Elizabeth Kingston’s FAIR, BRIGHT AND TERRIBLE – A Rich Tapestry of Emotions in this Story of Love after England Conquered Wales

October is Medieval month when I present reviews of stories set between the 5^th and 15^th centuries. This is a good one by a great author. Set in the late 13^th century, it’s the 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

 

Virginia Henley’s A YEAR AND A DAY – Superbly Told Tale of an English Nobleman Knight and an Innocent Scottish Lass—Wonderful!

May if Scottish month on Historical Romance Review. I’m a little behind but making up for it by bringing you a meticulous, fast-paced story set in Scotland in the 13th century. And it’s by one of my very favorite authors!

 

This is the story of Lynx de Warenne, English knight, heir to the Earl of Surrey and Edward Plantagenet's most prized warrior--and, Jane Leslie, a Scottish lass with a kind heart and special healing powers. When Lynx became Edward's Governor of Dumfries castle, he decided it was a perfect time to sire an heir. He asked his castle steward, Jock Leslie, to allow him to handfast his youngest daughter. While Jane wanted no man, when her father told her he had agreed to the handfast, she had no choice but to accept it.

 

This is a superbly crafted tale of two people who married for the creation of a child, but discover both passion and an enduring love. Lynx was a hardened warrior who didn't trust women; Jane was an innocent young woman afraid of men. Henley weaves a wonderful story of these two coming to love and trust each other as the winds of war between Scotland and England swirl about them. Once again, Henley crafts a wonderful romance then sets it like a jewel in a perfect setting of well-researched history and accompanied by a glittering cast of characters, both real and fictional, woven in seamlessly as only a master storyteller can.

 

I highly recommend this one and it's on my Best Scottish/Highlander Historical Romances list!

 

Tamara Leigh’s VALOROUS – First in the Age of Honor Medieval Series that sets the Stage for the others to follow

The story begins in 1346 in Crecy, France where English troops have just taken the city. So begins the Hundred Years’ War, the backdrop against which the family of Wulfriths live and this series is set.

 

Tamara Leigh is a gifted storyteller, but her often awkward sentence structure and word usage, presumably for medieval effect, make the story difficult to read at times. Often, I had to read a paragraph twice to try and get the meaning. Sometimes I couldn’t tell who was talking. Eventually I just skipped over difficult passages and read on. I liked the characters and how Leigh fit them and the history into the story that kept me turning pages.

 

The hero, Hector Wulfrith, is the senior member of the family and head of the school that trains England’s knights for the king. He’s been married several times, each time losing the wife. He has come to believe he isn’t supposed to have a wife, that God does not intend him to be married and sire an heir. Severine de Barra is a young Frenchwoman, who sneaks into England after the fall of Crecy with her young charge, a boy of royal lineage who wants to be trained by the Wulfriths. And she means to make that happen even if she has to fight Hector to do it.

 

Some exciting scenes lead Hector to realize perhaps there is a chance at love for him, and Severine de Barra might be that woman. I enjoyed the book and will read others by this author.

 

 

 

 

Jayne Castel’s UNFORGOTTEN – Well-written first in a Connected Highlander series

 

Set in the mid 14th century on the Isle of Skye, this is the story of Gavin MacNichol and Annella (“Ella”) Fraser. They were once lovers, despite that he was betrothed to her sister. When his family tells him he must marry his betrothed, he does his duty and abandons Ella. She flees to a nearby Cluniac nunnery where she takes vows. Eighteen years later, her sister has died and Gavin, now chief of his clan, suddenly appears at the convent to take Ella back to see her dying mother.

When he escorts Sister Ella home (alone with no escort, mind you), he realizes that the feelings he once had for her still persist. And, before long, she realizes it, too. The characters are well-drawn and there's some good action with outlaws.

This is a well-written story and I was enjoying it until it cut off abruptly, leaving a villain not dealt with and many other loose ends. (For example, Leanna MacDonald, the heroine in book 2, is a character in this story but we only get her problem, not the solution; Sister Coira the heroine of book 3 is also a character in this story, as is Drew MacKinnon, the heroine in book 4.) So it’s not a stand-alone. It’s a series that needs to be read as a whole.

There were a few negatives for me that might not bother some readers. There are several graphic sex scenes (which I skipped and they weren’t necessary for the story). There were a few historical anomalies that popped out at me: colors, such as pink and turquoise, not recognized as colors until later centuries, plaids of red and green, which came into being much later (they had muted plaids but not tartans as we think of them), and married women taking their husbands’ surnames (only their children did). Still it’s a good read and for any willing to commit to the four books, it’s a complete tale.

 Sisters of Kilbride series

 

Unforgotten

Awoken

Fallen

Claimed

Penelope Williamson’s KEEPER OF THE DREAM – Enthralling Welsh Medieval Romance!

Set in the mid 12th century when England was at war with what would become Wales, and the "marcher lands" were a battleground, it tells of Raine, bastard son of the Earl of Chester, and Ariana, a Welsh woman who becomes part of the conqueror’s spoils.

 

Raine’s father was a Norman nobleman who treated Raine cruelly (beating him when he asked for a pony on his birthday, confining him to work in the stables, turning him over to their enemies). Raine overcomes his rude beginning and all he has suffered to become The Black Dragon, a favored knight of King Henry. Raine returns to Rhuddlan, a castle in Wales where he was once held captive, now held by Owain, lord of Gwynedd. When Raine takes the castle, only a young son of Gwynedd and his daughter, Arianna, remain. Arianna witnesses Raine kill her brother and hates him for it. (She is a seer and had a vision of a Black Dragon and realizes Raine is the one is she dreaded.)

 

As the story develops, Henry allows Raine to keep Rhuddlan and gives him Arianna to wed. She hates the Norman who has killed her brother and the start of the marriage is a disaster.

 

I cannot begin to tell you how well woven this complex tale is, but suffice it to say it is very well done and you will be glad you read it. The characters are well developed (and there are some wonderful ones, not the least of which is Taliesin, the wizard who is weaving his own story). The history of the period so well presented that you feel you are there, which is one of the author's great talents. She takes time for details that make it real. You become a part of the world she has created and it's wonderful. Needless to say, the love story will tear at your heart.

 

Notwithstanding all the good I can say, there were a few things that bothered me about the story:

--Raine is supposed to be honorable, yet he took Sybil when he knew she was betrothed to his brother Hugh and also knew he would be leaving for years to try and become a knight, thus dishonoring both Sybil, who loved him, and his brother. He also set Sybil up for the heartache she endured her whole life.

 

--Raine effectively raped Arianna on their wedding night and she cries herself to sleep without his comfort. Yet the next day she is happy not to be beaten for using a knife on him. Seemed a bit odd. When Arianna is asked to describe Raine to her father, she lists a lot of flattering adjectives (“hard but fair”, “brave, generous, gentle”) but she forgot “mean and bitter” for he was clearly that. There were many examples of his cruelty to Arianna. She gave her one treasure to buy cloth to make him a banner for his birthday to try and make up for the birthday beating he got from his father as a boy and Raine spurns both her and her gift, ordering it to be burned. When he realizes she’s had visions of him that allowed her to share his pain, instead of loving her for it, he gets angry and mean and then ignores her. He was always willing to believe a lie about her and never trusted her though Arianna was perhaps the only honorable one in the story.

 

--Finally, the wizard Taliesin (a wonderful character) at times seems to have great power (to cause a storm, to heal, to transport himself instantly) yet he needed Hugh to help rescue Raine, which didn't make sense.

 

All these issues aside, it’s a fabulous read and you will enjoy it.

 

Kathleen Kirkwoood’s HIS FAIR LADY- Excellent 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 13^th 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. 

Grace Ingram’s RED ADAM’S LADY – Medieval Romance with a Likeable Hero and a Strong Heroine

Set in the 12^th century, during the reign of Henry II when “the young king” was aspiring to usurp his father’s throne, this is the story of Lady Julitta, a young lady without dower and seemingly without prospects until she encounters Red Adam, lord of Brentborough. Red Adam, so called for his red hair, in a drunken state, takes her for a tavern wench and decides to take her back to his bed chamber and show her a good time. He doesn’t seem to understand she is a virtuous lady who will not be trifled with. So she bangs him over the head with a wooden stool, keeping her virginity. But since he has “ruined” her in the eyes of all, he does the right thing and marries her.

 

Red Adam, a likeable guy, is loyal to the king and won’t hear of plots to take him down, thus drawing the ire and vengeance of his enemies. And once he weds the smart and savvy Julietta, he becomes the perfect gentleman.

 

The introduction by Elizabeth Chadwick might suggest this is historical fiction. It’s not, nor is it comparable to Chadwick’s work. This is romance, albeit good historical romance. It’s a story of civil war in England, of border raids by villainous Scots, scheming plans of aristocrats and daring escapes across the moors. There is a lot of blood and guts; it’s not for the squeamish. And sometimes I had to read a sentence twice to get what she was trying to convey. Still, it’s a fast paced tale based on considerable research for historical details. I enjoyed it.

 

Tina St. John’s LADY OF VALOR – 1st in her Warrior trilogy, a Moving Medieval Story, Rich in Historical Detail

This was my second medieval by St. John (Lord of Vengeance was the first), and I thought it an amazing read. She has a great medieval voice and has meticulously recreated life in 13^th century England while drawing the reader in to a compelling story of a tortured hero and a lady trying to maintain her independence in a world that leaves women few choices.

 

Sir Cabal, known as “Blackheart,” the fiercest of King Richard’s warrior knights, is commanded to return to England from the Crusade to hold Fallonmour castle until the king can name a new lord and find a husband for the young widow, Lady Emmalyn. Cabal cares nothing for the assignment, but he is a dutiful knight so he goes. He is not prepared for the beauty that greets him. Lady Emmalyn is not sorry her cruel husband is dead. In the three years he’s been away the keep has thrived under her care. Now she dreads what this new guardian will mean for her people—and for herself.

 

The characters are richly drawn, the story convincing, the emotion real. Cabal is a hardened soldier with an ignoble past who lives with regret for his brutal life of killing though it is all he has ever known. He falls in love with the beautiful, tenderhearted Emmalyn, but knows he can never have her. She returns his love and tries desperately to convince him he is a worthy hero—just the kind of heroine we love—but to no avail.

 

The dowager Queen Eleanor is a character as well as her son, Richard the Lionheart, adding realism to the story.

 

I wholeheartedly recommend this one.

 

The Warrior trilogy:

 

Lady of Valor

White Lions Lady

Black Lion’s Bride

Susan King’s LAIRD OF THE WIND – Worthy Hawk-Themed Medieval Romance

 

This was my first by Susan King and I really enjoyed it. She paints rich visual images of the times and the places and the characters are well described and memorable.

Set in Scotland in the early 14th century, this is the story of Isobel of Aberlady who has a gift of visions that describe events to come. Her father and the family priest guard her gift and take notes when she has the visions as she remembers nothing afterwards. Believing he will protect her, her father betroths her to a strong knight, Ralph Leslie, but Ralph is not a man she would choose. One of her visions is of a man she calls the Laird of the Wind...a hawk of the forest...who will betray William Wallace.

James (Jamie) Lindsay, who was once a Scottish knight and laird, is now living as an outlaw and has lost his lands because he was accused of betraying Wallace. It seems Isobel's vision, which has become widely known, had something to do with that. He has become known as "the Border Hawk" who with a few of his men lives in the forest and raids the English. When Isobel's castle is besieged by the English because the King wants Isobel for her visions, the Border Hawk comes to her rescue, but he does so only because he wants to exchange her for his cousin Margaret who is being held captive.

It is in the forest where Isobel and Jamie recognize each other as soulmates. Ah love....

The story is "hawk themed" in many ways, not only the hero and villain both being described as hawks, but there are two hawks prominently featured, a red tailed hawk kept by Jamie's aunt and the goshawk that Jamie trains with Isobel while they are living in the forest.

The story held my interest and the characters were both likeable and believable (some quite delightful). The love between Jamie and Isobel develops naturally.

Jennifer Blake’s BY HIS MAJESTY’S GRACE – Worthy Medieval Read from Tudor England

By His Majesty’s Grace is set in 1486 when Henry Tudor was king of England. Lady Isabel Milton is commanded to wed Sir Randall of Braesford, as reward for his loyalty to his king. Isabel would be wed by now but it seems all the suitors for her and her two sisters have been dying off. Isabel, wanting to allow them to stay single, perpetuates the myth of the Graydon curse, that only a man who loves them can claim them without mishap. All potential suitors are put off and the girls stay free until Sir Randall who doesn’t believe in the curse.

 

Rand is under a shadow, accused of murdering the child of the king’s French mistress. There is much court intrigue and politics and various agendas working as Isabel helps to sort out the real facts while Rand is held under house arrest (in the Tower of London).

 

Blake’s stories always have a good plot and historical detail. And this one has clever twists, a rich medieval feel and enough history to make you feel like you were there (and don’t forget to read her Author’s Note). King Henry is a character, as is his wife, Elizabeth of York, and there are interesting tidbits about each. It is a very worthy medieval that will satisfy the historical romance lover’s craving for a virile, strong hero, a clever heroine and a tapestry of fast moving events. I recommend it.

 

Three Graces trilogy:

 

His Majesty’s Grace

By Grace Possessed

Seduced By Grace

Alice Borchardt’s DEVOTED –A Worthy Medieval Romance Set in 10th Century France

 

At the time when Vikings were a threat to all in France, Owen, the young Bishop of Chantalon, rises as a hero of the people. At his side is the brave Elin who he freed from the Vikings’ clutches. This is a fascinating historical that features authentic elements as well as genuine faith, mysticism, mystery and magic. The descriptions are vivid, the characters well developed and the story compelling.

Elin becomes Owen's lady and would defend him and his city though it will cost her much. Their budding love comes to a sudden end when Owen is captured, leaving the defense of the city to Elin and Godwin, a warrior who stands by her side.

 

Owen represents the growing Christianity even as the brutal Northmen rape and pillage, led by the villain Hakon. The Forest People who worship pagan gods are disappearing but they come to Owen’s aid when Elin summons them, for she was raised among them, a princess of her people.

I enjoyed this story as it has great depth and I wanted to know what happened to all the characters who come to Elin and Owen’s aid. The author has captured the different factions in France at the time and the emerging future while bringing us a winning love story.

 

The sequel is Beguiled.

Jayne Castel’s THE LASS HE LEFT BEHIND – A Sensual Scottish Romance Set in the Hebrides in the 14th Century

October is medieval romance month and I’m starting with one set in Scotland on the Isle of Mull. This is book one in the Rogues of Mull trilogy. It’s the story of Loch Maclean and Mairi Macquarie who were lovers at one time. When Loch, the eldest son of the Maclean chief, went off to fight with Robert the Bruce, he left Mairi behind, without a backward glance, breaking her heart.

 

He returns a decade later to find his father, the chief, dead and Mairi still single but angry at his betrayal. He shrugs and goes on about his business, assuming his role as the new chief. After all, he has treacherous MacKinnons and their raids and cattle thieving to deal with. But he continues to see Mairi, who runs the local inn, and can’t get their past lovemaking out of his mind. One night, she gives in and takes him to her bed. But in the morning she regrets it.

 

As for Loch, he will have to face the consequences of his actions and the ache in his heart from the loss of Mairi. There are several graphic love scenes in this well-written story and a fair amount of angst. The characters who will be the leads in books 2 and 3 are introduced in this first tale, adding dimension to the trilogy. I liked the atmospheric background as Mull is a beautiful isle and Duart Castle, the home of the Macleans, a clan monument. The tension between the rival clans will keep you guessing as they are not resolved in this first story.

 

 

Anita Mills; LADY OF FIRE - A Keeper of a Medieval Romance set in Normandy!

 

This is one for the keeper shelf. I loved it. Set in 11th century Normandy and England, this is the story of Eleanor of Nantes, daughter of a Norman count. She is young and innocent, but oh, so courageous and spirited.

 

When King William first encounters her, she is defending her bastard half-brother, Roger FitzGilbert, fighting off the bullies who are after him. The king is taken with the 12-year-old girl and would betroth her to his own son, Henry. But fate takes a harsh turn upon her mother’s death and Eleanor is sent to a convent. All the while, another man swears he will have her for his wife, the rich, powerful and cruel Robert of Belesme. However, Eleanor's heart belongs to Roger, who unknown to her, is not her brother at all which she discovers at 19 when she leaves the convent to be betrothed to Belesme.

Eleanor is a heroine to admire, consistent in her strength, intelligence and nobility of character. Roger is the kind of knight every woman longs for. He sees all Eleanor’s faults and loves her passionately and proudly, notwithstanding. Robert of Belesme, the villain who is obsessed with Eleanor, is terrible and cruel yet also strangely sympathetic (kudos to Mills to create such a complex character). The story is rich in historic details with an intricately woven plot, fast-moving dialog and suspenseful action.

It’s a page-turner and so well written. I recommend it!

The Fire Series:

Lady of Fire
Fire and Steel
Hearts of Fire
The Fire and The Fury
Winter Roses

 

Nigel Tranter’s COLUMBA – The Tender Story of a Great Man of God

Born an Irish prince in the troubled sixth century, when Christianity vied with pagan beliefs for the people’s hearts, Colum mac Felim, or Columba or Colmcille, as he was sometimes known, rejected the high kingship of all Ireland to become an abbot. When his role in a fierce battle led to victory at the expense of men’s lives, he gave up all to go north to the Hebrides where on the Isle of Iona he founded an abbey and monastery and sent missionaries out to all of Alba to win people to Christ.

 

He won the hearts of monarchs as well as common people. His anointing of kings joined the church to the governing authority. Iona is, to this day, a place of pilgrimage where the abbey built by the Macdonalds after Columba’s time, still stands.

 

As with Tranter’s other stories, he gives great attention to detail, drawing on his knowledge of Scotland and its people. It is a story wonderfully told, rich in historical characters. You will fall in love with Columba, the man, the abbot and the saint. He was greatly beloved in his time and should be in ours.

 

Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE SUMMER QUEEN – First in a Series about the Magnificent Eleanor of Aquitaine

Set in the 12^th century, this is the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who at 13 lost her father and was forced to marry the young Prince Louis of France. A week after the marriage she becomes a queen. Louis is a disappointment to the intelligent young queen, preferring his devotion to the church to her or much else. In addition, she has a mother-in-law no one would want. Her sister  Petronella is self-willed and Eleanor must deal with her as well.

 

Eleanor gives birth to a daughter (to Louis’ disappointment) and then he forces her to go on Crusade with him because he does not trust her with France while he is away. With their marriage in trouble ,Eleanor falls in love with an old flame and, missing Aquitaine, seeks an annulment from her marriage.

 

This is another well-written historical novel by Chadwick based on much research into some truly interesting characters, Eleanor being the primary one. I enjoyed it. It’s the first in her Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy. Henry of Anjou only shows up toward the end and one must read book 2 for their marriage.

 

The Summer Queen

The Winter Crown

The Autumn Throne

 

Sharon Key Penman’s A KING’S RANSOM – The Rest of Lionheart’s Story…

 

This is a well-researched, well-told story of King Richard I after he went on crusade. Returning to France with the best of his faithful men, he moves to take back what the French king took from him while he was gone. Taken captive by the Holy Roman Emperor in violation of the papal decree protecting all crusaders, Richard spends fifteen months chained in a dungeon and imprisoned in Germany while his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine moves heaven and earth to raise the exorbitant ransom. And what a woman!

 

I love how Penman adds fiction to the real story to bring it alive for the reader. The characters will draw you into their lives. Richard emerges, as in Lionheart, as a hero with no equal. For the five years remaining to him, he faces betrayals, intrigues, wars, and illness. His marriage never seemed to be what he or his wife might have wanted and she produced no children. But you will see why the courage, compassion, and intelligence of Richard became the stuff of legend.

 

Highly recommended but start with Lionheart.

 

Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE OUTLAW KNIGHT – A Sweeping Historical Saga and a Captivating Love Story—the real Robin Hood of Legend

 

Set in medieval England, beginning in 1184, this is the story of Fulke FitzWarin, the oldest son of the FitzWarin Marcher Lords. At age 15, he becomes a squire of Ranulf de Glanville, the Justicar. Fulke’s family is hoping through influence with King Henry and his court to regain Whittingdon Castle in Shropshire, their inheritance lost in the Welsh wars to Roger de Powys.

 

While acting the squire, Fulke runs afoul of young Prince John’s cruel temper during a game of chess and the two young men become life long enemies. Fulke is removed from court to become a squire to Theobald Walter, a powerful baron. Years later, Fulke becomes a knight just as a young, 12 year old Maude le Vavasour is betrothed to Theobald, who is three times her age. When Fulke and Maud meet again, she is 16 and being wed to Theobald. Fulke and Maude become enamored with each other, though they avoid each other and remain true to their commitments. In the background lurks Prince John who lusts for the beautiful young woman.

 

Much happens over the years as we follow the lives of Fulke and Maude. (Fulk III—no “e”—was a real historic figure, who married Maud le Vavasour—again with no “e”—and rebelled against King John from 1201-1203, living in the woods as an outlaw ala Robin Hood. Lest you worry about him (as I did), Fulk III lived into his 90’s, which given his life and the times, was a miracle.) 

 

Chadwick brings the history to life with a richness that makes you feel like you’re living it. It’s a well-told tale with extensive historical detail and vivid pictures of the social and political happenings of the times. Chadwick’s medieval vocabulary, dialog and descriptions reflect considerable research, as do all her novels.

 

Both Fulke and Maude are compelling characters as well as real historic figures; you want to see them together. He is an honorable man much like the Robin Hood we imagine, and she is an intelligent, spirited young woman just like Maid Marian. It’s a love story that will keep you turning pages. I thought the way Chadwick dealt with the historical figure Clarice de Auberville was brilliant—and believable.

 

Though Chadwick typically writes historical fiction with romantic elements, there’s enough romance here to satisfy the historical romance lover. I recommend it.

 

Note: This was first published in the UK as Lords of The White Castle, and follows the FitzWarin family saga begun in Shadows And Strongholds, but it can be read alone.

Virginia Henley’s THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL: Enthralling 13th Century Love Story

In the words of the author, “The story of Simon and Eleanor is one of the great love stories of the thirteenth century,”—a story that Henley masterfully brings to historical romance, a tale of two passionate people and the historical events that swirled around them.

 

Many women never find one true love; Eleanor Plantagenet was blessed with two, though one, William Marshall, was much older and perhaps more a father figure. The book is divided into those two love stories and each is well told and very precious. Much of this is actual history and Henley weaves fictional romance in so wonderfully, you’d never know it wasn’t fact.

This is the second in Henley's Plantagenet trilogy (The Falcon and the Flower, The Dragon and the Jewel and The Marriage Prize). When King John died, his oldest son, though still young, became King Henry III. Henry had a brother, Richard of Cornwall, and a sister, Eleanor. This is the story of the three siblings, and particularly Princess Eleanor and her second husband, Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester.

When she is nine, Eleanor is wed to William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (the son of the great William Marshal and equally as honorable). Eleanor has loved and admired William her whole life. The fact he is 30 years her senior is not a negative for her. William wants to wait to take her as a wife in truth until she is 16. Meanwhile, King Henry takes as his queen an impoverished and ambitious French Provençal, also named Eleanor, who is jealous of the king's sister and thinks to diminish her.

 

Others are plotting the demise of William Marshall for his influence with the king. On the night William would finally claim his bride, he suffers an attack and suddenly dies. Poison is suspected. Eleanor is devastated at his death, and in front of the clergy takes a vow of chastity and perpetual widowhood. A year later, the great War Lord, Simon de Montfort, enters her life. Once he sees her, he decides he must have her.

There is no question Henley knows how to write historical romance. (She is one my mentors!) Her story reflects the weak king that was Henry III and the constant fights he had with his nobles who were concerned he was allowing England to be run by foreigners and unworthy men. Henley’s attention to detail in dress, food and the environment is meticulous. She is so good I simply devoured this novel. Like her others, this is a complex, well-written, lusty tale with splendid characters, a strong feisty heroine, a drool worthy hero (two of them!) and an interesting plot. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

 

The Plantagenet trilogy (in chronological order):

The Falcon and the Flower (1989) - late 12th century/early 13th
The Dragon and the Jewel (1991) - 13th century
The Marriage Prize (2000) - 13th century
The Raven and the Rose (1987) - 15th century
The Hawk and the Dove (1988) - 16th century
The Pirate and the Pagan (1990) - 17th century

 

Sharon Kay Penman’s LIONHEART – Superb Storytelling brings the King Richard’s Crusade to Life

Set in the 12^th century, this begins as the story of Alicia, whose brother, a Templar Knight, is killed in a boating accident on the way to the Holy Land. But Joanna, wife of William de Hauteville, King of Sicily, takes her to Palermo where Alicia thrives under Joanna’s care and the Sicilian sun. And, from there, they join the Crusade led by Joanna’s brother, Richard.

 

Richard, called the Lionheart, the eldest son of Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor of Aquitaine, is a larger than life character as he leads the Third Crusade to free Jerusalem. Penman does a superb job of showing us this man who men followed without question, whose courage led him into the fray time and time again. And she shows us all the disagreements among the Christians and the French king’s betrayal in the campaign against the Saracens.

 

It’s a very exciting and complex story that will draw you in. Based on much research with incredible detail, historical fiction lovers will revel in it. There is also a love story as King Richard marries and takes his new wife and his sister with him to the Holy Land. So there is a woman’s perspective contributing to the story. I loved it so much I then began to read the next in the series, A King’s Ransom.

 

Highly recommended.

 

Barbara Bettis’ SILVERHAWK –Classic Medieval Story of Knights and their Ladies in the time of King Richard

 

Set in Lincolnshire in 1197, this is the story of mercenary knight Sir Giles of Cambrai (“Silverhawk”), who was ambushed by outlaws on his way from France to see Lord Henry of Chauvere, and Lady Emelin of Compton, whose men rescue Giles.

Lady Emelin is on her way from the convent where she was living to wed Lord Osbert, a stranger to her. Osbert essentially bought her as a broodmare from her evil brother, so that he could gain an heir. Despite this, Emelin is willing because she thinks even a bad marriage that will give her children is preferable to life as a nun. When they come across the wounded Sir Giles, she insists they take him with them so his wounds can be tended, little knowing that Giles knows her betrothed and loathes him.

 

This is an adventure with lots of mystery as Sir Giles’ past remains in question until the very end. Emelin is a worthy heroine, brave and yet will do her duty to help others. Giles (“Silverhawk”) remains a noble knight enamored of Emelin but believing he is unworthy of her. There are many great secondary characters that populate the story, and some who scheme to gain the advantage for King Philip of France over King Richard who remains on Crusade throughout the story.

 

A lively tale, I recommend it.