by Tamara Leigh
Series: Age of Honor
Publisher: Independent
ISBN: 978-1942326571
When I was at the JustRead Rendezvous in November, I had the pleasure of meeting Tamara Leigh. I had read one of her contemporary books years ago, but none of her medieval stories. I rectified that by purchasing Valorous!
Summary:
THE WULFRITHS. FIRST. IN BETWEEN. IN THE END.
The late middle ages. England’s king seeks to recover the French lands of his ancestor William the Conqueror and claim the continental throne. France’s king aspires to seize the remainder of his royal vassal’s lands and retain his throne. So begins the Hundred Years’ War, the backdrop against which the formidable Wulfriths of the AGE OF CONQUEST and AGE OF FAITH series continue their tale.
THE HONOR OF HECTOR WULFRITH
Pale rider. For all the wives lost to him, it is what some call England’s renowned trainer of knights, a name that reaches beyond those losses to the plague come out of the east. Believing it God’s will he not wed again, Hector Wulfrith resists being drawn to the courageous lady who enters a country at war with her own and, disguised as a man, trespasses on his home. However, when her resolve to obtain training for a boy she claims is Wulfrith kin drags him into her mess of murder and thievery, mutual attraction becomes something more. If he can save her, dare he risk gaining her for himself knowing her fate could prove the same as his doomed wives’? Would it not be better to encourage her to return the affections of his heir—a brother wronged for what Hector stole from him?
Pale rider. For all the wives lost to him, it is what some call England’s renowned trainer of knights, a name that reaches beyond those losses to the plague come out of the east. Believing it God’s will he not wed again, Hector Wulfrith resists being drawn to the courageous lady who enters a country at war with her own and, disguised as a man, trespasses on his home. However, when her resolve to obtain training for a boy she claims is Wulfrith kin drags him into her mess of murder and thievery, mutual attraction becomes something more. If he can save her, dare he risk gaining her for himself knowing her fate could prove the same as his doomed wives’? Would it not be better to encourage her to return the affections of his heir—a brother wronged for what Hector stole from him?
THE MESS OF SÉVERINE DE BARRA
Since the surrender of her town to English forces, the greatest kindness shown Séverine is that of an enemy of silvered dark hair who saved her from his own when she sought to protect her cousin. Years later, she crosses the channel to keep her word to the boy’s departed sire to place him with distant kin for knighthood training. But the trouble awaiting them in England follows them to Baron Wulfrith whom she must deceive to gain an audience—one that comes to naught though he proves her former savior. Desperate to secure her cousin’s future before the fugitive made of her endangers him, Séverine furthers her deception to obtain the baron’s aid and finds her heart turning to him. But to what lengths will one of fortified emotions go to save a French lady destined for imprisonment in the Tower of London—and possibly death?
My Review:
I can't believe I'm only just now starting the author's medieval stories! I started with Valorous and now I'm all in!
I will admit that it took me a couple of chapters to get my head around "living" in 1352! The dialog and the setting absolutely make you leave living in 2023! What a wonderful adventure!
First, I loved Séverine's commitment to her nephew, Mace, to keep him safe after they're expelled from their home in Calais, France as King Edward takes back his land. At that time, we see a hint of Hector's kindness.
In England, Séverine shows how persistent she is to get what Mace needs! This, of course, involves the Wulfrith's, and Hector does his best to show her that her plans aren't going to come to fruition. Because she won't be deterred, this propels the story forward!
I can see why everyone loves these stories! I was transported to such a unique setting and kept wanting to go back for more! Thank goodness there are the previous two series and the rest in this one!
The family dynamics drew me in like a moth to a flame. I can't wait to read all of their stories! I adored Hector's sister, Fira. My heart went out to Ondine. I wanted to know more about Dangereuse and all ages been through. Last, but not least, Warin, who I can't help but root for! They all made me want to become an honorary sibling.
Obviously, my review is lacking in clearly explaining ALL of the reasons why I loved it. There's just so many pieces of the storyline that have to unfold before the reader that I don't want to spoil, I hesitate to even mention them. I'm happy to talk about them, though, if you've read the story!
I will admit that it took me a couple of chapters to get my head around "living" in 1352! The dialog and the setting absolutely make you leave living in 2023! What a wonderful adventure!
First, I loved Séverine's commitment to her nephew, Mace, to keep him safe after they're expelled from their home in Calais, France as King Edward takes back his land. At that time, we see a hint of Hector's kindness.
In England, Séverine shows how persistent she is to get what Mace needs! This, of course, involves the Wulfrith's, and Hector does his best to show her that her plans aren't going to come to fruition. Because she won't be deterred, this propels the story forward!
I can see why everyone loves these stories! I was transported to such a unique setting and kept wanting to go back for more! Thank goodness there are the previous two series and the rest in this one!
The family dynamics drew me in like a moth to a flame. I can't wait to read all of their stories! I adored Hector's sister, Fira. My heart went out to Ondine. I wanted to know more about Dangereuse and all ages been through. Last, but not least, Warin, who I can't help but root for! They all made me want to become an honorary sibling.
Obviously, my review is lacking in clearly explaining ALL of the reasons why I loved it. There's just so many pieces of the storyline that have to unfold before the reader that I don't want to spoil, I hesitate to even mention them. I'm happy to talk about them, though, if you've read the story!
On to book two...
About the Author:
Tamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books in 1993, her debut medieval romance was nominated for a RITA award, and successive books with Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester earned awards and appeared on national bestseller lists.
In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.
In 2012, Tamara returned to the historical romance genre with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released MERCILESS, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, to be followed by seven more unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. PSST!—It All Began With a Woman. Watch for BOUNDLESS, LAWLESS, and DAUNTLESS, the final books in the AOC series, releasing in 2021.
Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints. Connect with her at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and tamaraleightenn@gmail.com.
For new releases and special promotions, subscribe to Tamara Leigh’s mailing list: www.tamaraleigh.com
1 comments:
Hi Mimi! I'm thrilled you enjoyed Valorous.Thank you for the enthusiasm and lovely review. More Wulfriths coming your way! A Blessed New Year to you and yours!
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