"An exciting historical romance"

In 1329 eleven years old Cynthia le Wyte accompanies her father as he visits the de Ware brood on estate business. After two days of torture from the older de Ware siblings, Cynthia finds solace in a garden. She is unaware that her haven serves as the getaway of the youngest de Ware, Garth. When the girl reaches for a flower, Garth comes out of nowhere to stop her, but is too late as honeybees sting Cynthia. Gently, he uses his knife to remove the stingers from her. Cynthia vows that she will marry her hero.

Almost a decade later, Cynthia is elated that her hero is coming to her family's castle. Her joy turns into shock when Garth arrives as the new lay chaplain. However, the temptation of Cynthia is difficult to avoid so he behaves nastily, but she refuses to accept that the kind soul who once saved her could have changed so much. As he watches her nurture her people, Garth falls in love with his heroine, but an unknown individual has different plans for them that could end tragically without a miracle intervening.

The third de Ware tale (see MY WARRIOR and MY CHAMPION) is an exciting historical romance that shines a powerful light on the fourteenth century by focusing on several major issues including community health and alleged witchcraft. The enticing lead couple hooks the audience from the moment a little Cynthia looks into Garth's eyes with trust. Though Garth seems typical of the novels of this period with his mirthless soul, Cynthia lightens the tone and eventually him. Glynnis Campbell provides an exciting tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted June 15, 2002