Flight of the Raven (The Ravenwood Saga Book #2)

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone." Plot: This was such a sweet story filled with so many tender and poignant moments as Selene and Damien adjust to their new marriage, as Selene learns more about the Light, and as Amara (Selene’s sister) attempts to step into the role that Selene abandoned. If I could sum this book up in one sentence, I would say that it is ultimately a story about love: whether that is learning what it means to love a spouse, a sibling, or the people in your community, or learning about what it means to love and be loved by God. I love, love, love that in spite of the fact that their marriage began under unusual circumstances, both Selene and Damien took their new relationship seriously. I loved reading their thought processes as they consciously chose to act in a way that would grow their relationship: Even though it was awkward, even though they didn’t love each other, even though it hurt. They were honest with each other in their awkwardness and uncertainty. Their relationship truly highlighted the fact that love is an everyday decision. They also have some really cute moments together. I loved the scenes when they sparred together. The two of them have a ways to go in their relationship still, but I am so looking forward to where book 3 will take them! We are also introduced to Selene’s sister Amara’s point of view in this book, which was quite a pull on my emotions. I absolutely hated her in the first book because she was so hostile. In this book I had the opportunity to see another side of her, and understand a little bit more about why she acts the way she does toward Selene. I love books that successfully make me care about someone I previously disliked. One thing that was interesting to me, and I liked it for the simple fact that it was an honest depiction of what happens in real life, is the varying responses that Selene encounters as she asks questions about the Light. Instead of a practiced well-worded testimony, Cohen at first gives her a somewhat fumbling answer and encourages her to read and study for herself. He doesn’t tell her all he knows about the Light and start preaching to her. He comes across as slightly awkward about the whole thing, which surprised me a little bit. When she asks Damien questions, he is honest about his struggles and the things about the Light he didn’t know or understand. In real life, the sharing of faith is not always smooth, and we aren’t always comfortable about it but somehow God takes our fumbling efforts and makes himself known anyway. I liked the way that truth was reflected in this story. Favorite moments/Quotes: “How will I know if I’ve received an answer? What if I miss it? Or what if he doesn’t answer?” “He’ll answer. But sometimes his words are as quiet as a soft breeze, and his light like the first rays of dawn. Only those looking for it will find it. You must listen and watch, and quiet your heart within.” “Just as the clouds cannot quench the sun, the darkness cannot quench the Light. We are not bound to what we’ve done. There is always a choice: to stay in the shadows or to step into the Light.” I can’t say anything about this scene, but there is a moment between the sisters that pulls all the heartstrings! You’ll know it when you get there. Favorite supporting characters: Cohen for his awkwardness Karl for his comical grouchiness, and also for the moments when you can see a slight softening. Breven...bless his heart! Overall: It’s a beautiful story, with so many sweet and heartwarming moments. I only wish it had lasted longer.

Both Selene's growth into belief and the romance are perfectly slow and believable.