Roselynde

The Roselynde Chronicles #1

by Roberta Gellis

The end of her world . . . and the beginning of her greatest adventure

In a time of lords and ladies, Lady Alinor Devaux was an anomaly. The mistress of Roselynde was young, uncannily intelligent, wealthy and had a reputation for being as fierce and protective as any feudal lord before her. Alinor was unmarried and a rich prize for greedy men seeking power and wealth.

When the Queen makes Alinor a royal ward and assigns a warden to oversee the running of Roselynde, Alinor must deal with not only fighting off unwanted suitors, but with the warden as well! Not willing to be any man or woman's pawn, she is determined to make Sir Simon Lemagne's life miserable. But the seasoned knight isn't quite what Alinor expects.

What belongs to Alinor remains with Alinor, and God help any woman, man or holy crusade that gets in her way . . .

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Medieval, Fiction, Medieval Romance

576 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1978

About the author

Roberta 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

Reviews

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings about this book. Some parts of it I loved, for some reason the descriptions of Simon's campaign in Wales and the section about the Crusades. I thought the historical personalities were really well drawn and to me Queen Alinor (why not Eleanor?) of Aquitaine and Richard I seemed very realistic and well drawn. I had more of an issue with Prince John though - he seemed to be a bit of a pantomime villain.

I was less keen on the fictional characters. Alinor herself I found very irritating and the arguments she had with her warden just seemed a bit silly a lot of the time. I also found Simon less than appealing mainly because at one point he hit Alinor and the author also mentions that he has raped women in the past, yet he is presented as a romantic hero. I know this is probably more realistic for the time, but I couldn't warm to him because of that. I was actually more interested in his squire, Ian, and so I shall be reading the next in the series as I know it focuses on him.

Overall I found this a good read but not amazing. I would recommend Elizabeth Chadwick's novels instead.

[Misfit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great fun. There was so much humour between Alinor and Simon at the beginning, along with their wonderful chemistry. A nice twist to have the heroine being not only intelligent and strong minded, but to have her fall in love with an "older man" instead of some young hunk. LOL, so many funny scenes but especially the one where Simon wanted to see her books and had a horrible misundertanding with the confused monk.

No matter what the appearances of the book cover and the name of the publisher I would not classify this as a true "bodice ripper". Just a wonderful love story. Alinor and Simon didn't even "do it" until after they were married about 50 pages before the end of the book! I found the battle scenes to be a bit tiresome (the crusade battles didn't interest me as much), but otherwise very entertaining and well written. I am looking forward to reading the sequel, Alinor.

[TheMadHatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars.

This is the favourite book of a work friend and she has been asking me to read it for years. I held off as it is a lot of pressure to read a book that someone loves so dearly in case it is not for you and you don't want to disappoint them. I don't think I will ever recommend a book I love to anyone ever again now that I see the other side of the stress involved :-P

This book was first published in the 1970s and is a historical romance fiction and rather well researched and portrayed to from the sounds of it and with a more strong focus on history than romance. Similiar in style to Outlander I suppose in detail.

It is set in the 1100s in England with King Richard on the throne, Prince John wanting the throne and the crusades in full swing. The two main characters of the book though are fictitious (although the monarchy/Crusades play a large part of the story). Alinor is the lady of Roselynde and Simon is appointed to assist with the running of the property after the death of her grandfather.

I did really enjoy this book - but I wouldn't say I loved it. I really loved the setting and it is a time in history that I am really rusty on so I spent a lot of the time going back and forth between book and internet to research. However, I didn't particularly like Alinor and even though it was probably historical accurate, Simon's (being a knight) openly admits to rape and pillage and taking whom ever is available. Hard to get behind that as a lead man (plus he is also 30+ years Alinor's senior). Historically accurate maybe - romantic? Not so much. 　.

[Suzanne Abna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roselynde Chronicles is THE best series I ever read. I read it over 20 years ago and read every 5 to 7 years.

[Kit★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars This was my July Pick-It-For-Me book over in Western and Medieval Romance Lovers, and I was already feeling in the mood for a medieval set story, so it worked out good. When I first added this book to my TBR, I was thinking it was more of a bodice ripper than it ended up being, to be honest. I was expecting a lot more, well, romance of the steamy sort. This didn't have much of that at all. In fact, it kinda made me just a little disappointed there. It was a bit more of the courtly, proper romance sort. A few dangerous stolen kisses was about as hot as it got until close to the end when at long, long last Simon and Alinor were permitted to marry and finally consummate their love. The whole time I was rooting for them, agonizing over the things they had to go through, the whims of the royals they had to obey... In fact, the historical feel of the book was very good, the author made me able to understand precisely the things that were going on, and why. The only thing I think was missing was some description. I felt entrenched in the time period politically and socially, but I didn't see it as well as I have with other books. There wasn't much physical description of the scenery or clothing, I didn't think. Other than that, though, the historical feel was excellent. The writing was very well done, and I found myself wanting to just keep reading and reading, loath to put it down because I had to see what was going to happen. I loved the epic feel of it, the traveling the characters did over land and over sea, the long time span of it and the exotic places. I was also quite fond of both Simon and Alinor, and their relationship, how they both handled the attraction, the pain they felt at their misunderstandings and occasional lack of communication. Simon was a warrior through and through, all of the battle scenes were superb and exciting. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author didn't hold back when it came to the grisly details of war, the spouting blood and heads cleaved in, limbs chopped off, that madness of battle! Rawr! Got me going. Simon was amazing in that department, lol. Alinor was no slouch either, though her battles weren't on the same playing field. I liked her cunning, and her strength in the face of everything. I was so, so happy when they could be together at last, and I think I'm going to leave my ending there, with them together, happy, though not necessarily safe forever. I don't think I'll read the other books in the series, because I already know from checking 'em out on here that Simon is dead in book 2. Sorry, but that ruins my happy ending. It's even sadder than when Blaze Wyndham lost her first husband and I was crushed then. I grew really attached to Simon, and I don't give a hoot how handsome Ian is with his big dark eyes and mop of dark hair, and strong young body. I like the older, big, wise, tough as granite, mostly honorable and definitely experienced Simon. So there it will end for me I believe. I am happy that I finally read this though, I enjoyed it. It's been awhile since I read a good, meaty historical that made me think, and made me feel like I learned quite a few new things. I have another medieval by this author on my TBR pile, so this book makes me feel more inclined toward getting around to it as well. 3.5 Stars!

[Penny]

Roberta Gellis is by far the reigning talent of stories well told. With a mix of fiction and history, you will find yourself unable to put the books down! She is Superlative!

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book and very much liked the story between the main characters Alinor and Simon but sometimes it was a little too much history for me.

Alinor Devaux is one of the wealthiest women in England. Unmarried at sixteen years old she has been well provided for and protected. She is capable of running her many estates with a strong but compassionate hand. Queen Alinor of Aquitaine, according to the wishes of her son, soon to be King Richard I, has placed young Alinor under the wardship of the King. Sir Simon Lemange, the king's judiciar, has been assigned as her warden. Sir Simon is surprised and not pleased by his new duties, Alinor is willful, quick tempered and manipulative. Surprisingly each stirs something in the other, they fall in love and wish to marry. However an arrangement of marriage between the two will not benefit the monarchy. They will travel a difficult journey before marriage is even a possibility.

The history woven through their story is somewhat complicated. This was the first time I can recall reading about this period in history. I found it very interesting but a little overwhelming at times. Someone who has knowledge about this period in time would probably find the detailed history more enjoyable than I did. I would have done better if I'd had some basic understanding of the Welsh conflict and the Crusades.

I thought Gellis did an excellent job of describing Medieval times with details on clothing, buildings, battle, customs, and traditions including how women were sometimes taken as wives against their will.

There were a few leaps of emotion that I would have preferred to have had drawn out. The relationship between Alinor and Simon is full of attraction and repulsion, misunderstanding and confusion with each not knowing how the other truly feels. Some of which felt just a little too contrived for my tastes. But I did grow to care for these characters and enjoyed the way their relationship resolved itself.

I really enjoyed the author's note which puts this period in history in perspective and offers insights to some of King Richard's behavior. I thought the writing was very good the characters were well drawn and I enjoyed the story.

[Davina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tbh I enjoyed the historical detail and thought it read as more of a historical fiction than a romance novel but I didn't really like Simon or Alinor that much. I found Alinor very irritating at times they were constantly arguing about atupid things and then making up, there was a big age gap between the two which personally didn't work for me (but that's a personal quirk)In the end I just didn't really believe that they actually liked each other that much.

I think you'd enjoy this if you like fiction set in the Middle Ages such as Elizabeth Chadwick or Maurice Druon. Even fans of Game of Thrones would probably get something out of it.

I wish I could give it more than two stars and it probably deserves three but I just found Simon and Alinor so annoying I couldn't in all honesty.

[Kaetrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book holds up well in many ways but there are some critical things that just didn't work for me this time - I think because I probably overlooked it the first time around but also because my sensibilities have changed. Simon was, shall we say, a man of his time. He was no stranger to an "unwilling woman" and there's a scene where he slaps Alinor's face (Alinor is not angry with him about it - it's kind of like she's hysterical - but still it was a lot). Their wedding night was a bit of dubious consent initially too.

It's a problematic fave.

[Mary Z · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just could not finish it... I think Goodreads should have a category for DNF... boring.. Perhaps would be suitable for a very YA ...

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when it first came out and have reread it multiple times. I love the well-researched setting and insights into historical figures. The main characters are well-written and realistically portrayed for their times. The author did a skillful job weaving fact and fiction, creating a story that has kept me coming back to it year after year.

Alinor is the sixteen-year-old heiress of the vast lands of the Sire of Roselynde. She is bold, beautiful, confident, and unwilling to cede her rights to any man. After her parents' deaths when she was a child, her grandparents (The Sword & the Swan) raised her. Lord Rannulf taught her how to care for the land and lead those under her, while Lady Catherine guided her in caring for the people. When Lord Rannulf dies (after an incredibly long life for the period), Alinor is unmarried and, therefore, a rich prize for any man who can take her. Her situation comes to the attention of Queen Alinor, who ensures that Alinor becomes a ward of King Richard, a method of protecting her. The book opens as the Queen arrives to visit Alinor and Roselynde, and the opening scenes are vividly described. Here, Alinor learns the Queen's right-hand man, Sir Simon, will become her warden to protect her and her lands in the King's name.

Simon is a knight who has been the Queen's man for many years and fulfilled many roles. He is a king's justiciar, as a younger man, he spent time as Prince Richard's shield bearer (protector) and most recently was the one sent to release the Queen from the confinement imposed by the late King Henry II. He is an experienced warrior in his forties and well-versed in Court intrigues and behaviors.

I loved the first encounter between Alinor and Simon. He is struck dumb by her beauty, while Alinor looks at him as the Queen's man. But Fate, and the Queen, have a twist in store for them. The Queen is unwilling to leave Alinor unprotected and must ensure the King receives the funds earned from Roselynde's lands, so she assigns Simon to be Alinor's warden. Simon is not exactly happy about this assignment, believing it to be more punishment than reward. Alinor is angry and worried that Simon will strip her lands to help the King. He has no idea how deeply involved she is in managing everything to do with her properties, and his investigations do nothing to make him believe that everything is okay. I always laugh at his reaction to "my lady's book" and the disaster he thinks it holds. The confrontation with Alinor is hilarious and eye-opening for Simon, and it is also the beginning of the volatile relationship between them.

The chemistry between Simon and Alinor is undeniable, but they are also trapped in the reality of their time. As an heiress and King's ward, Alinor is a pawn awaiting her turn to be given in a marriage that will add to someone's power. Simon is not a noble and has no real wealth or power of his own. But Alinor is determined to have the man she wants and will do whatever is necessary to make it happen.

The action moves from Roselynde to the King's Court, where Alinor works her wiles to get what she wants. Going from an active life to being a court member is a recipe for disaster, and she draws her share of unwanted attention. Alinor is quick-witted, and I loved how she used those wits to change her situation. The scenes of her work with the Queen were great, and her stolen moments with Simon showed their longing to be together. There's a bit of miscommunication when Simon's honor runs up against Alinor's misunderstanding of something the Queen says. I loved seeing Alinor's satisfaction with her work and the difference it made to her time at court.

Significant changes are ahead when King Richard announces his plans to go on Crusade. The politics involved were fascinating, both in what it meant for the Crusaders and those left in England. After some political wrangling, Simon commits to going with Richard, and Alinor accompanies the Queen, who will collect Richard's bride-to-be and deliver her for the wedding. The trip's details were fascinating and gave a vivid picture of the conditions and activities. The Queen and her party, including Alinor, follow Richard to the Holy Land.

The ins and outs of the fighting and the royals' personalities created many edge-of-the-seat situations. Simon and Alinor possess a dangerous secret that puts them both at risk. Through it all, their love never falters, nor does their determination to find a way to marry. Though they get their wish, the circumstances are less than ideal and make for an awkward wedding ceremony.

Even with their long-desired arrival back in England, their troubles are still ongoing. Unaware of her marriage, others have plans to cement alliances using Alinor, and her resistance is not well-received. The consequences put both her and Simon in danger. I loved Simon's solution, and seeing his plan carried out was great fun.

I love the characters in this book. Alinor has an unusual, but not unheard of, upbringing, which frequently puts her at odds with those around her. She is strong-willed and stubborn, sometimes getting her in hot water with authority figures. She can be manipulative in pursuit of her goals, but always with the best intentions. I loved her clear vision regarding other characters and their personalities, motives, and failings. There were plenty of scenes of Alinor's interactions with people, some impressive in their forcefulness.

Simon is written accurately for a man of his time, which can make things a little uncomfortable for modern sensitivities. Overall, though, he is a man whose honor is a huge part of who he is. As much as he desires Alinor, he refuses to do anything underhanded to gain her hand in marriage. His interactions with Alinor can be sweet or explosive, as she frequently tries his patience. He is an experienced knight who relates well to Alinor's vassals and castellans and quickly earns their respect. He is respected by King Richard and the Queen also, which pays off for him in the end.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adventure took us to Wales then off on the crusades via dangerous sea crossings, peralis snow capped mountain traversing, plagued by wrekers & bloody skirmishes. It certainly was action packed.

I was drawn to the main characters. Their focus on protecting as well as managing the Lady's lands & the skill in which they are able to navigate to the tempest of court politics as well as self-serving royals.

This type of descriptive writing appeals to me. I could feel the bite of the icy winds or sweltering oppressive heat even the glide of different fabrics.

A great series to curl up with and get lost in on a cold day.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some violent scenes I didn't really enjoy, and one really silly scene. My rating is probably 3.5, not 4.

Overall, this is an atmospheric, not quite nostalgic, novel of the Middle Ages when Alinor of Aquitaine was Dowager Queen of England (Queen Mother?)

The love story is mostly solid, except for some parts (see above). Lots of adventure and danger, what with John Lackland, the Crusades, and an eligible, wealthy heroine.



Fans of Elizabeth Chadwick will most likely enjoy this.

[John L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

best accurate historical book ever

I was a teenager when I found Roberta Gellis’ Bond of Blood in the Greenwood branch of the Seattle library. It spoiled me for Almost all other historical “romance” writers. Save Georgette Heyer.
I just read a Tudor Historical Romance that had the nerve to write “ I expected it to blow me away” in a description. Read all the Robert Gellis you can
locate.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alinor is sixteen years old when her grandfather dies, making her the sole heir to a vast estate. Naturally, this leaves her in a very vulnerable position, as many men would love to marry her for her wealth and lands- or be the warden over her affairs so they could take advantage of her.

But, Alinor was schooled by her grandfather and his advisors, so that she’s not the naïve teenager people might think she is. When the queen arrives to speak to Alinor about her predicament, Alinor announces that she would rather not marry, which prompts the queen to assign her a ‘warden’.

Simon is one of the queen’s most trusted and loyal men, which is why he is stunned by her decision to make him Alinor’s warden.

At first, Simon assumes Alinor is ignorant about what goes on with her lands and the people she oversees, and likewise, Alinor doesn’t trust Simon as far as she can throw him. After some adjustments, though, the two seem to find a rhythm, a comfortableness with each other, but soon the queen summons them to her court. By that time, Alinor is fully in love with Simon. But there is no way the couple would ever receive a blessing to marry…

Back in 1978, “trigger warnings” didn’t exist, and authors didn’t hold back on the brutalities of the eras in which their books were set. This is a medieval novel that, when it was published would most assuredly be labeled as a romance- it is still listed as such on Amazon, but I’d have to beg to differ…

Is there a love story- yes, I believe the saga between Simon and Alinor would be considered a love story. In many historical romances written in the seventies and eighties the ‘heroes’ were often rough around the edges, cruel even, sometimes. So, as someone who read a few of those older books, Simon is hardly the worst hero- but… he rarely had sweet romantic words for Alinor, - he was not a noble- he was a great warrior- a womanizer and admits to having raped women during war times. He, at one point, physically abused Alinor, and one will have to adjust to the huge age difference between the two main characters.

These truths about Simon makes it very hard for the modern day reader to muster up any forgiveness for him, even though he does go through changes, voices regrets and attempts to seek some redemption.

The women are portrayed as being intelligent, crafty, and strong-with one or two exceptions, but they also seemed to simply expect physical violence, resigned to the probability, a penalty they were willing to accept when a cause was worth standing up for.

As the reader follows the couple and all their separations, the determination to avoid the temptation to settle for being unmarried lovers, to hold out hope for a legitimate marriage, and still remain chaste, we are ready for a long overdue swoon-worthy victory… but by the time they had finally overcome all the obstacles in their way, it felt as though the couple had changed- worn out by their efforts -and maybe even a little cranky, detroying the euphoric bliss we were anticipating- it was disappointingly anticlimactic.

Still, the saga was something of a page turner if you like epic battles and lots of action and adventure and plenty of palace intrigue. I did enjoy the change of pace and felt the author did some research, doing a fine blend between fact and fiction.

This is the first book is a series, many of which are available in the kindle store- the second installment for some reason is not in digital format- I still have paperback copies of the first three books in this series, but finding readable copies now might be a bit of a challenge, if you want to read these in order.

Overall, just the distraction I needed, a different era, a good epic saga, and a bit of nostalgia for the old school days of historical fiction/romance. I will get around to reading the second book in the series someday.

[°мαggιє° (っ⚈ᴥ⚈)っ™ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow i read through all of this although i was bored out of my mind. that must count for something.

it's just that the hero kept on wringing his hands and bemoaning his advanced age. "oh im too old for her, how could i aspire to have her, the beautiful NUBILE girl child..."

and that's the entire driving point/conflict/build up, denoument, climax, what have you.

honestly the 30 year old age difference was a tough hurdle to clear in my mind. i kept on imagining this pot belly man with thinning greying hair. not helped by his constant complaints.

18/48 match up is just too weird, even by the stretch of imagination.

[Polivanova Yuliya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this person Alinor. She is fictional personage, however her actions as the Queen on the King Richard I make me feel strong and courageous. I am going ahead to real "Alinor' novel I began so long ago to continue refreshing my progress in this even , as Roberta Gellis write , it is fictional character in the historical facts about era of 12-13th century in Brittany

[Eleana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still good!

Many years ago, when this book was new, a man recommended Roberta Hellos to me, saying that she was a good author whose history was accurate. I have all the books she wrote, and still enjoy them. They are a balance of history and romance, and rereading them only increases the joy.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An old and favorite read! Gellis was a marvel at depicting the 12th century in Europe, especially England. Roselynde, the first in a series following a noble family for several generations, shows the chaos of the realm as King Richard comes to power, only to depart on crusade, leaving his conniving younger brother behind.

[Dianne Raylor]

I love this book and all the ones that follow. I have read them over and over. The history comes alive as the women of Roselynde do whatever it takes to keep their home and family safe. Even going up against kings. If you like historical romance, you can't go wrong with Roberta Gellis. I have read every book I can find of hers and never been disappointed.

[Janette Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Read

My mother used to refer to books like this as mind candy. When I am low I reach for one of Roberta Gellis books and let it sooth me with a tale well known. The distraction and familiarity of the tale takes me away from my blues.

[Juanita Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best historical romance series ever.

I have all of the Roselynde series in paperback and love all of them having read the multiple times. As I get older I'm finding it harder to read

[Esther Kozakevich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roberta Gellis is a genius, amazing writer, and incredible historian and i cant wait to read her entire backlist. i am obsessed with how she transports me to medieval times and doesn't make it feel the least bit modern. its just so special and they don't make em like this anymore

[Charlee Neidhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this entire series! I wrote Ms. Gellis in the 80's & she actually wrote me back! It was around the time she lost her mother & she told me she couldn't continue the series as she'd have to kill off Alinor & she just couldn't bear the thought of doing that.

[Mari Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medieval history & romance at its finest!!

This series of books is excellent. Character development is perfect, the story plot woven through historical facts, is seamless & believable. Over the years I have reread these books. They are worth it!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her books. The characters are so multi-dimensional that you feel that this is how they really lived. Her attention to detail brings the late 12th century alive.

[Jorden · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[G Twigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long involved. Never boring

This is a very absorbing read.
A love story
An historical tale with familiar names.
Richard the Lionheart
King John
There are 3 books following

[Barbara]

Dnf. Slow going, decided to stop after almost 200 pages.

[michele lynd · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONe of my all time Favs I read this way to young I think i was like 13 LOL