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Freely Given: Medieval Romances
Take a step back in time when marriage choices were nearly non-existent for women. Noble marriages were arranged by king and family, not for love. What happened if the woman's consent was not freely given?The TroubadourCourtly love, as sung by troubadours, was often a refuge for Medieval wives. Yet, its basis was fantasy, a far cry from the harsh realities of everyday life. Will an unwilling bride find courtly love and satisfy the longings of her romantic heart?
The NoviceCan a Medieval woman who doubts her vocation to the Church find true love in an arranged marriage?The BetrothedMarriage based on love was foreign to the Medieval mind. Yet consent had to be freely given for a marriage to be valid. Can a reluctant bride dare refuse her betrothed without suffering the consequences?The DukeA trip to the British museum in London catapults a modern exchange student back in time to a tragic life shrouded in secrecy, lust, and true love.
The NoviceCan a Medieval woman who doubts her vocation to the Church find true love in an arranged marriage?The BetrothedMarriage based on love was foreign to the Medieval mind. Yet consent had to be freely given for a marriage to be valid. Can a reluctant bride dare refuse her betrothed without suffering the consequences?The DukeA trip to the British museum in London catapults a modern exchange student back in time to a tragic life shrouded in secrecy, lust, and true love.
- GenresHistoricalAnthologies
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2014
42 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Jan Scarbrough
52 books102 followersWhether it is the Bluegrass of Kentucky, the mountains of Montana, or Medieval England, Jan Scarbrough brings you home with romances from the heart.
The author of two popular Bluegrass romance series, Jan writes heartwarming contemporary stories about home and family, single moms and children, and if the plot allows, about another passion—horses. Living in the horse country of Kentucky makes it easy for Jan to add small town, Southern charm to her books and the excitement of a Bluegrass horse race or a competitive horse show.
The Ghost Mountain Ranch series is a contemporary western series with a good blend of mystery and happily-ever-after romance. The Dawsons of Montana is another four-book contemporary western series.
Jan leaves her contemporary voice behind with two paranormal gothic romances, Timeless and Tangled Memories, a Romance Writers of America (RWA) Golden Heart finalist. Her historical romance, My Lord Raven, is a medieval story of honor and betrayal.
Jan holds a M.A. in English from Western Kentucky University. A member of Novelist, Inc., Jan self-publishes her books.
The author of two popular Bluegrass romance series, Jan writes heartwarming contemporary stories about home and family, single moms and children, and if the plot allows, about another passion—horses. Living in the horse country of Kentucky makes it easy for Jan to add small town, Southern charm to her books and the excitement of a Bluegrass horse race or a competitive horse show.
The Ghost Mountain Ranch series is a contemporary western series with a good blend of mystery and happily-ever-after romance. The Dawsons of Montana is another four-book contemporary western series.
Jan leaves her contemporary voice behind with two paranormal gothic romances, Timeless and Tangled Memories, a Romance Writers of America (RWA) Golden Heart finalist. Her historical romance, My Lord Raven, is a medieval story of honor and betrayal.
Jan holds a M.A. in English from Western Kentucky University. A member of Novelist, Inc., Jan self-publishes her books.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 12, 2018
Shorts
To many short stories. Some I liked some I didn't. The last one was a modge podge. I am not sure what it meant.
To many short stories. Some I liked some I didn't. The last one was a modge podge. I am not sure what it meant.
March 3, 2017
Finished the first story The Troubadour. It was really good. A feel good story about a young woman taking her life and happiness into her own hands at a time when women had no choice. I had a feeling that Patton had a surprise waiting for the young Juliana and I was right. I'm not gonna tell you what the surprise is though. You have to read it to find out. ;)
Just finished The Novice and it was pretty good. I'm not sure I liked the way it ended but, I like the Character Alison. She's a strong woman who stand for justice in a time when her own life is at risk.
The Betrothed was a decent story but, I can't identify with the female character. Not because the story is bad but because I can fathom ever being like that. I understand that this was the way back in Medieval times but, If a man started forcing himself on me because I refused his marriage proposal there is no amount of attraction that I could feel to make me desire him after that. Other than that it was a good story. Well written and very representative of the time period. Well done, Jan! :)
The Duke. It was a good start. I would have loved for there to be more to it but, it was a great short story. It would be easy to expand it, if Jan ever thought to do so but, as is it is still good. The moral behind the story is true and that kind of love is rare and meant to be treasured as the character expresses. Very well done, Jan.
Just finished The Novice and it was pretty good. I'm not sure I liked the way it ended but, I like the Character Alison. She's a strong woman who stand for justice in a time when her own life is at risk.
The Betrothed was a decent story but, I can't identify with the female character. Not because the story is bad but because I can fathom ever being like that. I understand that this was the way back in Medieval times but, If a man started forcing himself on me because I refused his marriage proposal there is no amount of attraction that I could feel to make me desire him after that. Other than that it was a good story. Well written and very representative of the time period. Well done, Jan! :)
The Duke. It was a good start. I would have loved for there to be more to it but, it was a great short story. It would be easy to expand it, if Jan ever thought to do so but, as is it is still good. The moral behind the story is true and that kind of love is rare and meant to be treasured as the character expresses. Very well done, Jan.
June 28, 2015
Betrothal contracts rarely took love, or even mutual respect, into consideration during medieval times. Marriage wasn't seen as a bond between two individuals. It was much more cold blooded and businesslike. For the upper classes it meant combining land and fortunes, creating heirs, settling feuds between families. For the lower classes, many times it came down to survival and the simple sharing of every day chores and tasks to live.
Freely Given gives us a glimpse into this time in history through the eyes of four ladies that found themselves facing unwanted marriages. These stories are not the typical flowery romance that glosses over the lack of choices available to females. I find the topic interesting to look back upon and enjoyed Jan's take on how four such situations may have played out.
Happily Ever After doesn't always start as a fairytale romance...
Freely Given gives us a glimpse into this time in history through the eyes of four ladies that found themselves facing unwanted marriages. These stories are not the typical flowery romance that glosses over the lack of choices available to females. I find the topic interesting to look back upon and enjoyed Jan's take on how four such situations may have played out.
Happily Ever After doesn't always start as a fairytale romance...
June 25, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology of four Medieval romances. I was reminded of what I already knew, but in a poignant way, that Medieval women had little control over their choice in a marriage partner. These four short romances tell four different tales of what four Medieval women did in refusing to give free consent to the matchmaking their parents or sovereigns did on their behalves. The results of their either running away or reluctantly succumbing to passion with their betrotheds or dreaming back in time with their beloved made for some wonderful stories about their wisdom, strength and passion. I recommend this anthology highly.
March 14, 2023
Medieval
Well as you read this book, you will find different tales about how in the Medieval times women were told who they would marry, that they didn't have a choice. Boy am I glad I didnt live during that time.
Well as you read this book, you will find different tales about how in the Medieval times women were told who they would marry, that they didn't have a choice. Boy am I glad I didnt live during that time.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews