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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!
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
(2007)
Reviewed by Merrimon,
Medieval Book Reviews
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