Innocents of Marbella by R.C. Mogo follows a runaway princess, Zahra, as she returns from France to Marbella to try to save an innocent life. Even though years have passed, guilt from her previous life lies heavily on her heart; therefore, when an opportunity to redeem herself appears in the form of a little girl called Hadiza, she grabs it with both hands. However, redemption is never this easy. In an unfortunate turn of events, Hadiza goes missing. Zahra, feeling heartbroken and desperate, asks for the help of an obnoxious Englishman to locate Hadiza. It turns out that these two very different people are connected by a shared mission. Like Zahra, Stephen is also looking for someone close to her. Their quest takes them through wild adventures, leading them toward a sinister reality.

R.C. Mogo is an excellent writer. Her words, even though prose, feel like poetry. She has a rare knack for describing complex emotions in a relatable fashion. Everything from the conversations to the mannerisms fit into the era of the storyline. The story unfolds beautifully, bringing life to the characters and delving into their deep emotions. There is an instant connection to the story. There is no explicit narration of abuse and trauma -- just a hint that something horrid has been occurring. Innocents of Marbella is one of those stories that draws you in with a gripping mystery, and your desire to see justice prevail keeps you hooked to it until the very last page. Readers who enjoy immersing themselves in the language and mannerisms of historical times will find Innocents of Marbella by R.C. Mogo very entertaining.

Innocents of Marbella by R.C. Mogo is a Christian historical novel intertwined with romance and a supernatural touch. Zahra has never forgotten her sister Raha, or the circumstances that led to their separation. When Hadiza mysteriously appears in her life with a sacred relic, claiming it guided her to Zahra, she is faced with the idea that fate is leading her back to Marbella. With the help of Stephen Kemp and a mysterious supernatural power, Zahra must save the Innocents of Marbella held by a villain, Diogo da Gama. Amidst all this, Zahra seeks her sister's forgiveness while accepting her burgeoning faith in Christianity.

The first thing that caught my eye about this book was the cover. It hit the right notes of a mysterious location, an exotic-looking heroine, and lots of palace intrigue. And I was not disappointed. Innocents of Marbella by R.C. Mogo started slowly by setting the background story, and explaining how Zahra came to be in France. The story immediately picked up and included some twists and turns, ending dramatically and excitingly. Mogo’s writing style is outstanding, with added historical elements that made the story come alive before my eyes. The author explored various themes in the novel, including religion, fate, and destiny, good versus evil, family, and forgiveness. Together, all these elements combined beautifully not only to entertain but also to provoke the reader's thoughts. The ending was quite satisfactory, giving the reader a sense of closure, hope, and the belief that love and faith can overcome any obstacle.

R.C. Mogo’s Innocents of Marbella is set in Spain and France in the 15th century. The story begins in 1440. Zahra Sabunde is 19 years old, living in Nantes, France. She is originally from Marbella in Granada, Spain. She is the adopted daughter of Lord Raymond de Sabunde, a gifted Catalan scholar. Zahra is well-educated in linguistics, law, medicine, and theology. She knows several languages, including English, Spanish, and Arabic. When a young girl, Hadiza, mysteriously appears near Zahra’s home, she and Lord Raymond take Hadiza into their care. Zahra is an interpreter at a hearing of men accused of kidnapping, torturing, and murdering children. An Englishman, Stephen Kempe, 27, is one of the accused. At his trial and in his written testimony, Kempe vehemently declares he is innocent. He is searching for his niece, Mary. The story twists and turns as Hadiza is kidnapped from Zahra’s home. With Zahra’s help, Stephen escapes from his prison cell. The two flee from Nantes to a forest. Stephen hurls Zahra into a blazing fire. It marks the beginning of a transformative life journey, a spiritual journey for Zahra. 

Immersive and profoundly moving, I thoroughly enjoyed reading R.C. Mogo’s Innocents of Marbella for its compelling characters and rich and evocative world-building. I was pulled into the story from the outset. I particularly liked how Zahra's and Stephen’s paths cross early in the novel. The setting at the hearing in Nantes brought the story and characters immediately to life. I liked the complexity of Stephen and Zahra, as well as their shared commitment and determination to save the children, the Innocents. At the same time, the story brings out the differences and the contrasts in their thinking and spiritual beliefs. The incredible and dangerous challenges Zahra faces bring out her spiritual journey vividly and with great compassion. The story gained great depth as the darker aspects of her life in Marbella emerge and show her fears, confusion, and extreme distress, leading her to doubt the existence of God. I could see Zahra’s courage and determination as she took on formidable challenges, risking her own life to save the children. I liked Stephen’s character development, how the story reveals his spiritual journey, and how he has learned to strengthen his belief in God. His character added great spiritual and emotional depth to Zahra’s development. I was profoundly moved by the complexity and dynamics of their interactions and their growing relationship. Innocents of Marbella is a great read, with remarkable characters, vivid descriptions, and rich historical detail, a story of good vs evil and the transformative power of faith.

Innocents of Marbella is penned by author R.C. Mogo in the historical fiction, interpersonal drama, romance, and suspense genres. Set in the 15th century, the plot follows Zahra, a gifted linguist who escapes to France after a traumatic event, leaving her sister behind in Marbella. Years later, Zahra's life changes when a young girl arrives at her door. Meanwhile, Englishman Stephen Kempe searches for his kidnapped niece but ends up imprisoned by corrupt church officials. When Zahra's young charge is abducted, she frees Kempe to help her, only to face his betrayal. Instead of perishing, Zahra embarks on a journey of redemption and adventure.

Author R.C. Mogo has crafted an intense and emotionally stirring novel with converging storylines filled with tension and excitement. Zahra’s journey from a traumatized refugee to a determined and courageous woman was deeply moving, with brilliant attention to detail that allows us to sit on her shoulder through every dramatic moment. The historical setting enriched the narrative, bringing the medieval world to life with vivid descriptions and cultural nuances packed with detail. The attitudes and ideas of the time permeated the plot and directly influenced how the characters thought and felt. Stephen Kempe’s complex character portrayal was a particular highlight for me, with some really interesting emotional challenges that made him shockingly unpredictable with a lot of dramatic twists. The themes of redemption and divine intervention intertwined seamlessly with the romance, creating a compelling and heartfelt story. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Innocents of Marbella to fans of intense historical dramas.