The Maid of Sherwood Forest

A McQuivey's Costume Shop Romance

By: Sian Ann Bessey

Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden, Thomas Judd

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.

©2025 Sian Ann Bessey (P)2025 Shadow Mountain Publishing

Delightful

I highly recommend this book, The Maid of Sherwood Forest! I had a hard time to put this book down in order to eat, sleep or to attend to life’s needs. It was an enjoyable, fun story that made me smile.

2 narrators was super fun!

I love everything Sian writes. It’s elegant and layered with love and purpose. The discovery and challenge of connection growing from uncertainty to certainty draws me in every time.

Kisses only time travel romance

Contains an audiobook review as well.

This is the second book in the Mcquivey’s Costume Shop Romance series. It is a kisses only historical/time travel romance that features Robin Hood and his merry men. It can be read as a standalone story without having read the first book. The only connection to the first book is the means of time travel. That may be explained in slightly more detail in the first book but is sufficiently covered in this one.

I am not a huge fan of Robin Hood. Honestly, I have seen a movie or two about him but can't really remember much about any of them other than some names. I love time travel and really enjoy Sian Bessey's books, especially the first in this series, so I was excited to get this one.

I found that I really enjoyed this story. I felt a connection with the characters, and that is not something that always happens for me in "fairy tale" retelling type books.

There are both a male and female narrator in the audiobook. They do a fantastic job. One of the characters stutters and both of them read her part so well. I am so glad that I was able to listen to this as well as read it.

The author's note at the end was enlightening as well. I was very glad to see that the author's note and acknowledgements were included in the audiobook. That really makes me happy when that is done.

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book by Shadow Mountain Publishing via Netgalley. I did purchase the audiobook myself. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

A beautiful Robin Hood time slip romance!!

This Robin Hood time-slip novel was an absolute triumph! The expertly crafted spin on the beloved legend of Robin Hood was deeply satisfying, and the historical research was evident on every page.
I was immediately captivated by Mariah's character arc, especially how she embraced being thrust back into the past. Little John and Friar Tuck were delightful, injecting rich humor and personality into the narrative.
The romance was truly exceptional; the immediate, tender chemistry between Robin and Mariah felt authentic and deeply engaging. Sian is clearly a master storyteller; her writing style is utterly immersive, effortlessly pulling the reader in and holding their attention until the very last word.

Elizabeth Knowelden and Thomas Judd did a spectacular job voicing these characters and I could not get enough!

Delightful Rendition of Robin Hood

I absolutely loved the narration! This story, as with all of Ms. Bessey’s stories, is charming and the characters seemed to step right off the pages. The romance between Robin Hood and made Marion was swooney. Just delightful all around.