Set in the 12th century, it's the story of 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. He is a warrior known for his feats of valor, but with the death of his father and cousin, he reluctantly is persuaded by an older knight, Leon le Breton, at Henry's insistence, to return to England and accept the responsibility of Lord of Hunswick and the 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. But when he arrives at Huswick, it is the oldest daughter Bronwyn who captures his heart. Bronwyn is posing as her younger sister 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 and Scot, Tyr, and Bronwyn's sister Edythe is never resolved (not even in the epilog) and that left me hungry for more!
Save this one for the holidays and read it with a cup of hot wassail!
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