Series:
McQuivey's Costume Shop (Book 2)
Mariah thought Robin Hood was just a legend -- until time
pulled her into his world and the outlaw stole her heart.
Nothing about Mariah Clinton's passion for archery or her
work as a sous-chef in contemporary London prepares her for the moment she's
pulled into another time -- and another life. One minute, she's stepping into
McQuivey's Costume Shop to rent a medieval gown. The next, she's standing in a
castle kitchen in twelfth-century Nottingham -- with no idea how she got there
or how to return to modern time. Forced to pose as a kitchen servant, she must
draw on ingenuity and courage to survive in a world in which she shouldn't
exist. But when her skill with a bow draws the attention of outlaws in Sherwood
Forest, she's swept into a conflict that is more dangerous -- and more
thrilling -- than she could ever have imagined.
Robin Hood has spent years outwitting the Sheriff,
protecting the innocent, and keeping his men one step ahead of Prince John's
reach. But when he crosses paths with a mysterious archer who shoots like no
woman he's ever met, he knows she's hiding something. Her words, her ways, even
the fire in her eyes -- none of it belongs in his time. Yet the more she stands
at his side, the harder it becomes to imagine Sherwood Forest without her.
Mariah is torn between a past she understands in
modern-day London and an uncertain future with an outlaw who has stolen her
heart. But as the Sheriff's grip tightens and betrayal looms, one truth becomes
clear -- some choices are impossible to undo, and love, once found, is not so
easily left behind.
This book combined two of my favorite things: time-travel romance and Robin Hood. I've been a Robin Hood fan since I was a kid,
and read everything I could find on the subject. The author does a terrific job
of following the legend while adding her own voice to the story. There are even
a couple of nods to the Hollywood versions, one of which made me laugh out
loud.
Mariah is a modern woman working as a sous-chef in London.
In her spare time, she indulges her passion for archery and occasionally
participates in medieval reenactments. As the story opens, she heads for a
local costume shop to rent a gown for her latest gig. But when she steps out of
the changing room, she finds herself in the twelfth-century kitchen of
Nottingham Castle. Her shock and confusion are understandable, and she realizes
she must think fast to survive in this world until she can find her way back. The
first few days are rough, but with the help of a new friend, Ellen, she begins
to settle into her new role. Life becomes more interesting when she inserts
herself into a "deal" between a butcher and the Sheriff of
Nottingham, completely unaware that the butcher is actually Robin Hood in
disguise.
I loved the author's rendition of Robin Hood. He isn't
perfect. He is impulsive, stubborn, and a bit overconfident. But the heart of
the man is still the Robin Hood we all know and love. He is honest, protective
of the poor, and fiercely loyal to his king and his men. I loved his first
meeting with Mariah and the impression she made on him. He was clearly smitten
from the start.
I loved seeing the story of Robin Hood through Mariah's
eyes. From her shock in discovering that Robin Hood is real, to the archery
tournament, the rescue, and joining the outlaws in Sherwood Forest, Mariah is
all-in to life in the greenwood. The slow development of their relationship
comes as they spend time together in conversation and archery practice. Her
acceptance by the Merry Men comes easily when she assists in their rescue of
Robin, and then uses her cooking skills to improve their lives. There are multiple
scenes with various members of the group that are among my favorite parts. But
when Robin makes a boneheaded comment, it strains their interactions. It takes
an incredulous Little John to point out the error of his ways and set Robin on
the right path.
I loved the action in the book. It was true to the
stories I am familiar with, while adding some details that deepened the realism.
It was great fun to see Robin continue to foil the Sheriff. I loved having Mariah
as an outstanding archer. It put her on an equal standing with Robin and
showcased her strength and independence. Their competitions made me laugh,
especially when Robin's men got involved. The ending was intense, and the resolution
could have gone very badly if not for one of Robin's good deeds. The final
scene had an unexpected twist that wrapped up the story perfectly.
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