What do you think?
Rate this book
de Lohr Dynasty #1
While Angels Slept
1139 A.D. – When her husband perishes in a skirmish, the Lady Cantia du Bexley Penden is distraught. Her husband was assisting the mighty Viscount Winterton in the battle for the throne between Empress Matilda and Stephen of Blois, caught, like most men, in a vicious struggle for the rightful ruler of England.
Tevin du Reims is Viscount Winterton, a man with a heavy burden to bear and a dreadful secret. A lonely man whose wife left him years ago with a sickly child to raise, he is drawn to the sorrowful Lady Penden and in comforting her, falls in love with her. With her husband so recently killed, Cantia cannot resist the solace offered by the handsome viscount.
A fiery passion is borne from grief and loneliness, and soon Tevin and Cantia find themselves in the grip of a powerful romance. But forces are at work against them; Cantia’s father-in –law, driven to madness by the death of his son, plots Cantia’s demise, blaming her for his son’s death. Complicating the issue is Tevin’s cousin, the lecherous Earl of East Anglia, who sets his sights on Cantia as a conquest. In order to protect Cantia, Tevin secretly whisks her from Rochester Castle with the intention of sending her someplace safe. But his altruistic plans come to ruin when Cantia is abducted by outlaws.
And so begins the journey. Come along on the adventure of Tevin and Cantia, following them through death and life, through sorrow and hope. It is a tale of a lifetime involving two people with utterly shattered lives who must save each other and restore hope during the dark times of early Medieval England, during a turbulent time when men openly said Christ and his angels slept….
Tevin du Reims is Viscount Winterton, a man with a heavy burden to bear and a dreadful secret. A lonely man whose wife left him years ago with a sickly child to raise, he is drawn to the sorrowful Lady Penden and in comforting her, falls in love with her. With her husband so recently killed, Cantia cannot resist the solace offered by the handsome viscount.
A fiery passion is borne from grief and loneliness, and soon Tevin and Cantia find themselves in the grip of a powerful romance. But forces are at work against them; Cantia’s father-in –law, driven to madness by the death of his son, plots Cantia’s demise, blaming her for his son’s death. Complicating the issue is Tevin’s cousin, the lecherous Earl of East Anglia, who sets his sights on Cantia as a conquest. In order to protect Cantia, Tevin secretly whisks her from Rochester Castle with the intention of sending her someplace safe. But his altruistic plans come to ruin when Cantia is abducted by outlaws.
And so begins the journey. Come along on the adventure of Tevin and Cantia, following them through death and life, through sorrow and hope. It is a tale of a lifetime involving two people with utterly shattered lives who must save each other and restore hope during the dark times of early Medieval England, during a turbulent time when men openly said Christ and his angels slept….
308 pages, ebook
First published October 25, 2012
543 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
323 books2,084 followersJuggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 31, 2015
This is the very first Kathryn LeVeque book that I didn't absolutely adore. There was only one problem with the story but that problem was huge for me and ultimately undermined the enjoyment of the entire book. It is also something Ms. LeVeque is usually incredibly adept at - and that is the integrity of character development and consistency.
The story starts with LeVeque painting a picture of the death of a beloved husband so beautifully that it literally brings tears to the reader's eyes. The anguish of the loving and devoted wife was written with such heart wrenching beauty that one feels every devastating moment. In mere WEEKS after that devastating event, however, this same woman who has portrayed such integrity goes completely against character and invites another man to her bed! Not only that but readily agrees to be his mistress, completely unconcerned about how her decision will affect her children. Again, this is less than ONE month after her beloved husband dies and during her time of mourning! Poof!! Fell in love, torrid affair, mistress baring bastards...perfectly acceptable.... What?!?!?
If the characters had been written in a way that this would be believable.... If there had even been a few months before that head jarring switch in character or even if Ms. LeVeque hadn't written her characters so beautifully to begin with, this might not have been so blaring. Unfortunately, as it stands, it influences the entire book and leaves a burden of insurmountable believability to every subsequent reference of the hero and heroine's upstanding character. Ugh.
The story starts with LeVeque painting a picture of the death of a beloved husband so beautifully that it literally brings tears to the reader's eyes. The anguish of the loving and devoted wife was written with such heart wrenching beauty that one feels every devastating moment. In mere WEEKS after that devastating event, however, this same woman who has portrayed such integrity goes completely against character and invites another man to her bed! Not only that but readily agrees to be his mistress, completely unconcerned about how her decision will affect her children. Again, this is less than ONE month after her beloved husband dies and during her time of mourning! Poof!! Fell in love, torrid affair, mistress baring bastards...perfectly acceptable.... What?!?!?
If the characters had been written in a way that this would be believable.... If there had even been a few months before that head jarring switch in character or even if Ms. LeVeque hadn't written her characters so beautifully to begin with, this might not have been so blaring. Unfortunately, as it stands, it influences the entire book and leaves a burden of insurmountable believability to every subsequent reference of the hero and heroine's upstanding character. Ugh.
May 4, 2013
Better have tissues ready!
I found this novel to be slightly different than some of Kathryn's other stories that I have read. Don't get me wrong I loved the the other stories as well, but this one was a nice change. It's not as battle heavy, and doesn't have the same court intrigue. I find court intrigue sometimes wearying.
The hero Tevin is for lack of a better word dreamy. He is a gentle giant; fierce in battle but tender in life. He has a disabled daughter he adores. And a sister that drives him mad but whom he loves deeply. The Heroine Catina's story starts out very sad and tragic. She is a character you come to admire for her strength, compassion, and how great a mother she is to her young son Hunt. This is a very character rich story as are most of Kathryn's books. The minor characters are as delightful as the main are. I love how this author makes her characters emotionally open. They love openly and grieve openly. It helps me to connect with them.
If you want a moving read, that keeps you throughly entertained READ THIS STORY. If you are looking for a light humorous medieval story...this isn't it. But who cares, don't pass this great story up! lol ;)
I did notice some grammar and editing problems, but not enough to bother my reading. I would reread this story again mistakes and all.
BONUS: At the end of this book the author mentions that alot of her other books stem from this novel. I loved knowing how they were connected, and if you are lover of this authors books I'm sure you will too!!
I found this novel to be slightly different than some of Kathryn's other stories that I have read. Don't get me wrong I loved the the other stories as well, but this one was a nice change. It's not as battle heavy, and doesn't have the same court intrigue. I find court intrigue sometimes wearying.
The hero Tevin is for lack of a better word dreamy. He is a gentle giant; fierce in battle but tender in life. He has a disabled daughter he adores. And a sister that drives him mad but whom he loves deeply. The Heroine Catina's story starts out very sad and tragic. She is a character you come to admire for her strength, compassion, and how great a mother she is to her young son Hunt. This is a very character rich story as are most of Kathryn's books. The minor characters are as delightful as the main are. I love how this author makes her characters emotionally open. They love openly and grieve openly. It helps me to connect with them.
If you want a moving read, that keeps you throughly entertained READ THIS STORY. If you are looking for a light humorous medieval story...this isn't it. But who cares, don't pass this great story up! lol ;)
I did notice some grammar and editing problems, but not enough to bother my reading. I would reread this story again mistakes and all.
BONUS: At the end of this book the author mentions that alot of her other books stem from this novel. I loved knowing how they were connected, and if you are lover of this authors books I'm sure you will too!!
January 23, 2021
Its started beautifully. The scene death of beloved husband made me cry. It was very emotional scene.
But less than a month, she and his liege fall in love. I dont know what to say. Im sorry its too soon. Arrrgghh!
Nevermind as long as the happy ending is there.
But less than a month, she and his liege fall in love. I dont know what to say. Im sorry its too soon. Arrrgghh!
Nevermind as long as the happy ending is there.
July 2, 2018
This was just 'okay' for KL, overlooking typos as usual. Be warned if you don't like adultery - this is gosh darn chocked full of "adulterousy" shenanigans. I generally liked both the h/H from the beginning but by the end I found the h annoying with her demanding attitude and the way she handled several situations just doesn't seem appropriate for the time period. Down right far-fetched in places.
The epilogue was worth reading the book, as it's a nice bit of housekeeping, to tie things up neatly (maybe that is why I finally settled on 3 vs 2 *). However, I like my historical fiction as accurate as possible and reference to the wrong King Henry in the epilogue several times is irksome! So much so, that I have researched any situation in which King Henry II is referenced as King Henry I and cannot find an example. How did this book go from a brilliant brain to publisher to audio without that being caught?
The epilogue was worth reading the book, as it's a nice bit of housekeeping, to tie things up neatly (maybe that is why I finally settled on 3 vs 2 *). However, I like my historical fiction as accurate as possible and reference to the wrong King Henry in the epilogue several times is irksome! So much so, that I have researched any situation in which King Henry II is referenced as King Henry I and cannot find an example. How did this book go from a brilliant brain to publisher to audio without that being caught?
April 23, 2023
Re-read.
Read this years ago and enjoyed it. I picked it up again after finishing the author's latest book (as of 4/23/23), "Lion of Twilight," a de Lohr Dynasty story.
I wanted to read "While Angels Slept" because it's secondary characters, Val du Reims and Myles de Lohr, essentially begin the entire de Lohr Dynasty. Make no mistake, however, I LOVED the main characters, Lady Cantia du Bexley Penden and Tevin du Reims and their tale. It's a great medieval love story.
Read this years ago and enjoyed it. I picked it up again after finishing the author's latest book (as of 4/23/23), "Lion of Twilight," a de Lohr Dynasty story.
I wanted to read "While Angels Slept" because it's secondary characters, Val du Reims and Myles de Lohr, essentially begin the entire de Lohr Dynasty. Make no mistake, however, I LOVED the main characters, Lady Cantia du Bexley Penden and Tevin du Reims and their tale. It's a great medieval love story.
July 27, 2016
5***** this is one medieval romance that you will need the tissues out for. I was crying for the first 15% of it. It cheers up nicely after that. The story centres on the family and the relationships. Our hero has a disabled child that a lot of men of that era would have rejected. Then the way he dealt with the old father in law shocked me. I really enjoyed this as usual Kathryn has written a very compelling story.
February 15, 2021
The Land🏰 Was All Undone💔
ADULT Medieval Historical Romance 💕and Knight's 🐺💪🔪Adventure with Abduction.
Kent, England 1139 AD......The days of yore 🏰and valiant knights🐺💪🔪.
What a wonderfully written and absorbing tale of Cantia,💃💋 a wife to a nobleman knight 🐺💪🔪who is killed in battle. She is left with a little boy👦 and a father in law that has gone insane over the loss of his son.
Luckily, Another noble knight, Tevin 🐺💪🔪, is there to pick up the pieces, be they scattered, tattered, and forlorn... nothing will stand in his way!
I always enjoy Kathryn Le Veque's sweeping love stories and well researched historical novels based in true history! Great book! I highly recommend this emotional and deeply moving historical romance.
ADULT Medieval Historical Romance 💕and Knight's 🐺💪🔪Adventure with Abduction.
Kent, England 1139 AD......The days of yore 🏰and valiant knights🐺💪🔪.
What a wonderfully written and absorbing tale of Cantia,💃💋 a wife to a nobleman knight 🐺💪🔪who is killed in battle. She is left with a little boy👦 and a father in law that has gone insane over the loss of his son.
Luckily, Another noble knight, Tevin 🐺💪🔪, is there to pick up the pieces, be they scattered, tattered, and forlorn... nothing will stand in his way!
I always enjoy Kathryn Le Veque's sweeping love stories and well researched historical novels based in true history! Great book! I highly recommend this emotional and deeply moving historical romance.
March 30, 2021
Another beautiful, emotionally touching book by Kathryn Le Veque! The characters are so well developed and detailed, you feel as if they come to life as you read. Obviously she researches for each book so you often notice things pulled from actual historical accounts as well as those from the imagination of a best selling author. Love that this is one of the very first books acquainting us with the de Rheims family saga. You can easily follow up on the other characters you enjoy and their families. Don’t forget the Kleenex, a definite must you’ll probably need. I honestly don’t understand how Kathryn can write such beautiful, touching scenes of distress, but she’s a master at it! Excellent book!😍
September 29, 2017
Life in history
Loved the story as I have all your writings. I always have trouble putting them down. There is passion, love, war and heroes. The only problem I had with this story was there was a lot of typing errors in the book. I am one of those that read every word and almost all books that I read have some typos. This one had more than usual.
Loved the story as I have all your writings. I always have trouble putting them down. There is passion, love, war and heroes. The only problem I had with this story was there was a lot of typing errors in the book. I am one of those that read every word and almost all books that I read have some typos. This one had more than usual.
January 27, 2015
Needs proofreading
The stories flow feels interrupted by the mistakes. Example would be where it says the date as May but on the same page it describes the chill of the March air. Also there were many other small errors throughout the book, that took away the enjoyment.
The stories flow feels interrupted by the mistakes. Example would be where it says the date as May but on the same page it describes the chill of the March air. Also there were many other small errors throughout the book, that took away the enjoyment.
December 7, 2023
Cantia and Tevin are meant to be together!
Love the story of Cantia the widow and her liege, Tevin!
They meet under sad circumstances and fight their attraction to each other. Cantia is so beautiful that other men desire her.
There are reasons that Tevin can't be with her.
Their story is an interesting read. If you are a sucker for a love story, then this is for you.
This is my honest review.
Love the story of Cantia the widow and her liege, Tevin!
They meet under sad circumstances and fight their attraction to each other. Cantia is so beautiful that other men desire her.
There are reasons that Tevin can't be with her.
Their story is an interesting read. If you are a sucker for a love story, then this is for you.
This is my honest review.
Want to read
February 8, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/8/2020)! 🎁
January 11, 2015
Not bad. A little on the boring side.
Tevin du Reims, Viscount Winterton, arrives at Rochester as part the war between Stephen of Blois and the Empress Matlida. du Reims is supporting Stephen in the war, and during a battle to take a bridge, one his knights is killed in battle. He arrives at Rochester to find the distraught Lady Cantia du Bexley Penden, and is almost immediately charmed by her beauty. If it's not bad enough that he's married to a woman that abandoned him years ago, and she's still grieving for her husband, Le Veque throws du Reims psychopathic cousin, the Earl of East Anglia into the mix. The Earl takes whatever he wants and naturally upon seeing her, he wants Cantia.
At this point, the Earl also wants to switch sides to back the Empress Matlida, but that becomes a rather minor point in the story.
One thing that did bother me...at the start of Chapter 7, Tevan and Cantia are having an encounter, and Le Veque writes "He was in pieces of armor which seemed to come off in steady rhythm. Cantia was adept at such things, having helped Brac on many occasions. She knew which fasten needed to undone before the next piece could be removed and soon she had strewn sections of armor about the floor." But later when it's all said and done and Tevan is trying to get out of the room unnoticed we get "He found his breeches, his boots, and finally his tunic, pulling them on in that order." So...what happened to all those sections of armor that were strewn about the floor? He didn't put them on...and certainly leaving them laying about is going to tip off Cantia's son Hunt, who really wants some armor for himself. It's too bad that wasn't really resolved, because I was looking forward to see the clanking knight try to slip by the inquisitive five year old.
All in all, not a bad read, but very light on the politics at the time. Still, that might appeal to some readers who don't want to get bogged down in a game of thrones.
Tevin du Reims, Viscount Winterton, arrives at Rochester as part the war between Stephen of Blois and the Empress Matlida. du Reims is supporting Stephen in the war, and during a battle to take a bridge, one his knights is killed in battle. He arrives at Rochester to find the distraught Lady Cantia du Bexley Penden, and is almost immediately charmed by her beauty. If it's not bad enough that he's married to a woman that abandoned him years ago, and she's still grieving for her husband, Le Veque throws du Reims psychopathic cousin, the Earl of East Anglia into the mix. The Earl takes whatever he wants and naturally upon seeing her, he wants Cantia.
At this point, the Earl also wants to switch sides to back the Empress Matlida, but that becomes a rather minor point in the story.
One thing that did bother me...at the start of Chapter 7, Tevan and Cantia are having an encounter, and Le Veque writes "He was in pieces of armor which seemed to come off in steady rhythm. Cantia was adept at such things, having helped Brac on many occasions. She knew which fasten needed to undone before the next piece could be removed and soon she had strewn sections of armor about the floor." But later when it's all said and done and Tevan is trying to get out of the room unnoticed we get "He found his breeches, his boots, and finally his tunic, pulling them on in that order." So...what happened to all those sections of armor that were strewn about the floor? He didn't put them on...and certainly leaving them laying about is going to tip off Cantia's son Hunt, who really wants some armor for himself. It's too bad that wasn't really resolved, because I was looking forward to see the clanking knight try to slip by the inquisitive five year old.
All in all, not a bad read, but very light on the politics at the time. Still, that might appeal to some readers who don't want to get bogged down in a game of thrones.
October 11, 2018
This is a very grown up book in the life of Medieval men and women. I think that these two lovers, Tevin du Reims and Lady Cantia du Bexley Penden are one of the best couples that Kathryn has written about. Lady Cantia is definitely my kind of female heroine and Tevin is most definitely my kind of man! Both are strong, yet vulnerable and their love is so stong and deep that even the laws of the time will not keep them apart. All the surrounding characters are great too, Hunt is the cutest little child with his lisp, wanting to be a knight and his fascination with funerals, his humour is charming... and is Gillywiss their guardian angel? Although this is a rather serious and grown up tale, it is also very poignant with a lot of humour and empathy. Tevin is a huge man full of great feeling and Cantia is a woman of gentleness and wisdom. What also makes this story such an epic tale is that Val du Reims and Myles de Lohr are the founders of the de Lohr dynasty and Eleanor was the mother of Kieran Hage, so all the family connections start to come together. A wonderfully moving tale!
May 13, 2016
And So It Begins,...
And now I have read almost all of Kathryn's books, and of course will re-read so many with answers to questions I did not even realise I had.
eg. Where did the mighty "du Lohr" dynasty begin? Also, why did the place and title "the marches" begin? Where had I heard the title "Lords of East Anglia" before? What was the background and origin of the beautiful and wise Eleanor Briton du Rheims and Geoffrey Hage and the mysterious origins of the decendants of the Earl of Newark And finally from where did so many of the great warriors to go to the Levant emerge. For all this and much, much more I highly recommend this book.
Now there is no doubt of the true origin of the burning passion in the blood of so many; the legacy of Cantia & Brac Penden AND Cantia & Tevin du Reims.
P.S. All blooming spelling errors of Great Family Names are due to automatic spell check and my frustration with the same
And now I have read almost all of Kathryn's books, and of course will re-read so many with answers to questions I did not even realise I had.
eg. Where did the mighty "du Lohr" dynasty begin? Also, why did the place and title "the marches" begin? Where had I heard the title "Lords of East Anglia" before? What was the background and origin of the beautiful and wise Eleanor Briton du Rheims and Geoffrey Hage and the mysterious origins of the decendants of the Earl of Newark And finally from where did so many of the great warriors to go to the Levant emerge. For all this and much, much more I highly recommend this book.
Now there is no doubt of the true origin of the burning passion in the blood of so many; the legacy of Cantia & Brac Penden AND Cantia & Tevin du Reims.
P.S. All blooming spelling errors of Great Family Names are due to automatic spell check and my frustration with the same
December 31, 2019
I didn’t really like the main character, I just have a hard time relating to a heroine who supposedly had a great marriage, someone who she loved since childhood then suddenly not one month after he is killed replaces him so easily. Not only was her first marriage so tepid compared to her rebound relationship but that she has no problems being someone’s mistress essentially a whore who thinks populating the world with bastards at the time is like a great honor. I have problems with Le Veque heroines at times who pants after men after such a short period of time and don’t care about their dignity or reputation just as long as they have the guy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2016
FANTASTIC
As usual Kathryn Le Veque has done an amazing job. The heartfelt emotions in this story were as real as our everyday lives. There was excitement, sadness ,happiness and love. The writing g a d the story itself told of many facts of the history of Earls and Lords. Knights and Vicounts. AMAZING READING!!!
As usual Kathryn Le Veque has done an amazing job. The heartfelt emotions in this story were as real as our everyday lives. There was excitement, sadness ,happiness and love. The writing g a d the story itself told of many facts of the history of Earls and Lords. Knights and Vicounts. AMAZING READING!!!
July 24, 2016
Deeply Moving Characters
Compelling story with many layers to draw the reader in and take one on an adventurous ride. Filled with passion and creative expression to put one's self in midst of medieval time. So full of unique characters from the families interleaved to make for a generational experience!
Compelling story with many layers to draw the reader in and take one on an adventurous ride. Filled with passion and creative expression to put one's self in midst of medieval time. So full of unique characters from the families interleaved to make for a generational experience!
August 24, 2016
A Wonderful Story
This is a beautiful story that takes the reader through the relationship of Cantia and Tevin from its inception. The story is filled with descriptions that engage the reader in the emotions and events of life as the characters live them. The author captivates readers, leaving them with a desire to read more.
This is a beautiful story that takes the reader through the relationship of Cantia and Tevin from its inception. The story is filled with descriptions that engage the reader in the emotions and events of life as the characters live them. The author captivates readers, leaving them with a desire to read more.
July 3, 2023
Cue all the swoons!
Whew - what an emotional roller coaster! Tevin and Cantia pair off in this enthralling story that will suck you in and make you feel everything about the later Dark Ages. Love and lust abound, but there's plenty of heartache, villainy, and treachery as well. It's a compelling story that gave me a true book hangover, and I loved every bit of it.
Whew - what an emotional roller coaster! Tevin and Cantia pair off in this enthralling story that will suck you in and make you feel everything about the later Dark Ages. Love and lust abound, but there's plenty of heartache, villainy, and treachery as well. It's a compelling story that gave me a true book hangover, and I loved every bit of it.
September 28, 2017
The first couple of chapters totally gutted me - I was crying my eyes out. I felt the pain of the heroine and her father in law. It didn't have that much battle scene but I still enjoyed reading this book.
March 6, 2018
A Fabulous Romance of the Middle Ages
Life was brutal in medieval times, but romance always finds a way to thrive. The knight in this story is already married. Can he and his lady love beat the odds? Like all of Kathryn's books, this is a must-read.
Life was brutal in medieval times, but romance always finds a way to thrive. The knight in this story is already married. Can he and his lady love beat the odds? Like all of Kathryn's books, this is a must-read.
June 1, 2018
Had a good theme, anyone who likes a historical romance. I like a story that has a connection to other stories I have read.
The author has made her stories come alive with humor, warmth, and heartache. She brings in life trials with her historical romances.
The author has made her stories come alive with humor, warmth, and heartache. She brings in life trials with her historical romances.
July 27, 2018
Excellent reading
Great storyline with strong and compassionate characters. This is my second time reading this book. As usual of all Kathryn’s books hard to put down. I highly recommend this author.
Great storyline with strong and compassionate characters. This is my second time reading this book. As usual of all Kathryn’s books hard to put down. I highly recommend this author.
April 2, 2013
Cried my eyes out for Brac and Cantia. Enjoyed the rest of the story.
November 21, 2017
While Angels Slept
I enjoyed this story just as much as I always do. Sense I have discover Kathryn's books. I enjoy all of her stories. Thank you again. Ada G.
I enjoyed this story just as much as I always do. Sense I have discover Kathryn's books. I enjoy all of her stories. Thank you again. Ada G.
April 18, 2018
While Angels Slept
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books.Kattie.
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books.Kattie.
June 5, 2018
Great book Tevin and Cantia embark on a great journey would highly recommend 👍
February 7, 2025
Did not finish. Only got about a third of the way through it.
This author has a wonderful talent for putting you right in Medieval times with her characters.
Wonderful descriptions of a beautiful fall day on horseback riding near a working castle full of people.
She also has a tendency to over explain thoughts and actions to the point of ruining a scene with too many words. I’ve read other stories and was able to skip or ignore the extra words.
This book, however, had characters who changed personalities with jarring frequency. Yanking you right out of the plot with a hard eye roll too many times to count.
I would pass on this one.
Spoilers
Our heroine looses her beloved husband in a battle after a premonition that he should not go to battle for his liege lord this time.
When his body is brought back, she breaks down publicly. It is very touching and heartbreaking.made even more poignant by her father in law who berates her for showing weakness in front of everyone.
Two weeks later she has decided that she didn’t have a passionate love with her husband but still won’t sleep in the bed because it smells like him. Another two weeks later she is in love with a married man and sleeping with him, but still on the floor.
Meanwhile the stoic father in law refuses to bury his son and dowses himself with oil in the garden so he can kill himself and be with his beloved son who died. He never really recovers and goes mad to the point that they lock him away
This author has a wonderful talent for putting you right in Medieval times with her characters.
Wonderful descriptions of a beautiful fall day on horseback riding near a working castle full of people.
She also has a tendency to over explain thoughts and actions to the point of ruining a scene with too many words. I’ve read other stories and was able to skip or ignore the extra words.
This book, however, had characters who changed personalities with jarring frequency. Yanking you right out of the plot with a hard eye roll too many times to count.
I would pass on this one.
Spoilers
Our heroine looses her beloved husband in a battle after a premonition that he should not go to battle for his liege lord this time.
When his body is brought back, she breaks down publicly. It is very touching and heartbreaking.made even more poignant by her father in law who berates her for showing weakness in front of everyone.
Two weeks later she has decided that she didn’t have a passionate love with her husband but still won’t sleep in the bed because it smells like him. Another two weeks later she is in love with a married man and sleeping with him, but still on the floor.
Meanwhile the stoic father in law refuses to bury his son and dowses himself with oil in the garden so he can kill himself and be with his beloved son who died. He never really recovers and goes mad to the point that they lock him away
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2022
Another good book by this author.
Tevin, Lord Winterton, asks for support in battle from the Steward of Rochester, Charles and his son Brac. Unfortunately Brac was killed in an ambush as he led the troops into battle. His wife Cantia was heartbroken at his death. His father was worse and lost his mind in grief becoming increasingly violent and threatening Catina. Tevin felt protective of her and somewhat responsible for her husbands death since he called for the support. As a result Tevin takes extra care with Cantia and it soon becomes too much for him and for her. In just weeks after her husbands death Tevin is declaring his feeling for Cantia and their relationship moves to the next level. Because she feels the same. Their battle to be together is complicated by his past unresolved marriage, his cousin who can’t keep his hands to himself, an abduction, and her meddling and threatening father in law. I love how this story came together although it was unusual. It kept my interest from the beginning.
Tevin, Lord Winterton, asks for support in battle from the Steward of Rochester, Charles and his son Brac. Unfortunately Brac was killed in an ambush as he led the troops into battle. His wife Cantia was heartbroken at his death. His father was worse and lost his mind in grief becoming increasingly violent and threatening Catina. Tevin felt protective of her and somewhat responsible for her husbands death since he called for the support. As a result Tevin takes extra care with Cantia and it soon becomes too much for him and for her. In just weeks after her husbands death Tevin is declaring his feeling for Cantia and their relationship moves to the next level. Because she feels the same. Their battle to be together is complicated by his past unresolved marriage, his cousin who can’t keep his hands to himself, an abduction, and her meddling and threatening father in law. I love how this story came together although it was unusual. It kept my interest from the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews