Jul 21, 20224 min read

Review–A Prayer Unanswered

I’m super excited to be a part of the launch team for historical romance author Kellyn Roth’s latest novel, A Prayer Unanswered! This is the fifth book in the series The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, which follows twin sisters Alice and Ivy from childhood onwards.

Keep reading for my review of the book, followed by info on where you can grab your copy and keep up with the rest of the tour!

About the Book

As Alice Strauss enters her first year of marriage—full of optimism and determination—she finds herself wholly unprepared for reality. In a new country, with a new family, she struggles to find her footing. Difficult relationships and situations batter her, but she is determined to establish a perfect life with the man she loves.

Unfortunately, perfection seems just beyond her reach. An unexpected tragedy flings Alice out of control, and she struggles to rise from the ruins. Her world is full of spinning variables and agony beyond anything she has ever experienced.

However, there is hope—in a God who loves her and a future established for her since before time began. Yet the devastation of Alice’s life seems beyond even the touch of grace.

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Review

Title: A Prayer Unanswered

Series: The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy

Author: Kellyn Roth

Genre: Historical fiction/Romance

Rating: 5/5 stars

Overview: This is my second time reading A Prayer Unanswered. The first time, I had the privilege of reading the first draft. This second reading only increased my appreciation for this book. It’s a marvelously well-put-together story, one that yanks at the heartstrings and doesn’t let go until the final, bittersweet moments.

Characters: In each of the previous books in this series, I’ve not been overly fond of Alice. She’s a great character, well-written and realistic, but her personality has never quite meshed well with mine. Suffice it to say we wouldn’t be friends. But this book has changed my opinion of her. For the first time, she lets herself be real, and that’s a refreshing thing. I related strongly to her brokenness and feelings of worthlessness, and I appreciated how she grows throughout the story.

Peter is such a sweetheart. I would love nothing more than to give him a big hug. I wouldn’t exactly like to marry him (he’s not <i>quite</i> manly enough for me), but I would love to be his friend. The things done to him in this book hurt, but he also grows so well.

My favorite character is Jordy, but since he’s really not in the story enough to merit that category, I suppose it can go to Riley. He’s got a fantastic sense of humor.

Content: As far as romance goes, there are a few undetailed kisses. Married couples talk about being intimate. One character is denounced for having had illicit relationships with numerous women (some of which have produced children).

No bad language. Yay!

A major part of the story focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and the difficulties surrounding that. There is frequent mention of miscarriages, one of which happens on-page. Stillbirths are discussed, again with one happening on-page.

A character becomes depressed and attempts suicide. A character gets drunk.

Writing: Roth’s writing continues to improve with each book. This one captured my attention from the beginning and kept pulling me in deeper until the ending. Roth has also now joined the slim list of authors who have made me cry—high praise, indeed.

Summary: This book hurts. That’s really the only way to explain it. It’s the story of two desperately broken people who suddenly realize the other isn’t perfect, and that combined with their own imperfections result in an increasingly difficult relationship. The book focuses on numerous hard themes. But as always, Roth navigates her characters through this tumultuous world with a heavy helping of grace. I would recommend this book to lovers of historical romance aged 18+.

FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Kellyn Roth is a historical romance & women’s fiction author who writes about the empty places where hope has the most room to grow. Her novels include the inspirational Victorian family saga, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, and the Kees & Colliers series, which follows a broken family in the tumultuous years of the first half of the 20th century.

Kellyn is a student of the Author Conservatory and a writing coach. When not building her author career, she is likely getting lost somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with her friends, watching period dramas and facetious comedies, or spending time with her husband.

Visit Kellyn on her website, Instagram, Goodreads, or BookBub!

Blog Tour Giveaway

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win some awesome prizes!

Blog Tour Schedule

Don’t miss a post! Check out what everyone else has to say about this book:

16th:

Book Spotlight @ https://kristinahallauthor.wordpress.com/blog/

Author Interview/Book Spotlight @ https://onceuponanordinary.wordpress.com/

17th:

Book Review @ novelsdragonsandwardrobedoors.blogspot.com

Book Review/Spotlight @ https://tangledupinwriting.com

18th: