
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.
My Review:
Whoa — just as riveting as the first book in Bessey’s McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance series! And absolutely no worries for readers who aren’t into time travelling in fiction — this one mostly takes place in the historical setting. Of course, there is the whole push/pull with the romance because how could it ever work between a 21st century woman and a 12th century outlaw? Why, exceptionally well, as it turns out, if Sian Ann Bessey is the storyteller!
Loved the unhurried way the story evolves. It’s never boring and there’s always a purpose to every scene but I didn’t feel rushed towards the epic turning point scenes. I just settled in to enjoy every lovely nuance of Mariah and Robin’s story. And, oh my, but did Bessey ever delight with the brazen Robin Hood exploits. So audacious and funny at the same time. I literally cheered a time or two. And the camaraderie between Robin and his men! Priceless!
Then there’s Mariah coming to grips with her altered reality. Well plotted, especially the way the author matches up Mariah’s talents to her circumstances in medieval times. Absolutely brilliant! As is the way she meets Robin Hood for the very first time. Honestly, a dream of a read from start to finish.
Or, in my case, listen, since I enjoyed the audible edition of ‘The Maid of Sherwood Forest.’ I thoroughly enjoyed the dual narration by Elizabeth Knowelden and Thomas Judd. They seemed to relish this story as much as I did and it showed in their performance.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – ebook
Canada – ebook or audible — winner’s choice
International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.
If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Maid of Sherwood Forest, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 13 2025
Your review has me wanting to read this, it sounds good. I haven’t read a S Bessey book since winning the 5 star contemporary The Gem Thief from you a few years back. I kept meaning to read more of her books, but you know how that goes, good intentions and all.
Count me in, thanks Kav tracey14567 atgmaildotcom
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Counted! I need to put Sian Ann Bessey on my read to zero list for 2026, I think. This book is sooooo good and the writing is phenomenal. Good luck, Tracey!
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I have never read a book by this author. I would love to start with this one.
paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom
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The Maid of Sherwood Forest would make a wonderful introduction to Sian Ann Bessey. Good luck, Paula!
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Spectacular review, Kav! Sian Ann Bessey is a new-to-me author.
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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Thanks, Caryl. Good luck!
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This sounds unique and fun!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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It’s really well done. A very neat concept for a series too. Good luck, Kimmy!
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LOVE the cover! And you’re review pulled me in making me “needing” to read this amazing story. I will most definitely be checking out both this author and this book.
Not entering the contest, since I can’t read to the ebooks. Whoever wins, will be for a great reading time.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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I hope you get a chance to read it sometime, Kay. You’d definitely enjoy it. Happy Reading!
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I have never read this author, but thanks, Kav, for the chance. jacsmi75 at gmail dot com
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An opportunity to discover another author to fall in love with! 🙂 Good luck, Jackie!
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This is definitely one book I want to read!!! I love Sian Bessy; her books are always engaging and immersive 😊 Thanks for “introducing” her to me to her writing two years ago with the first book of her Georgian Gentlemen series “The Noble Smuggler”. I’ve devoured every book I can get a hold of since then! ❤
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
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Yessss!!! So happy to have made that introduction! 🙂 And you will absolutely love The Maid of Sherwood Forest. I think it’s Sian Ann Bessey at her most brilliant! Good luck, Trixi!
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My library has this series, which I will definitely have to check out! Thanks for the review and introduction.
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Ohhhh — love that your library has this series! Hope you enjoy it. Happy Reading, Sandy!
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