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Noble Line of de Nerra #1
Vestiges of Valor
1170 A.D. - His name is Valor.
Sir Valor "Val" de Nerra is one of Henry II's most trusted knights. As the Itinerant Justice in Basingstoke and surrounding villages, Val's word is law. A fair and just man, and a very handsome one, he enjoys a good deal of attention and respect. His life is a prestigious and wealthy one until he faces a decision one day that will change the course of his life.
Val must order the execution of his betroth's brother.
Val has adored Lady Vesperia for as long as he can recall. As he strives to win her back, the king orders Val to participate in an event that will shock the country for years to come - the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket.
Will he obey? Or will he refuse?
From a man who had enjoyed the wealth, love, and admiration of all to a man who falls swiftly from grace, be part of Val and Vesperia's journey as Val struggles to regain what he lost and comes to understand what is truly important in life in this novel of astonishing emotion, passion, and pain.
Sir Valor "Val" de Nerra is one of Henry II's most trusted knights. As the Itinerant Justice in Basingstoke and surrounding villages, Val's word is law. A fair and just man, and a very handsome one, he enjoys a good deal of attention and respect. His life is a prestigious and wealthy one until he faces a decision one day that will change the course of his life.
Val must order the execution of his betroth's brother.
Val has adored Lady Vesperia for as long as he can recall. As he strives to win her back, the king orders Val to participate in an event that will shock the country for years to come - the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket.
Will he obey? Or will he refuse?
From a man who had enjoyed the wealth, love, and admiration of all to a man who falls swiftly from grace, be part of Val and Vesperia's journey as Val struggles to regain what he lost and comes to understand what is truly important in life in this novel of astonishing emotion, passion, and pain.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2017
470 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
324 books2,085 followersJuggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 20, 2017
Being of Christian faith to say that I am aware a little of Saint Thomas Becket and how he died was a sad and sorrowful thing to hear or read when I was younger. Then to hear one of my most favorite medieval romance authors Ms. Kathryn Le Veque put the whole sordid tale in a romance book is unbelievable! This is a beautiful masterpiece combining both fact and fiction seamlessly. The story is told wonderfully in a composed heartrending breathtaking story of hope, betrayal, redemption, and love all rolled into one. The story comes alive and the characters even the minor ones are amazingly three dimensional plus real. I am amazed at each story that Ms. Le Veque manages to pen leaving me utterly spellbound never knowing the twists/turns she weaves with intricate mastery enthralled me and made me sad for the book to end.
Sir Valor “Val” de Nerra known as the itinerant justice of Hampshire is one of King Henry’s II most trusted knights a fair and just man who upholds the law at all times. Val always knows what is right living a near perfect idyllic life with his nagging mother but everything that Val holds dear his beliefs and the very law that makes him who he is will be questioned just from meeting Vesper D’Avignon. Val can’t help but be entranced and attracted to the beautiful lady but Vesper holds a horrible secret of her own too. When Val is tasked with a horrible deed and threatened by the King himself to carry out his orders will Val be able to do it?
As I stated before Ms. Le Veque has truly mastered the wonderful development of her characters especially her main male and female protagonist. Val at first seems like a harsh stiff brash man but he is not without a sense of humor in teasing his mother and true devotion to his past friends. I couldn’t help but like and admire him for his fortitude and tenacity in the face of true adversity. Val is aptly named Valor and he signifies everything valorous he really is a great hero to fall for! On the other hand Vesper was brave, bold and beautiful truly Val’s equal in every sense of the word. Vesper isn’t a simpering miss to back away from the fight and was willing to stand with Val no matter the cost which I totally loved. I did wonder if Val ever forgave McCloud though. I still wouldn’t mind hearing about the some of the other minor characters like Mayne, Kenan, William, and Dacian hopefully they will get a story someday. I guess in actuality I really wasn’t ready for the story to be over. I will anxiously be awaiting Ms. Le Veque’s next jaunt into history and love!
Sir Valor “Val” de Nerra known as the itinerant justice of Hampshire is one of King Henry’s II most trusted knights a fair and just man who upholds the law at all times. Val always knows what is right living a near perfect idyllic life with his nagging mother but everything that Val holds dear his beliefs and the very law that makes him who he is will be questioned just from meeting Vesper D’Avignon. Val can’t help but be entranced and attracted to the beautiful lady but Vesper holds a horrible secret of her own too. When Val is tasked with a horrible deed and threatened by the King himself to carry out his orders will Val be able to do it?
As I stated before Ms. Le Veque has truly mastered the wonderful development of her characters especially her main male and female protagonist. Val at first seems like a harsh stiff brash man but he is not without a sense of humor in teasing his mother and true devotion to his past friends. I couldn’t help but like and admire him for his fortitude and tenacity in the face of true adversity. Val is aptly named Valor and he signifies everything valorous he really is a great hero to fall for! On the other hand Vesper was brave, bold and beautiful truly Val’s equal in every sense of the word. Vesper isn’t a simpering miss to back away from the fight and was willing to stand with Val no matter the cost which I totally loved. I did wonder if Val ever forgave McCloud though. I still wouldn’t mind hearing about the some of the other minor characters like Mayne, Kenan, William, and Dacian hopefully they will get a story someday. I guess in actuality I really wasn’t ready for the story to be over. I will anxiously be awaiting Ms. Le Veque’s next jaunt into history and love!
April 19, 2017
On top of the world, Sir Valor de Nerra has, through years of hard work, been awarded by King Henry II a position of power and prestige with tremendous responsibility as the Intinerant Justice of East Hampshire. Sir Val is fair and honorable and handles this tremendous responsibility beautifully. He is admired by his king and colleagues, as well as women for he is a striking man. As the story begins, he meets who will become the love of his life. He has the world on a silver platter.
Under the guise of a direct order from the king, he is given an impossible task in which no matter which way he turns or what he does, he is doomed. He will lose his family, his home, his prestigious position and the new love of his life. However, he is such an honorable and loyal knight, he knows he must fulfill his king's request. What happens as the result of his trying to fulfill his obligation to his king is the stuff of nightmares.
Kathryn Le Veque had me on the edge of my seat throughout this gripping story. First, she sets the scene with a lovely, slowly developing romance between our hero Sir Valor de Nerra and Lady Vesper d'Avignon. Val's mother, Lady Margaretha de Nerra is a formidable woman in her own right and appears to be the nagging mother ("when am I going to see some grandchildren"); however, that is far from the truth and the interactions between Val and his mom are a hoot. Life changing events start arising in Val's life and continue throughout until what could be the absolute end of everything, including his life. Ms. Le Veque cleverly builds the tension as decisions and events slowly build out of any sense of control. I was a nervous wreck!
It was easy to fall in love with Sir Valor de Nerra as he is such a likeable character. Lady Vesper's character and personality evolve as situations change and I really liked her courage, her loyalty and the woman she was becoming. I also loved the appearance of Sir Tevin du Reims ("While Angels Slept") who plays a significant role in Val's current situation. Also of great interest and the entire backdrop to this wonderful story is the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket which had serious reverberations on history. It is always fascinating when an author incorporates real life events and characters into the story and Ms. Le Veque is a master at this.
This is a great book. It has all the elements I love in medieval romances. Another winner for the prolific and masterful Kathryn Le Veque.
Under the guise of a direct order from the king, he is given an impossible task in which no matter which way he turns or what he does, he is doomed. He will lose his family, his home, his prestigious position and the new love of his life. However, he is such an honorable and loyal knight, he knows he must fulfill his king's request. What happens as the result of his trying to fulfill his obligation to his king is the stuff of nightmares.
Kathryn Le Veque had me on the edge of my seat throughout this gripping story. First, she sets the scene with a lovely, slowly developing romance between our hero Sir Valor de Nerra and Lady Vesper d'Avignon. Val's mother, Lady Margaretha de Nerra is a formidable woman in her own right and appears to be the nagging mother ("when am I going to see some grandchildren"); however, that is far from the truth and the interactions between Val and his mom are a hoot. Life changing events start arising in Val's life and continue throughout until what could be the absolute end of everything, including his life. Ms. Le Veque cleverly builds the tension as decisions and events slowly build out of any sense of control. I was a nervous wreck!
It was easy to fall in love with Sir Valor de Nerra as he is such a likeable character. Lady Vesper's character and personality evolve as situations change and I really liked her courage, her loyalty and the woman she was becoming. I also loved the appearance of Sir Tevin du Reims ("While Angels Slept") who plays a significant role in Val's current situation. Also of great interest and the entire backdrop to this wonderful story is the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket which had serious reverberations on history. It is always fascinating when an author incorporates real life events and characters into the story and Ms. Le Veque is a master at this.
This is a great book. It has all the elements I love in medieval romances. Another winner for the prolific and masterful Kathryn Le Veque.
April 22, 2017
Vestiges of Valor definitely deserves well over 5 Stars!
Intensity at its best! This whole story was very intense from the very beginning. We witness in this superb story, the Integrity of a man doing his duty for King and country as the Intinerant Justice of Hampshire. While doing his duty, he comes across an old acquaintance and his beautifully stunning daughter. His interest sparks.
I was completely drawn into the various plots and sub-plots in this tale. We witness the Beautiful Love of a mother and son that knows no limits or bounds. We also witness the heart-wrenching and complicated love of a father and son. We witness truthful love at its best despite all the obstacles thrown their way.
This author weaves us through Duty and honor, romance, heart-wrenching Justice, misinterpreted loyalties, extreme betrayal, shaken Trust, an extreme path to Redemption and Love. The author does all this while reminding us of the importance of true love and family.
There were very intense moments throughout but there were also moments that captivated and held your attention, some that grasped your heart, and there were also laugh out loud moments too.
This was a story that was very captivating in my opinion. The vestiges of Valor were witnessed throughout. This story is worthy of much more than five stars. Valor and Vesper grab you from the very beginning. What an enjoyable read! A book to keep in my personal library.
Intensity at its best! This whole story was very intense from the very beginning. We witness in this superb story, the Integrity of a man doing his duty for King and country as the Intinerant Justice of Hampshire. While doing his duty, he comes across an old acquaintance and his beautifully stunning daughter. His interest sparks.
I was completely drawn into the various plots and sub-plots in this tale. We witness the Beautiful Love of a mother and son that knows no limits or bounds. We also witness the heart-wrenching and complicated love of a father and son. We witness truthful love at its best despite all the obstacles thrown their way.
This author weaves us through Duty and honor, romance, heart-wrenching Justice, misinterpreted loyalties, extreme betrayal, shaken Trust, an extreme path to Redemption and Love. The author does all this while reminding us of the importance of true love and family.
There were very intense moments throughout but there were also moments that captivated and held your attention, some that grasped your heart, and there were also laugh out loud moments too.
This was a story that was very captivating in my opinion. The vestiges of Valor were witnessed throughout. This story is worthy of much more than five stars. Valor and Vesper grab you from the very beginning. What an enjoyable read! A book to keep in my personal library.
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September 12, 2024
Exciting story
Lady Margaretha Byington de Nerra, Sir Valor de Nerra of Selborne mother wants him to get married and have grandchildren for her, he is not ready for marriage. Having served the King for many years in France he returned home with a royal appointment Itinerant Justice of Hampshire. Prestige and wealth had been given him by the King.
Sir Valor and his men are at Whitehill looking for de Wyck who had killed the son of a noble. He tells his men they will surround both inns and flush the people out and wait for de Wyck to come out. The first people out of the tavern is an old friend McCloud with his daughter Vesper a man he fought with in battle in France. He talks to them for a minute until people came out fighting he joins the fight when he sees his suspect running for the stables. He and his men end up subduing him. When walking out of the stables he realizes his friend is still there. He walks to them and is introduced to the man’s daughter. He can not believe how beautiful she is. Val invites them to dinner, he tells them how to get to Selborne and departs to take care of his prisoner.
Vesper is upset that her father agreed to dinner, they had a dark secret that her brother was killing people so they could survive. He was killing men, women and children then taking what they had home so they could survive. This was an exciting story.
Lady Margaretha Byington de Nerra, Sir Valor de Nerra of Selborne mother wants him to get married and have grandchildren for her, he is not ready for marriage. Having served the King for many years in France he returned home with a royal appointment Itinerant Justice of Hampshire. Prestige and wealth had been given him by the King.
Sir Valor and his men are at Whitehill looking for de Wyck who had killed the son of a noble. He tells his men they will surround both inns and flush the people out and wait for de Wyck to come out. The first people out of the tavern is an old friend McCloud with his daughter Vesper a man he fought with in battle in France. He talks to them for a minute until people came out fighting he joins the fight when he sees his suspect running for the stables. He and his men end up subduing him. When walking out of the stables he realizes his friend is still there. He walks to them and is introduced to the man’s daughter. He can not believe how beautiful she is. Val invites them to dinner, he tells them how to get to Selborne and departs to take care of his prisoner.
Vesper is upset that her father agreed to dinner, they had a dark secret that her brother was killing people so they could survive. He was killing men, women and children then taking what they had home so they could survive. This was an exciting story.
June 25, 2021
Sir Valor de Nerra is the Law in Hampshire on behalf of the King. He travels the county dispensing justice over all sorts of crimes. He also has a very strong willed mother who makes no secret of what she expects from her son. After a very interesting visit from an old friend ends in tragedy, Sir Valor recieves a troubling command.
Lady Vesperia was happy at the Castle she fostered in for years, but now her father has come to make her return home. That's the last thing she wants, especially when he tells her what her brother has been doing.
This story will take you through all the emotions. There is humour in the relationship between our hero and his mother and sadness in the one between our heroine and her family. Political intrigue, assassination and misunderstandings.
This complicated historical romance / adventure is the first in this family saga.
Really great fun.
Lady Vesperia was happy at the Castle she fostered in for years, but now her father has come to make her return home. That's the last thing she wants, especially when he tells her what her brother has been doing.
This story will take you through all the emotions. There is humour in the relationship between our hero and his mother and sadness in the one between our heroine and her family. Political intrigue, assassination and misunderstandings.
This complicated historical romance / adventure is the first in this family saga.
Really great fun.
October 25, 2019
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
Valor De Nerra was a knight of honor and duty. He was the Itinerant Justice of the region. A post assigned by the King, a King he was extremely loyal to.
So, to have a situation, in which Valor was to have assassinated the Archbishop of Canterbury, was totally outside the known character of the man.
So here is the full tale of the circumstances behind this horrendous crime, and the part that Valor De Nerra played.
Valor De Nerra was a knight of honor and duty. He was the Itinerant Justice of the region. A post assigned by the King, a King he was extremely loyal to.
So, to have a situation, in which Valor was to have assassinated the Archbishop of Canterbury, was totally outside the known character of the man.
So here is the full tale of the circumstances behind this horrendous crime, and the part that Valor De Nerra played.
July 25, 2021
Great reading
I so do love reading books by Kathryn LeVeque, she had a way of keeping you interest until the very end. To find love with a daughter of an old friend to having to take her brothers life. To having to clear his name to finding out that he wad been set up by four knights who killed a man of the cloth. To marry and have a family and to have his honor restored.
I so do love reading books by Kathryn LeVeque, she had a way of keeping you interest until the very end. To find love with a daughter of an old friend to having to take her brothers life. To having to clear his name to finding out that he wad been set up by four knights who killed a man of the cloth. To marry and have a family and to have his honor restored.
May 19, 2017
It's another triumph for Le Veque!
I loved this story! Val and Deeper are realistic people. Do their duty and have faith that all will work out, even though there are plots good them harm. Strong ethics and love, as in all of Le Veque's stories.
Thanks! More please!
I loved this story! Val and Deeper are realistic people. Do their duty and have faith that all will work out, even though there are plots good them harm. Strong ethics and love, as in all of Le Veque's stories.
Thanks! More please!
July 1, 2017
Love this book!
Ms Kathryn weaves a tale like no other. Her distinct writing style will keep you reading into the late hours. Valor's story of honor and love will touch your heart. Don't miss this love story!
Ms Kathryn weaves a tale like no other. Her distinct writing style will keep you reading into the late hours. Valor's story of honor and love will touch your heart. Don't miss this love story!
July 15, 2017
4.5/5.0
Once again, author Kathryn Le Veque has built a world that draws the reader in, heart and soul.
Read full review in the 2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Once again, author Kathryn Le Veque has built a world that draws the reader in, heart and soul.
Read full review in the 2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 2, 2017
Loved the book but I took a star away because of what happened on their second trip to the loft in the great hall. In my opinion, it was totally out of character for Val to expect that of her and had me shaking my head in disbelief the entire time I read it.
May 28, 2018
Page turner. Great book. She is the best author of Medical Romance.
She never disappoints me. I have tried other authors but they have always have not been good books. I can't wait to read next one.
She never disappoints me. I have tried other authors but they have always have not been good books. I can't wait to read next one.
February 11, 2019
This is a really good book
This is a really good book. At one point I thought the book had taken a wrong turn. But it a sharp bend in the road to redemption. I look forward to seeing Val and Vesper's sons grown up.
This is a really good book. At one point I thought the book had taken a wrong turn. But it a sharp bend in the road to redemption. I look forward to seeing Val and Vesper's sons grown up.
July 15, 2020
An Interested Take on a Historical Event
This story revolves around the historical event of the murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the protagonist of the story is the Itinerant Justice of the region. The lead female shows much love and bravery in support of her true love.
This story revolves around the historical event of the murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the protagonist of the story is the Itinerant Justice of the region. The lead female shows much love and bravery in support of her true love.
December 10, 2020
Another well done novel
Each novel this author writes, brings history and the characters to life. In this book, I must have had a bad case of allergies because my eyes watered a lot.😉 I felt the hope, loss, betrayal and love. I am looking forward to more of the De Nerra family.
Each novel this author writes, brings history and the characters to life. In this book, I must have had a bad case of allergies because my eyes watered a lot.😉 I felt the hope, loss, betrayal and love. I am looking forward to more of the De Nerra family.
October 22, 2021
A tale of courage and bravery
I love when fiction and history collide. This story is not only a romance it’s a story that could have happened during one of the most pivotal moments in British history.
I love when fiction and history collide. This story is not only a romance it’s a story that could have happened during one of the most pivotal moments in British history.
May 17, 2017
Great read
Ms LeVeque has done it again. I so love her writing never leaves wondering about the details. Always makes me feel like I'm right there in the book
Ms LeVeque has done it again. I so love her writing never leaves wondering about the details. Always makes me feel like I'm right there in the book
June 19, 2017
Great
Really. Another great story, I think this story ending could have bee a bit longer,as a part 2.🐭🐁🐀
Always impressed.
Really. Another great story, I think this story ending could have bee a bit longer,as a part 2.🐭🐁🐀
Always impressed.
January 22, 2018
Good Read
I love this author , she has a way of weaving a tale and grabbing your interest until you become part of he tale.
I love this author , she has a way of weaving a tale and grabbing your interest until you become part of he tale.
November 12, 2018
So so good,page turner........
March 25, 2019
valor & vesper
This was a good read. It had lots of twist & turns, and as a Le Veque book makes it even greater.
This was a good read. It had lots of twist & turns, and as a Le Veque book makes it even greater.
October 27, 2019
Love this book
Very good read, holds your attention. Love that forgiveness is granted, love triumphs over all. Would recommend to everyone to read and enjoy!
Very good read, holds your attention. Love that forgiveness is granted, love triumphs over all. Would recommend to everyone to read and enjoy!
December 9, 2020
Really liked this story. Val is a different kind of hero and Vesper a perfect heroine.
June 2, 2021
Wonderful love story
I enjoyed this book. I felt for Val in his life. Vestal was devoted to him in the most appropriate time.
I enjoyed this book. I felt for Val in his life. Vestal was devoted to him in the most appropriate time.
May 13, 2017
Awesome Read
WOW...another huge hit! I absolutely love all of Kathryn Le Veque's books. Gotta love those Medieval guys! Ms. Le Veque delivers a powerful story and characters. I felt like I was there with them.
WOW...another huge hit! I absolutely love all of Kathryn Le Veque's books. Gotta love those Medieval guys! Ms. Le Veque delivers a powerful story and characters. I felt like I was there with them.
September 13, 2017
History Brought to Life--Now includes audiobook review
This read is powerful! I read it five months ago and have just finished listening to the narration, narrated by Brian J. Gill.
Gill depicts the emotional and character conflict superbly. A great story with a good narrator gives me great satisfaction in revisiting the story. If you have purchased the book, then consider the audiobook. Audible.com gives a special price discount for these customers.
Recently, I read about another author who has taken the four knights who assassinated Thomas Beckett, Archbishop of Canterbury, and given them each a story. I wish I could remember the author, because I’d love to follow-up with the historical event. If any of you readers know, please let me know!
Simply, when an author is able to turn back time, reliving a historical event, humanizing it, breathing life anew into it, I think the author has done more than a service of entertaining. For these reasons, Le Veque gets my vote of confidence and my turn-to author for Medieval Historical Romance reads.
Valor, its meaning, not the name of the main character, plays a large part in this story whose powerful setting and writing style took me from the heights of happiness to the depths of despair. Author Kathryn Le Veque picks the perfect period in history where so many intrigues take place, where valor and honor are challenged and where love flourishes even amongst its vestiges.
Valor has a job to do--Itinerant Justice of East Hampshire. He has faithfully executed all the king’s commands with fortitude and aplomb. He has gained favor with the King Henry and those who support the king. A command once again comes to Valor with a missive delivered by one of the knights of the king’s inner circle. This particular missive challenges Valor, for he’s damned if he follows his king’s demand and damned if he does not. He is commanded to arrest Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury at that time. If you would like to read an account of Thomas Beckett’s death, follow this link.
Vesper seems demure enough. She appears quite the lady, well-educated for the times, has a beautiful voice Valor falls in love with. The hidden spirit of Vesper comes to play when she realizes she loves Valor and will move the world to keep him safe. Yes, my kind of heroine!
Valor’s mother, Margaretha, is an interesting character. She’s a woman of much perception, rather sharp-tongued, with a deep love for her son. She gets me eye-rolling! Her greatest desire is to have grandchildren, since Valor is the only one to produce the heirs for the House of De Nerra. There are several scenes where she is a total harpy, badgering her son to marry, to have children. I could see myself in her position with our son! Valor doesn’t have a well of patience either, but I do marvel at what patience he has! She is also one who accesses the worth of people quickly – sometimes spot-on, sometimes misses the mark by a wide margin. I feel she'd be a great character to continue learning about. A story of her own, perhaps.
Another character I’m certain we shall see again in the de Nerra series is an old friend and knight, Sir McCloud d’Avignon, father to the lovely heroine, Vesper. He is a man who has changed with time, not the knight Valor once knew. I enjoyed the way author Le Veque layers this story – for McCloud has a story of his own. He is the one who changes the most, but can he be forgiven for his past?
It’s marvelous how the author takes a momentous historical event weaving into it a story of love, pain, untruths and honor. All her books tug on my emotions.
There are scenes where I cry and laugh at the same time. Wonderfully heartwarming and at the same time, heart-wrenching. Don't miss reading the first of a new series by Kathryn Le Veque.
This read is powerful! I read it five months ago and have just finished listening to the narration, narrated by Brian J. Gill.
Gill depicts the emotional and character conflict superbly. A great story with a good narrator gives me great satisfaction in revisiting the story. If you have purchased the book, then consider the audiobook. Audible.com gives a special price discount for these customers.
Recently, I read about another author who has taken the four knights who assassinated Thomas Beckett, Archbishop of Canterbury, and given them each a story. I wish I could remember the author, because I’d love to follow-up with the historical event. If any of you readers know, please let me know!
Simply, when an author is able to turn back time, reliving a historical event, humanizing it, breathing life anew into it, I think the author has done more than a service of entertaining. For these reasons, Le Veque gets my vote of confidence and my turn-to author for Medieval Historical Romance reads.
Valor, its meaning, not the name of the main character, plays a large part in this story whose powerful setting and writing style took me from the heights of happiness to the depths of despair. Author Kathryn Le Veque picks the perfect period in history where so many intrigues take place, where valor and honor are challenged and where love flourishes even amongst its vestiges.
Valor has a job to do--Itinerant Justice of East Hampshire. He has faithfully executed all the king’s commands with fortitude and aplomb. He has gained favor with the King Henry and those who support the king. A command once again comes to Valor with a missive delivered by one of the knights of the king’s inner circle. This particular missive challenges Valor, for he’s damned if he follows his king’s demand and damned if he does not. He is commanded to arrest Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury at that time. If you would like to read an account of Thomas Beckett’s death, follow this link.
Vesper seems demure enough. She appears quite the lady, well-educated for the times, has a beautiful voice Valor falls in love with. The hidden spirit of Vesper comes to play when she realizes she loves Valor and will move the world to keep him safe. Yes, my kind of heroine!
Valor’s mother, Margaretha, is an interesting character. She’s a woman of much perception, rather sharp-tongued, with a deep love for her son. She gets me eye-rolling! Her greatest desire is to have grandchildren, since Valor is the only one to produce the heirs for the House of De Nerra. There are several scenes where she is a total harpy, badgering her son to marry, to have children. I could see myself in her position with our son! Valor doesn’t have a well of patience either, but I do marvel at what patience he has! She is also one who accesses the worth of people quickly – sometimes spot-on, sometimes misses the mark by a wide margin. I feel she'd be a great character to continue learning about. A story of her own, perhaps.
Another character I’m certain we shall see again in the de Nerra series is an old friend and knight, Sir McCloud d’Avignon, father to the lovely heroine, Vesper. He is a man who has changed with time, not the knight Valor once knew. I enjoyed the way author Le Veque layers this story – for McCloud has a story of his own. He is the one who changes the most, but can he be forgiven for his past?
It’s marvelous how the author takes a momentous historical event weaving into it a story of love, pain, untruths and honor. All her books tug on my emotions.
There are scenes where I cry and laugh at the same time. Wonderfully heartwarming and at the same time, heart-wrenching. Don't miss reading the first of a new series by Kathryn Le Veque.
April 18, 2017
Meek Knights need not apply...
Vestiges of Valor is a wonderful story of a knight, Val, who truly lives up to his given name "Valor". He is strong, brave, wealthy, gorgeous, in essence he is everything a knight is meant to be- he is even good to his mother! His life is truly blessed. While out performing his duties as the region's top law enforcer for the king, one day he meets a woman, Lady Vesper, who is the daughter of an old acquaintance. Val is enthralled by Lady Vesper and the feeling is shared.
Val decides he wishes to court Lady Vesper and she is thrilled, but then the unexpected conflicts begin. Val is given an assignment that could greatly change his life and NOT for the better. No longer does Val's life seem charmed. Lady Vesper also has something she might want Val to know. Now Val has to find a way to get his life back into some semblance of the near perfection it has been until this assignment.
This plot was terrific! It has intrigue, deception, interesting characters, and once I started I could not tear myself away. The descriptions of settings in this authors books, as in this one, are so clear and specific I sometimes felt as if I were sitting in the great hall, just a few tables down, watching events unfold, hearing their conversations all while smelling the morning bread baking in the kitchens. I cannot wait for the next book in this group!
I highly recommend this book to historical romance readers, romance readers, and anyone who wants to get lost in another time with a happy ending as a matter of course.
Vestiges of Valor is a wonderful story of a knight, Val, who truly lives up to his given name "Valor". He is strong, brave, wealthy, gorgeous, in essence he is everything a knight is meant to be- he is even good to his mother! His life is truly blessed. While out performing his duties as the region's top law enforcer for the king, one day he meets a woman, Lady Vesper, who is the daughter of an old acquaintance. Val is enthralled by Lady Vesper and the feeling is shared.
Val decides he wishes to court Lady Vesper and she is thrilled, but then the unexpected conflicts begin. Val is given an assignment that could greatly change his life and NOT for the better. No longer does Val's life seem charmed. Lady Vesper also has something she might want Val to know. Now Val has to find a way to get his life back into some semblance of the near perfection it has been until this assignment.
This plot was terrific! It has intrigue, deception, interesting characters, and once I started I could not tear myself away. The descriptions of settings in this authors books, as in this one, are so clear and specific I sometimes felt as if I were sitting in the great hall, just a few tables down, watching events unfold, hearing their conversations all while smelling the morning bread baking in the kitchens. I cannot wait for the next book in this group!
I highly recommend this book to historical romance readers, romance readers, and anyone who wants to get lost in another time with a happy ending as a matter of course.
April 18, 2017
A must read
Kathryn Le Veque has once more written a very good story!! He has wealth, a good job working for the King. Things started happening, a murder, then another murder that was a set up.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to read a great book!
Kathryn Le Veque has once more written a very good story!! He has wealth, a good job working for the King. Things started happening, a murder, then another murder that was a set up.
I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to read a great book!
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