The Border Lord and the Lady
Bertrice SmallHistorical romance
Available from Berkley Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-451-22792-8
October 2009
| Cicely Bowen's birth was legitimized by both church and state, but it did not stop her stepmother from jealously hating her. Her doting father is forced to send her to fosterage in the court of Queen Joan of England where her important connections take her to a future in the court of James Stewart of Scotland. Encouraged by her father to marry for love, Cicely finds her hand sought by two Scottish Lairds. Which will she pick and what will it mean for a young woman in the wilds of 1400's Scotland?
I have been a huge fan of Bertice Small's since I first laid hands on The Kadin when it was first published. She is largely responsible for my love of historic romance, so it almost goes without saying how much I enjoyed this book, but I will say it anyway. Bertrice Small's historicals are exceptionally well researched and take the reader deeply into the eras about which she writes. She has a way of illustrating a period so that not just the big events of the time are shown, but also the day to day life of her characters. With her historical knowledge and depth of character, Ms. Small shows a great respect for the intelligence of her audience. As usual, the dialogue is smart and funny and the lovemaking passionate and creative. We are given what we have grown to expect from this author and her stories -- a strong heroine ready to take on all that life throws her way, a hero any woman would like to take home, and a historical backdrop suitable for their romance. I especially liked the appearance of a particular goldsmith who reminded me of many other adventures shared with the fabulous characters created by Ms. Small. If you haven't read any of Bertrice Small's books before, this one will stand alone. But be warned, she is addictive and you will beg for more.
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Reviewer: Sky |
