Some legends never grow old—they simply find new ways to capture our hearts. The story of Robin Hood has been told countless times, yet The Maid of Sherwood Forest by Sian Bessey breathes new life into the beloved tale through a heart-tugging blend of time travel, courage, and found family. Published by Shadow Mountain Press, this enchanting historical adventure weaves together the thrill of medieval Nottingham with the wonder of second chances and belonging.
Title: The Maid of Sherwood Forest
Author: Sian Ann Bessey
Series: McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐
Disclaimer
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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
My Thoughts:
The Maid of Sherwood Forest brings one of my favorite legends to life in a completely fresh way!
Mariah Clinton is a hardworking sous-chef in modern-day London and a skilled archer with a passion for precision and focus. But nothing in her carefully measured life prepares her for what happens when she steps into McQuivey’s Costume Shop in search of a medieval gown. One moment she’s trying on a costume, and the next, she’s standing in a twelfth-century castle kitchen—utterly confused, completely out of her depth, and surrounded by the world of Robin Hood she’s only ever known from stories.
Forced to blend in, she takes the mistaken name “Marian” and begins working in the castle kitchens. But her impressive archery skills soon draw attention, leading her straight into the heart of Sherwood Forest—and into the path of Robin Hood himself.
What unfolds is both an exhilarating adventure and an emotional journey. I loved watching Mariah (Marian) discover a sense of home among Robin and his Merry Men. She finds the belonging she’s been missing in modern life, surrounded by people who see her not just for her skill but for her spirit.
Sian Bessey does a beautiful job highlighting more than just Robin Hood’s legendary fight against corruption—she explores the universal human longing to be known, to belong, and to find family in unexpected places. The story balances action and tenderness, weaving courage, loyalty, and love into a tale that’s both comforting and inspiring.
It’s a magical, heartfelt read that made me appreciate the legend of Robin Hood and Maid Marian all over again.
Publisher’s Blurb:
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.
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Final Thoughts:
The Maid of Sherwood Forest is more than a retelling—it’s a reminder that courage often looks like stepping into the unknown, that love can bloom even across time, and that home is sometimes found in the most unexpected of places. If you’re craving a story filled with heart, heroism, and hope, this is one to add to your shelf.
If you could step into the pages of any classic legend or fairy tale, which one would you want to live in—and why?
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