Set in 1194, this is the story of Elyssa
of Freyne, a pregnant widow, who seeks to avoid a third, forced marriage. She also wants custody of her young son Joselyn, who she considers too weak to be a squire,
as everyone would have him. However, Geoffrey FitzHenry, Lord Coudray, the shire's
new sheriff, disagrees. As sheriff, he must make Elyssa his ward until her
child is born and he thinks Joselyn should be sent away to become a
squire. Instantly he and Elyssa are at odds.
Geoffrey is scarred from the attack on
his face by his mad wife, now dead. All women except Elyssa are repulsed by him.
Worse, he despairs of ever having the love of his young daughter, who once loved him but now avoids
him. Elyssa’s coming will change all that.
Domning vividly creates the world of
late 12th century England with a story that is rich in colorful characters.
It’s also a story of a mother's love that holds her young son too close. She will learn
many lessons from a man she thought to hate. And he will find the widow too
attractive to leave alone.
The action scenes are quite good
including an attack on the Freyne castle and the historical detail reflects
much research. However, as this is part of a series and other couples appear, I
recommend reading it in order so as not to be confused when the other folks
show up en masse.
The
Graistan Chronicles, 1194-1197, (aka the Seasons series)
Winter’s
Heat
Summer’s
Storm
Spring’s
Fury
Autumn’s
Flame
A
Love for All Seasons
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