The story continues with book 3. It’s 1780 and American independence is within reach, but Addie’s heart The Battle for American Independence Well Told
The story continues with book 3. It’s 1780 and American independence is within reach, but Addie’s heart is heavy with grief. With her husband gone, she must leave Gen. Washington’s army camp, and the people she has come to love. She returns to Castleton, guarding the secret she shares with only a few. Her aunts in Virginia are welcoming and Addie tries to forget the love she feels for a Highlander serving the British.
As with the first two in the America’s Daughter Trilogy, De Blasis’ research is impeccable and her talent for bringing America’s history to life is wonderfully displayed. She does not withhold the sadness of the times, the loss of family, the loss of life, but she shows us the patriotic spirit of the people and the genius of General Washington that led to America’s victory.
De Blasis is a superb writer and she weaves a wonderful tale, full of passion, excitement and history. The ending is tender and sweet as lovers are reunited at the birth of the new country. I loved it. I highly recommend this series.
The only thing I noticed in each of the novels, which seemed inconsistent with the era, was the lack of any reference to the faith of the Patriots. We know many of them (most?) were God-fearing Christians, including Gen. Washington and America's founders, yet, even in marriage, children or the loss of dear loved ones, there is no reference to God. That wasn’t believable to me.
This Regency is a great one by Heyer. It’s the story of Adolphus Gillespie Vernon Ware ("Gilly"), the seventh Duke of Sale, who is young and kept fromThis Regency is a great one by Heyer. It’s the story of Adolphus Gillespie Vernon Ware ("Gilly"), the seventh Duke of Sale, who is young and kept from life’s hardships by his domineering uncle and his devoted servants. Ever accommodating, he is finally fed up and decides to escape. Donning the garb of a commoner, he leaves behind his fiancé to discover whether he is “a man, or only a duke”.
His first adventure arises from his errand to deal with the man who is blackmailing his cousin. That works out better than he expected. This leads him to take under his protection a lad who has run away from his controlling father and tutor and a young woman who is beautiful but an airhead. She is the foundling.
This is so well told with many details of the characters personalities. Heyer is gifted at bringing all the threads together. The obstacles the young duke confronts, had me turning pages. His fiancé, Harriet, joins him toward the end and shows herself to be his perfect match.
This one began rather sadly for me. I have become rather fond of Nicholas (our intelligent and cunning hero) and want to see him happy. Here he is in This one began rather sadly for me. I have become rather fond of Nicholas (our intelligent and cunning hero) and want to see him happy. Here he is in snow-covered Danzig, Poland in the winter of 1474 in a self-imposed exile, sharing quarters with the ruthless pirate Benecke. But Nicholas will not stay with him for long.
Nicholas’ actions in the last book (To Lie with Lions), set in Scotland, France and Cyprus, cost him friends and family--not to mention much of his wealth. But he won the game with his estranged wife, Gelis, who thought she could outsmart him (not a chance). She was, for the most part, clueless as to all he was doing. In my opinion, she deserved what she got. She partnered with his enemies who tried to, and nearly did, kill him. She invited all he did. How can she criticize him? Yet her deserting him (that’s what I call it) has cost him his young son, Jodi, who he loves.
After some persuasion and the need to build back wealth for the accountant Julius and his beautiful wife, Anna, Nicholas decides to assist the Muslim Prince Uzum Hasan in his fight against the Turks. And that’s just the beginning. Anna is hiding secrets that involve Nicholas’ past.
This is another complex, well-told, action-packed story from a master of historical fiction, one of my very favorite authors. I highly recommend it.
The House of Niccolo Series:
Niccolò Rising Spring of the Ram Race of Scorpions Scales of Gold The Unicorn Hunt To Lie with Lions Caprice and Rondo Gemini...more
This last in the House of Niccolo series is set in Scotland in 1477. Nicholas de Fleury, former banker and merchant, reA Fitting End to a Great Series
This last in the House of Niccolo series is set in Scotland in 1477. Nicholas de Fleury, former banker and merchant, returns to the land that, four years earlier, he had brought very close to ruin in the course of an intense commercial and personal war with his enemies and his estranged wife Gelis, a war he won but at great cost.
Now, Nicholas finds himself embroiled in royal politics with the king and his two brothers. All the estates of Scotland are involved: the merchants of Edinburgh, the gentry, and the clergy, as well as the English, French, and the Burgundian, of which Nicholas is one. His presence soon draws Gelis (now his loving wife) and their son Jodi to Scotland, as well as Nicholas’s companions in his past endeavors—Dr. Tobias and his wife Clémence, the shipmaster Mick Crackbene, the engineer John le Grant, and Andro Wodman.
Nicholas meets again with others who have had an influence, for good or evil, in his life: Jordan St Pol (“the fat father Jordan”), his son Simon, and young Henry, Nicholas’ bastard son thought by Simon to be his own. Mistress Bel of Cuthilgurdy and David de Salmeton, who seeks Nicholas’ death, and the always beloved, Anselm Adorne and Kathi his niece, who is a dear friend to Nicholas.
Meanwhile, more secrets as to Nicholas’ birth are revealed as Julius goes in search of proof that Nicholas is legitimate.
There are many exciting moments as Dunnett brings al the loose threads together while allowing us to dive deep into the world of the early Renaissance. I loved the hero, Nicholas, who was sometimes seemed like a grown child at play, and at others a clever inventor, and still at others a man of keen strategy, who always seemed to know people’s true motives.
I was sad to see the series end. Now, I have to begin again with a re-read of The Lymond Chronicles that follows this one in time.
The House of Niccolo Series:
Niccolò Rising Spring of the Ram Race of Scorpions Scales of Gold The Unicorn Hunt To Lie with Lions Caprice and Rondo Gemini
From Scotland to Egypt to Venice, Nicholas seeks revenge and the truth—a fast-paced read!
Another wild ride from Dorothy Dunnett. This one begins in ScFrom Scotland to Egypt to Venice, Nicholas seeks revenge and the truth—a fast-paced read!
Another wild ride from Dorothy Dunnett. This one begins in Scotland in 1468 where our hero Nicholas de Fleury (aka Nicholas van der Poele), is still burning from the horrible truth his bride revealed on their wedding night. (Gelis van Borselen, Nicholas’ wife, may be the most despicable female villain ever. What woman would go whoring to her husband’s worst enemy just to spite him?) To me, Gellis appears cold, twisted and loathsome, and, like her sister, deceived.
Nicholas seeks revenge on Simon St. Pol, the man who was her partner in crime. While about that effort, Nicholas endears himself to the court of King James III and gains yet another knighthood. Granting the dying request of Nicholas’ priest, Godscalc, he agrees to stay away from Scotland for two years. So, he puts on hold his plans for Scotland and dedicates himself to a hunt for Gelis’ son who, like the fabled unicorn, might not exist. The chase takes him to Bruges, the Tyrol, Cairo, Mt Sinai, Cyprus and eventually Venice where a dramatic but wonderful ending awaits.
Some wonderful characters emerge, including Katelijne, the niece of Anselm Adorne, who in my opinion would make Nicholas a perfect mate, as well as the regulars who come at Nicholas’ call.
Dunnett weaves an intricate story only she could hold together. So many threads, you’ll lose track. But the story will keep you turning pages, I promise. I do recommend reading the series in order. All the books are closely linked.
The House of Niccolo Series:
Niccolò Rising (1986) Spring of the Ram (1987) Race of Scorpions (1989) Scales of Gold (1991) The Unicorn Hunt (1993) To Lie with Lions (1995) Caprice and Rondo (1997) Gemini (2000)
From Venice to Africa for Gold and then to Timbuktu, Nicholas is off on another adventure
You can’t get more exotic that Portugal, Madeira and African From Venice to Africa for Gold and then to Timbuktu, Nicholas is off on another adventure
You can’t get more exotic that Portugal, Madeira and African deserts with their endless caravans. Nicholas begins on a ship but ends on a camel.
This is the 4th book in the House of Niccolo series. The year 1464 finds Nicholas in Venice, plagued by enemies bent on dissolving his assets and smearing his character. Needing to restore his fortune, he sets sail for Africa, where gold can be found in such abundance that men prefer to barter in shells. There, he will manage to outsmart his enemies and redeem his bank but who can save him from Gelis van Borselen, who seems conflicted in her feelings for him. She comes along, ostensibly to prove all the bad that is said about him regarding her dead sister. She knows little of the real facts and ends up as his lover with less than a pure motive.
Dunnett captures the stunning scenery of Africa, the treachery and lust for gold some men embrace, which ends in death in the wretched desert. And the exotic Muslim center of learning that is Timbuktu. It’s the Renaissance for all to see. Poor Nicholas. As usual, everyone thinks the worst of him (including Gelis) when his motives are noble. Some of the characters from the earlier books play a role in this complex story, including Father Godscalc, Umar (formerly Loppe) and Nicholas’ nemesis, Simon, who is his father but not recognized as such.
In the end, Nicholas gains inner peace only to lose it when bad news comes from Timbuktu and Gelis delivers a gut punch.
One cannot give Dunnett less than 5 stars for such an effort, which held my attention throughout, but I am looking forward to the next one and a different setting, one where they don’t have to eat camels to stay alive.
The House of Niccolo Series:
Niccolò Rising (1986) Spring of the Ram (1987) Race of Scorpions (1989) Scales of Gold (1991) The Unicorn Hunt (1993) To Lie with Lions (1995) Caprice and Rondo (1997) Gemini (2000)
This story shifts from William Marshall (“The Greatest Knight”) as a knight in the Holy Land and his pilgrimage Jerusalem in the time of the Templars!
This story shifts from William Marshall (“The Greatest Knight”) as a knight in the Holy Land and his pilgrimage to Jerusalem to lay the young King Henry’s cloak on the sepulcher to his dying days in England. In the way, in Constantinople, William and his brother, Ancel, encounter evil men who believe them to be spies for Rome. In Jerusalem, they become embroiled in the politics of the ancient city while helping King Baldwin who is suffering from leprosy.
It is there William encounters the dangerous Pascia de Riveri, the concubine of the highest churchman in the land. William pursues an affair with Pascia, hoping to keep it secret. Once discovered, their lives are in danger. Their only chance to see home again will depend upon the Templars who protect them and the two silk shrouds William has purchased for his eventual death.
As with all Chadwick’s books, she takes you into the time and place with vivid descriptions, her meticulous research and gift for painting a scene. Having read all her William Marshall stories save this one, I was surprised that he was so weak in the face of rejection by a woman who was already compromised. But Chadwick did a good job bringing their emotions to the fore. Still, I didn’t picture him that way.
The story will draw you in. The flashbacks to the Holy Land are what make it enjoyable. To realize he is seeing it again in his mind as he lay on his deathbed made it a bit sad. Still, a good one to add to the collection....more
Rejected by the woman he wanted, the “Incomparable” Miss Milborne, young Viscount Sheringham defies his mother and saysA Rollicking Good Time for All!
Rejected by the woman he wanted, the “Incomparable” Miss Milborne, young Viscount Sheringham defies his mother and says he’ll marry the next woman he sees to trigger a clause that will gain him his fortune. Which he does.
The very first woman he sees is his childhood friend Hero Wantage, a young and charmingly unsophisticated girl, who adores him but for whom he has little regard. Although she knows it will be a marriage of convenience, the marriage will raise her from life as a governess and allow her to live by Sherry, the man she loves.
In London, Hero soon discovers the world of the ton but doesn’t really know what is permitted and what is “bad ton”. Her marriage becomes a comedy of errors, as Hero tried to keep up with the fashionable and very unfamiliar society in which she now finds herself. Sherry intervenes, fearing she’ll embarrass them both. Finally, he decides to send her to his mother, who loathes the girl. But Hero has another plan.
It’s a rollicking good story as Hero charms Sherry’s best friends and for a while, it seems everyone is with the wrong partner. But all comes right in the end and Heyer leads the reader on a wonderful jaunt through Regency society. ...more
Courageous Irish Lass, the Great Famine and Ireland’s Fight for Freedom
March is Irish month on Historical Romance Review and I’m starting one that briCourageous Irish Lass, the Great Famine and Ireland’s Fight for Freedom
March is Irish month on Historical Romance Review and I’m starting one that brings the Irish heart to the fore. It’s a great story set in the time of Ireland’s famine (1845-1852) and the people’s rising for freedom from the English who had virtually enslaved them.
The story begins in 1840 when Grace is a young girl and happy with her family and her cousins. First she loses her mother and her brother is injured in an accident, leaving her father, Patrick, a broken man.
Less than a decade later, Grace’s father arranges a marriage to an English squire, a landowner who has had and lost two wives already. The marriage will save their family from financial ruin yet deprive her of the Irish lad she might have had, Morgan McDonagh.
Grace dutifully complies and marries Bram Donnelly, who turns out to be a cruel man with a temper who beats her. With political violence sweeping through Ireland and the potato blight destroying lives, she secretly sides with the Young Irelanders, among them her crippled brother, Sean, and Morgan who becomes a rebel leader—the man who has loved her since they were both young.
This is a well-told tale based on much research so you are brought into the terrible times Ireland faced. The English stood by and did nothing, imprisoning (or killing) those who couldn’t pay their rent. One million people died and more than a million fled the country. Moore vividly portrays the famine that led to the growing movement in Ireland for independence. She gives the reader wonderfully courageous characters. At 461 pages it’s a long book but so worth reading.
And you’ll want to have books 2 and 3 as the story continues. It’s historical fiction but it’s also historical romance. It will tear at your heart to experience all that comes to Grace, both love and tragedy. And she brings the faith of the Irish people to center stage which I loved. It was very encouraging.
A Wonderful, Poignant and Deeply Emotional Story of a True Irish hero
Robert Emmet is a young man born to Ireland’s Protestant upper class with a promiA Wonderful, Poignant and Deeply Emotional Story of a True Irish hero
Robert Emmet is a young man born to Ireland’s Protestant upper class with a promising career ahead of him in science. From his parents, he acquired a deep love of Ireland and a commitment to justice. From his brother Thomas, a lawyer, he acquired an understanding of the divisions and inequalities of his country.
In 1798, Robert’s life changed from a future among the elite to a strong role in the risings wherein the Irish sought freedom from English rule. Robert refuses to take an oath of allegiance to England, thus giving up his hope of a scientific career and all the privileges of his class to join the United Irishmen, a society dedicated to the union of Protestant and Catholic. When the rising is defeated and their leader (a nobleman) cruelly allowed to die in prison, Robert is forced to flee Ireland. But even as his boat sails away from his beloved homeland, he looks back and knows he will return to the cause of his country’s liberty, and to the girl he has fallen in love with, Sarah Curran, the daughter of Ireland’s most talented lawyer.
Robert returns and meets Anne Devlin, a passionate and brave Catholic country girl, who falls in love with him and becomes his most loyal housekeeper of the safe house for his fellow rebels.
This is a well-written historical account of what transpired with enough fiction added to make this a compelling story. I loved it even though it made me terribly sad. You see, I knew how it ended. The author has given us a hero to love and admire. I confess I wanted to slap Sarah Curran at times and really wanted Robert to see what a grand mate Anne Devlin would have been.
There was one thing that seemed to be missing from the story. These were people who cherished their faith whether Protestant or Catholic yet there was no evidence of it in this story until the very end and Robert's confession of faith in Christ. Otherwise, there was no church, no Mass, no prayers.
As for the English ruling Ireland, I already had a low view of England’s treatment of the Irish (and the Welsh and the Scots) and this only confirmed it. England’s arrogance was/is too great to see the Irish people’s love for their own country and their desire for freedom.
Thank you, Ms. Browne for bringing this wonderful history to life. You have done a great job! (But you do need to get the typos corrected; there are many)....more
A murderous assault on the village of Vaux leaves “Ana” an orphan. She alone is rescued from the burning wreckage by a younExcellent Medieval Romance!
A murderous assault on the village of Vaux leaves “Ana” an orphan. She alone is rescued from the burning wreckage by a young squire traveling to the Holy Land with knights. He delivers Ana to a peasant couple’s care at a neighboring village. Before departing, he gave her the silver cross from around his neck, engraved with his family’s motto.
After a decade of fighting in the east, Sir Royce de Warrene returns to England a celebrated knight. But he soon discovers the terrible mistake he made on that long-ago night. The orphan girl was no peasant child, but an heiress of noble blood — Lady Juliana Mandeville. King John charges him to find her and restore her to her aging grandfather.
This is the story of Sir Royce’s quest and his relationship with now beautiful Ana who, once found, refuses to believe she is not the daughter of the peasants who raised her. He is a noble knight and suffers her antics with good grace. Meantime in England, she meets her grandfather and confronts her real heritage.
Kirkwood does an excellent job of presenting the medieval setting, the history of the early 13th century, and the characters who dwell therein, both real and fictional. I loved her detail and the slowly evolving relationship between Ana and Sir Royce. A really well-told tale. ...more
A Rich Tapestry of Emotions in this Story of Love after England Conquered Wales
Set in the late 13th century, this is the second in a wonderful series,A Rich Tapestry of Emotions in this Story of Love after England Conquered Wales
Set in the late 13th century, this is the second in a wonderful series, a story of love between a Welsh noblewoman and an English knight after Wales has been brutally conquered by Edward I.
Eluned has lost her country and her hope. But she intends to have her vengeance on Mortimer, the English nobleman who was responsible for the death of the Welsh leaders. She has a calculating mind and plans carefully how she will do it. When her husband dies and she has the chance to marry Robert de Lascaux, the man she fell in love with 18 years earlier, she takes it as it will give her access to the English nobility.
When Robert is asked to marry the woman he loves but has been denied, he gladly accepts thinking he will at last have the woman he wants. But the lady who greets him at the altar has so little in common with the girl he adored that he begins to doubt that there is anything left of her.
Kingston weaves a rich tapestry of intrigue, treachery, stalwart love and lost dreams realized. Medieval Wales is brought to life. The story will draw you in as you eagerly hope for love to at last to be regained. A beautifully told tale, one not to be missed!
I recommend reading the series in order as they are closely related.
The Welsh Blades:
The King’s Man Fair, Bright and Terrible Desire Lines...more
Good Story of a Highland Assassin and a Protected Lass!
Set in 1349, this is the story of Tristan MacPherson, a Highlander who is skilled at killing foGood Story of a Highland Assassin and a Protected Lass!
Set in 1349, this is the story of Tristan MacPherson, a Highlander who is skilled at killing for money. He never misses his target and is, thus, feared by all. With the plague that he does not fear comes a lass near death he saves. And Lady Rose Callanach will change his life.
When her mother died in an intentionally set fire, Rose’s father shuts her away where guards protect her. Until, years later, her father allows her to go with her uncle to spend the winter with her cousin. It is on that trip she contracts the plague.
Quinn adds humor to an otherwise somber story and the dialog between Rose and Tristan is endearing. For much of the book, it’s just those two traveling together but it’s a rich banquet of banter as they fall in love. How could you not love Tristan? A killer who is honorable and humble. And the scenes of Tristan’s doing his killing business are very well described. There’s a twist in the end you will not expect. Very well done!
Hearts of the Highlands Series:
Heart of Ashes Heart of Shadows Heart of Stone Lion Heart Tempest Heart ...more
June is Western and American set romances and I am starting with a great story of love in the American wildAdventure and Love on the American Frontier
June is Western and American set romances and I am starting with a great story of love in the American wilderness of the early 19th century.
Set in 1828, this is the story of Evelyn Lewis, who follows her brother into the wilderness to capture the man they believe killed their parents, a man Evelyn has loved since she was a young girl.
Alexander Walker had a cruel father who abused Alex’s mother. After his mother died, he became a fur trapper and mountain man, known for his stealth (“Shadow Walker”) and his ability to fight the Blackfeet. In the Teton wilderness, circumstances lead to a frontier marriage between Alex and Evie and she must now trust him to survive. Alex’s memories of her are of his best friend’s young sister but now he finds he has growing feelings for the grown woman, his new wife.
The story is well written with some exciting scenes and will definitely take you into the American frontier. A worthy hero and heroine come together for a touching love story and Alex learns he is (thankfully) not his father. ...more
The love story of William Marshall and his wife Isabelle de Clare continues in this sequel to The Greatest Knight. When King Richard dies, his youngerThe love story of William Marshall and his wife Isabelle de Clare continues in this sequel to The Greatest Knight. When King Richard dies, his younger brother, John, takes the throne and brings his evil leadership to England. It is not long before William falls out of favor trying to save his lands in Normandy governed by Philip II.
Along the way, we meet the children of the Marshalls including the charming Mahelt (Matilda) who Chadwick fits perfectly into a loving family as her father’s favorite daughter and the eldest girl. As a young teenager, she is wed to Hugh Bigod, 3rd Earl of Norfolk, just as her parents leave for Isabelle’s lands in Ireland. (Mahelt will be the heroine in To Defy a King.)
The history of the 12th century comes alive in this well-told story with vivid images, treachery and shifting alliances. William and Isabelle attempt to steer a noble course through a sea of King John’s muck. Like the others in the series, this one is definitely worth reading!
The Marshal Novels:
A Place Beyond Courage The Greatest Knight The Scarlet Lion The Time of Singing (The King’s Favor in the US) To Defy a King
Possibly the Best Contemporary Romance! And Best McNaught! This is a five star romance from beginning to end--no weak spots anywhere. I prefer historicPossibly the Best Contemporary Romance! And Best McNaught! This is a five star romance from beginning to end--no weak spots anywhere. I prefer historicals and after reading some of McNaught’s, and loving them, I decided to try her contemporaries. (I have since read all of hers!) This is the story of Meredith, a young wealthy heiress to a department store chain based in Chicago and the son of a poor family. Matt has brains and a fierce determination to accomplish the ultimate success he wants so badly. On one July 4th, they meet and find passion and young love unexpectedly. Though neither is really ready for it, they are forced to marry only to be separated by circumstances and deep hurt that keeps them apart for 11 years. By that time, he has become the head of a corporate empire and she is the interim President of her family's flagship store. Both are wounded souls who have nothing but disdain for each other, believing each has betrayed the other. Ah, but true love will conquer all--and in this well told tale, it does.
I loved Matt, a hero to die for: handsome and rugged, never wavering in either his love for Meredith or his willingness to fight for what he wants--including her. I liked Meredith's courage and her willingness to "go on" despite what life has thrown at her to make something of her life. And I loved her softer side that added compassion to a successful businesswoman's strength. The fact that she looked like a "young Grace Kelly" wasn’t bad either.
This story has great depth, wonderful characters, meaningful scenes and naturally intriguing action. I laughed and I cried. It is definitely a keeper, one to be re-read and enjoyed again and again--a truly excellent romance. I did not want it to end. You will not be disappointed! Here's the whole Paradise Series--the rest are excellent, too:
1. Paradise (1991) 2. Perfect (1993) 3. Night Whispers (1998) 4. Someone to Watch Over Me (2003) 5. Every Breath You Take (2005) 6. Someone Like You (formerly entitled: Can't Take My Eyes Off of You)...more
Splendid Story of a Historical Knight and his Lady Love in the time of the Plantagenets
This is the second in the William Marshall series (see list belSplendid Story of a Historical Knight and his Lady Love in the time of the Plantagenets
This is the second in the William Marshall series (see list below). Set in the 12th century, it tells the story of William Marshall, a young knight who rose to be the greatest knight on the tourney circuit and the favorite of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Chadwick paints a vivid picture of a man who took advantage of every opportunity and, with honor and commitment, never disappointed. Along the way, he meets his true love, Isabelle de Clare, a countess who made William a magnate. I enjoyed seeing their love develop and the strong woman Isabelle was, admired by her husband. Together, they forge an alliance that withstood the test of time.
I love how Chadwick weaves historical fact with her believable fiction. The characters come alive and the history unfolds all around you. Truly a splendid adventure well told!
The Marshal Novels:
A Place Beyond Courage The Greatest Knight The Scarlet Lion The Time of Singing (The King’s Favor in the US) To Defy a King ...more
Wonderful Medieval Storytelling brings you 12th Century England
Set in the twelfth century, beginning in 1130, this is the story of John FitzGilbert, tWonderful Medieval Storytelling brings you 12th Century England
Set in the twelfth century, beginning in 1130, this is the story of John FitzGilbert, the Marshall for King Henry I and Sybilla of Salisbury set against the war between King Stephen, who followed Henry I, and Matilda, Henry’s daughter.
When King Henry I dies, and his nephew, Stephen, becomes king, he rewards John with castles and lands. John, it turned out, was a master at organizing everything that made the king’s castles and life run smoothly. He was also a brilliant and courageous warrior. But when John’s jealous rivals persuade King Stephen that John is not loyal, he backs Henry’s daughter, Matilda, and her claim to the throne. In the process, his first marriage is annulled and he is forced to marry Sybilla.
I loved this story. Chadwick brings alive twelfth century England and its warring factions in a rich historical tapestry of well-drawn characters based on solid research. It’s a time in history when both men and women face challenges absent in normal life and where marriage was only a tool of political leaders. Love, if it came at all, was an unexpected boon. And if a man who was a strong leader found a wife of ideas and well thought out opinions, he found a new life. Sometimes a match made for political reasons produced a bond stronger than life.
In this story we also get to see the young William Marshall, son of John and Sybilla, when he is taken hostage by King Stephen. William will become a great knight. (His story is told in The Greatest Knight.)
Get lost in medieval England and enjoy Chadwick’s meticulous storytelling! ...more
Early Victorian with a Seductive Widow and an Earl’s heir, both want a child and marriage but just not to each other
George Sinclair loved India but whEarly Victorian with a Seductive Widow and an Earl’s heir, both want a child and marriage but just not to each other
George Sinclair loved India but when his brother’s wife gave birth to a fourth daughter, Sebastian, the earl, demanded his brother return to England as his heir. And he wanted George to marry. Any respectable woman would do, but not “The Widow”, Elinor, Lady Haywood. She’s been widowed five times and with no children to show for it. She is a distraction George very much wants in his bed, but what he needs is a wife from a good family. What Lady Haywood wants is a child and her next husband.
The story is well told with rich emotion and some great characters, even a villain in Elinor’s brother. No real history here except the references to India and trade, which George was once engaged in. But it’s a delightful story of the tug of war between George and his staid brother, the earl, that will draw you in. And there is a side story of the earl and his wife, who befriends Elinor. I recommend it.
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