It's that time of year when the historical romance lover considers novels focused on the season. I don’t know about you but I have found Christmas romances to be a mixed bag. Even great romance writers can turn out something not up to their usual standard for the sake of appealing to all at this season. This week I’m going to post reviews of four Christmas romances I can recommend. And, I would love to have the name of any favorites of yours! Here's the first one:
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Michele Sinclair’s A CHRISTMAS KNIGHT - Wonderful Medieval Christmas Romance with Traditions of the Faith
This is a great Medieval (12th century) Christmas romance. Sinclair begins each chapter with a tradition of Christmastide or Twelfthtide (the 12 days of Christmas) as celebrated then. It’s a unique touch that really puts you in the season while giving you a worthy love story!
Ranulf, a knight of King Henry II, who is scarred (literally and figuratively) as a result of his heroism of the past and shunned by most women, is a warrior known for his feats of valor. With the death of his father and cousin, he is reluctantly persuaded by an older knight, Leon le Breton, at Henry's insistence, to return to England and accept the responsibility of Lord of Hunswick Castle in Cambria. In an accident aboard ship that claims the life of le Breton, Ranulf grants the dying man's wish and agrees to marry the youngest of his three daughters, Lily. When Ranulf arrives at Huswick, it is the oldest daughter Bronwyn who captures his heart. Bronwyn is posing as her younger sister Lily to try and save her from an unwanted marriage, but Ranulf is not fooled. It is Bronwyn he wants.
Sinclair does a great job of weaving in the Christmas season's traditions that were being celebrated in the 12th century (and many today as well) while drawing us into a true love between two people who have much to give. I really enjoyed this one! Two minor nits: Bronwyn's hair color is described alternately as gold, light brown, dark tawny and chestnut which are not the same color. Also, the "loose thread" of the romance between Ranulf's best friend, Tyr, and Bronwyn's sister, Edythe, is never resolved (not even in the epilog) and that left me hungry for more!
Ranulf, a knight of King Henry II, who is scarred (literally and figuratively) as a result of his heroism of the past and shunned by most women, is a warrior known for his feats of valor. With the death of his father and cousin, he is reluctantly persuaded by an older knight, Leon le Breton, at Henry's insistence, to return to England and accept the responsibility of Lord of Hunswick Castle in Cambria. In an accident aboard ship that claims the life of le Breton, Ranulf grants the dying man's wish and agrees to marry the youngest of his three daughters, Lily. When Ranulf arrives at Huswick, it is the oldest daughter Bronwyn who captures his heart. Bronwyn is posing as her younger sister Lily to try and save her from an unwanted marriage, but Ranulf is not fooled. It is Bronwyn he wants.
Sinclair does a great job of weaving in the Christmas season's traditions that were being celebrated in the 12th century (and many today as well) while drawing us into a true love between two people who have much to give. I really enjoyed this one! Two minor nits: Bronwyn's hair color is described alternately as gold, light brown, dark tawny and chestnut which are not the same color. Also, the "loose thread" of the romance between Ranulf's best friend, Tyr, and Bronwyn's sister, Edythe, is never resolved (not even in the epilog) and that left me hungry for more!
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