Fairly Certain

Fairly Certain: Deborah Ann Davis

What would you do if you were supposed to go on vacation with your friends but an odd accident sends you into a dreamlike world that you might not ever want to leave? When Petir takes a nasty fall and finds himself flat on the ground when he awakens or thinks he awakens he winds up in a world much different from the one he came from. What would you do if you found yourself surrounded by a band of children that were outlaws living in the forest? What would you do if you lived in a world similar to that of Robin Hood and his merry men? Would you want to join their gang you might say? Would you rob the rich and give to the poor?

Petir awakens and is surrounded by these children and learns early on that each one possesses a skill that he might want to think twice before going up against. A young girl named Cordelia much younger than Petir manages to deck him you might say with a simple cane. Intertwined in this different world Petir will meet many different people who will teach him valuable lessons that all kids might profit from today. But, before we learn more about where he winds up let’s meet Rianne a major player in this story. Rianne is supposedly betrothed to Lord Robert. But as you will learn he is more of a scoundrel and cad. But, later for that as Petir finds himself flat on the ground and quite confused and disoriented. Rethinking what might have happened to him and trying to focus on what he thinks is the present

Finding himself in the middle of Old England, trying to figure out the manner of speech of the people that he is about to meet, imagine what happens when created by a young girl with a bow and arrow pointed at him. But, Petir learns early on that in order to survive he needs to follow what others tell him. His injuries are not serious but he needs to rest and that comes hard to our young man. Maid Rianne is the archer that seems bent on trying to help him but not in the way you think. She is what they refer to as a healer and her touch sends rockets through his body and charges that he never knew he had. The chemistry is strong but Petir needs to tread lightly.

As you enter the forest and meet Fryer Tuck, his wife Molly who runs the camp and gives out the daily assignments, the tanner, blacksmith, the healers and many others you will fall in love with their community spirit, their camaraderie and how they treat as they refer to him as Lord Petir. As Petir becomes one of the outlaws, wants to help wherever he can, Maid Rianne comes into his mind at every turn. Knowing that Lord Gisborne is her betrothed he tries to keep his distance but the two of them cannot seem to get enough of each other. The customs are different. The banter and dialogue between them allows readers to know that Petir is determined to have Rianne in his life. Although this story takes place in two different time periods they manage to intertwine. With Rianne trying to come to terms with how she feels about Petir, leaving the safety net of the camp to rescue one of the mothers who was kidnapped and taken, the story gets more complicated. But, Rianne is a healer but an expert archer too and wants to enter the contest but feels she might fall short.

When things begin to get tense and the fear of being found out by the Sheriff is right around the corner, Gypsy Ana’s soothing ways and musical voice has a calming effect as Petir meets her and things become clearer. Gypsy Ana has a kissing booth at the fair and getting there can be dangerous for those living in the forest. Each time Petir gets close to those living there he begins to wonder if what he is experiencing is real or just a great dream.
Living among the outlaws he learns the meaning of loyalty, friendship, love, acceptance, cooperation and community. Thinking about Maid Rianne and hoping that he can get closer to her keeps him strong and hoping that he never wakes up from this great dream. Or is it?
But, in order to survive he wanted to learn warrior skills and had to learn how to defend himself. Reading Chapter 13 and watching him take lessons from Rianne and imitating the moves that sent him on his back when young Cordelia decked him, will bring smiles to your face as the chapter is filled with humor and much more. What you have to picture is using a cane or staff as a weapon and just how hard the blows can be! Ouch! However, it is truly evident that Petir has feelings for Rianne and all the denials in the world will not convince anyone otherwise. But, she is engaged or betrothed to Lord Robert and when the truth about him comes out you won’t believe what Petir tries to do. Watch how Rianne puts herself in a dangerous situation to rescue Mistress Jocelyn. Watch how she protects her and brings her back to her sons. Hear Robert Gisborn’s voice as you learn his true feelings about Rianne, the ruse that he is trying to pull and what his true intensions are! But, will she realize it or will she just go along with what is expected of her?
Miscommunications, intensions that are misconstrued and two young people that might wind up together but will they? What will happen if Petir wakes up and realizes what he has experienced was just a dream? When two separate worlds collide created by author Deborah Ann Davis magic can be in the air and you never know what might happen next. When Petir is confronted with reality and someone from the dream turns up in the present the ending will surprise readers, incidents might seem the same but for one thing I am Fairly Certain, this book will make you smile, laugh and believe in love. Characters are well developed, humorous, and vividly depicted. A young girl named Cordelia who learns the meaning of being a girl, and two young people that just might realize that wherever you are you can find love! Find out the fate of Petir and Rianne when two separate worlds collide!

Fran Lewis: Reviewer