October is Medieval month on Historical Romance Review. I’m starting with one from Heather Graham’s Graham Clan Saga. This is the third in the series set in Scotland in the late 13th century. It’s the story of Lady Eleanor of Clarin who has inherited her family's English castle and estate. If she does not produce an heir, it will go to the next male relative who does and she has two brothers, one of whom is married to a shrew.
Eleanor is being told to marry but has rejected many suitors. Finally she is persuaded to marry a friend of her father's, a French nobleman, whom she considers a friend as well. While she is traveling to France by ship to meet her betrothed, Eleanor's ship is seized first by pirates and then by Scottish warriors transporting William Wallace to see King Philip. One of the Scottish men, Brendan Graham, is the same warrior she wounded on the battlefield at Falkirk where the Scots incurred a great defeat.
When they recognize each other she attempts to escape but he brings her back. Once they reach France, Brendan and his friends intend to deliver Eleanor to the French King. During the time they spend together, Eleanor and Brendan find they are attracted to each other and she eventually comes to him telling him she wants him for her lover, knowing she is to wed an old man.
Notwithstanding their love, Eleanor goes forward with the marriage to Alain, much to Brendan's unhappiness, because she believes Brendan will be killed if she attempts to run away with him. Alain knows of Brendan's feelings for her and tells her they will be married in name only.
Brendan returns to Scotland and the raids he conducts on the English for Wallace, hoping to forget Eleanor. Meanwhile, Eleanor and her ailing husband return to Clarin where intrigue and treachery greet them.
The hero, Brendan, is a very likable fellow, even honorable. Eleanor is a strong female with a heart for her people though there is constant conflict with Brendan. The story is rich in history and Graham gives you a feel for what it was like in Scotland at the time, especially the cruelty of the King Edward.
As always, Graham does a fine job of character development and storytelling.
The Graham Clan saga:
Come The Morning
Conquer the Night
Seize the Dawn
Knight Triumphant
The Lion in Glory
When We Touch
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