To Win a Lady's Heart

by Sian Ann Bessey

For eighteen years, Lord Gilbert has been tortured over a grievous lapse in judgment. Bitterness has tainted his interactions with the people of Moreland and his relationship with his only daughter, Lady Joanna. With a wolfhound guarding her around the clock and no freedom to leave the castle grounds unattended, the only time Lady Joanna can be alone is when she sneaks out through an old castle tunnel to visit the healer Agnes in her cottage by the sea. One morning as Lady Joanna approaches the cliffs, she discovers an injured man. She immediately goes to Agnes for help. The wounded stranger is Sir Lukas, and while he recovers, he makes plans to identify his attackers and their motive. Upon learning that Moreland's wool has been stolen, Sir Lukas comes to believe that the crimes are related and point to a much more sinister plot. When Lord Gilbert announces an archery tournament, the prize being Lady Joanna's hand in marriage, it attracts noblemen from across the land, and suddenly Sir Lukas's pursuit of the villains takes a different turn. As Lady Joanna and Sir Lukas's feelings for each other grow, the stakes soar, and only Sir Lukas's skill with a longbow can save them.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Medieval, Fiction, Clean Romance

248 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the U.S., where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.
She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today best selling author and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was perusing audiobooks today and came across this one. I was so excited! I've been eyeing it since it came out. How could I not, I mean look at that cover! So gorgeous. The dress and that horse?!!! Not to mention that the synopsis called to me and many friends absolutely loved it when they read it several months ago. So I selected it and turned it on. It was a fabulous companion for my day. I had a lot of prep work to do for an upcoming trip and so while I was cleaning, doing laundry, making food and being mommy chauffeur I listened to, enjoyed and finished this gem. I can't resist a good medieval love story, fraught with danger, tournaments, horses, archery, angst, friendship and budding romance.

While I was mommy chauffeur, my daughters were hooked. And when I say hooked, I mean absolutely deathly silence in my car. Not even one little peep came out of them. They weren't asking me questions, they didn't have any little fights with each other. Just completely, 100% hooked on the story. They of course came in at the last 15% of the story so it was a little bit more intense as it was building to the climax but they loved it!

The beginning starts with a bang, or a roar, or a something to convey a traumatic experience. Altering a young baby's life for many years to come. Not only is baby Joanna's life altered but many other people belonging under the protection of Lord Gilbert have a big change in their lives. Flash forward many years and Joanna comes upon the remains of a dangerous scene. Once she does, she cannot turn back time and change her course. But the course it puts her on is dangerous and will unravel all secrets that have been held at Mooreland since the death of her mother when Joanna was born. Will she survive? Will she be able to protect those under her care? Can she reach her father's aloofness for her and break through his barriers to save their people?

The love story was sweet and a good part of the story but I would say that it wasn't the main focus of the story. It does drive the story forward in several parts but the peril and mystery felt like it was more the main focus. I have enjoyed the books I've read by this author. My first book was Forgotten Notes, back when I was a young teenager. My copy has been read and reread so many times (by me and others) that the binding has come completely unglued and has sections of the book that are falling apart. I hate to replace it because it's a well loved copy but it just might be a necessity. LOL!

Content: Clean. Some peril, nothing overly graphic and only a handful of sweet kisses.

Audiobook copy from Deseret Bookshelf plus. (I'm loving this! Got a gift subscription that will last me several months and it has thousands of books that I love and that I haven't read yet! You'll be seeing many, many, many audiobooks going through my shelves in the upcoming months!)

Happy Reading!!!

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful cast of characters give heart to this medieval tale of loyalty and betrayal. I loved Lady Joanna's compassion for the peasants in her father's land, and her determination to champion their cause since they couldn't for themselves. Her secret relationship with Agnes and the two young men Agnes cares for proves to be beneficial when they come to her aid as the kingdom seems to be falling apart. The arrival of Lukas was timely as he helps solve the mystery of the stolen wool and reveal the culprits who are behind the plot to rob Joanna's father of everything. His goodness shines through in his kindness and devotion to Joanna, and I was rooting for him to win the tournament and her heart. Lord Gilbert's loyal knight Sir Edwyn was a steadying influence in Joanna's life as a father figure and his connection to Lukas brought the story full circle. This is a book that will be enjoyed by fans of Melanie Dickerson and I highly recommend it for both young adults and adults.

(I was provided a copy of the book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books that take me back to the time of Knights and Castles. There is always that imagery of chivalry that takes me back to childhood dreams of being a princess with a handsome knight (or two) to save and protect me. Now that I am older, I know that the dream had a dark side, that of vassals, outhouses, poverty, etc.

This book had a great mix of my childhood dream and the realities of the time period. Lady Joanna is the daughter of a Lord. She is kept in beautiful gowns and has servants to wait on her. While she may have comforts, there are many aspects of life she missed. She was not given freedom to roam away from her home. She is basically a prisoner to a small geographical area, mainly the castle. Her father is distrustful of most and doesn't give her time and attention. Lady Joanna is concerned with the vassals. She understands their concerns about paying taxes and does her best to try to help them not end up in the dungeon,.

Sir Lukas comes to Moreland to give thanks to a knight that his mother owes a debt of gratitude. He is immediately set upon by men up to no good and now has information that may help end a ring of thieves.

I loved the writing style of the book. I also love the time period and theme. Sian Ann Bessey gave me descriptions that helped me form images in my mind. I love it when an author can do that. She described the story in a way that appealed me.

I also liked that there were dimensions to the characters. Lord Gilbert has demons from the past that effect the man he is in the story. Sir Edwyn made a decision that illustrate how a good decision can have impact on the future. Joanna shows a soft side, but she is a woman of determination and intellect.

This is a clean romance with adventure, mystery, and some violence.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for stories of brave knights, beautiful and strong ladies, dastardly villains, and dangerous plots. With a fantastic assortment of characters, this story stole my heart and captured my attention from the first page.

Lady Joanna is a devious young woman--but in a good way, if that makes sense. She takes risks to make friends, help others, and enjoy life a little, but has to do so secretly. She's the type of character that a reader can't help but adore, with her headstrong ways and her good heart. Sir Lukas is exactly the type of hero that charms the socks off a girl. He's strong, brave, loyal, and willing to do whatever it takes to uncover the glimpses of evil that he catches. With danger lurking around every dark corner due to a challenge that will win one lucky man Joanna's hand in marriage, it's up to this duo to save the day--in more ways than one.

This book is just what my soul needed. I love the way the plot is spun into a swoon-worthy tale that has all the right elements to make a very intriguing story that is sure to enchant any reader. I was taken back to my youth, when I would dream of tales such as this becoming my reality, yet the book is realistic and consistent enough to be believable. I believe that good will conquer evil and that true love does exist. But I also know that it takes a lot of hard work to get to that happily ever after. This journey is definitely one worth reading about.

Content: mild-moderate violence; mild romance.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I voluntarily reviewed this book and all opinions expressed are my own.*

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books set in medieval times with loyal and brave knights, beautiful ladies, archery tournaments and sinister plots! This book has it all. I just loved it!

The characters were all so vivid in my mind. Lady Joanna is the perfect picture of kindness and loyalty. She loves her land and her people and has a desire to help them both thrive. Her frustration comes from not being allowed to really participate in decisions regarding either one and instead is shoved off to the side as a pretty ornament.

Sir Lukas is the stuff of every young girl's fantasy. He is strong, smart and chivalrous. I loved his determination and his honor.

This story played out like a fantastic movie in my head. I loved the characters, the setting and the way the writing made me feel enveloped. Love from beginning to end!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful read. I'm familiar with the legend it was based on so I was excited to see how that would be incorporated into the story. It was done well. The characters were true to their upbringing as well as the individual challenges that life brought them. It was fun to see Lady Joanna's growth throughout the story as well as her father and Sir Lukas. I'm always a sucker for a good tournament with the wrong guy in the lead. This is a well written love story that anyone will enjoy and appreciate. I highly recommend it.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tale will leave you feeling enchanted! You will read of a king and his castle. You will revel in knights and thieves. Your heart will melt for a simple-minded man, a young boy, and a women forbidden from the kingdom. Lady Joanna and her wolfhound with capture your attention and keep you reading long into the night. I completely recommend this book! ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic tale filled with Knights of honor, tales of sorrow, moments of valor, and of course a sweet love between a Knight and a Lady.

I really enjoyed this refreshing tale! Maybe it’s because I love this medieval time period, or the unique beginning of this story, or that I’m tired of all these contemporary “billionaire” romance books. Whatever the case, this book was a breath of fresh air and had my toes curling in delight at the clean swoony romance!

Lady Joanna is kind and giving, with a quiet inner strength that I loved watching her discover. Having led a very sheltered and isolated life, she slowly learns to become the “Lady” she is meant to be. Sir Lukas is the perfect dashing knight, with honor and courage in spades. He cannot stand idly by when something wrong happens. I enjoyed watching him fall for Joanna and work to protect her- in more ways than one.

A wonderful story, with a sweet and happily-ever-after ending. I’ve already enjoyed other books by this author, and hope she continues to write more in this time period!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way cute story, I wanted more! Bessey is a good author, I've always liked her. This was such a well put together story, I just wanted more of the characters and the scenery and the feel of the medevil world. I handed it to my teen who loves midevil stuff. There is talk of God and some prayers this was just a sweet book, a little violence, but not detailed.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of historical fiction and have read a fair amount of regency romance. This, however, was my first medieval romance and I must say I am a fan. It was also my first Bessey read and I liked it.

I am unfamiliar enough with the medieval time period that this book was a delightful foray into all the unknowns and felt a little like diving into an entirely new world. Knights. Castles. Peasants and nobility. Wolfhounds, swords, longbows. Mystery, adventure, intrigue, deceit. Romance. This book has it all and works.

The story of Lady Joanna and Sir Lukas is very intriguing and well done. The love story was very well done. Despite the romance blossoming over the course of mere days (and if you know me, you know this is a pet peeve of mine), it was developed quite well. Watching the respect grow between Joanna and Lukas, while their regard, and then love, grew as well, was perfect. It made them seem more like a realistic couple.

As always, I love a strong female protagonist, especially in the face of society or family who expect different behavior. I felt that Joanna was a good mix between being ladylike and independent and stubborn. I liked her a lot.

Sir Lukas is likable right away, but you also can’t help but feel sorry for him in the way he is introduced. He is a good example of what we typically think a knight should be: brave, honest, loyal, and good.

The supporting characters are all fantastic and round out the story so well. Agnus, Slip, Garrett, Eva, and Sir Edwin are perfect. Even Lord Gilbert, Joanna’s father, as cold as he is, provides the essential contrast to Joanna’s goodness that the book needs. And makes the ending all the more sweet.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more Sian Bessey books in the future.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Read by: Nancy Peterson. The reading is very well done. The accents are all perfect, from the peasants to the nobility, even down to the Frenchmen. The male voices are not weird and they are different, so for the most part, I could tell who was speaking just by virtue of the tone she used. I was impressed.

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Summary:

For eighteen years, Lord Gilbert has been tortured over a grievous lapse in judgment.
Bitterness has tainted his interactions with the people of Moreland and his
relationship with his only daughter, Lady Joanna. With a wolfhound guarding her
around the clock and no freedom to leave the castle grounds unattended, the only time
Lady Joanna can be alone is when she sneaks out through an old castle tunnel to visit the
healer Agnes in her cottage by the sea. One morning as Lady Joanna approaches the cliffs,
she discovers an injured man. She immediately goes to Agnes for help. The wounded
stranger is Sir Lukas, and while he recovers, he makes plans to identify his attackers and
their motive. Upon learning that Moreland’s wool has been stolen, Sir Lukas comes to
believe that the crimes are related and point to a much more sinister plot. When Lord
Gilbert announces an archery tournament, the prize being Lady Joanna’s hand in
marriage, it attracts noblemen from across the land, and suddenly Sir Lukas’s pursuit of
the villains takes a different turn. As Lady Joanna’s and Sir Lukas’s feelings for each other
grow, the stakes soar, and only Sir Lukas’s skill with a longbow can save them.



My Review:

To Win A Lady's Heart by Sian Ann Bessey

I quickly fell into Lady Joanna's world and became so wrapped up in her life. I could
see the castle, the ocean, Agnes's cottage and even Joanna's wolfhound Cona. My heart broke
that her father was so cold and distant from her and chose to keep her at an arm's
length. Then Lukas showed up and the story took an unexpected turn full of mystery and
double crossing. The archery tournament was a perfect stage for any true fan of the medieval
times. I just really loved this book, it kept me up reading because I had to know how it would
end! The setting, the huge wolfhound Cona, Joanna's kind and pure heart, Lukas' true
knightly traits and a nefarious scheme that the heroes needed to uncover...this book has it all!
I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[LAWonder10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Joanna's mother died at her birth. Her over protective, grief-stricken  father, Lord Gilbert, has seldom ever offered her kindness and barely acknowledges her existence. Thanks to a dear Lady's maid, a noble Knight, a banished healer, and a devoted Wolf Dog, she was raised with love and respect. The only problem is, in order to visit the healer - which is forbidden - she has to sneak out just before dawn, through a secret tunnel. She was in the process of doing so when she came upon a stranger, lying in a clump, badly beaten and bleeding . She made a tourniquet out of her skirt, then ran to the healer's place for help. Two of the healer's "adopted children" assisted the ladies in rescuing the man and taking him to the cabin on the shore. it was doubtful he would survive.
Lady Joanna was late so had to hurry back to the castle and hopefully sneak back in undiscovered. After arriving, her maid scolded her and informed her,  Lord Gilbert had summoned her. To Lady Joanna's dismay, Lord Gilbert informed her of an upcoming occasion in which she had no say. With this, the fear of the poor man dying, and a doomed future, Lady Joanna felt she could no longer fight the tears. Was there no hope?
The plot steadily unfolds and there is daring and danger, as well as, drama, intrigue and romance. the character seem real, the book cover and title are a great fit. The background scenes are also portrayed well.

^This book was gifted to me but in no way does that influence this honest review.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, clean, period; historical setting
Lady Joanna and Sir Lukas' story was so well done! Intrigue, suspense, romantic, tender moments, along with a well depicted setting and dilemma in the story. Loved all the little pieces that wove together to make this so realistic. Even the animals in the story were so well done. The minor characters were so well done, so many things that made this a very good read. Joanna and Lukas' moments were so very sweet. The looks, the realizations, the final choice were all so well done. Along with this, Joanna's character, her kindness, caring for others including those of lower class, her dogs, the people around her who were struggling, she was such an honorable character. Lukas and Sir Edwyn the same, strong character, morals, caring for others, and honor commitments, noble, and dutiful. They were perfect examples of how a noble should comport themselves.
If you are a fan of period historical fiction, this is a great read! There are always little bits of history in S.A.B. books that make the novel even more realistic. This is one that I know I will re-read and savor. So glad I finally purchased this one to read!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading “The Heart of the Rebellion”, I was keen to read something else in a time period we have less books written about.

Lots to love about this plot for me. I believe the rash behavior of the day is typical to what we’d expect. Lady Joanna’s response to being raised by maids and kept at a distance from her father. The corruption that exists close to home and the kindness of those on the fringes of society, that champions the successes of the resolution. I love the way Sir Edwyn’s ‘rescue’ in the beginning brings about the happiness Lady Joanna has been seeking at the end. Everything comes full circle - and I enjoyed this sweet tale.

Lukas must be some very skilled archer to be able to do all he did with the injuries he was suffering from, which looses a bit of credibility... but hero status well earned ;)

Fun read, would recommend if you enjoy some medieval historical fiction with an element of very subtle romance.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first experience with Sian Ann Bessey was The Noble Smuggler. I absolutely loved that one, so I was really excited for this one -- my second book by her. It was good, but not quite as good as the other one. Had I listened to this instead of buying it first, I wouldn't have rushed out to buy it like I did with that one.

When I first read the prologue, I was not a happy camper. Apparently she didn't know the rules about dogs -- and the reaction of Lord Gilbert seemed a little extreme. However, I read the author's note at the end indicating that that part of the story was based on truth -- or at least a long enduring legend -- I was okay with it. Or at least as okay as I can be with something like that. Of course, I was less okay towards the end.

There were places in this that I felt held more melodrama than I would have wanted, but overall, it was a nice book and a pleasant diversion.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found To Win a Lady's Heart to be a enjoyable read. Lady Joanna and Sir Lukas make a great pair. Lady Joanna, despite her isolation due to her father's obsessing over her safety, cares about the people around her. She even sneaks out of the castle to visit her friend Agnes, a healer, who lives by the ocean. On one such excursion she comes across an injured knight. After getting him help the two begin to develop a bond. Complications ensue when Lady Joanna's father, Lord Gilbert, decides to offer her hand in marriage to the winner of an archery tournament. In addition to that hurtful situation, wool in being stolen from Moreland's farmers leaving them unable to pay their taxes. Sir Lucas suspects that those who attacked him may be involved in the thefts. Only by working together and learning to trust each other can Lady Joanna's and Moreland's future be secured. I enjoyed the setting and the time period. I haven't read many stories that take place during the medieval time period so I found it a refreshing change. Bessey does a great job of making the setting easy to imagine along with her characters. The archery contest was fascinating to read about and the action and adventure were plentiful. All in all, the book is an enjoyable, entertaining read for those who enjoy clean, historical romances.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. My 8+ month pregnant brain couldn't pay much attention while listening to this one but it wasn't terrible. Something about an archery tournament and stolen wool and knights and chivalry.

[Sarah]

One of my teen daughter's favorites. I enjoyed it also.

[Sharyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story situated in Wales. A good read!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way this book sucked me back in time to a land of Lords, Ladies, Knights and their steeds, and castles. The whole setting of this one almost felt real to me, the author really did such an amazing job with that.

The plot was awesome too, and I loved the way that the author has some notes at the end telling where she kind of got the plot from, so fascinating to see her process of how she came to it. I loved the way that the reader is as in the dark about who the villain is and the hero and heroine, that makes the book that much more interactive, because I for one was always puzzling out in my mind just who was after Lady Joanna and Sir Lukas.

Lady Joanna is simply amazing. I love the way that in the beginning you see what happens to her as a baby and then you see the result for both her and her father. I loved that she was able to grow into the amazing and caring young woman that she was with no real guidance from a parent figure, her mother had died and her father keeps her at arms length with no real love and affection.

Then there's Sir Lukas. He's simply coming to Moreland Castle to thank the man who had helped his mother many years before. But he gets caught in the intrigue accidentally and is left for dead. Lady Joanna finds him and makes sure he gets the care he needs before he dies. I love that he is a true, honest and noble knight, willing to enter the tournament for Joanna's hand in marriage and willing to help her right the wrongs with the peasant people without thought for his own safety.

I loved everything about this book, it kept me up late at night because I wanted to know just how the story ended. So amazing!

[Charissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This medieval romance starts out with a heartbreaking scene that set the tone for the rest of the book. Lady Joanna is kind and good, yet she is guarded by her father’s wolfhound and never given any freedom or touch of concern except from her lady’s maid and Agnes, the healer who was banished from the castle years ago. When she finds a wounded man on the cliff trail as she sneeks away from the castle, she seeks Agnes’s help to care for him. Wool goes missing and her father announces that her hand in marriage will be given to the winner of the archery contest Moreland will host soon. Lady Joanna is distraught to be seen as an object instead of a person by her father and the knights entering the contest.

The things I loved about this enchanting tale were the great setting in medieval England along the rainy cliffs near Moreland. Medieval fiction is fun because there are castles, warrior knights, the poor women who must be strong in that world, and lots of action. The characters were great too, with many layers to peel away to discover the gems inside. The plot had nice twists and mysteries to solve, as well as lots of action. The budding romance between Joanna and the handsome stranger from Cornwall was sweet too. Overall, this was a great treat to read. ***I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off decent and of course I love reading period novels so the medieval setting was a plus from the beginning. Also the author seemed to have a fairly good grasp of the time period in architecture of the castle grounds, etc which added to the believability of the novel. But halfway through when the dialogue picked up between the knight and the princess I was just so shocked by how fake and utterly cliche it all was! It was laughable, but mostly boring and disappointing. I still finished it hoping for some redeeming qualities to surface (it was a very fast read) but alas, it ended as bad as I thought it would, albeit happy.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Don't let the sappy title fool you. Yes, it is a romance book, but it had a good plot with layers of intrigue. The story was full of interesting characters; I enjoyed watching as the relationships changed and developed. Overall a good book that readers of this genre will enjoy. (This book is squeaky clean and has a little bit of a Christian feel to it -- for those who care.)

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun easy & clean read. Medieval story about a young lady who is isolated from everyone. She is promised as the prize at an archery contest. Happy coincidence that a handsome young man shows up in time to solve the mystery and falls in love with the girl. Predictable, but cute!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the last book I read by this author, so I was excited for another. This one has a sweet story with likable characters. The beginning sucked me in right away and the pace is just right, but I found the plot just a bit too predictable.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m rounding up on this one because I’m such a sucker for this period. I would have liked to see Lord Gilbert a little bit more developed and his relationship with his daughter flushed out, but the arrows fly straight to a happy ending that is still satisfying.

[Maree · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a nice, clean book…but it was just vanilla. The characters seemed shallow and the timeline happened too fast, making the romance unbelievable. The villains all turned out to be exactly who you thought they would, as well so there were no surprises.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and captivating from the first page.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the medieval setting of this story. It was great! Full of chivalry, knights, love and mystery. Such a fun , enjoyable book. Loved it!

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this “tale of honor and love” as described on the front cover! Set in medieval times, it is the story of a young Lady Joanna, and her father Lord Gilbert, who has suffered long from a tragedy he caused many years ago. Joanna’s mother died in childbirth so their father/daughter relationship has been somewhat distant. At age 18, Lady Joanna has reached marriageable age so Lord Gilbert announces an archery tournament, with the prize being his daughter’s hand in marriage. Joanna accepts her fate but wishes she could have the love she sees in others around her.

On one of her escapes from the castle to visit her beloved friend Agnes, the village healer, Joanna comes upon an unconscious young man who has been beaten, seriously injured, and left to die. With help she brings the young man to the healer’s cottage where they help him recover. Sir Lukas is a knight who was on an errand to the castle until the attack nearly killed him.

Sufficiently recovered, Sir Lukas delivers his message but has become involved in the complications going on around him. There are grievous robberies in the village, his attackers must be found, his beloved horse is missing, and genuine love is blooming between him and Lady Joanna that cannot be denied. Much has to be solved and most importantly, he must win the tournament; he has already won her heart.

Author Sian Ann Bessey has woven a medieval tale based on a Welsh legend. It is full of adventure, brave knights, intrigue, danger, honor, and the heroine is kind and incredibly brave in her own rite. It did not take me long to love the characters and anxiously root for them all. “To Win…” is not long, but enjoyable from beginning to end. It’s my second book from Sian Ann Bessey, who is definitely on my watch list of fun authors. This book is a keeper in my personal library!