A Tapestry of Dreams

Tales of Jernaeve #1

by Roberta Gellis

The lovely Lady Audris, whose delicate fingers weave fables of the future unto her tapestries, whose special gifts and radiant beauty set her apart in an enchanted age.

And the knight they call Hugh Licorne. In service to his king ... a hero in an age of heroes ... a princely suitor for Lady Audris -- even though she cannot have him.

Against all odds, they dare to search for love ... the lady who has sworn not to marry ... and the knight who has vowed to win her heart...

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Medieval Romance, Fiction

483 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1985

About the author

Roberta Gellis has been one of the most successful writers of historical fiction of the last few decades, having published about 25 meticulously researched historical novels since 1964. She was married to her husband Charles for over 50 years and they lived together in Lafayette, Indiana with a lively Lakeland terrier called Taffy. She has one child called Mark.

Her page at the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase

Reviews

[Cheesecake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this decades ago and had forgotten the name until some fellow 'goodreaders' were good enough to help me find it. I didn't actually re-read it, but just skimmed through it again for nostagia's sake. Still a good book and I still like the MCs. Hugh is a sweet giant who thinks of himself ugly because of his size and red hair. Audris is a small quiet beauty with a spine of steel, and some psychic talent. They have an illicit affair, forbidden because Hugh is only a knight's squire and Audris is a lady. There's a villain and there's a mystery to Hugh's parentage.
I think though what made it stand out in my memory from all the countless bodice rippers I'd read in my late teens, was Hugh. He was actually a nice guy without being weak. Almost all the books back then (and now) have Heroes who are asshats and or manhos, at least at the beginning of the book. Hugh was even a little shy, but at the same time, in no way a pushover. He was not an aristocrat with an attitude, but a lowly servant who stood for honour. The attraction between the MCs was a delight to read unfolding from furtive glances to super HOT passion. And yet there were tender moments a plenty between them as well. So glad to have found this book again!!!
Wish someone would make it an audiobook!

[Lady of the Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't have my copy in front of me but it isn't either of the two listed here. Not the kindle version nor re-print from 2011.. When I get a chance I'll enter the ISBN # .

This story is well done...as much of Roberta Gellis' work is. I have quite a few more of her stories on my shelf that I will get to eventually! As with some authors I find it best to spread out their work to avoid over kill of any one kind writng/story telling.
In this story we have our lead heroine posses a gift for weaving of tapestries...but not just any
Kind of tapestry.. Many of them have the power of telling the future. It's all very well written and played
out. It's a shame that the cover of this book is so bodice ripper-esqe because the story is not like that. Although I love viewing and collecting books with outstanding bodice old school romance covers they do have the tendency to turn readers away. The stigma that has been placed on ROMANCE novels from the past keeps readers away or has them
hiding their book like a dirty little secret. That is a shame! Those
books should be embraced as a special part of writing/reading history.... Granted many are just about soft porn with corset and sword but there are many that, while having the "romance and heat" are very well written...(purple prose and all!) many have a good historical
story line along with the romance. I think they should put the Roberta Gellis books out again in reprint and give them the covers to match their quality.... This I think would help to draw in more readers.

[etherealfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Library Kindle e-book

[Aneca · Rating 4 out of 5]

THEIRS WAS AN AGE OF PASSION AND PAGEANTRY
The lovely Lady Audris, whose delicate fingers weave fables of the future unto her tapestries, whose special gifts and radiant beauty set her apart in an enchanted age. And the knight they call Hugh Licorne. In service to his king ... a hero in an age of heroes ... a princely suitor for Lady Audris -- even though she cannot have him. Against all odds, they dare to search for love ... the lady who has sworn not to marry ... and the knight who has vowed to win her heart…
Tapestry of Dreams is the prequel to Fires of Winter. I happened to read that one first and was then curious to know more about Hugh and Audris who show up as secondary characters.

Set during the Stephen and Matilda wars and especially during the Scottish invasions of 1137 and 1138 about which there’s an author’s note the story begins by introducing Jernaeve, a place between Scotland and England where Audris lives under her uncle’s protection and from time to time receiving the visits of her half brother Bruno. On one of his visits he is accompanied by his friend Hugh Licorne. Hugh is an orphan who doesn’t know is parents. Both young men feel deeply the fact that they have neither riches nor land to call their own.

Audris is somewhat different from other heroines of the time, she is sheltered yes but her main occupation is weaving tapestries and she has none of those feminine gifts like cooking, healing or ordering the keep. Since Hugh is introduced as a friend of her beloved brother there’s immediate warmth is their relationship. What I really liked in how their relationship is portrayed, how open and honest they are with their feelings. Hugh is a warrior but is also capable of gentleness and tender feelings for the woman he loves; Audris is passionate and headstrong in her desire for him. I also liked how Gellis made their sexuality such a natural and joyous part of their union, it seemed right.

There’s war going on and soon the mystery of who Hugh really is and the result of their union makes them leave Jernaeve. I thought the first half of the book was a bit slow but towards the middle it definitely picks up the pace not only in their relationship but also in the background story. Gellis successfully blends story with history and mystery to provide us with an interesting and entertaining historical romance.

Grade: 4/5

[Korynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover is, of course, amazingly inaccurate and hilariously posed, as well as being a total lie about the contents. This book is actually more heavily researched historical novel with only short moments in which an engorged shaft rears forth and soft mounds are laved before dedicating 100 more pages to debate about whether King Stephen can hold the North of England from Scotland's hordes. Cadfael mystery readers take note, this historical novel takes place in the same tumultuous period of England's history. Our lovers have a somewhat believable story that runs throughout the novel despite the heavy historical bent. Our good natured level headed lady has the mystical ability to create tapestries that show future events and our hero is a penniless no name who through merit and good heart manages to win fortune, his lady's heart, estate(s), a knighthood and uncover his heritage.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a sweeping medieval romance. There is something about the scale of the storytelling that really speaks to me on a cellular level. One of my favorite books as a teenager (and to this day) is Katherine by Anya Seton so I was programmed at a young age to love A Tapestry of Dreams. I'm only sad it took this long for me to find Roberta Gellis.

Lady Audris is the only heir to the keep of Jernaeve in the north of England, near the Scottish border. Her uncle has held the keep for her since she was a child but Audris has never shown any real interest in the logistics of running the place. She is a talented weaver who can sometimes see hints of the future in her weavings and is content to live under her uncle's protection and remain unmarried. That is until she meets the squire Hugh Licorne, a young man with no clear parentage and no land, and they can't help their attraction. This sets off an epic love story that takes place against the backdrop of the Scottish invasions at the beginning of the Anarchy, the first English civil war following the Conquest.

I am a giant history nerd so when I get my hands on a medieval romance that really digs deep into the history and uses it to propel the romance forward, I am in heaven. Roberta Gellis had a master's degree in medieval history and it shows on every page of this book. The Anarchy was a time of conflicting loyalties, betrayal and opportunity for those men without land who were willing to fight for their king. We're at the very beginning of this conflict, right after King Stephen has himself anointed and crowned– Matilda is still in Anjou. Hugh seizes on this moment to become a knight and begin the process of becoming a worthy husband to the heiress of Jernaeve.

The romance in this book is both very 80s and very modern. We get a lot of weird euphemisms for sex and all the parts involved (the word "lips" is used a lot... and not to talk about Audris's mouth) but the romance is driven by Audris, not Hugh. She is the one who pushes him into a sexual relationship outside of marriage– he is far more religious than she is– and arranges all of their rendezvous. And when they finally decide to be together, it is Audris who arranges to run away and meet with Hugh. Her dominance in their relationship was an unexpected surprise in a romance novel published in 1985. But it does align with their initial class differences and the fact that women in the medieval period were seen as the more sexually aggressive gender.

This is a dense read at about 500 pages. I wouldn't recommend it to someone new to medieval romance– they should start with Julie Garwood– but I actually think this book would be a great entry point to romance for someone who reads high fantasy. The scale, third person narration and conflict of the book actually align well with that genre and would make this accessible to someone who like dense fantasy writing.

I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to reading more of Roberta Gellis's writing.

[Book Binge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I don't know if I can explain why while doing justice to the book but here's my honest attempt.

Audris is the heiress of Jernaeve. Her uncle runs the keep for her and in her 23 years, she's never met a man who's tempted her towards marriage. She knows that her marriage might not be a good thing for her uncle and his family. Her husband would take over the running of Jernaeve and then what would her uncle do? So Audris has been very happy with the way things are, it gives her time to weave her tapestries, train her falcons and work on her herb garden. Her aunt takes care of the day to day stuff within the keep, and the whole system works for those involved.

Hugh Licorne is the squire of Sir Walter Espec, a landowner and lord. Hugh was raised in Walter's household but Hugh is an orphan. He doesn't know his family name, for all he knows, he's a bastard - and this is something he truly believes. Hugh is a strong fighter, very loyal to those he loves but that also puts him at odds with Sir Walter's heirs.

Hugh and Audris meet when the king comes to visit Jernaeve and tries to marry her off to one of his followers he wishes to reward. Audris quickly finds a protector in Hugh - a man who sees her for who she really is, not as a rich heiress. Hugh can see how far above himself Audris is, so although he desires her, he knows he can never have her. But the very things Hugh sees in her, she sees in him and she wants him. She doesn't see him as a nobody.

And although Audris wants Hugh, the reason why she can't have him still exist. She could not take Jernaeve away from her uncle. And Hugh cannot get over his lack of a background, he believes he doesn't deserve Audris, so he will use any opportunity he can to further himself politically and financially.

Besides Hugh and Audris, there's a whole smattering of characters that enter into this tale. And then there are the politics. These were some crazy politics! The King was constantly facing invasion from Scotland and an uprising from the various Barons who opposed him. This (the 1100s) was a very dangerous time in Northern England and Hugh and Audris are caught right up in the middle of it.

I really enjoyed Tapestry of Dreams. Hugh and Audris are well written characters and we get to know them really well. Their emotions, their motivations. And it's great that these two become friends before they become lovers - there are very believable reasons to their not being able to be together right away. And the political environment is very engaging. This book was long but never boring. I found the non-regency time period so refreshing and I definitely need to read more medieval romances. There were no balls, no fripperies and indeed, everyday was a fight for survival. I ate it up.

I can't wait to see what else gets reprinted by this author. 4 out of 5.

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Ames.

[Raye · Rating 2 out of 5]

This historical fiction had both too much history and too much fiction, and never really seemed to find its way. Set during the Scottish invasions of Cumbria in the 12th century, the historical background seems badly written and difficult to follow. At the same time, the fictional hero and leading lady seem randomly inserted and their scenes feel like a boring bodice-ripper.

[Michelle Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not your typical romance. It is wonderfully written about the era of medival England.

[Leslie Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like "Madeline le Bastard (sp?) novels, so I was assuming I would enjoy this book as well. But I couldn't.

[Shadi McMillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and well written

Initially I was a bit put off by the way the author described the atrocities of the Scots during the war of The Standard. Was King Stephen’s arm behave better? I did read the author’s notes and believe she may have been correct, but to not write about what the English had done to the Scots is biased in my opinion. The chroniclers of the time, were mostly English and if the events are based on their written accounts, I accepted that the author is blameless in her lack of resources.
I was surprised to know that they spoke French and English was not the main language as Hugh is noted to only know a few words of English.
The romance of Audris and Hugh did not carry the depth I thought it should. Audris seems to go from a happy and light disposition to an anxiety ridden mood in a split second and then back again. It’s difficult to keep up. Hugh is a warrior with a big heart, but I could easily believe him to me a smitten little 13 year old boy.
Despite a good start on developing Bruno’s character, Audris’ half brother, he faded into the background and only mentioned once toward the end. Why did they not consider Bruno as a castellan for one of the empty keeps?
Overall, was an interesting story and the history was stronger than the romance, which I’m okay with, however I paused more times in reading this book than I have with any other book because so many scenes were long drawn out and over analyzed.

[Joanne Renaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweeping medieval adventure set against the summer invasion of Scotland into Northumbria during the Anarchy about Hugh, a gentle red-haired squire of mysterious birth, and Audris, a whimsical lady with great skill in weaving and a touch of psychic ability, this book shines when it focuses on the main couple, but at times gets a bit bogged down in politics and battlefield tactics. However, it's still an engaging read, and a must read for Gellis fans or anyone interested in the period.

Gellis, I've found, has a remarkable ability at constructing intricate, satisfying plots with unique heroes and heroines, and her skill is in full force here. Her historical knowledge is impressive, and I loved how the hero and heroine acted believably like people from the time period. I especially enjoyed reading about Hugh's discovery of the secret of his birth, and Audris's ability to weave tapestries with possible messages about the future-- which she was constantly trying to decipher, with varying degrees of success- was really cool. And it was all woven (lol) deftly into the plot. Once I reached the end, it left me with a happy, satisfied glow that only a really well-written romance can achieve.

Of course, now I have to read the sequel and find out what happens to the heroine's bastard brother immediately!

[Elena Johansen · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 10%, page 52. The cover looks like a romance. The blurb reads like it's a romance. And yet, in the first fifty pages, I'm more intimately introduced to a castle, an army, the King, and the state of the English-Scottish war of the time than I am the lady of the romance, who has about a two-page appearance in the first chapter, which is from her half-brother's POV. She hasn't even met her love interest yet, who did get two chapters of his own but has yet to have any personality other than "loyal to his master."

Okay, I know this was published in 1986, so I wasn't expecting it to line up with modern romance structure or use modern conventions. But seriously? 10% in and half the romantic pair has next to no page time? If I want to read about war, I have plenty of other books I can go to for that. I read romance for stories about women finding happiness, not men going to battle.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly mystical story of a young heiress in the north of England in the mid-1100s. She's happy to let her uncle run her estate as long as she can weave her possibly predictive tapestries. When she meets the older squire Hugh Licorne, or Unicorn, she starts weaving tapestries of unicorns as she falls in love with him. The story plays out in the midst of the wars and rebellions of the Scots and English and barons of multiple countries, while the hero and heroine try to be together without hurting their loved parents and being overrun by enemies. It's a good story with an interesting plot. I liked it a lot.

[Dev · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the characters are likeable and well developed, the story line felt like it dragged on. If you really like English/Scottish history, you might find it more enjoyable, but I had to skip a number of pages.

[Freyja Vanadis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book back in 1985, when I liked romance novels a lot more than I do now. But this one actually isn't bad, and there's enough medieval history to keep it interesting.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever writing, great characters, wonderful exploration of interpersonal relationships, adventure and much more. Each detail is important.
A very good read.

[Theresa Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good. That being said it could have been 100 pages less by taking out some of the parts of detailed history.

[Jane Boilesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read many of Roberta Gellis' books in my 30s and especially loved the Rosylinde books. this one did not disappoint even though it has been on my shelf for many years!

[Dick R. McCart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and heartwarming

Roberta is a strong author of considerable talent. Her knowledge of history is awe inspiring. Her characters made me care. Her fight scenes are remarkable.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the cover, this was quite a thorough examination of the Scots invasion of England in 1136. Most of the action takes place in and around a keep called Jernaeve that is situated atop a rock outcropping called Iron Fist, just a few miles south of Hadrian's Wall. The "holder" of the keep and the farms and village around it is a young woman named Audis whose uncle manages the estate for her. She is a gifted weaver and her wall hangings bring extra income. She is also a healer. Into her life comes Hugh Licorice, foster son of the Archbishop of York, knight and orphan. Most of the plot action concerns medieval warfare, the court of King Stephen, and Hugh's search for his parentage. The everyday life detail was fascinating and the story intriguing. Ellis writes a good romance and an even better tale of medieval English life. I found myself looking up King David of Scotland, King Stephen, falconry, medieval tapestries, and tournaments. Good story and good history.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cover does not do this book justice as this is not a "bodice ripper." In fact had I seen this book in a book store I would have walked on by and that is a shame as I would have denied myself a very good book.
Our heroine, Lady Audris weaves tapestries of outstanding beauty. But her tapestries have, at times, foretold the future. Whether this is because Audris is psychic or just very aware of what is going on around her you will have to read the book to find out.
She is living in a highly defensible keep known as Iron Fist which is being held for her by her Uncle until she marries. She is the rightful heir but she fears if she marries a man strong enough to manage the place he will displace the Uncle she loves so much. Therefore Audris has vowed not to marry at all. But then Hugh Licorne comes into her life as part of King Stephen's entourage and all bets are off as they say. But Hugh is landless and not even a knight so how can he possibly even be considered as a suitable husband for the Lady Audris?
There is much Hugh does not know about his parentage as he was raised as a foundling by the mighty Archbishop Thurston and then passed to Earl Walter for training. As Hugh works hard to gain some land for himself so he can be deemed worthy for Audris he learns of his past and finds out the secret of his birth.
This was a truly enjoyable book with a strong love story and well developed characters. There is a strong bit of history too with the battle for control of Britain between Stephen and Matilda. The Scottish invasions play a vital role in the tale as well - there is a bit of gore but there cannot be war without it. Despite the cover the book is more historical novel than anything else. The sex scenes are there but don't dominate the book. I would love to follow these two on further adventures.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of A Tapestry of Dream in the books I received for attending the Online Book Bloggers Conference. The book is a reprint of a book first published in 1985 and the writing style is different from books being published today. The style does not date the book. A Tapestry of Dreams tells the story of Lady Audris who weaves tapestries that often hint at the future. She is content to stay unmarried and let her Uncle control her estate until Hugh Licorne arrives. Audris is everything that Hugh wants in a wife but he has nothing to offer a Lady like Audris. There is no quick solution to Hugh and Audris’s dilemma.

A Tapestry of Dreams is a character driven story set in England during the time of King Stephen and Empress Matilda. Both Stephen and Matilda claimed the throne and the war between the two moved up and down the land. Roberta Gellis uses the history of this time to weave a historically accurate romance. Events in the books are not rushed. Backgrounds are established, characters are introduced and the plot unfolds in a logical manner that holds the readers attention throughout the book. Roberta Gellis has a wonderful way with words and tells a compelling story.
There are plans to release more of Roberta Gellis’ backlist and I look forward to reading other of her books.

[Veronica Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A romance with history, mystery, and some supernatural thrown in for good measure.

[Vivisection · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I used to read Roberta Gellis way back in the early days of my historical romance obsession. I think my Gram even read some of her stuff (although with all the talk of shafts and nether lips, I'm surprised she did. Gram liked her romance regency style.). I hadn't read this one though. I am always a sucker for history around the time of Stephen and Matilda. Although no one will ever do it as well as Sharon Kay Penman

This romance was sweet enough and I was very compelled by Hugh and his tale of bastardy as well as the relationship between Audris and her family.

[PK Reeves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow but steady .... Read Aisle B's review http://aisleb.tumblr.com/post/5417017...

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Page 85 and they haven't even met yet. This book while historically interesting is going to take me awhile.

Finally I am done!