One day, Lucy slips away from her hard life to take a swim in a secluded pool. A pair of hunters interrupts her relaxing day. Before she can flee, one of the men commands her to stop and asks her name. She surprises herself when she tells him that her name is Lucy, for only her family knows her by that name. She is usually dressed in her disguise and goes by the name Winnie.

As she turns to leave, the handsome man’s words stop her once more. He says he loves her and wants to marry her. She tells him that she will never marry. He then informs Lucy that he is Prince Lothar, but this doesn’t sway her. Lucy knows that if he ever found out whose daughter she is, he would despise her. Lucy flees into the forest without looking back.

Prince Lothar searches for the beautiful maiden but none of the villagers know her. Before leaving for Verdun, the capital city of Lotharingia, he offers a reward for information about her.

Those closest to Prince Lothar are interested in Lucy as well. They are devious men who will stop at nothing to get what they want. Their evil schemes could destroy Lucy’s chance at finding love and happiness in Prince Lothar’s arms.

KEY TO LOVE is a beautiful Christian romance. Most of the book is about Lucy learning to accept God’s love, so the romance takes a backseat until later on in the story. Allowing God into her heart shows Lucy that she is worthy of Lothar’s love, and how to open her heart to receive it. Lucy and Lothar are strong, delightful characters. They have so many obstacles thrown in their path, but their love and faith see them through all their adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, touching story.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Renee Burnette
February 28, 2004