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The Novice Bride
by Carol
Townend
Kind Hearts and Romance
in a
War-Torn
Anglo-Saxon and Norman World
Set during the
turbulent times of the
Norman Invasion of the
Anglo-Saxon world shortly after the Battle of Hastings, Carol Townend's
THE NOVICE BRIDE
brings to life a period of history that is less
readily available in Medieval literature. The fast-paced, humorous
beginning draws the reader immediately into the heroine's lovable
character. On her knees in prayer, the novice Lady Cecily of Fulford is
interrupted by the entry of her sister Emma. Normans have invaded
Fulford Hall, their family home. Emma has been made a ward of Duke
William to be given over to marry one of his knights, Sir Adam Wymark.
Emma, disdainful of marriage to this Breton, has no choice but to marry
or escape. Anxious to leave the convent, Cecily strikes up a bargain to
take her place even if it means marrying this man. Adam is drawn to
Cecily from the first glance but can a lady, inexperienced in the ways
of men, find true love in this marriage of convenience with the
conquering enemy? Will Adam ever be able to trust his new bride when
political land divisions, war and secrets threaten loyalties? Will
Cecily be able to find true love of the heart with this foreign knight
when even her own father ruled like a tyrant?
Readers
are likely
to include Cecily and Adam in their list of
favorite hero and heroine matchs. Their kind hearts, torn by political
loyalties and inner battles, yet truly noble in even the smaller
gestures make them unforgettable. The impossible Prioress is a
fantastic secondary character, infusing humor into the story while also
allowing the reader to catch a glimpse of the Medieval religious view
on women. Mother Aethelflaeda draws the reader in from the beginning,
both with a sense of admiration for her independence and moxie but also
with a twist of delightful humor as Carol Townend shows some of her
less admirable and infuriating qualities as well. Each detail creates a
fine painting, bringing alive emotions, inner thoughts and mixed
loyalties as well as the terrain and history. After the convent scene,
the narrative unfolds while the hero and heroine travel on horseback,
giving THE NOVICE BRIDE a
different and delightfully new feel to the
Medieval world as seen in romance. The fast paced beginning slows
slightly in the middle to allow the reader a glimpse into the political
loyalties and histories of the characters. Although less focused
specifically on the hero and heroine, this background lays an important
foundation for the next romance (AN
HONORABLE ROGUE) in the WESSEX
WEDDINGS series. One word describes the ending --- beautiful!
THE NOVICE BRIDE is a historical
romance that will find a special
place in the heart of medieval enthusiasts. The author writes the
historical language conflict into the plot and dialogue, with the
Anglo-Saxons and Normans not understanding each other's language. Carol
Townend makes history and the history of language come alive in a real
and human way as it might have been lived by the actual people rather
the laborious translations needed to access stories told during this
difficult English language period. Exquisitely done! A fine romance for
two inwardly noble and kind hearts!
Book Description:
As
a novice, Lady
Cecily of Fulford's knowledge of men is nonexistent. But when tragic
news bids her home immediately, her only means of escape from the
convent is to brazenly offer herself to the enemy…as a bride!
With her fate now
in the hands of her husband, Sir Adam Wymark, she battles to protect
her family. Suspicions and betrayal are rife, yet their convenient
marriage offers Cecily much more than comfort in her knight's arms…
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The
WESSEX WEDDINGS
series: Normans and Saxons,
conflict and desire
THE NOVICE
BRIDE
AN
HONORABLE ROGUE
HIS CAPTIVE LADY
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His Captive Lady
An Honorable Rogue
The Novice Bride
Leaves On The Wind
Sapphire In The Snow
Shattered Vows
The Stone Rose
Blackthorn Winter |