Sheltered by the Warrior

Warriors #3

by Barbara Phinney

Her unexpected guardian

Baron Stephen de Bretonne's sworn duty is to serve the king—and that means finding the Saxons plotting against the throne by any means necessary. Protecting a Saxon woman and her half-Norman child? Merely a means to that end. But the lovely Rowena proves to be more than just a pawn in his plan. And his admiration for her could ruin everything if he can't stifle his feelings.

While Rowena must begrudgingly accept Norman protection for herself and her baby, she knows better than to trust any man. Yet in the face of danger, can she also open her heart to her unlikely protector?

Genres: Love Inspired, Love Inspired Historical, Christian Fiction, Historical Romance, Christian Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 2015

Reviews

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I randomly picked this book the last time I put in an order of Love Inspired books. I know it's part of a series, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not reading the previous ones, though I am surely going to catch up! Loved the time period. 1068 A.D. is definitely not one that is used often, hehe. It was fun to visit this time period through this great story.

[Jessica J Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good as the first time I read it!

I had read this book a few years ago and loved it! Having gone back and read the first two (I’ve reviewed them as well) I can honestly say the whole series is solid! This one had a mystery element interwoven into the center romance between a hardened, captain of the King’s guard and a young woman starting a new life after a life-time of mistreatment.

Their growing faith and love is wonderful and the brutally honest conversations that they have about how to forgive themselves and others is relatable.

I liked how Rowena’s strength and meekness blended appropriately, while Stephen’s physical prowess was never in question, but he learned to temper it with love and care. All around a great series for the time period!

[Sam B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the mystery and adventure in this story along with the historical setting.

[Wendy Sparkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why on earth, after all she's been through, should she trust this man? - And a Norman at that!

A tale of intrigue, betrayal...and a love that rises in the midst of it.



I've enjoyed this Warrior series by Barbara Phinney set in East Anglia during the early years of the Norman conquest of England.

It was interesting to meet an anchoress in this story. I had never heard of one before so it inspired me to do a little research on the subject. I'm glad I'm able to add that bit of knowledge to my history bank.

It was also nice to have medieval terms scattered throughout the story - it added a flavour of the time to the tale which I appreciated.

This is a series that would be best read in order. I definitely recommend that #2 be read before this one as a lot of Rowena's background for this story takes places in that one.

#1 #2 #3

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story!! The third Barbara Phinney Medieval Christian Romance with hints of previous characters but really its own novel and a beautiful love story!! I loved the first two novels and the author has not disappointed!! All three are keepers!! I could see the manor and its people, and loved the descriptive lifestyle including the food they ate, the way the minstrels performed, the inner workings of the village, and the interesting information about the local anchoress! Stephen and Rowena are wonderful together and the mystery and intrigue really fleshes the story out making it much more than a traditional skimpy novella! I hope this author writes more medieval!! She's very talented!!

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen has become baron and in charge of the villean Rowena, who was given her freedom by the king. He's not sure how this all came to be, or about her child, but something's not right since someone is attacking her food supplies, burning her home, and trying to kill her. He has to figure out who is not as they seem. Meanwhile, he is also on the lookout for those who are disloyal to the king. Maybe he can combine the two and find everyone he's looking for.

A lot of action going on. Very interesting time period, and the hero and heroin are wonderful characters. Add a baby to the mix, and the Warrior becomes more mighty.

[Judine Brey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the themes that are expressed in this historical romance, including love, trust, and forgiveness. This is especially true since the two parties involved are a Norman and a Saxon, respectively. Rowena, rightfully distrustful of the Normans after being sold to them as a slave, gradually learns to trust and care for Stephen, who is merely trying to do his duty for his new king. The characters are well-drawn and believable, and the romance moves slowly enough that I buy the two falling in love. That said, the intrigue of who is the spy was wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly at the end, making for a finish that was more abrupt than satisfying.

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheltered by the Warrior is set in the time right after the Battle of Hastings. This is when tension was high between Normans and Saxons. Barbara Phinney shows this as well as bringing out how man in greed no matter where he is from. Baron Stephen de Breronne's duty is to the king which is finding out who plots against the king. He protests a Saxon woman and her half -Norman child. Why? Read and find out. You will not be disappointed. This is an interesting look at what daily life was like in about 1068 A. D. It is part of the Warrior series but does well as a stand alone.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was preparing to give this 4 stars, on the grounds that it's more than an average romance: lots of research into mediaeval living, a decent mystery, and well-rounder characterizations. Unfortunately, it seems that the author felt that it had gone on too long, and needed to wrap it up quickly. The end can be pretty much summed up as: "Now that the villain has been discovered and dealt with, let's get married. We'll just ignore the minor detail that the king is unlikely to allow it." Disappointing.

[Harlequin Books]

"This addition to the Warrior series is action-filled and has a nice mystery with a bit of romance. It picks up from the previous story smoothly and includes some fascinating new characters" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).