This book is in no ways unique or anything very special, but it was still an entertaining read for me personally since i don't normally read a huge amount of this type of fantasy.
But if you are i am sure you will find this book utterly disappointing since it follows a very often used plot, all twists a way to foreseeable and could have just not been done at all with how well they were plotted out and i do wish the characters would have been given a bit more depth.

still all in all it wasn't a bad book just not a great one.

This was a solid 4 stars. I loved Shadows of Valor and wanted so much more!

This novel was a great read!! I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and the writing style. I could not put this book down. This story contains romance, action, and mystery. The story had several plot twists and things at times were not always what they seemed.
Elsbeth was scarred as a child due to a fire that occurred in her parent's home. She was saved by Sir Calan Beaumont of Egbert. Beth was always infatuated with Calan but over time realized she was in love with him. She lives with her uncle, Lord Shaufton, and is a healer. When Beth marries, her land will go to her husband, but it is only known to her and her uncle.
Calan has a secret identity as "The Shadow". He works for the king and investigates crimes and other things as a knight. He has never forgotten Beth. Calan is paying court to Beth's cousin, believing the information he overheard was to attack Lord Shaufton's daughter. This makes Beth jealous, after all, her cousin is beautiful. However, Calan meets Beth as the Shadow and he sees her as the light in his life, where she brings another perspective to his duties as the Shadow. He realizes that he is in love with Beth, but needs to stay close to her cousin due to the threats.
When a suitor pays attention to Beth, Calan gets suspicious and jealous. He tries to find ways to spend time with Beth. However, it is challenging for him to play both roles. As the Shadow, he tells Beth to let me know of anything suspicious she discovers. He tries to keep her safe in his own way. Beth loves Calan, but believes he will marry her cousin after he wins the tournament. Beth feels she might have to accept another suitor. When Beth discovers Calan's identity, things change. However, they are still several attacks to steal goods and the Shadow has criminals to apprehend. As they get closer to the truth, they are in more danger than they realize. When Beth is kidnapped, will Calan be able to save her and discover who is behind all the attacks and stolen items?

Around the half way point, when the heroine began to once again randomly and endlessly muse on God and her relationship to Him, I began to realize that this is a Christian romance (and this was after the hero did the same). Then looking at the author bio, I read that she spent 18 months in Italy teaching gospel. There was no indication from the blurb or the publisher that this was a Christian book so I feel kind of hijacked. I have nothing against the genre but it isn't one that I am interested in reading - I chose this book thinking it was an historical romance.

Those who are looking for a fluffier Scarlet Pimpernel (but set during the time of Edward I) but with heavy Christian musing will find something cute but Twinkie-like here. For me, the characters were too black and white, evil and super good, to be more than paper cutouts. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

Shadows of Valor by Elsie Park

Knights, secret masked and caped crusader, castles, fairs, jousts and competition for fair maidens can all be found in this novel. Elsbeth Rawley lives with her uncle Rupert and cousin Genna. At 23 she has little hope of marrying unless some man is willing to overlook the scars on her arms. She once had a crush on Sir Calan Beaumont but he disappeared and since moving to her uncle’s home she has become the village healer and midwife.

The Shadow is an elusive soul that is often found bringing smugglers and others to justice. Who he is nobody knows and as time passes the myth surrounding him grows. The Shadow arrives at the castle to right wrongs where Elsbeth lives.

With more than one bad guy to capture, secret plots to expose and more than one man vying for two women’s hands this is an interesting if sometimes predictable, sweet and clean story that can be read by just about anyone. I have a feeling it is geared toward Young Adult readers and would recommend it to that age group.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amberjack Publishing for the book – This is my honest review.

3.5 Stars