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Women of War #1
The Mistress of Normandy
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs transports readers to the lush French countryside of Normandy in a tale of love, family honor and true knights in shining armor…
Rand Fitzmarc has fought his way to prominence under the banner of King Henry V. At long last, his loyalty to the English crown will be rewarded with a title and land…in Normandy, France's richest prize. Now the freshly knighted nobleman will have to battle once more for the right to possess his French barony, and for the hand of the woman who holds it.
Lianna of Bois-Long is determined to keep her lands free from the usurping English king and the husband he's chosen for her…and her heart safe from any man. Then one fateful day, when she meets a golden stranger in a sunny forest glade, Lianna is seduced by the heat of his tender gaze and his strong embrace. Rand is equally captivated by her ethereal beauty, and the outward vulnerability that masks a will of steel.
But when her forest lover is revealed as the English baron who has come to claim her ancestral home, will Lianna be able to forgive his deception? Or will pride keep her from the man who has managed to steal her heart?
Rand Fitzmarc has fought his way to prominence under the banner of King Henry V. At long last, his loyalty to the English crown will be rewarded with a title and land…in Normandy, France's richest prize. Now the freshly knighted nobleman will have to battle once more for the right to possess his French barony, and for the hand of the woman who holds it.
Lianna of Bois-Long is determined to keep her lands free from the usurping English king and the husband he's chosen for her…and her heart safe from any man. Then one fateful day, when she meets a golden stranger in a sunny forest glade, Lianna is seduced by the heat of his tender gaze and his strong embrace. Rand is equally captivated by her ethereal beauty, and the outward vulnerability that masks a will of steel.
But when her forest lover is revealed as the English baron who has come to claim her ancestral home, will Lianna be able to forgive his deception? Or will pride keep her from the man who has managed to steal her heart?
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
157 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wiggs
169 books7,445 followersSusan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 30, 2014
First off, don't miss the lovely stepback courtesy of Inka:
Awesome. Now for the story...
"An ambitious monarch divided them. Loyalty to King Henry compelled Rand to secure and hold Bois-Long for England; her loyalty to mad Charles obliged her to retain the château for France."
The guy: Enguerrand (Rand) Fitzmarc has just been rewarded for faithful service to Henry V, and he's now the first Baron of Longwood. But that comes with a price - he's to cross the channel and marry the current mistress of Longwood - and she's French and loyal to the mad King Charles. This doesn't bode well for wedded bliss...
The girl: Belliane (Lianna) Bois-Long (Longwood) likes being mistress of the castle, and is none too pleased to learn that Henry of England has chosen a husband for her (an English husband at that!), so she finds herself a French one and makes it all legal before Rand arrives. So smart, she thinks she is, but her new (older) husband has other plans - he wants his son to be the heir to Longwood and that means not consummating the marriage.
So...Rand arrives in France to claim his bride, but before that he comes across this beauteous maiden in the forest and he has no idea this maiden is his intended bride, and Lianna has no idea that the handsome stranger is the one she should have wed. Well now, the attraction is pretty strong between the two, and Lianna does need an heir and since her husband's off in Paris or something attending court, what's a girl who needs an heir supposed to do? Hmmmm?
This was a good, solid read, especially at the end where things end up with a bang at the Battle of Agincourt. Plenty of plot twists and turns, I'd have to say my only complaints about the story is Lianna's obsessive loyalty to the French. I understand loyalty to one's country and crown and all, but it took way too long for Lianna to wake up and see the forest through the trees, and poor Rand being the worse off for loving her and trusting with all his steadfast heart. I wanted to strangle her until the very end where she pulled out and saved the day. Whew.
This was originally published as The Lily and the Leopard and recently rereleased as The Mistress of Normandy, and according to the title page on the Kindle edition this is a "Refreshed version of THE LILY AND THE LEOPARD, newly revised by author". Without owning the original I can't compare line by line, but I do wonder how much revision was going on. Were the many typos from the original that were missed in the revision? Scanning errors that no one picked up on whilst revising this new edition? Who knows, but there sure were a lot of them. Not enough to distract from the story, but still too many to completely ignore. To instead of too, you instead of your, and then this one at the end:
"Realty barreled into her heart."
Ouch! I obtained a Kindle copy via library loan, but I might be a bit more annoyed if I paid full-blown retail for that version.
Awesome. Now for the story...
"An ambitious monarch divided them. Loyalty to King Henry compelled Rand to secure and hold Bois-Long for England; her loyalty to mad Charles obliged her to retain the château for France."
The guy: Enguerrand (Rand) Fitzmarc has just been rewarded for faithful service to Henry V, and he's now the first Baron of Longwood. But that comes with a price - he's to cross the channel and marry the current mistress of Longwood - and she's French and loyal to the mad King Charles. This doesn't bode well for wedded bliss...
The girl: Belliane (Lianna) Bois-Long (Longwood) likes being mistress of the castle, and is none too pleased to learn that Henry of England has chosen a husband for her (an English husband at that!), so she finds herself a French one and makes it all legal before Rand arrives. So smart, she thinks she is, but her new (older) husband has other plans - he wants his son to be the heir to Longwood and that means not consummating the marriage.
So...Rand arrives in France to claim his bride, but before that he comes across this beauteous maiden in the forest and he has no idea this maiden is his intended bride, and Lianna has no idea that the handsome stranger is the one she should have wed. Well now, the attraction is pretty strong between the two, and Lianna does need an heir and since her husband's off in Paris or something attending court, what's a girl who needs an heir supposed to do? Hmmmm?
This was a good, solid read, especially at the end where things end up with a bang at the Battle of Agincourt. Plenty of plot twists and turns, I'd have to say my only complaints about the story is Lianna's obsessive loyalty to the French. I understand loyalty to one's country and crown and all, but it took way too long for Lianna to wake up and see the forest through the trees, and poor Rand being the worse off for loving her and trusting with all his steadfast heart. I wanted to strangle her until the very end where she pulled out and saved the day. Whew.
This was originally published as The Lily and the Leopard and recently rereleased as The Mistress of Normandy, and according to the title page on the Kindle edition this is a "Refreshed version of THE LILY AND THE LEOPARD, newly revised by author". Without owning the original I can't compare line by line, but I do wonder how much revision was going on. Were the many typos from the original that were missed in the revision? Scanning errors that no one picked up on whilst revising this new edition? Who knows, but there sure were a lot of them. Not enough to distract from the story, but still too many to completely ignore. To instead of too, you instead of your, and then this one at the end:
"Realty barreled into her heart."
Ouch! I obtained a Kindle copy via library loan, but I might be a bit more annoyed if I paid full-blown retail for that version.
April 19, 2021
Why oh why SW? I usually enjoy this author but not this time. The hero was too perfect. The heroine ruined the whole book. She is the reason men think women are weak. She was spoiled, petty, and one dimensional. She didn't care what evil man ruled her home as long as he wasn't English. She never cared about her ppl. She betrays the man she loves numerous times. The plot was redundant and juvenile. What a waste of a potentially good plot!
I apologize for those who liked it but this book just hit all the wrong spots with me. Susan Wiggs can and has done better!
I apologize for those who liked it but this book just hit all the wrong spots with me. Susan Wiggs can and has done better!
June 25, 2008
France in 1414 was a country at war, overrun within by marauding knights and besieged from without by an ambitious English king.
THE LEOPARD
England in 1414 was ruled by King Henry V, a driven monarch who was determined to regain his French lands, even if it meant war.
THE LILY AND THE LEOPARD
Lianna of France was mistress of a great castle in Normandy. Rand of England was King Henry's most fearless and trusted warrior. They were fated to meet in a sunny forest glade, just as their countries were fated to meet on the battlefield of Agincourt. Their turbulent yet triumphant love story symbolized the clash of two mighty nations. With them, the lily and the leopard could be united, finally, under one banner.
I have greatly enjoyed Susan Wigg's 19th century trilogy and so I couldn't resist trying this medieval by her and see if it was any good. I was pleasantly surprised with the time frame and setting - the eve of the battle of Agincourt - and also the theme of guns and gunpowder.
The hero is sent by king Henry of England to wed a french heiress and hold her castle and lands for the english. Determined to thwart their plans Lianna, the heroine, marries another man. To secure her lands she gives in to the attraction for a lowly knight, as her husband doesn't want to make her pregnant, hoping to have an heir soon. But that lowly knight is in truth her enmglish enemy and she soon finds herself a widow and forced to marry him.
I really liked the hero, Rand, a true gentleman he is not afraid to declare his love for Lianna and before he knows she is his bride is often plagued by guilt for loving a woman while pledged to another. Once he discovers the truth he is ever faithfull to his feelings and does everything in his power to keep Lianna happy.
Lianna was a very different character, she feels betrayed by Rand and can't accept the fact that he is english and pledged to the english king. I was a bit impatient with her then because she had fallen in love with him and now seemed to forget he was still the same man. No that every difference should have miraculously disappeared but they could have at least talked about them. And she stays like that for most of the book. Even after they declare a truce and are able to be happy she keeps thinking she will make him choose between her and his king. I was extremely annoyed when further in the story she makes some decisions under threat without telling him thus leading to disatrous situations.
Other than the heroine the rest was really good and Rand was a perfect hero really, patient, understanding, loving... perfect really!
Grade: B-
THE LEOPARD
England in 1414 was ruled by King Henry V, a driven monarch who was determined to regain his French lands, even if it meant war.
THE LILY AND THE LEOPARD
Lianna of France was mistress of a great castle in Normandy. Rand of England was King Henry's most fearless and trusted warrior. They were fated to meet in a sunny forest glade, just as their countries were fated to meet on the battlefield of Agincourt. Their turbulent yet triumphant love story symbolized the clash of two mighty nations. With them, the lily and the leopard could be united, finally, under one banner.
I have greatly enjoyed Susan Wigg's 19th century trilogy and so I couldn't resist trying this medieval by her and see if it was any good. I was pleasantly surprised with the time frame and setting - the eve of the battle of Agincourt - and also the theme of guns and gunpowder.
The hero is sent by king Henry of England to wed a french heiress and hold her castle and lands for the english. Determined to thwart their plans Lianna, the heroine, marries another man. To secure her lands she gives in to the attraction for a lowly knight, as her husband doesn't want to make her pregnant, hoping to have an heir soon. But that lowly knight is in truth her enmglish enemy and she soon finds herself a widow and forced to marry him.
I really liked the hero, Rand, a true gentleman he is not afraid to declare his love for Lianna and before he knows she is his bride is often plagued by guilt for loving a woman while pledged to another. Once he discovers the truth he is ever faithfull to his feelings and does everything in his power to keep Lianna happy.
Lianna was a very different character, she feels betrayed by Rand and can't accept the fact that he is english and pledged to the english king. I was a bit impatient with her then because she had fallen in love with him and now seemed to forget he was still the same man. No that every difference should have miraculously disappeared but they could have at least talked about them. And she stays like that for most of the book. Even after they declare a truce and are able to be happy she keeps thinking she will make him choose between her and his king. I was extremely annoyed when further in the story she makes some decisions under threat without telling him thus leading to disatrous situations.
Other than the heroine the rest was really good and Rand was a perfect hero really, patient, understanding, loving... perfect really!
Grade: B-
July 16, 2021
This was like a soap opera, perfection.
September 1, 2021
"The Lily and the Leopard" conosciuto anche come "The Mistress of Normandy" è del 1991 e presenta i tratti peculiari di quel periodo: si tratta quindi di un romanzo corposo, con una fedele base storica, ma con uno sviluppo più improntato al feuilleton (quindi con un continuo susseguirsi di rapimenti, fughe, eroi creduti morti e ricomparsi, tradimenti, congiure, ecc.).
La trama in questo caso si inserisce nel periodo di guerra Francia/Inghilterra, quando Enrico V dei Lancaster, giovane e ambizioso, voleva impossessarsi della Normandia e di altre terre francesi.
Peraltro il romanzo mischia personaggi storici (Enrico V, il duca di Borgogna) con altri di fantasia, compresa la coppia protagonista.
Enguerrand (Rand) Fitzmarc è appena stato nominato cavaliere e barone, quando il re gli affida l'incarico di recarsi in Francia e di impossessarsi mediante matrimonio di un castello che costituisce anche un'ottima posizione strategica per le sorti belliche.
Se il buon Rand parte obbediente, non si aspetta certo di trovare una signora del feudo indomita e parecchio intraprendente: Lianna è infatti lungimirante, sa che in quanto donna sola resterà sempre alla mercé di nemici e confinanti, per cui ha pensato bene di contrarre anche lei un matrimonio di convenienza.
Però gli uomini erano quelli che erano e anche la scelta di Lianna non è particolarmente felice.
Se poi ci aggiungiamo che dall'Inghilterra arriva Rand, deciso a sposarla e con un matrimonio vero, non meramente politico, la situazione si presenta da subito parecchio ingarbugliata già a livello locale.
Rand deve destreggiarsi in suolo nemico, deve guadagnarsi la fiducia della sua nuova gente, deve rendersi credibile agli occhi della castellana e anche del re, perché sono molti quelli che diffidano di lui e gettano semi di invidia e zizzania.
Un lavoraccio a cui lui si applica con impegno, anche dopo che inizia a innamorarsi sul serio della sua tumultuosa compagna.
Però devo dire che li ho trovato ben equilibrati come coppia: per una volta, nessuno dei due si presenta con un carattere più forte, sia Randan che Lianna sono ricchi di coraggio e iniziativa, capiscono i pericoli che li circondano e non si danno mai per vinti. Inoltre Lianna agisce sì con sprezzo del pericolo, ma sempre con coerenza storica, cioè sfruttando quelle che erano le possibilità che una donna aveva allora.
Sul finire gioca un ruolo fondamentale nella vicenda proprio la celebre battaglia di Azincourt (25 ottobre del 1415) che finì con un disastro francese: dopo il consueto lieto fine, la Wiggs non ci rivela altro sul futuro dei protagonisti, ma speriamo che il loro feudo abbia resistito a lungo alle successive sanguinose guerre che infiammarono quella regione.
Una lettura appagante da 4 stelline.
La trama in questo caso si inserisce nel periodo di guerra Francia/Inghilterra, quando Enrico V dei Lancaster, giovane e ambizioso, voleva impossessarsi della Normandia e di altre terre francesi.
Peraltro il romanzo mischia personaggi storici (Enrico V, il duca di Borgogna) con altri di fantasia, compresa la coppia protagonista.
Enguerrand (Rand) Fitzmarc è appena stato nominato cavaliere e barone, quando il re gli affida l'incarico di recarsi in Francia e di impossessarsi mediante matrimonio di un castello che costituisce anche un'ottima posizione strategica per le sorti belliche.
Se il buon Rand parte obbediente, non si aspetta certo di trovare una signora del feudo indomita e parecchio intraprendente: Lianna è infatti lungimirante, sa che in quanto donna sola resterà sempre alla mercé di nemici e confinanti, per cui ha pensato bene di contrarre anche lei un matrimonio di convenienza.
Però gli uomini erano quelli che erano e anche la scelta di Lianna non è particolarmente felice.
Se poi ci aggiungiamo che dall'Inghilterra arriva Rand, deciso a sposarla e con un matrimonio vero, non meramente politico, la situazione si presenta da subito parecchio ingarbugliata già a livello locale.
Rand deve destreggiarsi in suolo nemico, deve guadagnarsi la fiducia della sua nuova gente, deve rendersi credibile agli occhi della castellana e anche del re, perché sono molti quelli che diffidano di lui e gettano semi di invidia e zizzania.
Un lavoraccio a cui lui si applica con impegno, anche dopo che inizia a innamorarsi sul serio della sua tumultuosa compagna.
Però devo dire che li ho trovato ben equilibrati come coppia: per una volta, nessuno dei due si presenta con un carattere più forte, sia Randan che Lianna sono ricchi di coraggio e iniziativa, capiscono i pericoli che li circondano e non si danno mai per vinti. Inoltre Lianna agisce sì con sprezzo del pericolo, ma sempre con coerenza storica, cioè sfruttando quelle che erano le possibilità che una donna aveva allora.
Sul finire gioca un ruolo fondamentale nella vicenda proprio la celebre battaglia di Azincourt (25 ottobre del 1415) che finì con un disastro francese: dopo il consueto lieto fine, la Wiggs non ci rivela altro sul futuro dei protagonisti, ma speriamo che il loro feudo abbia resistito a lungo alle successive sanguinose guerre che infiammarono quella regione.
Una lettura appagante da 4 stelline.
February 15, 2023
Lots of war action, castle intrigue, anomosity between countries, and a heartwrenching love story.
February 10, 2015
In 1414, Henry V of England set out to conquer France. His newly-minted knight, base-born Rand Fitzmarc, hero who saved the king by alerting him to a plot to overthrow the monarchy, is instructed to take charge of Bois-Long and to marry its chatelaine. Lianna of Bois-Long is determined to hold her castle for King Charles of France and no other so she decides to thwart Henry's demand by marrying a Frenchman first. Then she meets a handsome stranger in the woods and they begin a love affair for the ages. Unbeknown to each other, they are Rand and Lianna betrothed to each by King Henry. Still Lianna is determined to hold her castle for France in the face of overwhelming odds and pursues her quest across France. As she battles to hold Bois-Long, her French stepson tries to destroy her and the English try to take over. Then Rand and Lianna discover who each other really are. Will their love be strong enough to overcome their political leanings or will they become enemies in reality?
A beautiful love story set amidst the upheaval of wartime in the 1400's. The detail of life in that time is incredible.
A beautiful love story set amidst the upheaval of wartime in the 1400's. The detail of life in that time is incredible.
November 14, 2016
As a history fanatic (okay, total history nerd, I will admit it) I am often skeptical of historical fiction. This is accurate, this is interesting, this is a great read. Henry V and the Hundred Years War....France and England...united in marriage yet at war for control of France. Marriages as alliances, family members choosing sides, treason, treachery, dishonesty.....yet a love story amid the chaos of war. However, this isn't a flowery romance that nauseates you to read....it's got blood, death, war and danger thrown in. But, it's not gratuitous sex, gratuitous gore, gratuitous romance. It's about how life probably was back in 1415....
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June 25, 2019The Lily was the emblem of France and the Lion the emblem of England.
Enguerrand Fitzmarc overheard a plot against King Henry V of England and his tale told to the king gave Rand a promise of land and a wife. Rand was disappointed to be given a French wife when he had planned on marrying his lifelong friend, Justine. His best friend told him that Justine was not for him because she was no challenge to Rand. She became a nun as Rand left home.
Belliana chose to challenge the king and her uncle, the Duke of Burgundy, and marry before Enguerrand arrived. She found out that the marriage wasn't going to work as she expected. Her husband, Lazare Mondragon, told her that he would never sleep with her so that his son by his first wife would inherit her lands.
Enguerrand arrived on land to find that the town near where he landed had been ravaged by Frenchmen. He helped the people of town and they grew to respect and like him for the aid he gave them. He met Lianna when he was out one day and they both used abbreviated names so they didn't know who each other really was. Rand told Lianna that he thought he was in love with her after meeting her. He had thought he was in love with Justine but found he haddn't know the meaning of true love until he Lianna.
Lianna's husband left and they continued to meet in secret. They were strongly drawn to each other and Bonne, Lianna's maid and friend, figured out that she was meeting someone. She suggested that Lianna get pregnant and claim the child was Lazare's so that she would get her heir and a child to love. Lianna convinced Rand to make love to her, convincing herself that she was doing it to get an heir. She wouldn't admit to falling in love with Rand while Rand told Lianna that he was in love with her.
The Duke of Burgundy was unhappy about the marriage and told Rand that he would arrange for the marriage to be annulled. Lazare was found dead in a river soon after that. Lianna accused the duke of arranging his murder. This left the path clear for Enguerrand to marry Lianna. The duke arranged for Rand to sneak into Lianna's home and kidnap her. He did this in the dark and not realizing that he was kidnapping Lianna until he arrived at the duke's home. This was about a month after Rand and Lianna first met each other and she was already pregnant.
They were married. While Rand was happy, Lianna was furious. She told Rand that she would never forgive him.
Rand had to go to her home, Bois-Long, and take the property back from Lazare's son. He won the cooperation of the people when it was proven that the Frenchmen she was harboring in her home were the same ones who had been raiding her lands surrounding her home.
Once home, Lianna tried to hide the pregnancy and it was weeks later that she was sick and fainted. It was then that Rand found out. Lianna told Rand that she would never cooperate in their marriage although her body gave away the fact that she wanted him. They got along peaceably for the next few months.
Liliana went into labor and it was difficult. Rand came home and supported her through the labor until their son, Aimery, was born. They were happy but the threat of war between France and England was still there. Henry declared war and came to France.
Henry wanted to cross into France by crossing Lianna's land. She was ordered to blow up the crossing with the threat of her son being killed. The wife of Lazare's son had kidnapped their son and Lianna went to get him. This resulted in Rand nearly being captured but he got away. He caught up with Lianna and they went to England with their son. They left him in England with Justine at the nunnery.
Lazare's son convinced Lianna to blow up the path for the English to cross into France and she did it. Lianna tricked Rand into meeting him away from Bois-Long and his men came and knocked him out to get him to not go after her. Her land was once again being held by Lazare's son. Gervais had too many men for Rand to fight.
Gervais found a set of clothing worn by Rand and put it on. He also had found a medal given to Rand by the king. He delivered these items to the king and told him that Rand had turned to help the French by blowing up the bridge and that he was now assisting the French. Rand was determined to be a traitor. Rather than give up, Rand and his men followed behind the French army and fought them on the backside when they attacked the English. All this time Rand was using his anger at his wife for aiding the French to fuel his fighting.
Lianna had gone to speak to the king on Rand's behalf after she realized what was happening and because she found out that Gervais didn't know where her son really was. She chose love for her husband over her love for France due to the treatment of Gervais and his men. She felt really guilty for the part she had played in helping Gervais.
The king had her tied up and she saw the French army defeated by the English. The king still had no proof that Rand was innocent and he was scheduled to be hung at noon the next day. Lianna was given help to escape and went home to get Gervais. He had stolen some items from the king and he had been wounded by Lianna's guard. They had to get Rand's clothing and the stolen items to prove Rand's innocence.
Lianna got home by riding through the night. She hated water because she had seen her mother drown. Her love directed her to cross the moat to get to her castle. She found Rand's men there and they helped her to capture Gervais and get the kings belongings as well as Rand's clothes. They rode back to the king and presented the evidence to him before Rand was killed. Rand was declared innocent and freed.
Gervais was trying to get away when his wife showed up. She set fire to the barrels of gunfire and the resulting explosion killed both her and Gervais. She didn't know the damage that she was putting in motion. The explosion was much more than she expected.
Rand and Lianna were going to go get their son when the duke of Burgundy arrived with Justine and their son. They went home. Rand forgave Lianna and she finally told him that she loved him.
France and England both had one ruler, King Henry V. He ruled for 9 years.
Enguerrand Fitzmarc overheard a plot against King Henry V of England and his tale told to the king gave Rand a promise of land and a wife. Rand was disappointed to be given a French wife when he had planned on marrying his lifelong friend, Justine. His best friend told him that Justine was not for him because she was no challenge to Rand. She became a nun as Rand left home.
Belliana chose to challenge the king and her uncle, the Duke of Burgundy, and marry before Enguerrand arrived. She found out that the marriage wasn't going to work as she expected. Her husband, Lazare Mondragon, told her that he would never sleep with her so that his son by his first wife would inherit her lands.
Enguerrand arrived on land to find that the town near where he landed had been ravaged by Frenchmen. He helped the people of town and they grew to respect and like him for the aid he gave them. He met Lianna when he was out one day and they both used abbreviated names so they didn't know who each other really was. Rand told Lianna that he thought he was in love with her after meeting her. He had thought he was in love with Justine but found he haddn't know the meaning of true love until he Lianna.
Lianna's husband left and they continued to meet in secret. They were strongly drawn to each other and Bonne, Lianna's maid and friend, figured out that she was meeting someone. She suggested that Lianna get pregnant and claim the child was Lazare's so that she would get her heir and a child to love. Lianna convinced Rand to make love to her, convincing herself that she was doing it to get an heir. She wouldn't admit to falling in love with Rand while Rand told Lianna that he was in love with her.
The Duke of Burgundy was unhappy about the marriage and told Rand that he would arrange for the marriage to be annulled. Lazare was found dead in a river soon after that. Lianna accused the duke of arranging his murder. This left the path clear for Enguerrand to marry Lianna. The duke arranged for Rand to sneak into Lianna's home and kidnap her. He did this in the dark and not realizing that he was kidnapping Lianna until he arrived at the duke's home. This was about a month after Rand and Lianna first met each other and she was already pregnant.
They were married. While Rand was happy, Lianna was furious. She told Rand that she would never forgive him.
Rand had to go to her home, Bois-Long, and take the property back from Lazare's son. He won the cooperation of the people when it was proven that the Frenchmen she was harboring in her home were the same ones who had been raiding her lands surrounding her home.
Once home, Lianna tried to hide the pregnancy and it was weeks later that she was sick and fainted. It was then that Rand found out. Lianna told Rand that she would never cooperate in their marriage although her body gave away the fact that she wanted him. They got along peaceably for the next few months.
Liliana went into labor and it was difficult. Rand came home and supported her through the labor until their son, Aimery, was born. They were happy but the threat of war between France and England was still there. Henry declared war and came to France.
Henry wanted to cross into France by crossing Lianna's land. She was ordered to blow up the crossing with the threat of her son being killed. The wife of Lazare's son had kidnapped their son and Lianna went to get him. This resulted in Rand nearly being captured but he got away. He caught up with Lianna and they went to England with their son. They left him in England with Justine at the nunnery.
Lazare's son convinced Lianna to blow up the path for the English to cross into France and she did it. Lianna tricked Rand into meeting him away from Bois-Long and his men came and knocked him out to get him to not go after her. Her land was once again being held by Lazare's son. Gervais had too many men for Rand to fight.
Gervais found a set of clothing worn by Rand and put it on. He also had found a medal given to Rand by the king. He delivered these items to the king and told him that Rand had turned to help the French by blowing up the bridge and that he was now assisting the French. Rand was determined to be a traitor. Rather than give up, Rand and his men followed behind the French army and fought them on the backside when they attacked the English. All this time Rand was using his anger at his wife for aiding the French to fuel his fighting.
Lianna had gone to speak to the king on Rand's behalf after she realized what was happening and because she found out that Gervais didn't know where her son really was. She chose love for her husband over her love for France due to the treatment of Gervais and his men. She felt really guilty for the part she had played in helping Gervais.
The king had her tied up and she saw the French army defeated by the English. The king still had no proof that Rand was innocent and he was scheduled to be hung at noon the next day. Lianna was given help to escape and went home to get Gervais. He had stolen some items from the king and he had been wounded by Lianna's guard. They had to get Rand's clothing and the stolen items to prove Rand's innocence.
Lianna got home by riding through the night. She hated water because she had seen her mother drown. Her love directed her to cross the moat to get to her castle. She found Rand's men there and they helped her to capture Gervais and get the kings belongings as well as Rand's clothes. They rode back to the king and presented the evidence to him before Rand was killed. Rand was declared innocent and freed.
Gervais was trying to get away when his wife showed up. She set fire to the barrels of gunfire and the resulting explosion killed both her and Gervais. She didn't know the damage that she was putting in motion. The explosion was much more than she expected.
Rand and Lianna were going to go get their son when the duke of Burgundy arrived with Justine and their son. They went home. Rand forgave Lianna and she finally told him that she loved him.
France and England both had one ruler, King Henry V. He ruled for 9 years.
March 16, 2019
This is an interesting book set around 1400 in France. It is about a chatelaine who is forced to man an Englishman and give over her property to England. It is certainly a love story, but the mistress is so headstrong and defiant, I found it difficult to relate. She nature results in her husband (whom she does love) almost dying many times. I found it frustrating and nonsensical.
January 8, 2023
Una storia davvero molto bella e romantica.
June 1, 2020
Did not finish because in Chp. 2, the male main character already says "I love you;" that's where I lost interest. Disappointing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2025
The year is 1414 and Enquerrand (Rand) Fitzmarc has been rewarded for faithful service to Henry V before the battle of Agincourt, and is now the Baron of Longwood with a duty to hold Bois-Long for England. Despite these rewards, he reluctantly crosses the channel to marry the current mistress of Longwood, who happens to be French and loyal to the mad King Charles. Meanwhile, Belliane (Lianna) Bois-Long Baroness of Longwood likes being the mistress of her own castle, and after the recent French defeat she is hardly pleased to learn that she has been married off by proxy to an Englishman. To combat this, she decides to marry an older French lord to keep her destiny her own, although, through marriage she finds herself caged to an older man who has ulterior motives of his own.
As it would happen, Rand arrives in France and he and Lianna meet by chance and fall in love without realizing who the other one is. Despite this game of alternate identities the plot thickens further, when Lianna, still not knowing that Rand is her once-to-be husband, decides to use him to conceive the child that she has always longed for.
This was a strong, solid read, especially the second half of the novel when we fully move into the Battle of Agincourt. It was both rich is historical nuances and compelling action scenes. There were several plot twists and although neither of our leads are faultless, I did find myself struggling with Lianna’s motivations regarding her obsessive loyalty to the French. I can completely understand the severity of the times, but it seemed like it took too long for her to understand the reality of King Charles madness. Her character rules the story, hence the updated title, “Mistress of Normandy,” and Rand mainly circles her orbit.
Interestingly enough this was originally published in the 1990’s under the title, “The Lily and the Leopard,” and I kind of like the original title more.
As it would happen, Rand arrives in France and he and Lianna meet by chance and fall in love without realizing who the other one is. Despite this game of alternate identities the plot thickens further, when Lianna, still not knowing that Rand is her once-to-be husband, decides to use him to conceive the child that she has always longed for.
This was a strong, solid read, especially the second half of the novel when we fully move into the Battle of Agincourt. It was both rich is historical nuances and compelling action scenes. There were several plot twists and although neither of our leads are faultless, I did find myself struggling with Lianna’s motivations regarding her obsessive loyalty to the French. I can completely understand the severity of the times, but it seemed like it took too long for her to understand the reality of King Charles madness. Her character rules the story, hence the updated title, “Mistress of Normandy,” and Rand mainly circles her orbit.
Interestingly enough this was originally published in the 1990’s under the title, “The Lily and the Leopard,” and I kind of like the original title more.
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January 11, 2023I have read more contemporaries by this author than historicals, and when I saw this available in the virtual library I didn’t really take time to think about what it would be, but just noted that I hadn’t read it.
I had the impression that I saw another, earlier title for this, but now I don’t find it, so maybe I just dreamt it.
The middle ages are not my very favorite historical period for this genre (although I did very much like Madeline Hunter’s books). With this caveat, I did enjoy this, although the hero is a bit over the top too good to be true. And the heroine seems to have an enthusiasm for cutting off her nose to spite her face. There is sometimes a fine line between bravery and stupidity in my opinion (ok, not always so fine), and this irks me no end. The heroine’s determination to thwart the English at every turn is perhaps understandable, but still.
Interesting read nonetheless and brought back some of the history which I had studied with great interest as a teenager.
I had the impression that I saw another, earlier title for this, but now I don’t find it, so maybe I just dreamt it.
The middle ages are not my very favorite historical period for this genre (although I did very much like Madeline Hunter’s books). With this caveat, I did enjoy this, although the hero is a bit over the top too good to be true. And the heroine seems to have an enthusiasm for cutting off her nose to spite her face. There is sometimes a fine line between bravery and stupidity in my opinion (ok, not always so fine), and this irks me no end. The heroine’s determination to thwart the English at every turn is perhaps understandable, but still.
Interesting read nonetheless and brought back some of the history which I had studied with great interest as a teenager.
September 29, 2019
The plot-line was interesting. However, I am not enamored of "romance" books that spend more time and details on the blood and gore of violence than on the act of making love. I would, personally, rather read the steamy details about sex than those of slaughter. This author misses the mark in that regard. But then again, we have a main female character who is herself more enamored with shooting artillery than being willing to admit she has feelings for the story's hero. And I get really annoyed with these "just in time" finales like this story has.
January 19, 2024
This book had some great scenes, an interesting historical setting and a compelling conflict at its core, but I thought it was way too long. The length made a lot of the conflicts and dialogue very repetitive. I was just bored while reading and wanted the plot to move along faster than it did.
September 10, 2018
Almost didn't finish. Long drawn out. Stilts plot. Lack of depth among characters. Not enjoyable
May 20, 2019
Interesting history lesson and tale
March 22, 2020
A nice story set in 1414 at the time of the Battle of Agincourt. Its a blend of several Shakespeare plays, most notably Henry V and The Taming of the Shrew.
April 19, 2021
Name changed to: The Mistress Of Normandy.
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April 21, 2021Δε βαθμολογώ γιατί δεν ολοκληρώθηκε ποτέ η ανάγνωσή του. Με κούρασε και η σκέψη μόνο των σελίδων που είχαν απομείνει...
could-not-finish
October 7, 2021Insta-love 😣 not my cup of tea
September 12, 2022
This book was wonderful! I couldn’t put it down. There are a lot of twists and turn but it is a fabulous love story.
July 4, 2024
Nice having some history as part of the story.
January 8, 2025
A beautiful, cruel love story! Susan Wiggs is very realistic in her novels but never disappointing.
I loved it ❣️
I loved it ❣️
March 15, 2025
Audiobook. Some parts bit gory, some mmm really? But I liked the history on gun power
December 11, 2014
Amidst the fight of French and English land rights, we see the French Bois-Long maiden fall in love with the English baron who lays claim to her land, her home, and her heart - the latter being the most difficult to acquire.
Filled with action, adventure, and minor characters that are as well-written as the hero and heroine, I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a setting that draws you in, characters to grow with, and a plot that takes you through a lifetime of tears and joy in between two covers.
I am happy to be a biased reader as I am a new fan of Susan Wiggs. Well done.
~ cross-posted on Beyond My Bookshelf
Filled with action, adventure, and minor characters that are as well-written as the hero and heroine, I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a setting that draws you in, characters to grow with, and a plot that takes you through a lifetime of tears and joy in between two covers.
I am happy to be a biased reader as I am a new fan of Susan Wiggs. Well done.
~ cross-posted on Beyond My Bookshelf
August 30, 2014
This is a fast-paced novel set in 15th century France and England. Beliane de Bois-Long is upset when her Uncle informs her that she has to marry an Englishman to form an alliance with King Henry V of England. She trys to foil his plan by marrying someone else, but ultimately that doesn't work out. In the meantime she meets a handsome knight while travelling the grounds outside her home and falls in love. When the marriage goes forward sparks fly. The book is full of intrigue, battles and romance.
I also enjoyed the historical facts as well.
I also enjoyed the historical facts as well.
December 6, 2024
I DNF'd this one. I just couldn't get into it. Granted, I am more of a contemporary/paranormal/dark romance reader. Sometimes, you are just craving those old-school historical romances, and when I picked up this book, I was in that headspace. But when you try several times and the book still can't hold your interest...its time to move on. I grabbed another of my many SW historicals (courtesy of my MIL & her mad rummage sale skills), so here's hoping I do better on the next.
April 9, 2013
First of all, I like to read Susan Wiggs' books. She's a writer who can keep me interested. This book also suits my interest in historical novels. A love story set in the 15th century, the plot includes good detail about life in the middle ages. Whether historically correct or not, I enjoyed the plot of two people who were destined to be both lovers and enemies.
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