"An engrossing and sensual journey through Medieval times..."
Anna de Leon is an unusual woman. Especially for medieval
times. When women of her era are taught that they are to be
submissive to their lords, masters and husbands, Anna is a
woman determined to follow her own rules. Having always seen herself as the 'ugly' sister, largely
due to her tall height and less than dainty physique, Anna
has planned her life to be devoted to God at a local abbey.
However, when her parents and then brother die, Anna is
needed to take temporary responsibility for the welfare of
her people at the family castle and lands in Brittany. As
Lady, Anna finds herself revered as a 'saint' by many of
her people - partly because she is so different, and also
due to the fact that she has learned to fight like a
warrior, and has miraculously survived her own bout with
the plague. This is an era of unrest - with Brittany in the middle of a
heated battle between France and England for rulership.
Amongst this tumult, Anna's people face threats from
thieves and brigands, and the even greater threat to life
from the plague that is currently sweeping Europe. It is the plague that brings Morvan Fitzwaryn into Anna's
life. Morvan is a knight and leader of men. When one of his
men succumbs to the plague, Morvan takes shelter with the
dying man in a cottage, where he fully expects he will also
die - if not from catching the disease, then from the local
people who would burn down the cottage to save themselves
from the dreaded plague. Just as the villagers are
preparing to burn down the cottage containing Morvan and
his man, rescue comes in the form of two knights who calm
the people and promise sanctuary to Morvan and his friend.
Morvan is of course surprised as they exit the cottage and
find one of the knights to be in fact a woman. The rest of Morvan's men are rounded up and all are taken
to Anna's castle for care and observation until the threat
of the disease spreading is over. As Anna herself has
already suffered and survived the plague, it is she who
spends most time with Morvan and tends to him when he
succumbs to the fever. He too survives, and finds himself
even more drawn to Anna - feeling a unique bond and
understanding that has developed between them. While Anna
also feels this connection and is strongly attracted to
Morvan, she sees no future in their relationship and
remains determined to enter the Abbey. Before this can
happen however, England's King must answer her pleas and
give his permission for Anna's young sister to marry and
for her and her husband to take over ruling the estate. To
add to the unrest, Anna finds herself and her people
threatened by the arrival of Gurwant - an evil and barbaric
man to whom Anna was once betrothed. The betrothal was
annulled by the Pope after Gurwant and his father tried to
rape the young Anna to seal the deal. However, Gurwant is
determined to own Anna's lands and is prepared to do
whatever it takes to be in possession of both the estate,
and Anna. Morvan has sworn to protect Anna from all threats -
including the hated Gurwant. Added to this is is growing
attraction and need to be part of Anna's life. Throughout
battles, confrontations, and a trip to England, Morvan and
Anna find themselves each getting closer and succumbing to
their physical desires, while being drawn back to their
perceived realities which deny them a future together. The characters in this story are well developed and
likeable. Anna is a sympathetic heroine, and Morvan is a
strong, loyal and tender hero. While the first half of the
book is slower, the second half picks up the pace as Morvan
and Anna resolve the conflicts, both external and internal,
to find their lives stronger and entwined forever.
Likewise, the sensuality is merely hinted in early parts of
the story, but builds with satisfying intensity. In
summary, this is a very well written and enjoyable medieval
romance that is a recommended read. Sensuality rating: Warm to Hot
Reviewed by Cathryn Jones
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted April 9, 2002
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