The Waking Land by Callie Bates

 

Elanna has been raised as a hostage in the court of her father's greatest enemy, the king of the country that conquered theirs.  As Elanna grows up she becomes close to the king although his daughter hates her.  When the king dies, Elanna is accused by the new queen of his murder and flees back to her homeland.

There, she learns that she is to take her place as the new Steward Of The Land as she has always felt the pull of the magic embedded in the stones and forests of her native land.  When her country and that of the one she has fled go to war, she must quickly learn how to use her power.  She is to wed the new king, Finn, but her heart belongs to another Jehan who is a sorcerer.  Will Elanna be able to save her homeland?

This is the first novel in a trilogy.  Elanna has been betrayed by everyone she knew growing up so she finds it difficult to trust.  In spite of that, she feels a deep connection to the land and wants to find a way besides war to bring the two countries together as they were in ancient times.  Her courage and determination fuel the book and as the first book ends, there is a sense of accomplishment although troubles still loom on the horizon.  This book is recommended for fantasy readers.