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The Sword of Glastonbury #1
Knowing Yourself
Kay is entranced with the possibilities which lie before her. Five handsome, willing men are vying for her hand in marriage. The stakes are ownership of a medieval keep perched on the rocky edge of a stormy ocean. Each man seems more stunning than the last, and it is her choice which will reward the prize.
To make the game even more interesting, Kay is disguised as a handmaiden to her sister, Em, so that she might more freely mingle with the suitors. In this way she can learn their strengths and catch them in their most unguarded moments.
As the threat of border reivers approaches the keep, Kay finds that her pleasurable pastime takes on a far more serious overtone. Knowing who to trust and who to depend on becomes a matter of life and death!
All author's proceeds from sales of the Sword of Glastonbury series benefit battered women’s shelters.
Knowing Yourself is book one in the Sword of Glastonbury series. Each novel ends in a happily ever after, which then leads into the next book in the series. Each of these full-length romances features its own flavor, atmosphere, and main characters. Each is set in a different part of medieval England and showcases the natural beauty of its region. Knowing Yourself is set in Cumbria, in northwestern England.
Knowing Yourself is a lighthearted tale of romance and courtship, with a pair of fun-loving sisters, in the style of a medieval bachelorette contest. It is suitable for teens and older. It does not feature any strong language nor any intimacy beyond a gentle kiss.
To learn more about the widespread use of the wax tablet for note taking in medieval times, be sure to read this article:
https://www.bl.uk/eblj/1994articles/p...
To make the game even more interesting, Kay is disguised as a handmaiden to her sister, Em, so that she might more freely mingle with the suitors. In this way she can learn their strengths and catch them in their most unguarded moments.
As the threat of border reivers approaches the keep, Kay finds that her pleasurable pastime takes on a far more serious overtone. Knowing who to trust and who to depend on becomes a matter of life and death!
All author's proceeds from sales of the Sword of Glastonbury series benefit battered women’s shelters.
Knowing Yourself is book one in the Sword of Glastonbury series. Each novel ends in a happily ever after, which then leads into the next book in the series. Each of these full-length romances features its own flavor, atmosphere, and main characters. Each is set in a different part of medieval England and showcases the natural beauty of its region. Knowing Yourself is set in Cumbria, in northwestern England.
Knowing Yourself is a lighthearted tale of romance and courtship, with a pair of fun-loving sisters, in the style of a medieval bachelorette contest. It is suitable for teens and older. It does not feature any strong language nor any intimacy beyond a gentle kiss.
To learn more about the widespread use of the wax tablet for note taking in medieval times, be sure to read this article:
https://www.bl.uk/eblj/1994articles/p...
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2011
404 people are currently reading
1118 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Shea
514 books468 followersLisa Shea is a fervent fan of honor, loyalty, and chivalry. She brings to life worlds where men and women stand shoulder to shoulder, steady in their desire to make the world a better place for all. Most of her profits are donated to support battered women's shelters.
Lisa's works are all cleanly written with no explicit intimacy and little language. They are suitable for teens and up.
Lisa has written a wide range of fiction stories. She has medieval romances, modern murder mystery novels, sci-fi adventures, Scottish regency time travel romances, dystopian stories, 1800s-era black-Indian novellas, and Blackstone Valley mysteries.
In short stories, there's a thirty-one part story-a-day mini mystery series set in Salem, Massachusetts through the month of October 2014. There's a time travel series, a Biblical-era series, a zoo mystery series, an art museum mystery series, a diner mystery series with an Asperger's heroine, a romantic proposal series, three sci-fi and two contemporary shorts.
On the non-fiction side, Lisa has written nearly 100 books. There are low carb books, relationship books, green living, journaling, ASP programming, sleep and dreams, wine, wedding and courtship traditions, Melville poetry, and history. There is also a collection of books on self-help topics like working from home, reducing stress, yoga, meditation, using Twitter, running an author signing, and conquering a fear of spiders.
Lisa also writes poetry.
Lisa has thousands of pages online to help aspiring authors learn how to develop time management, write that book, lay it out, and get it published. Visit LisaShea.com for all the details, and free to email with questions!
Namaste.
Lisa's works are all cleanly written with no explicit intimacy and little language. They are suitable for teens and up.
Lisa has written a wide range of fiction stories. She has medieval romances, modern murder mystery novels, sci-fi adventures, Scottish regency time travel romances, dystopian stories, 1800s-era black-Indian novellas, and Blackstone Valley mysteries.
In short stories, there's a thirty-one part story-a-day mini mystery series set in Salem, Massachusetts through the month of October 2014. There's a time travel series, a Biblical-era series, a zoo mystery series, an art museum mystery series, a diner mystery series with an Asperger's heroine, a romantic proposal series, three sci-fi and two contemporary shorts.
On the non-fiction side, Lisa has written nearly 100 books. There are low carb books, relationship books, green living, journaling, ASP programming, sleep and dreams, wine, wedding and courtship traditions, Melville poetry, and history. There is also a collection of books on self-help topics like working from home, reducing stress, yoga, meditation, using Twitter, running an author signing, and conquering a fear of spiders.
Lisa also writes poetry.
Lisa has thousands of pages online to help aspiring authors learn how to develop time management, write that book, lay it out, and get it published. Visit LisaShea.com for all the details, and free to email with questions!
Namaste.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 26, 2015
"Her father had sent word the length and breadth of England in his search, bringing in five worthy, eligible bachelors who were interested in control of the seaside tower. All five men had agreed up front to put themselves in the hands of this selection process – to vie against each other for Kay’s hand in marriage. Now they were being told the particular rules of the game."
Warning: sarcasm font is on!
What we have here is a bachelorette type of story, although I highly doubt any medieval lord would allow second or third sons of nobodies (seriously, none of these men seemed to come from a noble family). There are two sisters, one is married and with child, the second sister is the 'bachelorette' of the story. The sister's names are Mary Magdalene and Keren-happuch (this is the heroine). Long names, so they've always gone by the first initial, so M, or Em and K or Kay. Even the servants call Kay Kay.
For realz.
Anyhoo, the prospective grooms arrive for the contest, but Kay wants to observe the lads up close and personal, so she disguises herself as Em's maid and has free run of the keep. Acts like she's in charge of the keep, and the servants obey her every command and she eats at the main table, but the prospective bridegrooms never bat an eye, and never suspect that she's more than a lady's maid - even when there's an emergency over some missing horses and she commands the groom to mount her up on the best horse in the stable and everyone follow her to rescue the horses. One of the missing horses is a foal that she foaled herself (!!), and it's trapped on some cliff in a nasty storm and she has to hold the foal (how heavy would that foal be?) and jump into the hero's arms.
For realz.
The heroine's age is never mentioned, but IIRC medieval misses were usually wedded and bedded younger than our Kay seems to be. Words fail at this mish-mash of credulity stretching drama, anachronisms and oh, those modern words that had no business being used in 1174 England. Well bred young ladies wielding daggers and swords? Cleaning out the stables? On page one the two sisters arrive at the keep to meet these bachelors in a "coach". In 1174. No escort to speak of, the father is absent (as is the husband of the second sister) and they have no older female relative to keep things on the up and up. Just all the servants and five unmarried men.
For realz.
Now for the inaccuracies and anachronisms and modern words. There are two many to quote entirely, but this should give potential readers some idea of what I went though.
“I am sure I could find all sorts of uses for a back-up knight with that kind of build.”
Good to know he was well built :p
...sibling rivalry, hijinks, “I should have known you were frigid...”
Oh dear. And one of our bachelors speaking of the London of Henry II and Eleanor:
There were masked balls and summer soirees.” His voice grew hoarse. “And the women … oh, the women …” and also widows who need consoling and beautiful young ingénues...
Soirees back then? Who knew? /sarcasm
...top dog, Peons, lollygagging, Hooligan, and even barracks for the soldiers.
For realz.
Don't bother, and everyone thank me for taking a hit for the team on this freebie. You are welcome.
Warning: sarcasm font is on!
What we have here is a bachelorette type of story, although I highly doubt any medieval lord would allow second or third sons of nobodies (seriously, none of these men seemed to come from a noble family). There are two sisters, one is married and with child, the second sister is the 'bachelorette' of the story. The sister's names are Mary Magdalene and Keren-happuch (this is the heroine). Long names, so they've always gone by the first initial, so M, or Em and K or Kay. Even the servants call Kay Kay.
For realz.
Anyhoo, the prospective grooms arrive for the contest, but Kay wants to observe the lads up close and personal, so she disguises herself as Em's maid and has free run of the keep. Acts like she's in charge of the keep, and the servants obey her every command and she eats at the main table, but the prospective bridegrooms never bat an eye, and never suspect that she's more than a lady's maid - even when there's an emergency over some missing horses and she commands the groom to mount her up on the best horse in the stable and everyone follow her to rescue the horses. One of the missing horses is a foal that she foaled herself (!!), and it's trapped on some cliff in a nasty storm and she has to hold the foal (how heavy would that foal be?) and jump into the hero's arms.
For realz.
The heroine's age is never mentioned, but IIRC medieval misses were usually wedded and bedded younger than our Kay seems to be. Words fail at this mish-mash of credulity stretching drama, anachronisms and oh, those modern words that had no business being used in 1174 England. Well bred young ladies wielding daggers and swords? Cleaning out the stables? On page one the two sisters arrive at the keep to meet these bachelors in a "coach". In 1174. No escort to speak of, the father is absent (as is the husband of the second sister) and they have no older female relative to keep things on the up and up. Just all the servants and five unmarried men.
For realz.
Now for the inaccuracies and anachronisms and modern words. There are two many to quote entirely, but this should give potential readers some idea of what I went though.
“I am sure I could find all sorts of uses for a back-up knight with that kind of build.”
Good to know he was well built :p
...sibling rivalry, hijinks, “I should have known you were frigid...”
Oh dear. And one of our bachelors speaking of the London of Henry II and Eleanor:
There were masked balls and summer soirees.” His voice grew hoarse. “And the women … oh, the women …” and also widows who need consoling and beautiful young ingénues...
Soirees back then? Who knew? /sarcasm
...top dog, Peons, lollygagging, Hooligan, and even barracks for the soldiers.
For realz.
Don't bother, and everyone thank me for taking a hit for the team on this freebie. You are welcome.
April 22, 2016
Superficiality and melodrama kick historical accuracy to the curb and stomp on it a few times on their way to the medieval wedding altar.
I saw this was a Kindle freebie today. The blurb (sort of a medieval-era Bachelorette contest) didn't ring any bells at first, but then I checked Amazon and realized it was one of those silly romances that I read (or skimmed) last year and discarded without even bothering to review it. I'm doing it now just so I don't forget what kind of books this author writes.
I saw this was a Kindle freebie today. The blurb (sort of a medieval-era Bachelorette contest) didn't ring any bells at first, but then I checked Amazon and realized it was one of those silly romances that I read (or skimmed) last year and discarded without even bothering to review it. I'm doing it now just so I don't forget what kind of books this author writes.
avoid
December 15, 2016NTS: Though I own this piece of shyte, it was offered as a kindle freebie.
See "Misfit's" review for reason not to read this.
See "Misfit's" review for reason not to read this.
December 27, 2014
Barely OK--I did stick it through to the end. Good plot line, but the characters were either sticky sickly sweet or entirely evil. As others have mentioned, the dialogues are entirely modern, which was more off-putting to me than I had thought it would be. I did some eye-rolling throughout the book, [Spoiler alert] but a fight scene near the end in which the hero, in the middle of a vicious sword fight, and while the heroine hangs by her fingertips over an abyss, utters a long speech in which he speaks of his love's "soulful eyes," in which his eyes "sought out Kay's for a long moment" (in the middle of a sword fight?) and ends with his proposal of marriage to her. That whole scene brought an "oh brother" from me.
February 22, 2018
This is a very sweet and very silly little romance novel.
The hero is obvious right from the moment the five men are introduced. Four of the men are described quite normally and the fifth description dwells on firm thighs, strong arms, thick waves of tawny hair, and eyes like peaceful pools! Who will win the fair maid's heart? It's a mystery!
So you know the hero from the start, but seeing each man disqualify himself from the contest and be gracefully dismissed by Em (disguised as Kay) was quite fun. Kay and Em have a wonderful sisterly relationship, and the men are cartoonishly drawn but amusing as well. There's some good banter - yes the language is hardly medieval, but really, does anyone want to be reading Chaucer in a trashy romance? The modern American dialogue works much better.
I'm only sad that a trick was missed in the contest. As far as I could tell, the contest seemed to be a half-hour conversation with Em in the morning, and then hanging around waiting for fate to give a chance to prove their mettle. I wanted jousting! And wrestling! And a poetry competition! And a maths test, dammit!
Nevermind, the various plot-required emergencies were still fun, if implausible. I appreciate that medieval women were a lot more powerful, and martial, then we give them credit for in the modern era, but I still doubt that woman could climb a cliff-face, pick up a foal, and jump off into the arms of a waiting man without all of them breaking at least one rib and one leg! Ok, ok, I know it's the symbolism of the trust fall that counts - but it would be great if the events of a story could be both believable and meaningful!
But don't listen to the gripes, if you're looking for a swift, fun, beach-read that will switch your mind off, this does the trick.
The hero is obvious right from the moment the five men are introduced. Four of the men are described quite normally and the fifth description dwells on firm thighs, strong arms, thick waves of tawny hair, and eyes like peaceful pools! Who will win the fair maid's heart? It's a mystery!
So you know the hero from the start, but seeing each man disqualify himself from the contest and be gracefully dismissed by Em (disguised as Kay) was quite fun. Kay and Em have a wonderful sisterly relationship, and the men are cartoonishly drawn but amusing as well. There's some good banter - yes the language is hardly medieval, but really, does anyone want to be reading Chaucer in a trashy romance? The modern American dialogue works much better.
I'm only sad that a trick was missed in the contest. As far as I could tell, the contest seemed to be a half-hour conversation with Em in the morning, and then hanging around waiting for fate to give a chance to prove their mettle. I wanted jousting! And wrestling! And a poetry competition! And a maths test, dammit!
Nevermind, the various plot-required emergencies were still fun, if implausible. I appreciate that medieval women were a lot more powerful, and martial, then we give them credit for in the modern era, but I still doubt that woman could climb a cliff-face, pick up a foal, and jump off into the arms of a waiting man without all of them breaking at least one rib and one leg! Ok, ok, I know it's the symbolism of the trust fall that counts - but it would be great if the events of a story could be both believable and meaningful!
But don't listen to the gripes, if you're looking for a swift, fun, beach-read that will switch your mind off, this does the trick.
June 27, 2015
Too modern to be medieval.
Strong heroine through adversity searches for her HEA.
Good plot, great melodramatic, clever, calculating characters, a little over the top, easy read. However, as others have stated modern feel and a guy running around with a wax tablet ... really.
Strong heroine through adversity searches for her HEA.
Good plot, great melodramatic, clever, calculating characters, a little over the top, easy read. However, as others have stated modern feel and a guy running around with a wax tablet ... really.
November 6, 2017
If you are looking for a sweet, comforting read with a happily ever after, this is for you, especially if you like historical fiction. Sometimes strong female characters in books lose their femininity, as if there is something impossible about being strong and a woman at the same time, but Kay is tough as well as hopeful and feminine. I really liked the relationship she had with her sister, and the fun moments as well as the more serious ones. Very entertaining and highly recommended.
April 24, 2020
3.5
some was good but other parts were just a bit too overly cheesy. I think my limit was spouting love expressions while in the midst of a sword fight. (no, not while the lovers themselves fought .. THAT would have been cool!)
some was good but other parts were just a bit too overly cheesy. I think my limit was spouting love expressions while in the midst of a sword fight. (no, not while the lovers themselves fought .. THAT would have been cool!)
August 25, 2017
.
This was a cozy, historical, medevial tale; which held a twist throughout most of the book. It was definitely a very unique way to choose a husband, that I have never read about before.
The story line keeps you very captivated, with all the twists and turns. The characters developed very nicely.
Some of the things I most cherish in a series is that each book can stand on its own and it is written in a clean and wholesome fashion. This book meets that criteria very nicely, including an HEA.
.
.
**** SPOILER ****
.
I didn't understand the premise behind the special sword in the title. There was very little mention, except for when it is received, used once, and released.
This was a cozy, historical, medevial tale; which held a twist throughout most of the book. It was definitely a very unique way to choose a husband, that I have never read about before.
The story line keeps you very captivated, with all the twists and turns. The characters developed very nicely.
Some of the things I most cherish in a series is that each book can stand on its own and it is written in a clean and wholesome fashion. This book meets that criteria very nicely, including an HEA.
.
.
**** SPOILER ****
.
I didn't understand the premise behind the special sword in the title. There was very little mention, except for when it is received, used once, and released.
December 26, 2015
I started off enjoying this book because it was just kinda cute. Not historically accurate, but whatever. But by the time I finished it and looked back, it was just....not that great. The main focus seemed to be on men respecting the main female lead. Sure, she's good with a sword and she practically runs an entire castle by herself, but geesh. It was like this lady demanded to be considered an equal or above all men. And that was what I left with. Not love or romantic feelings, just that a dude needed to have respect for her.
So that's why I have the low rating.
So that's why I have the low rating.
September 21, 2015
Eh. It was clear who the winner of the "game" would be from the second he was introduced and the conflict felt rushed and jammed in at the end. Very messy writing, the sword storyline didn't interweave well with the rest and the characters were not written properly for the time period
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2020
A short sweet medieval romance
First details: this is a quite short romance you can read in one sitting. It's based in medieval times so the author uses language and customs of the time. The author used the Bachelorette game idea as part of the format of the story.
Summary: five men are invited to vie for the hand of maiden of the keep by the sea. Kay, who's posing as her mistress' hand maiden, needs to know these men to see if they will be a match for her and help run this keep when in actuality she's the mistress of the keep.
During the course of getting to know them, she finds a sinister plot out to get her.
While I did find this to be a cute story, I found there to be too many modern ideas added to a medieval story. The inconsistencies made it hard to enjoy this story. Like the fact that Kay is the owner of this keep but she's pretending to be a servant but she's the one barking orders. Or that she has no chaperone to aid her in her selection of a suitable husband. And that her sister's husband would actually agree to his very pregnant wife go so far when she's that far along.
The inconsistencies in thinking like modern people doesn't fit with medieval times. I don't think this story is worth your time.
First details: this is a quite short romance you can read in one sitting. It's based in medieval times so the author uses language and customs of the time. The author used the Bachelorette game idea as part of the format of the story.
Summary: five men are invited to vie for the hand of maiden of the keep by the sea. Kay, who's posing as her mistress' hand maiden, needs to know these men to see if they will be a match for her and help run this keep when in actuality she's the mistress of the keep.
During the course of getting to know them, she finds a sinister plot out to get her.
While I did find this to be a cute story, I found there to be too many modern ideas added to a medieval story. The inconsistencies made it hard to enjoy this story. Like the fact that Kay is the owner of this keep but she's pretending to be a servant but she's the one barking orders. Or that she has no chaperone to aid her in her selection of a suitable husband. And that her sister's husband would actually agree to his very pregnant wife go so far when she's that far along.
The inconsistencies in thinking like modern people doesn't fit with medieval times. I don't think this story is worth your time.
October 29, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It opens with Kay in disguise and her sister hidden from view. The five suitors are meant to believe that her hidden sister is their hoped for bride leaving Kay free to mingle with them and observe their behaviour. They and the sisters with their escorts are all on their to the castle and lands which are Kay's and will be part of her dowry. This setting and situation immediately aroused my curiosity and I read on to find out what developed. My curiosity was eventually satisfied but not without many surprising developments. It wasn't to be merely an opportunity for each suitor in turn to display his prowess and then leave it for Kay to reveal herself, choose one and all live happily ever after. Oh no, for at least three of them seem to be worthy of her attention despite the fact that she is most drawn to one of those. She is quite conscious of her obligations to her tenants and knows that the one she chooses must be able to drive off any attackers. But will the rejected suitors be content to accept her decision and ride off back on their way home?
September 5, 2019
Wonderful escape to medieval times!
Right from the start, the writing drew me in and made me feel like I was taken back in time. The setting is beautifully described, and the authenticity is palpable. The characters came to life right on the page and I was instantly hooked.
Kay is a smart young woman, one who knows that choosing a husband wisely is much more dependent on the man's character than on his visible attributes. Her ruse allows her to get to know each on a more honest footing, not relying only on the side of themselves they wish to present.
Reese is a truly honorable man with a sharp intellect and a huge heart. He's the perfect match for Kay, and I really enjoyed reading their story. There's plenty of action, sword-fighting, romancing (though no steamy scenes), and a wonderful HEA that sees the Sword of Glastonbury passed on to its next owner, which segues into the next book in the series. After reading this one, I bought the next and kept right on reading.
Right from the start, the writing drew me in and made me feel like I was taken back in time. The setting is beautifully described, and the authenticity is palpable. The characters came to life right on the page and I was instantly hooked.
Kay is a smart young woman, one who knows that choosing a husband wisely is much more dependent on the man's character than on his visible attributes. Her ruse allows her to get to know each on a more honest footing, not relying only on the side of themselves they wish to present.
Reese is a truly honorable man with a sharp intellect and a huge heart. He's the perfect match for Kay, and I really enjoyed reading their story. There's plenty of action, sword-fighting, romancing (though no steamy scenes), and a wonderful HEA that sees the Sword of Glastonbury passed on to its next owner, which segues into the next book in the series. After reading this one, I bought the next and kept right on reading.
January 19, 2023
This is another book I blindly love for nostalgia reasons. I legit remembered nothing about this book except that I loved it. This is surprising since I don’t like historical stuff, and it’s meant to be a medieval romance. I don’t think it’s actually that historical because I think it was meant for a modern audience. That could be a reason I like it since I have no idea what a medieval book would actually read like.
I love the concept, and I love the different characters. Each character has their own unique personality and backstory. I love how respectful Reese is towards Kay, and I love their relationship.
The book never felt too slow, and I’m glad we got to know all the guys a good amount. Everyone got their own little scene when leaving.
Lol we will see if I forget every detail and re-read this again in the future!
I love the concept, and I love the different characters. Each character has their own unique personality and backstory. I love how respectful Reese is towards Kay, and I love their relationship.
The book never felt too slow, and I’m glad we got to know all the guys a good amount. Everyone got their own little scene when leaving.
Lol we will see if I forget every detail and re-read this again in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
I don’t think I was the target audience.
Out of all of the things I want to say, I’m going to say only one: why, when Galeron WON the contest/agreement did he instigate this whole mess of a second half of the book? Everyone, I repeat, everyone (including MC lady) agreed to terms beforehand. He won. Then, the minute he did, he orchestrated an attack. Why? All he would’ve had to do was insist these honorable people hold to their terms. If they didn’t, surprise attack it later. I mean, he has all the details, and no one questioned his info gathering before his premature attack. He’s supposed to be so very clever so as to be a formidable villain, but that made no sense. I just can’t shut my logic brain off (also, how did a guy in 1100’s England have TWO perfectly sized iron grates built and installed that quickly?).
But idk it was a cute nice little love story in its own way
Out of all of the things I want to say, I’m going to say only one: why, when Galeron WON the contest/agreement did he instigate this whole mess of a second half of the book? Everyone, I repeat, everyone (including MC lady) agreed to terms beforehand. He won. Then, the minute he did, he orchestrated an attack. Why? All he would’ve had to do was insist these honorable people hold to their terms. If they didn’t, surprise attack it later. I mean, he has all the details, and no one questioned his info gathering before his premature attack. He’s supposed to be so very clever so as to be a formidable villain, but that made no sense. I just can’t shut my logic brain off (also, how did a guy in 1100’s England have TWO perfectly sized iron grates built and installed that quickly?).
But idk it was a cute nice little love story in its own way
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2019
The title is a deep one. Which also plays into the story. There are mature things going on within the book. I personally would want my teenagers to read it. However, it was clean, they mention promiscuous activities of a sister but I wasn't totally understanding this because she's married. So I'm not sure if the roos for the younger sister to pretend who she was to find someone one for her sister or for her. I got lost in that a bit.
Kay posses as a ladies maid type of thing to her sister. to weed out potential suitors. Anyway, besides that, I really enjoyed the storyline and Kay's journey to be who she is supposed to be and keep her own personal identity in the realm of sword fighting were that is a man's place. I loved that part.
Kay posses as a ladies maid type of thing to her sister. to weed out potential suitors. Anyway, besides that, I really enjoyed the storyline and Kay's journey to be who she is supposed to be and keep her own personal identity in the realm of sword fighting were that is a man's place. I loved that part.
June 4, 2020
The story was okay if you could suspend belief in places. For example Kay was still able to function after a rather serious sword wound to her leg that should have left her incapacitated, and also the scene with the foal.
I also wondered why none of the suitors ever became suspicious that a maid could have so much influence with her so-called superiors.
I was waiting for the twist that one or two other reviewers had mentioned but none came, perhaps because I had sussed the plot from very much near the beginning of the story. I guessed what was coming and I was right.
Never-the-less it was a entertaining enough read and evidence that a story can hold interest without pages of repetitive sexual content.
Okay for a free read.
I also wondered why none of the suitors ever became suspicious that a maid could have so much influence with her so-called superiors.
I was waiting for the twist that one or two other reviewers had mentioned but none came, perhaps because I had sussed the plot from very much near the beginning of the story. I guessed what was coming and I was right.
Never-the-less it was a entertaining enough read and evidence that a story can hold interest without pages of repetitive sexual content.
Okay for a free read.
July 24, 2020
Kay was a young mistress playing a game of find the husband that best fits you. It was something her father set up for her to find the man of her dreams. Five men were chosen to go to her keep and she was to observe and figure out which one she wanted. With the help of her sister, Em, she sussed out which man she cared for the most. But one of the men, Galenor, had other plans and things went awry when Kay figured out she wanted Reese. Fighting ensued and things became complicated to the point that Kay and her sister were held for ransom in a way. Eventually everything was settled to a degree and things processed to another fight were the victor, Reese, got the girl and lived happily ever after.
March 1, 2022
Cute, light, entertaining. That’s all I was expecting from it. Not some rich, heart throbbing page turner. Just something sweet. That’s why I have it 3 stars, it met my expectations. And even though parts are weak, it wasn’t an unpleasant read.
Honestly it was fairly clever at times… I would have worked through the drama with the baby horse a bit differently - in an actually realistic way. That was pretty big flaw. Could have given each man more of a gray area. THE SWORD should have come into play more often if it was so significant. And towards the end, after the last conflict it would have nice to have more content on how they got out of that situation. Rather then all too basic “problems solved, let’s jump to the happy ending” sort of thing.
Honestly it was fairly clever at times… I would have worked through the drama with the baby horse a bit differently - in an actually realistic way. That was pretty big flaw. Could have given each man more of a gray area. THE SWORD should have come into play more often if it was so significant. And towards the end, after the last conflict it would have nice to have more content on how they got out of that situation. Rather then all too basic “problems solved, let’s jump to the happy ending” sort of thing.
March 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this look at Medieval Europe, where women were much more involved in leadership roles than is commonly thought today. It is an exciting adventure tale, with romance and a look at everyday life thrown in.
After reading this I did a bit of research . I'm happy to report that the historical aspects seem to be correct. Most noble women of this time were not trained in weaponry and the defense of their keeps, but it was still very common. Neither was it unknown for women to have positions of responsibility in the towns.
After reading this I did a bit of research . I'm happy to report that the historical aspects seem to be correct. Most noble women of this time were not trained in weaponry and the defense of their keeps, but it was still very common. Neither was it unknown for women to have positions of responsibility in the towns.
November 25, 2019
A medieval bachelorette!
I was quite surprised by this novel. It starts out as a medieval bachelorette. But Kay was quickly disposing of suitors left and right. I wondered where the story would go after that, but I began to catch on the plot. Very clever indeed. Lots of action and sword fights. And Kay was an excellent heroine. Love her all the way. And while it was easy to predict her suitor, the tail beyond that was the best part!
Clean read. Starts off sounding risqué, but it really is a clean read.
I was quite surprised by this novel. It starts out as a medieval bachelorette. But Kay was quickly disposing of suitors left and right. I wondered where the story would go after that, but I began to catch on the plot. Very clever indeed. Lots of action and sword fights. And Kay was an excellent heroine. Love her all the way. And while it was easy to predict her suitor, the tail beyond that was the best part!
Clean read. Starts off sounding risqué, but it really is a clean read.
June 19, 2017
Rating 3.5. This is a clean romance. It seemed to me that this could have been a young adult book. Perhaps it was the premise of the book--the five suitors and the girl behind the curtain--that seemed more YA. However, I liked the story and the characters well enough. I think the title is strange and I am not sure exactly how it ties in. I was also disappointed that the sword did not factor in more with the story.
November 5, 2017
Not into history so couldn’t care if there were things wrong, and looking at others review, there are lots.
I like the strong female who cared about her home and people. And how blasé she was about injuries to herself.
Very bachelor/bachelorette tv series thing going on with the 5 suitors and finding a husband.
Not all seem to be who they are. Can’t decide if I liked that fact or hated the fact it was the guy you thought but wondered how the rest faired.
I like the strong female who cared about her home and people. And how blasé she was about injuries to herself.
Very bachelor/bachelorette tv series thing going on with the 5 suitors and finding a husband.
Not all seem to be who they are. Can’t decide if I liked that fact or hated the fact it was the guy you thought but wondered how the rest faired.
July 12, 2018
Strong women
It's a good book. The female protagonist is smart, strong willed in mind and body. Kay is wtty, but not quite so much as her sister Em. They are a perfect foil for each other. The antagonistic duo of Jack and Galeron, richly got what they deserved. I would have did more to them, but that's another story. This time is fast paced and I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical stories of this nature.
It's a good book. The female protagonist is smart, strong willed in mind and body. Kay is wtty, but not quite so much as her sister Em. They are a perfect foil for each other. The antagonistic duo of Jack and Galeron, richly got what they deserved. I would have did more to them, but that's another story. This time is fast paced and I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical stories of this nature.
July 1, 2017
Knowing Yourself - A Mediaeval Romance (The Sword of Glastonbury Series Book 1)
The love story of Reese and Kay. A love story with a medieval twist. Kay must chose a husband and to chose a husband a game was the way her choice is made. Can a game make the choice or will love make it. OK story.
The love story of Reese and Kay. A love story with a medieval twist. Kay must chose a husband and to chose a husband a game was the way her choice is made. Can a game make the choice or will love make it. OK story.
July 5, 2017
Ugh. I couldn't finish it. It hurts my heart to give a negative review on an authors hard work...even the curiosity of who she chooses was not enough to keep me. The last statement I read that caused me to close the book for good was "What is it you want from life?" Much too modern language and idioms used to make a setting in the year 1174 believable.
November 20, 2017
This is a very good book! It is not the typical romance book it has a lot of romance in it but if you are looking for those books that should come with a huge triple X rating this is not for you. However if you are looking for a cleverly written well thought out heart warming historical romance you will love this book!
February 8, 2018
Great Historical Read
I love medieval European history, but have been able to slog through very few historical fiction on it, as I only notice the "mistakes" in the historical writing. Ms Shae's passion for medieval culture and history, shines through in her characters and settings. The story and dialogue grips and drags one in. I look forward to reading more in the series.
I love medieval European history, but have been able to slog through very few historical fiction on it, as I only notice the "mistakes" in the historical writing. Ms Shae's passion for medieval culture and history, shines through in her characters and settings. The story and dialogue grips and drags one in. I look forward to reading more in the series.
April 1, 2018
Strong heroine story line
While the story is a tried and true storyline if file meets boy, things draw the together and push them apart and evil drops in for a minute, I truly enjoyed this story. Kay and Reese belonged together and you know it from the start but how they get there is an excellent adventure
While the story is a tried and true storyline if file meets boy, things draw the together and push them apart and evil drops in for a minute, I truly enjoyed this story. Kay and Reese belonged together and you know it from the start but how they get there is an excellent adventure
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