-written story, full of adventures and romance.

[Gracie Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun, clean fantasy book. Made me feel like a YA again which is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Loved it.