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Knight's Honor
As Roger, Earl of Hereford, involves himself in intrigue and schemes to put Henry of Anjou upon the throne of England, he begins to doubt the fidelity of his passionate wife
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1964
7 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Roberta Gellis
56 books185 followersRoberta 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
Her page at the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 17, 2011
I am guessing that this book is one of Gellis’ earlier novels.
For me it lacked the gripping power of her Roselynde series which are close to this one, historically speaking and of which I have always been very fond.
The two main characters, Elizabeth Chester and Earl of Hereford do not emerge as strongly as most other characters by Gellis that I have read. The historical events unfold in what is recognisably her writing style but also lack the cohesion of storytelling I am used to from her. That said, the two main characters do, eventually emerge and the historical thread of the plot does make sense at the end of the novel. It is clearly a small portion of a much longer story and I really can’t be sure if there are more books in the series, and if there are whether I would go to the effort of finding them.
And despite this Roberta Gellis is still my favourite historic romance author.
For me it lacked the gripping power of her Roselynde series which are close to this one, historically speaking and of which I have always been very fond.
The two main characters, Elizabeth Chester and Earl of Hereford do not emerge as strongly as most other characters by Gellis that I have read. The historical events unfold in what is recognisably her writing style but also lack the cohesion of storytelling I am used to from her. That said, the two main characters do, eventually emerge and the historical thread of the plot does make sense at the end of the novel. It is clearly a small portion of a much longer story and I really can’t be sure if there are more books in the series, and if there are whether I would go to the effort of finding them.
And despite this Roberta Gellis is still my favourite historic romance author.
August 21, 2025
A tale set in the reign of King Stephen, it takes the side of the pretender king, Henry d'Anjou. The main characters are Roger of Hereford and his new wife, Elizabeth. Roger has pledged to support Henry, but right from the beginning of the novel, he suffers from a recurring dream, which wears him down mentally. His wife is a strong-willed woman, whose actions do not always please her husband, but in spite of that, they develop a strong affection for each other. Hereford is portrayed as almost a genius in his battle tactics, but his overlord, Henry, is somewhat impulsive, and doesn't always listen to the best advice. The book is full of impulsive actions and misunderstandings, as the strengths and weaknesses of the characters incur several sticky situations. An interesting look at the way of life in the 1100s.
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March 17, 2021I have reread this over and over it leads into the Roselyn Chronicles
August 8, 2023
A Great Read
A fantastic story with romance and history. The characters are vivid and feel real. The story draw you into the time.
A fantastic story with romance and history. The characters are vivid and feel real. The story draw you into the time.
December 20, 2023
Cheerful and a fun read
That holds your interest while expanding the story. It is more like a 4.6 than a 4. Enjoy a fun read.
That holds your interest while expanding the story. It is more like a 4.6 than a 4. Enjoy a fun read.
October 16, 2015
4 and ½ stars! Superb Historical Detail and an Absorbing Story from Medieval England
When a great battle is won yet all is lost, will love be enough?
This first of Roberta Gellis’ medieval romances begins in England in 1149 as supporters of Henry of Anjou gather forces to defeat weak King Stephen. It’s one of those historical romances that have actual history woven into every page. I just loved it.
Roger of Hereford is a young, handsome knight, his father’s heir and confident of his abilities both on the field of battle and with women. He has just returned from France to lead the forces against King Stephen. The woman he wants by his side is Elizabeth of Chester, beautiful, intelligent and difficult. Used to ruling with her father a large demesne, she has turned away many suitors but accepts Hereford’s bid as she thinks he will allow her to be herself. What worries her is the passion she feels for him and so she holds back what she could give.
Will Elizabeth help or hurt Roger as he seeks to put a worthy king on the throne?
Gellis brings to life this period in England’s history. There are lots of characters as you might suspect, some honorable and some not so, including Roger’s controlling mother and his two sisters and jealous brother. Henry—the would be king—is also a character, and a charming one at that. Roger must handle them all. While he will take Elizabeth to wife, she will do something out of rebellion that compromises his mission and he must find a way to have her aid him without hurting the cause.
What you won’t “see” in this book are any love scenes. You only know they take place by what is said around them. (I had to read one passage three times to realize they’d made love.)
This is a great story and highly recommended for lovers of serious historical romance. It may start a bit slow but you will be quickly drawn in won’t be able to put it down.
When a great battle is won yet all is lost, will love be enough?
This first of Roberta Gellis’ medieval romances begins in England in 1149 as supporters of Henry of Anjou gather forces to defeat weak King Stephen. It’s one of those historical romances that have actual history woven into every page. I just loved it.
Roger of Hereford is a young, handsome knight, his father’s heir and confident of his abilities both on the field of battle and with women. He has just returned from France to lead the forces against King Stephen. The woman he wants by his side is Elizabeth of Chester, beautiful, intelligent and difficult. Used to ruling with her father a large demesne, she has turned away many suitors but accepts Hereford’s bid as she thinks he will allow her to be herself. What worries her is the passion she feels for him and so she holds back what she could give.
Will Elizabeth help or hurt Roger as he seeks to put a worthy king on the throne?
Gellis brings to life this period in England’s history. There are lots of characters as you might suspect, some honorable and some not so, including Roger’s controlling mother and his two sisters and jealous brother. Henry—the would be king—is also a character, and a charming one at that. Roger must handle them all. While he will take Elizabeth to wife, she will do something out of rebellion that compromises his mission and he must find a way to have her aid him without hurting the cause.
What you won’t “see” in this book are any love scenes. You only know they take place by what is said around them. (I had to read one passage three times to realize they’d made love.)
This is a great story and highly recommended for lovers of serious historical romance. It may start a bit slow but you will be quickly drawn in won’t be able to put it down.
wish-list
August 4, 2013Elizabeth of Chester
Neither man nor beast could frighten the fiery Elizabeth. Yet she ached with a burning passion she was unable to control or forget.
Roger, Earl of Hereford
No stranger to women and the manly words and caresses that softened their hearts, he found in Elizabeth a woman not easily tamed. He was determined to bend her to his will with love…
But as Roger became more deeply involved in court intrigues and political scheming, his passionate marriage to Lady Elizabeth became more troubled…
Neither man nor beast could frighten the fiery Elizabeth. Yet she ached with a burning passion she was unable to control or forget.
Roger, Earl of Hereford
No stranger to women and the manly words and caresses that softened their hearts, he found in Elizabeth a woman not easily tamed. He was determined to bend her to his will with love…
But as Roger became more deeply involved in court intrigues and political scheming, his passionate marriage to Lady Elizabeth became more troubled…
June 14, 2009
historical
October 12, 2014
read this in my youth and loved it
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews