"History lovers should read this book"
In 1205 England, Lord Durand de Marle buries his adulterous
wife Marion without shedding a tear. Durand struggles to
even say a prayer for his spouse, but finally manages one
while also asking for his own forgiveness for leaving her
alone so often while he fought in battles. He plans to
ignore his new baby daughter because he doubts he is the
sire. He feels that his fifteen-year-old and twelve-year-
old sons are from his seed. Durand does find his child's nurse Christina quite
attractive. She reciprocates as she sees a kindness inside
of him. However, she is married to the odious Simon le
Gros, an avaricious individual who wants his wife to insure
that Durand's infant stays ill so he has need of them.
Realizing an opportunity based on the obvious longing
between his spouse and his lord, Simon seizes the moment by
accusing Christina of treachery towards King John. Only
Durand who loves Christina stands in the way of her certain
death. Though Simon the villain does not have one redeeming
quality, readers will delight at hissing at this gross
individual serving as the counterpoint to the lead duo.
The story line moves rather quickly, bringing alive the
reign of King John especially through the vivid secondary
cast. Fans of medieval romance will find the juxtaposition
of Simon vs. Durand and Christina quite a spectacle that
shows why award winning Ann Lawrence's previous sub-genre
entry, LORD OF THE KEEP, is so popular. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 24, 2001
Summary2001 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice
Award Winner - Best Medieval Historical
Romance Forgive the sins of my wife,' he
prayed. 'Forgive the winter cold of my heart.' For as he
knelt in the darkened chapel by his wife's lifeless body,
he knew the babe she had birthed could not be his. The
scent of spring--blossoms, wet leaves, damp earth--preceded
the alluring woman into the chapel. As she honored his dead
wife with garlands, she seemed to bring him fresh hope,
just as she nourished the little girl his wife had left
behind. Even though she was not his, could it be wrong to
reach out for life, for love? As he watched her nurse the
child in the walled courtyard whre his wife had met her
lovers, he could not deny his longing for her lush kiss,
could not ignore her urging to turn away from yesterday's
sorrows and embrace tomorrow's sweetness.
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