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The Children of Graistan #2
Awaken the Sleeping Heart
AN ANCIENT PROMISE OF MARRIAGE, A WEALTHY WIDOW STOLEN BY A POOR KNIGHT, AND A KING DETERMINED TO KEEP THEM APART Stephen de Brazdifer sails from Ireland for England, seeking the bride promised to him by an ancient royal writ. But he’s too late. King John has already claimed the rich widow as his royal ward, wanting to cheat a man he dislikes, and keep her wealth for himself. If Stephen is to have his promised wife, he’ll have to steal her from his monarch. For all her life Cecilia de Gradinton has cursed her wealth and beauty for the freedom they cost her. Now, newly widowed, with all hope of home and happiness gone, she rides toward her new prison under royal escort. But more than one deadly danger stalks her on the road to King John’s court.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2017
441 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Denise Domning
49 books268 followersWhat can I say? I’m single and over sixty, I write and I farm on eight acres of slowly improving red earth (it originally looked like Mars had exploded!) on Oak Creek in northern Arizona. I started with chickens, then there were turkeys and Jersey milk cows. But with livestock came the predators: coyotes, bald eagles, black hawks, mountain lions, and, worst of all, raccoons. Dang those nasty creatures! They kill just because they can; think dogs with opposable thumbs. (Five chickens in one night–they reached in through the chain link and killed the birds with no expectation of being able to eat them.) They are the reason I keep livestock guardian dogs. There's the massive Polar Bear, a 135 pound Hungarian Kuvasz, Radha, the svelte and sleek 90 pound Anatolian Shepherd and her new chew toy, Rupert who is some sort of terrier mix and small enough to walk under her belly.
As for what my dogs guard, it's my growing herd of Dorper Sheep, a South African breed that (supposedly) doesn’t need to be sheared and gains all their weight on grass alone. I've also fallen in love with pigs, which are just dogs with snouts. Oh, how those rapscallions make me laugh!
If you're interested in keeping up with my farm antics, you can visit my blog at denisedomning.com or thefarmonoakcreek.com
As for what my dogs guard, it's my growing herd of Dorper Sheep, a South African breed that (supposedly) doesn’t need to be sheared and gains all their weight on grass alone. I've also fallen in love with pigs, which are just dogs with snouts. Oh, how those rapscallions make me laugh!
If you're interested in keeping up with my farm antics, you can visit my blog at denisedomning.com or thefarmonoakcreek.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 18, 2017
4 and ½ Stars - A Strong Knight Claims His Bride
Set in 1211, this is the story of Stephen de Brazdifer, who leaves Ireland for England, intent on claiming the bride denied him 15 years ago promised to him by an ancient royal writ. But King John has plans to keep her wealth for himself. So Stephen steals her from the cavalcade transporting her to the king.
Newly widowed Cecilia de Gradinton rides with her mother-in-law under royal escort and then they are attacked and Stephen sweeps her away. After Cecilia has only just met Stephen, lust overcomes her and she sleeps with him in the woods. Stephen thinks of her as his wife but she knows nothing of that. She just likes his body. Once she learns he intends to kidnap her, she changes her mind and thinks of him as a “false knight”.
Rich in history and detail, this is a tale that will immerse you in the politics of medieval England. Domning has done her research and brings to life the era, including the whims of royalty without honor. Stephen is a knight to admire: strong and courageous and determined to have what belongs to him. Cecilia is more wavering, at one point deciding to hate him and then quickly deciding he’s the husband for her.
A tale recommended for those who enjoy a slower pace and lots of historical detail.
Set in 1211, this is the story of Stephen de Brazdifer, who leaves Ireland for England, intent on claiming the bride denied him 15 years ago promised to him by an ancient royal writ. But King John has plans to keep her wealth for himself. So Stephen steals her from the cavalcade transporting her to the king.
Newly widowed Cecilia de Gradinton rides with her mother-in-law under royal escort and then they are attacked and Stephen sweeps her away. After Cecilia has only just met Stephen, lust overcomes her and she sleeps with him in the woods. Stephen thinks of her as his wife but she knows nothing of that. She just likes his body. Once she learns he intends to kidnap her, she changes her mind and thinks of him as a “false knight”.
Rich in history and detail, this is a tale that will immerse you in the politics of medieval England. Domning has done her research and brings to life the era, including the whims of royalty without honor. Stephen is a knight to admire: strong and courageous and determined to have what belongs to him. Cecilia is more wavering, at one point deciding to hate him and then quickly deciding he’s the husband for her.
A tale recommended for those who enjoy a slower pace and lots of historical detail.
June 2, 2020
It's Not A Bodice Ripper
It's not bad, but every truly good opportunity for real tension isn't exploited, leaving it a bit like oatmeal without any toppings. It will do it you're really hungry.
It's not bad, but every truly good opportunity for real tension isn't exploited, leaving it a bit like oatmeal without any toppings. It will do it you're really hungry.
October 15, 2018
Continuing the tales of the family of Lord Graistan, this novel follows Cecilia, daughter of Geoffrey, Lord Coudray.
Set in the reign of King John, this novel drives home how little control women had over their own lives during this period of history. And yet the women we see show how they use subtlety and wits to take control in their own way. Cecelia, her mother-in-law Gundberga and the Countess of Pembroke all show skill in using intelligence, modesty and calmness as the weapons of choice for women.
This tale is far more political than any of the other books in this series. Towards the end of the book, the characters compare the game they are forced to play with their conniving monarch to a chess game and they're not far wrong. It's a game of strategy, with each side plotting ahead to make sure they stay several steps ahead of their opponent.
I enjoyed this a lot and although the hero and heroine predictably fall in love with each other, the romance doesn't overpower the peril and intrigue they face as they try to get their happy ending.
It was also lovely to encounter old friends in this book with many of Cecelia's kin putting in an appearance in this novel.
I'm leaving Graistan behind now, but I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this family and their trials, tribulations and triumphs.
Set in the reign of King John, this novel drives home how little control women had over their own lives during this period of history. And yet the women we see show how they use subtlety and wits to take control in their own way. Cecelia, her mother-in-law Gundberga and the Countess of Pembroke all show skill in using intelligence, modesty and calmness as the weapons of choice for women.
This tale is far more political than any of the other books in this series. Towards the end of the book, the characters compare the game they are forced to play with their conniving monarch to a chess game and they're not far wrong. It's a game of strategy, with each side plotting ahead to make sure they stay several steps ahead of their opponent.
I enjoyed this a lot and although the hero and heroine predictably fall in love with each other, the romance doesn't overpower the peril and intrigue they face as they try to get their happy ending.
It was also lovely to encounter old friends in this book with many of Cecelia's kin putting in an appearance in this novel.
I'm leaving Graistan behind now, but I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this family and their trials, tribulations and triumphs.
October 9, 2017
Romance and Intrigue
Not only was this a great romance story, but it was one of the best crafted intrigue novels I have read. In an era where women were supposedly helpless pawns of the men in their family, the author brought out how this heroin had learned to use manipulation and a form of subterfuge to get what she wanted from powerful men. Excellent characterization. A novel that leaves you with the sense of the political games played between the nobility and the monarchy . I definitely recommend it.
Not only was this a great romance story, but it was one of the best crafted intrigue novels I have read. In an era where women were supposedly helpless pawns of the men in their family, the author brought out how this heroin had learned to use manipulation and a form of subterfuge to get what she wanted from powerful men. Excellent characterization. A novel that leaves you with the sense of the political games played between the nobility and the monarchy . I definitely recommend it.
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September 9, 2025All grown up and now getting her own medieval adventure and romance, Geoffrey, Lord Coudray’s daughter, Cecily, is now in a precarious position as a pawn of King John’s and being kept away from a man John is attempting to thwart. Denise Domning brought England of the 12th century with her Graistan Chronicles following the colorful, adventuresome Fitzhenry family and now progresses to the new generation.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 1.4.26.
#SeriesOnSunday
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 1.4.26.
#SeriesOnSunday
August 4, 2018
It seems everything set in this era has a heroine who's some ridiculously modern woman who's not believable or helpless chattel with little brain power. I don't know which infuriates me more, but this was blessedly neither. This was a woman who knew how to work with what she had--well, despite being chattel--and even taught her man a few things in the process. Helped that he wasn’t the usual brutish clod and we didn't have to suffer through stupid assumptions and that tired shtick of pretending they couldn't connect for 90% of the story.
Lots of intrigue, nice details, characters that were capable of thinking and changing their minds, and a good dose of how court intrigue worked. Pleasantly surprised by this freebie.
Lots of intrigue, nice details, characters that were capable of thinking and changing their minds, and a good dose of how court intrigue worked. Pleasantly surprised by this freebie.
December 10, 2017
Couldn't put it down, read it in one sitting!
I enjoy reading Domnings books. I find myself in the place and time - in this case during the reign of King John oh England - that she uses for her stories. The characters are well-drawn and interesting. The plot moves well. Over time I have read books that I was able to get free on my Kindle by Donning that were apparently written some time ago.
This book, Awaken the Sleeping Heart, is new. The characters are complex and subtle which is necessary for nobles playing in the court of King John, a master gamesman playing with the lives and fortunes of his nobility.I
I enjoy reading Domnings books. I find myself in the place and time - in this case during the reign of King John oh England - that she uses for her stories. The characters are well-drawn and interesting. The plot moves well. Over time I have read books that I was able to get free on my Kindle by Donning that were apparently written some time ago.
This book, Awaken the Sleeping Heart, is new. The characters are complex and subtle which is necessary for nobles playing in the court of King John, a master gamesman playing with the lives and fortunes of his nobility.I
August 8, 2018
A fun read with good character development. I particularly liked both the hero and heroine, they are both reasonable and not ridiculously stubborn which some lesser authors use as a plot device, and which has increasingly begun to get on my nerves. (Seriously, I'm so tired of "this heroine is supposed to be strong, so let's make her stubborn to the point of stupidity, unreasonableness, and self-detriment.") The hero also doesn't treat her like garbage trying to be all alpha male; he actually listens to her, takes her good advice, and admires her intelligence. Then again, I would expect no less from Denise Domning.
October 17, 2018
Man, this book was too much faux chess game and not enough romance for me.
While I appreciate the author's seemingly vast knowledge of the Middle Ages, I found this book to be a trial to get through.
The premise of the story was good, but there was not enough backstory in the beginning, and the ending devolved into a corny chess game scenario. I actually felt stupid reading this because the characters seemed so intelligent that they needed to be in a James Bond movie.
There were too many descriptions of attire, which I felt distracted from the tale. There were appearances from characters in her former Seasons series, and while it was nice to re-visit them, they did not seem as cool as in their initial stories.
While I appreciate the author's seemingly vast knowledge of the Middle Ages, I found this book to be a trial to get through.
The premise of the story was good, but there was not enough backstory in the beginning, and the ending devolved into a corny chess game scenario. I actually felt stupid reading this because the characters seemed so intelligent that they needed to be in a James Bond movie.
There were too many descriptions of attire, which I felt distracted from the tale. There were appearances from characters in her former Seasons series, and while it was nice to re-visit them, they did not seem as cool as in their initial stories.
July 29, 2018
I enjoyed every moment of this adventure. Cecilia's strength and courage show though in this story. I liked the romance. Denise Domning has a flair for writing this type of story. Very well done, Denise. If you like romance and adventure, this is the dead for you.
I end eve moment of this adventure. Devil's strength and courage show though in this story. I liked the romance. Denise Domning has a flair for writing this type of story.
I end eve moment of this adventure. Devil's strength and courage show though in this story. I liked the romance. Denise Domning has a flair for writing this type of story.
August 21, 2018
Awaken the Sleeping Heart
Stephen fought and never gave up for his bride that was promised to him as a young child. Cecelia having had a mad woman for a mother locked herself in her home not even knowing of the promise from their king for her to be Steven’s bride, and being given to another until his passing. Through fighting, hardships, wars and even coming head to head with their new king they find a way to wed To beat their king and to live happily ever after
Stephen fought and never gave up for his bride that was promised to him as a young child. Cecelia having had a mad woman for a mother locked herself in her home not even knowing of the promise from their king for her to be Steven’s bride, and being given to another until his passing. Through fighting, hardships, wars and even coming head to head with their new king they find a way to wed To beat their king and to live happily ever after
August 6, 2019
From long ago days of knights and kings this story focuses on Cecilia and Steven. Cecilia was promised to Steven but was gifted to another when he died and the king decided to keep her for his own, but Steven intercepted and kidnapped Cecilia. Now word has gotten to the king and even though Steven has a paper claiming so the king is out for blood. I loved Cecilia’s whimsical side and Steven’s steadfastness to keep her grounded.
October 8, 2017
A broken promise
Politics is the basis of a deadly game for a young man to claim the woman who has been promised as his wife. Now he must have the backing of two families and the church to thwart King John and win the woman he loves. Lots of background on the politics of the time and an inevitable love story.
Politics is the basis of a deadly game for a young man to claim the woman who has been promised as his wife. Now he must have the backing of two families and the church to thwart King John and win the woman he loves. Lots of background on the politics of the time and an inevitable love story.
October 26, 2017
Love, Love, Love These Books
I cannot say enough good stuff about Domning's books. She researches the time period well and her characters are so realistic that you feel like they must have truly lived. I keep getting an urge to look them up in a history book. Set in medieval Britain, the plots seem not only possible, but probable. Plus, you get a lovely romance on top of it!
I cannot say enough good stuff about Domning's books. She researches the time period well and her characters are so realistic that you feel like they must have truly lived. I keep getting an urge to look them up in a history book. Set in medieval Britain, the plots seem not only possible, but probable. Plus, you get a lovely romance on top of it!
February 11, 2018
Royal Deceit, Intrigue and Happily Ever After
Loved Stephen and Cecilia of Coudray's story of kidnapping, stealthy intrigue and Royal jealousy and deceit which leads them to their victory and their HEA. Denise Domning is an incomparable talent! Strongly recommend all her books!!
Loved Stephen and Cecilia of Coudray's story of kidnapping, stealthy intrigue and Royal jealousy and deceit which leads them to their victory and their HEA. Denise Domning is an incomparable talent! Strongly recommend all her books!!
September 2, 2019
Exceptional!!
Here it is, after midnight. I just had to finish this wonderful story that I started reading this afternoon. I loved the characters and the medieval history of the time.
Here it is, after midnight. I just had to finish this wonderful story that I started reading this afternoon. I loved the characters and the medieval history of the time.
March 22, 2025
Have enjoyed this author before but I couldn’t get past the second chapter, felt too much like reading a history textbook. I like historical settings but my primary reason for reading romance is the relationship. Oh well, it was a freebie.
November 3, 2017
Great book.
I liked the location and the historical references. I liked the drama and the romance. I would recommend this book and author to my friends and family.
I liked the location and the historical references. I liked the drama and the romance. I would recommend this book and author to my friends and family.
July 14, 2018
Great read
Looking for a twist and turn story set in a stormy time in history this will keep you interested. Hard to put down
Looking for a twist and turn story set in a stormy time in history this will keep you interested. Hard to put down
July 22, 2018
I was so happy to realize that this was a Graistan book -- I have loved getting to know this family and I would read any related books! Cute, engaging, interesting, and yes, historical, too!
August 4, 2018
Great dead
The book was a page turner. I couldn't put it down. It was full of suspense. You never knew what was going to happen next.
The book was a page turner. I couldn't put it down. It was full of suspense. You never knew what was going to happen next.
November 12, 2018
It is a great book to read
August 20, 2019
A Book to get!!
This love story is so different from the norm
Exceptional vision! I couldn't put it down! I fell in love with it
This love story is so different from the norm
Exceptional vision! I couldn't put it down! I fell in love with it
April 30, 2025
Denise Domning has managed to move the Graistan chronicles forward into the next generation smoothly; Cecelia, a young child in the first generation stories, is now a young widow.
She is a very believable character,especially considering her childhood history, and I found the lessons on 'court as a game of strategy' and 'how to use modesty effectively' an especially interesting look at the women of the period.
I hope we may see more of the Graistans, yet.
She is a very believable character,especially considering her childhood history, and I found the lessons on 'court as a game of strategy' and 'how to use modesty effectively' an especially interesting look at the women of the period.
I hope we may see more of the Graistans, yet.
June 17, 2022
4* - 9/25/2017
4* - 6/1/2022
4* - 6/1/2022
Currently reading
January 13, 2018This book was fascinating from start to finish...great insight into human behavior and the evils that can come with ultimate power. Wonderful insight into what a careful understanding of evil can do in the manipulating for the good. Great and complete characters, that even grow within the framework of the story.
July 17, 2018
A lovely little historical romance. Set in the time of King John, he of Robin Hood notoriety, at the time his Irish nobles were beginning to rise against him.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews