Helpful Score: 2
Bold and spirited, Lady Marian Wenthaven could wield an impressive sword. Living on her father's estate with her two-year-old son, Lionel, she harbors a dangerous secret. Marian is the close friend, and was once chief lady-in-waiting to the future Queen.
Griffith ap Powell was no stranger to battle, and he helped insure Henry Tudor would be king of England. Now the King has sent him to protect Lady Marian. It doesn't take long to discover treachery is afoot. But strong-willed Marian is not the easiest lady to protect, and the threat may be originating from someone close to Marian. Together they will have to confront the danger, and their feelings for each other.
When I pick up a book by Ms. Dodd, I just know it will be wonderful, and this was no exception. I loved the fact Marian was such a skilled swordsman, an attribute normally associated with men. Griffith was a strong, determined character and it was refreshing he knew he and Marian were meant to be, before she figured it out or accepted it. Art, Griffith's loyal, wily as a fox servant, was a real treat. Liver-spotted, snaggle-toothed and one-eyed, he could still easily seduce women to gain information if needed. The intrigue subplot was engrossing, believable and well done. If I had to come up with something negative to say, it would be the fact Marian did tend to make impulsive decisions, that would put her in dangerous situations requiring rescue. Although other reviewers have already pointed this out, I wasn't bothered enough by her behavior to lower my opinion of the quality of the story. I have read nearly everything Ms. Dodd has written. And yes, I do agree she has written better, but this was still a worthy book, and I do recommend it.
Griffith ap Powell was no stranger to battle, and he helped insure Henry Tudor would be king of England. Now the King has sent him to protect Lady Marian. It doesn't take long to discover treachery is afoot. But strong-willed Marian is not the easiest lady to protect, and the threat may be originating from someone close to Marian. Together they will have to confront the danger, and their feelings for each other.
When I pick up a book by Ms. Dodd, I just know it will be wonderful, and this was no exception. I loved the fact Marian was such a skilled swordsman, an attribute normally associated with men. Griffith was a strong, determined character and it was refreshing he knew he and Marian were meant to be, before she figured it out or accepted it. Art, Griffith's loyal, wily as a fox servant, was a real treat. Liver-spotted, snaggle-toothed and one-eyed, he could still easily seduce women to gain information if needed. The intrigue subplot was engrossing, believable and well done. If I had to come up with something negative to say, it would be the fact Marian did tend to make impulsive decisions, that would put her in dangerous situations requiring rescue. Although other reviewers have already pointed this out, I wasn't bothered enough by her behavior to lower my opinion of the quality of the story. I have read nearly everything Ms. Dodd has written. And yes, I do agree she has written better, but this was still a worthy book, and I do recommend it.
A woman banished
Griffith, battle-seasoned warrior and the king's most trusted emissary, expected to find a shallow, vain, frivolous woman at Wenthaven Castle. After all, as lady-in-waiting to the queen, lovely Lady Marian had been in a position of privilege, yet she had been banished from the court. And the rumors were that she had given birth to an illegitimate child.
An outrageous offer
When he arrived, Griffith found Lady Marian to be strong, intelligent and fiercely protective of the young baby in her custody.... and very suspicious of him. If he were smart, the knight would just deliver the message with which he had been entrusted. Instead, he longs to linger to delve into the mystery that is Marian, to discover what she so desperately fears-and why he so improperly wants her.
Griffith, battle-seasoned warrior and the king's most trusted emissary, expected to find a shallow, vain, frivolous woman at Wenthaven Castle. After all, as lady-in-waiting to the queen, lovely Lady Marian had been in a position of privilege, yet she had been banished from the court. And the rumors were that she had given birth to an illegitimate child.
An outrageous offer
When he arrived, Griffith found Lady Marian to be strong, intelligent and fiercely protective of the young baby in her custody.... and very suspicious of him. If he were smart, the knight would just deliver the message with which he had been entrusted. Instead, he longs to linger to delve into the mystery that is Marian, to discover what she so desperately fears-and why he so improperly wants her.
Real good book, Kings, warriors, etc A great book :)
A great knight and the lady in waiting..........a great mystery with the historical romance theme.
A courageous and loyal lady who must defend and protect an innocent child at the cost of her own reputation... excellent.
Another satisfying historical romance by Christina Dodd, who handles the genre well. The story is rife with political intrigue as Henry Tudor attempts to gain control of the throne. He charges his loyal knight Griffith with protecting the Lady Marian and her illegitimate child, and of course he falls in love with her, despite being aware that she holds secrets, which are later revealed to put his allegiance to the test. The romance between the feisty heroine and gruff hero is cleverly wound around the intrigue in which Marian's father is also deeply embroiled.
I truly tried to enjoy this book, but I wasn't able to finish it. I was able to figure some things out too easily at first. Then the sudden attraction between the hero and heroine just didn't seem convincing to me. The story was slow and it just didn't grab me. When a book grabs me, I'll finish it in a day. So when about half way through this book it wasn't catching my attention, I decided to go to another book.
King's man Griffith ap Powel is entrusted with the mission of protecting Lady Marian Wenthaven and Lionel, though from what he doesn't know. It's hate at first sight (or maybe just strong dislike) for both. Griffith because he likes his women meek and mild, or so he thought. And Lady Marian because she has many secrets which would be impossible to keep with a lover. Little Lionel plays an important role for both of them though once again, Griffith doesn't know why. OF course, hate quickly turns to something more though both fight it, Marian more so.
A tale filled with battles, treachery, betrayals and love. A thoroughly enjoyable medieval story spanning both England and Wales. On a side note, I never did figure out the significance of the title.
A tale filled with battles, treachery, betrayals and love. A thoroughly enjoyable medieval story spanning both England and Wales. On a side note, I never did figure out the significance of the title.
