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Conquered Hearts #2
Conquests
England, 1069. The nation is still recovering from the Norman invasion three years earlier - and adjusting to life under its sometimes brutal new rulers.
A young girl trembles in the shadows of what was once her home. Avis is homeless and penniless, and with no family left alive she is forced to become a ward of Richard, the Norman lord who has taken her home.
But when King William decrees that Norman lords must marry Anglo-Saxon women Avis must make a terrible choice. Either marry the repulsive Richard or else take a chance on another Norman, Melville, a man she has never met.
Soon she realizes that survival in a time of turmoil and war depends on putting aside the prejudices of the past.
Conquests is a brilliantly researched and involving historical drama that is perfect for fans of Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory.
A young girl trembles in the shadows of what was once her home. Avis is homeless and penniless, and with no family left alive she is forced to become a ward of Richard, the Norman lord who has taken her home.
But when King William decrees that Norman lords must marry Anglo-Saxon women Avis must make a terrible choice. Either marry the repulsive Richard or else take a chance on another Norman, Melville, a man she has never met.
Soon she realizes that survival in a time of turmoil and war depends on putting aside the prejudices of the past.
Conquests is a brilliantly researched and involving historical drama that is perfect for fans of Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2013
534 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Emily E.K. Murdoch
177 books279 followersEmily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 11, 2016
This was such a beautiful little story centering around an era I know and have read comparatively little about.
This is the tale of the events subsequent to the Norman invasion into Anglo-Saxon Britain. The tale is set predominately through the eyes of young Avis. Her father and brother have been killed and she presumes that her mother has followed the same fate. She is alone in the world and the unwilling ward to Richard, the Norman who has become lord of her former home. That is until her just as unwilling marriage to Melville, the anonymous Norman she has yet to meet. Their alliance is an uneasy one and Avis has no concern over attempting to reconcile herself to this intruder to her country.
I loved Avis' character: she was feisty, formidable, fierce, eager to do right by her people, dreamy, independent and unafraid to be apologetically herself. Her customs were often different to that of her Norman counterpart but she never attempted to forget her heritage. She often also felt more like a modern woman and not totally a product of her historical society. This didn't, however, feel like an indiscretion but only made me love her more. Her fiercely feminist ideologies segregated her from a lot of other female protagonists in this genre and I enjoyed hearing of her trials and wishing for her future happiness.
Whilst I found the outcome of this book to be entirely predictable, I really enjoyed reading this beautiful little tale of romance blossoming in the most unexpected of situations.
This is the tale of the events subsequent to the Norman invasion into Anglo-Saxon Britain. The tale is set predominately through the eyes of young Avis. Her father and brother have been killed and she presumes that her mother has followed the same fate. She is alone in the world and the unwilling ward to Richard, the Norman who has become lord of her former home. That is until her just as unwilling marriage to Melville, the anonymous Norman she has yet to meet. Their alliance is an uneasy one and Avis has no concern over attempting to reconcile herself to this intruder to her country.
I loved Avis' character: she was feisty, formidable, fierce, eager to do right by her people, dreamy, independent and unafraid to be apologetically herself. Her customs were often different to that of her Norman counterpart but she never attempted to forget her heritage. She often also felt more like a modern woman and not totally a product of her historical society. This didn't, however, feel like an indiscretion but only made me love her more. Her fiercely feminist ideologies segregated her from a lot of other female protagonists in this genre and I enjoyed hearing of her trials and wishing for her future happiness.
Whilst I found the outcome of this book to be entirely predictable, I really enjoyed reading this beautiful little tale of romance blossoming in the most unexpected of situations.
October 24, 2016
Frankly, the story is a little bit of everything from the other post-Norman Conquest historical romance stories I’ve read (The Conqueror's Lady by Terri Brisbin, The Saxon Bride by Ashley York, The Conquest by Elizabeth Chadwick, and The Prize by Julie Garwood), though I’d say there are a few distinctions:
> no graphic romantic scenes here (and I approve—I don’t think I can handle another articulation of “loins melting” at the moment)
> there are more insights about the Anglo-Saxons’ culture and marriage traditions
> the mushy part of the story is—thankfully—short and unobtrusive
> no graphic romantic scenes here (and I approve—I don’t think I can handle another articulation of “loins melting” at the moment)
> there are more insights about the Anglo-Saxons’ culture and marriage traditions
> the mushy part of the story is—thankfully—short and unobtrusive
October 16, 2016
this book met so many high expectations in terms of historical accuracy. i don't read a lot of historical novels because i find them inaccurate and hard to get through. (i'm a huge lover of history, which is why accuracy is a big deal for me). i loved how clear it is that the author has done her research into both the anglo saxon and norman cultures. random anglo saxon words were inserted into the book every once in a while (and translated, of course), but it felt really wrong and forced as it didn't happen very often. (i think if there was more of it, it would've flowed better and been really cool. i do appreciate the research the author has put into the book and the languages, however.)
considering this book is a romance, you'd expect many sex scenes. i truly wasn't expecting there to be a lack of in this novel, but i'm glad as i think they would've disrupted the flow of the novel. the romance itself i found was a huge let down. melville and avis hate each other due to him being normal and her being anglo saxon, but every time they have an argument they suddenly feel attracted to the other???? i personally don't like this as it promotes the idea that fighting = love, when it should be the opposite. this could be because i don't read a lot of romance, but it really did bother me and i feel the need to mention it.
avis is the heroine of the story. i had this continuous love-hate relationship with her. there were a couple times when her actions made no sense to me and felt like something she shouldn't be doing, but i guess that's just part of her character. something that really affected my reading experience was the constant sentences of "he's a norman" and "she's an anglo saxon" as the character's excuses to hate each other. it became repetitive and annoying.
i loved the writing style of this book so much. although the plot lagged in places and became somewhat boring, the writing flowed so well that i just flew through the book. it really frustrated me that there was constant "head swapping" between the two main characters (as it got somewhat confusing at times), but i really enjoyed being able to see both sides of the story/both sides of the cultural difference.
considering this book is a romance, you'd expect many sex scenes. i truly wasn't expecting there to be a lack of in this novel, but i'm glad as i think they would've disrupted the flow of the novel. the romance itself i found was a huge let down. melville and avis hate each other due to him being normal and her being anglo saxon, but every time they have an argument they suddenly feel attracted to the other???? i personally don't like this as it promotes the idea that fighting = love, when it should be the opposite. this could be because i don't read a lot of romance, but it really did bother me and i feel the need to mention it.
avis is the heroine of the story. i had this continuous love-hate relationship with her. there were a couple times when her actions made no sense to me and felt like something she shouldn't be doing, but i guess that's just part of her character. something that really affected my reading experience was the constant sentences of "he's a norman" and "she's an anglo saxon" as the character's excuses to hate each other. it became repetitive and annoying.
i loved the writing style of this book so much. although the plot lagged in places and became somewhat boring, the writing flowed so well that i just flew through the book. it really frustrated me that there was constant "head swapping" between the two main characters (as it got somewhat confusing at times), but i really enjoyed being able to see both sides of the story/both sides of the cultural difference.
December 23, 2013
I read this a few months ago and forgot to review it. I won't go into detail but I will say I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was a kindle freebie so I wasn't sure what to expect.
The novel is like a toss up between a Melanie Dickerson novel and Tristan and Isolde. It felt like Jane Eyre too. So for that, it wasn't surprising that I liked it.
I found the second half of the novel a little taxing, when the two main characters finally weren't at each others throats and start to get along, only for another enemy to make them join forces. It's a pretty predictable story line, made more predictable by the doom that prevents them from doing what they have both been dying to do (but too shy to admit). Any guesses what I'm talking about? Well: SEX.
I'm not expecting there to be a raunchy scene, but it was so blatant that this author was trying to prevent these two from consummating their very long marriage without actually even doing anything remotely intimate, even when they had chance to. To prevent it in the beginning, the author made them hate each other, and then eventually realize their feelings only to put their possible death sentence in the way so they had no time to be with each other. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but it felt very rehearsed. I'm not someone who demands to have sex in a novel, I just don't like it when authors hold it off because of this whole thing about sex before marriage being frowned upon. And yet, these guys are married. So I don't know what the author was waiting for. Maybe she just wanted to keep it sweet. I don't know. It just felt like it was stretched.
The characters were good. Not amazing. Not terrible. The story line was predictable, average and had me rolling my eyes at moments. The writing was decent. I found little fault with it. The scenery and the concept of the Normans and Anglo Saxons struggling to co-exist was different for me, and I really enjoyed it. It was a bit like North and South by Gaskell.
Overall, not a bad read. Not amazing. And I hate saying that about a novel I know someone has slaved over for hours on end, but that's just my opinion. Sue me.
The novel is like a toss up between a Melanie Dickerson novel and Tristan and Isolde. It felt like Jane Eyre too. So for that, it wasn't surprising that I liked it.
I found the second half of the novel a little taxing, when the two main characters finally weren't at each others throats and start to get along, only for another enemy to make them join forces. It's a pretty predictable story line, made more predictable by the doom that prevents them from doing what they have both been dying to do (but too shy to admit). Any guesses what I'm talking about? Well: SEX.
I'm not expecting there to be a raunchy scene, but it was so blatant that this author was trying to prevent these two from consummating their very long marriage without actually even doing anything remotely intimate, even when they had chance to. To prevent it in the beginning, the author made them hate each other, and then eventually realize their feelings only to put their possible death sentence in the way so they had no time to be with each other. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but it felt very rehearsed. I'm not someone who demands to have sex in a novel, I just don't like it when authors hold it off because of this whole thing about sex before marriage being frowned upon. And yet, these guys are married. So I don't know what the author was waiting for. Maybe she just wanted to keep it sweet. I don't know. It just felt like it was stretched.
The characters were good. Not amazing. Not terrible. The story line was predictable, average and had me rolling my eyes at moments. The writing was decent. I found little fault with it. The scenery and the concept of the Normans and Anglo Saxons struggling to co-exist was different for me, and I really enjoyed it. It was a bit like North and South by Gaskell.
Overall, not a bad read. Not amazing. And I hate saying that about a novel I know someone has slaved over for hours on end, but that's just my opinion. Sue me.
January 12, 2016
Un libro escrito de tal manera que te hace sentir como si estuviera en 1069. Avis me cautivó desde el principio son su fuerza y decisión ante cada situación que debía sobrellevar, y por eso la admiro mucho. Melville de a poco logró ver la realidad en la forma que Avis lo hacía, dándose cuenta de muchas más cosas que antes no notaba. El final del libro fue hermoso y el prólogo de la secuela que venía en la última página te deja con ganas de seguir leyendo esta historia.
October 21, 2018
I enjoyed this romance set during the Harrying of the North by William the Conqueror but some of the details didn't ring true. Avis is an Anglo-Saxon and has been captured after her father is killed and her home is taken over by a Norman that King William has installed. She is expected to marry him or another sent by King William named Melville. It is King William's policy to have Norman nobles marry the Anglo-Saxon women in order to suppress resistance to his rule.
She chooses Melville and eventually, after much distrust on both sides, he confides in her that he is of low birth but has joined the invading army assembled by King William. This is one of the things which perplexed me - if he was a bastard whose father has deserted him and his mother, whose mother has had to scrounge for food for them - how did he ever learn to ride a horse well enough to be a leader in King William's army. I would have thought that he could only be a foot soldier.
Nevertheless, as the setting is mainly in present day Yorkshire, I overlooked the few things which bothered me and enjoyed the story. I imagine it paralleled similar forced marriages of the time.
She chooses Melville and eventually, after much distrust on both sides, he confides in her that he is of low birth but has joined the invading army assembled by King William. This is one of the things which perplexed me - if he was a bastard whose father has deserted him and his mother, whose mother has had to scrounge for food for them - how did he ever learn to ride a horse well enough to be a leader in King William's army. I would have thought that he could only be a foot soldier.
Nevertheless, as the setting is mainly in present day Yorkshire, I overlooked the few things which bothered me and enjoyed the story. I imagine it paralleled similar forced marriages of the time.
August 30, 2017
This was hard to stop listening to at times. The characters of Avis and Melville and their stories, struggles, etc., pulled me in, and I wanted everything to work out. There were times when I had tears and times when I smiled. The history of this time period is one of my favorites, and I enjoyed the bits of history thrown in. I recommend this story and look forward to more.
I received a copy of this audiobook as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this audiobook as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
January 17, 2014
2.5 stars.
I rarely read medieval based stories but I was intrigued by the Norman/Anglo conflict central to the plot. I thought it may be epic like Lorna Doone but as I read, the book turned out to be was far more simplistic. It's a straight forward, forced marriage storyline with between the conquering people, the Normans (the hero Melville) and the displaced and conquered Anglo Saxons, our heroine Avis. For a long time their bickering and general dislike for each other was basic prejudice and explained over and over again as "he's just a Norman" or "she wouldn't understand, she's a backward Saxon." It got a little frustrating as there's so much to delve into and explore within this central conflict and yet there was little depth beyond their own personal sob stories. I'm not asking or expecting Game of Thrones level detail and epicness but if you can lift the characters and plonk them in another time period without jeopardising the story, then the setting is a crutch and nothing more.
The relationship building and romance as they turn bickering to love is typical. Melville hides his insecurity and low self esteem behind a gruff exterior while Avis quite rightly has a chip on her shoulder when dealing with Melville, but is a perfect Angel to everyone else. It's all pleasant to read yes but this is no page turner, pulse racer or butterfly inducer.
The ending is where I do need to vent my ire as the emotional climax can be predicted a mile away. I seriously walked away from the book for two days because that final hurdle for the couple was so inanely unoriginal. The emotional histronics from Avis was so cliche I felt mildly insulted and thus eyeballs were rolled and faces were figuratively palmed before, during and still after the book ended. I skimmed till the end to be done with it and the mushy ending was dead to me as all investment in the characters was gone.
If you're after a simple hate-to-love story with contract marriage thrown in, you might find Conquests cute and charming. If you're hoping for a rich saga that is Phillipa Gregoryesque...well, life's too short for average books. Skippidy dippidy!
Rating: 2.5 secret bread-making elves
Rereadability: none.
I rarely read medieval based stories but I was intrigued by the Norman/Anglo conflict central to the plot. I thought it may be epic like Lorna Doone but as I read, the book turned out to be was far more simplistic. It's a straight forward, forced marriage storyline with between the conquering people, the Normans (the hero Melville) and the displaced and conquered Anglo Saxons, our heroine Avis. For a long time their bickering and general dislike for each other was basic prejudice and explained over and over again as "he's just a Norman" or "she wouldn't understand, she's a backward Saxon." It got a little frustrating as there's so much to delve into and explore within this central conflict and yet there was little depth beyond their own personal sob stories. I'm not asking or expecting Game of Thrones level detail and epicness but if you can lift the characters and plonk them in another time period without jeopardising the story, then the setting is a crutch and nothing more.
The relationship building and romance as they turn bickering to love is typical. Melville hides his insecurity and low self esteem behind a gruff exterior while Avis quite rightly has a chip on her shoulder when dealing with Melville, but is a perfect Angel to everyone else. It's all pleasant to read yes but this is no page turner, pulse racer or butterfly inducer.
The ending is where I do need to vent my ire as the emotional climax can be predicted a mile away. I seriously walked away from the book for two days because that final hurdle for the couple was so inanely unoriginal. The emotional histronics from Avis was so cliche I felt mildly insulted and thus eyeballs were rolled and faces were figuratively palmed before, during and still after the book ended. I skimmed till the end to be done with it and the mushy ending was dead to me as all investment in the characters was gone.
If you're after a simple hate-to-love story with contract marriage thrown in, you might find Conquests cute and charming. If you're hoping for a rich saga that is Phillipa Gregoryesque...well, life's too short for average books. Skippidy dippidy!
Rating: 2.5 secret bread-making elves
Rereadability: none.
February 2, 2017
I gave this book a solid 3.5 stars.
I didn’t know a whole lot about the time period before reading this but the setting was so well-researched and I could easily imagine it. I definitely learned a lot while reading this book, including the role of women in society so long ago.
The plot was rather predictable and cliche at times. It wasn’t really my type of book and I lost interest every now and then but I know that there are people who love a good historical fiction romance. I have been in a bit of a reading slump lately so that probably affected this review a little.
Avis was a very strong female protagonist, especially considering her status. A lot of the male characters really underestimated her at times. Avis was just an amazing character. She was very well developed, realistic and everything I could ask for in a protagonist.
Melville seemed like he was trying to get used to her fiery temper and failing in the first half which made him a much more believable characters in some ways. I think that Melville could have been developed more to make him a bit less one-dimensional.
Overall, I found this novel a very informative and well-written read. While the plot was predictable at times, the main characters really made up for it. It wasn’t the sort of genre that I usually pick up. The evil reading slump has been following me around recently so, unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this as much as I think I would’ve.
-Melia
I didn’t know a whole lot about the time period before reading this but the setting was so well-researched and I could easily imagine it. I definitely learned a lot while reading this book, including the role of women in society so long ago.
The plot was rather predictable and cliche at times. It wasn’t really my type of book and I lost interest every now and then but I know that there are people who love a good historical fiction romance. I have been in a bit of a reading slump lately so that probably affected this review a little.
Avis was a very strong female protagonist, especially considering her status. A lot of the male characters really underestimated her at times. Avis was just an amazing character. She was very well developed, realistic and everything I could ask for in a protagonist.
Melville seemed like he was trying to get used to her fiery temper and failing in the first half which made him a much more believable characters in some ways. I think that Melville could have been developed more to make him a bit less one-dimensional.
Overall, I found this novel a very informative and well-written read. While the plot was predictable at times, the main characters really made up for it. It wasn’t the sort of genre that I usually pick up. The evil reading slump has been following me around recently so, unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this as much as I think I would’ve.
-Melia
September 6, 2013
Simply a perfect, precious, little jewel of medieval romance.
A psychological study of two people, from different nations - the conquering and the conquered - who seem destined to hate and despise each other, when obliged to marry. They fight a lot, but break also many barriers to grow in confidence, trust and appreciation of each other.
Avis (the Saxon) and Melville (the Norman) cooperate on behalf of their people, try to know more about their reciprocal cultures, languages and habits, talk and share their own fears and horrors of the past. When King William threatens to destroy what they have just started to build together, it's the turning point for them to understand that probably they have fallen in love.
No lustful scenes, as you would expect in the chronicles of mixed and stormy marriages of conquest, but a growing, plausible, unstoppable attraction between sensible, intelligent, passionate people who want to go forward war and hatred. A fascinating reading!
A psychological study of two people, from different nations - the conquering and the conquered - who seem destined to hate and despise each other, when obliged to marry. They fight a lot, but break also many barriers to grow in confidence, trust and appreciation of each other.
Avis (the Saxon) and Melville (the Norman) cooperate on behalf of their people, try to know more about their reciprocal cultures, languages and habits, talk and share their own fears and horrors of the past. When King William threatens to destroy what they have just started to build together, it's the turning point for them to understand that probably they have fallen in love.
No lustful scenes, as you would expect in the chronicles of mixed and stormy marriages of conquest, but a growing, plausible, unstoppable attraction between sensible, intelligent, passionate people who want to go forward war and hatred. A fascinating reading!
August 16, 2013
This novella, set right after the Norman Conquest, is very accessible to modern readers, and has a tempestuous yet sweet love story between an Anglo-Saxon and a Norman that made my heart flutter with excitement. It kept me engrossed enough to finish it in a single sitting, and I look forward to reading this author's next work.
August 9, 2018
To Hate😤 and Mistrust in Ancient England
England 1069 Three Years After the Norman Invasion.
On the Positive side, This book📑 is interesting and more historically accurate than many ancient England romances.
BUT.....The continual hate, doubt and mistrustful relationship between the two main characters made me crazy after a while. It really got old, and continued throughout most of the book📑.
The hero, Melville🐺🍆🌋🔪, is a Norman Warrior and Lord. He just wants to go back to Normandy, but the English 👑King, William, demands the conquering Normans, marry the conquered Anglo Saxons and absorb their culture and language into Norman culture.
So, Melville🐺🍆🌋🔪 feels trapped into staying there, marrying, Avis💃💋, a royal Saxon orphan, whom he thinks is an uneducated savage. Melville🐺🍆🌋🔪 can't even read or write and knows no Saxon or Latin. Avis💃💋 knows all of it, including the Norman tongue!
There is one glaring continuity problem when Melville writes To The Pope ( which would have been in Latin, most likely) to request an annulment from Avis. He could neither read or write Latin.
She hates Melville🐺🍆🌋🔪 because he's a usurper, a conqueror, who knows and cares nothing about the people he is to protect and lead.
If you can get through the constant vitriol and misjudging, as well as mutual mistrust, between Avis💃💋 and Melville🐺🍆🌋🔪, you will probably enjoy this book.
The book is chaste, except for some kissing.
England 1069 Three Years After the Norman Invasion.
On the Positive side, This book📑 is interesting and more historically accurate than many ancient England romances.
BUT.....The continual hate, doubt and mistrustful relationship between the two main characters made me crazy after a while. It really got old, and continued throughout most of the book📑.
The hero, Melville🐺🍆🌋🔪, is a Norman Warrior and Lord. He just wants to go back to Normandy, but the English 👑King, William, demands the conquering Normans, marry the conquered Anglo Saxons and absorb their culture and language into Norman culture.
So, Melville🐺🍆🌋🔪 feels trapped into staying there, marrying, Avis💃💋, a royal Saxon orphan, whom he thinks is an uneducated savage. Melville🐺🍆🌋🔪 can't even read or write and knows no Saxon or Latin. Avis💃💋 knows all of it, including the Norman tongue!
There is one glaring continuity problem when Melville writes To The Pope ( which would have been in Latin, most likely) to request an annulment from Avis. He could neither read or write Latin.
She hates Melville🐺🍆🌋🔪 because he's a usurper, a conqueror, who knows and cares nothing about the people he is to protect and lead.
If you can get through the constant vitriol and misjudging, as well as mutual mistrust, between Avis💃💋 and Melville🐺🍆🌋🔪, you will probably enjoy this book.
The book is chaste, except for some kissing.
April 23, 2018
Tame, clean medieval romance. It is a well researched novel about William the Conquer's conquering of England in 1066 and the politics between the Normans and the English and how they had to learn to basically learn to co-habit England.
Lots of confusion between the H and h and how they feel about each other. Melville is a Norman given English land and title by King William. He is also forced to marry and produce heirs in order to unite the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons. Meville does not want to marry, ever, but has to. He is forced to marry Avis, a noble Anglo-Saxon woman. She also does not want to marry but her reasons are she doesn't want to be forced to marry a barbaric Norman. The two don't have choice and the book follows their slow burn romance and the tumultuous time of 1066 England.
The book was fine, I didn't love it but I also didn't dislike it. I enjoy a good historical romance. Like I said above the book is clean, so no sexy time which was fine. It would of probably ruined the book if all the sudden there was an explicit sex scene between Melville and Avis. I enjoyed the historical part of the book more than I did the romance. If you need a book to help you come down from the high of reading something intense or dark (why I read it) this is a good one for that.
Lots of confusion between the H and h and how they feel about each other. Melville is a Norman given English land and title by King William. He is also forced to marry and produce heirs in order to unite the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons. Meville does not want to marry, ever, but has to. He is forced to marry Avis, a noble Anglo-Saxon woman. She also does not want to marry but her reasons are she doesn't want to be forced to marry a barbaric Norman. The two don't have choice and the book follows their slow burn romance and the tumultuous time of 1066 England.
The book was fine, I didn't love it but I also didn't dislike it. I enjoy a good historical romance. Like I said above the book is clean, so no sexy time which was fine. It would of probably ruined the book if all the sudden there was an explicit sex scene between Melville and Avis. I enjoyed the historical part of the book more than I did the romance. If you need a book to help you come down from the high of reading something intense or dark (why I read it) this is a good one for that.
October 11, 2021
Conquering their hearts
Melville is given his land and fortress to protect. He fought in King William take over of the Anglo-Saxon people. He was told that he had to marry an Anglo-Saxon woman as his was Norman. He came from Normandy.
He wasn't happy about having being told he must get married. Avid was a strong willed woman and cared about her people.
She gave Melville a hard time and wouldn't consummate their wedding night. She blamed him for the torture and destruction of her country.
Three years she lived with Richard and older man that was given her town as overseeing the land and the people. When King William decided all that were given land to oversee must marry to start making heirs of the combination of the two countries.
Avis didn't even like him looking at her least of all touching her. She found him repulsive. He was over weight, old and always not clean. William sent Melville to marry Avis. She wasn't happy at first for the King's determination of marrying her off with a Norman. But sure didn't want to marry Richard. She agreed to marrying Melville.
Great story of two strong willed people that wanted to do to keep themselves and the village people safe. Well written kept me interested right to end. How communication helped to bring them together and the love they finally shared.
Melville is given his land and fortress to protect. He fought in King William take over of the Anglo-Saxon people. He was told that he had to marry an Anglo-Saxon woman as his was Norman. He came from Normandy.
He wasn't happy about having being told he must get married. Avid was a strong willed woman and cared about her people.
She gave Melville a hard time and wouldn't consummate their wedding night. She blamed him for the torture and destruction of her country.
Three years she lived with Richard and older man that was given her town as overseeing the land and the people. When King William decided all that were given land to oversee must marry to start making heirs of the combination of the two countries.
Avis didn't even like him looking at her least of all touching her. She found him repulsive. He was over weight, old and always not clean. William sent Melville to marry Avis. She wasn't happy at first for the King's determination of marrying her off with a Norman. But sure didn't want to marry Richard. She agreed to marrying Melville.
Great story of two strong willed people that wanted to do to keep themselves and the village people safe. Well written kept me interested right to end. How communication helped to bring them together and the love they finally shared.
April 15, 2018
I would like to rate this higher mainly because of the measure of research and feeling of historic authenticity plus moments of brilliance in portions that mostly deal with William the Conqueror's meeting with Melville and then his personal appearance at the manor. There is also Avis' thoughtful, caring and decisive action of gathering all her people into the keep for safety and protection. My issue is the disjointed and 'choppy' flow of Avis' and Melville's relationship, their transition from contentious to cordial seem awkward and abrupt. The author made their relationship too 'impossible' to bridge so that when there was to be affection and understanding such have become unspontaneous at all to be credible. Even if there is a spark of affection or friendship between them, it is overshadowed by the more pronounced antipathy rather than their budding attraction. Other than this... it still remains True to its chosen genre and timeline. P.S. ~ if Melville is illiterate, how had he sent word to the Pope for annulment (citing his reasons for the request) given the sensitivity of the subject and the need for secrecy? One more thing, if the cover is meant to represent Avis/Annis, then it is wrong. Our heroine has long curly golden tresses, a veritable Goldilocks, in fact.
July 26, 2017
This is a gripping tale of a forced marriage between a conquering Norman named Melville and conquered Anglo-Saxon woman Avis. They both had to face their losses after the ravages of war, and face each other. I experienced heartfelt sorrow for Avis as she had to face the loss of not only her family and loved ones but also her home and its safety and familiarity. In contrast, Neville had gained some notoriety where before he had none. Eventually Avis was able to look beyond herself and gain the love and respect of her people surrounding her new home. I appreciated the fact that she mingled with the kitchen help and the nearby village people. Neville, on the other hand, found it difficult to understand why she clean ro would debase herself. I thoroughly enjoyed reading how these two people learned from one another, and gained a deep respect and love for each other through the sacrifices they made. I highly recommend reading this book. It is a clean historical romance. I loved it!
February 6, 2017
Oh my goodness. I started reading the book and couldn't seem to put it down. I finished it in less than 12 hours. So many twists and turns throughout the book it kept me wanting to read more. I enjoyed the style of writing, the only thing would be the wording was a little off for being set in the 1600's. I love the details of the surrounding landscape and the characters. It was easy to imagine what they looked like and feel in love with the characters. Each page was set up to drawl you in deeper and deeper allowing you to learn about them and their lives, to fall in love with their actions, cry for more of each other. I don't want to give away much, but Melville and Avis (teehee) are meant to be with each other no matter what, through anger, pain, and love. I am so looking forwarded to more from Emily Murdoch and the Hearts Rule Kingdoms books.
August 12, 2017
I looked at the title of this book and its cover picture and couldn't work out what story it would tell. That had me hooked and I knew I had to find out.
Well, its a love story about two very different people who are forced to get married by a decree from King William even though they do not know one another.
The game as played out by Avis and Melville in their quest to survive is amazing, neither realizing that they have fallen in love.
Emily Murdoch has written a truly outstanding historical romance that is clean, well thought out, factual and totally gripping. What an amazing adventure life for these two people turns out to be.
The audiobook is narrated by Katie Bunn and makes for an easy listen.
The above is my honest and unbiased review of a free audiobook version of the story from the author.
Well, its a love story about two very different people who are forced to get married by a decree from King William even though they do not know one another.
The game as played out by Avis and Melville in their quest to survive is amazing, neither realizing that they have fallen in love.
Emily Murdoch has written a truly outstanding historical romance that is clean, well thought out, factual and totally gripping. What an amazing adventure life for these two people turns out to be.
The audiobook is narrated by Katie Bunn and makes for an easy listen.
The above is my honest and unbiased review of a free audiobook version of the story from the author.
August 19, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read a lot of books from this medieval time period so it made it all the more interesting to me to read about the conflict going on. Although the setting of the book was in a time period marked by war and injustice, the book still had an underlining hope for something better to come. The characters were very well developed. Though I felt the book was a little long, thus the 4 star rating, the story was never stagnant. It surprised me with plot twists and unexpected developments.
What I appreciated most was seeing the main character, Avis, heal from the atrocities of war and become a strong woman, knowing her own mind. This is a clean sweet read.
Also if you buy the audio version of this book the narrator's voice is so completely perfect for this story!
What I appreciated most was seeing the main character, Avis, heal from the atrocities of war and become a strong woman, knowing her own mind. This is a clean sweet read.
Also if you buy the audio version of this book the narrator's voice is so completely perfect for this story!
April 20, 2018
I did not want to put this book down! I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen. The back story of both the characters was so sad but I loved that because of the things they went through it made them who they are today.
I laughed out loud a couple of times. I loved that Annis was so strong and she fought for what she wanted. I loved that she was still a good person and was not going to let things get in her way.
It was so interesting to watch her and Melville over come their hate and rumours of what each other were supposed to be to get to know each other and to find out who they really were.
They are both so strong and stubborn. But it was best to watch their friendship grow.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one.
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it
I laughed out loud a couple of times. I loved that Annis was so strong and she fought for what she wanted. I loved that she was still a good person and was not going to let things get in her way.
It was so interesting to watch her and Melville over come their hate and rumours of what each other were supposed to be to get to know each other and to find out who they really were.
They are both so strong and stubborn. But it was best to watch their friendship grow.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one.
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it
July 7, 2020
This is my first Emily Murdoch book.
She writes well, and seems to have studies the era she writes about well. The story caught my attention in the prologue. Then I found the first couple of chapters challenging--because I wasn't connecting to the characters. But...the spunkiness of the heroine, Avis, and her ability to adapt/learn/change was encouraging. The underlying theme of this book is confronting biases, based on experience, challenging pre-conceived ideas, facing fears and finding identity when everything in Avis's and Melville's world has changed. Conquests: Hearts Rule Kingdoms
She writes well, and seems to have studies the era she writes about well. The story caught my attention in the prologue. Then I found the first couple of chapters challenging--because I wasn't connecting to the characters. But...the spunkiness of the heroine, Avis, and her ability to adapt/learn/change was encouraging. The underlying theme of this book is confronting biases, based on experience, challenging pre-conceived ideas, facing fears and finding identity when everything in Avis's and Melville's world has changed. Conquests: Hearts Rule KingdomsApril 22, 2018
You have no choice. Annis has done whatever she had to do to survive. She was the only one left from her family once the Normans invaded. But she is given no choice now she has to marry and she will either marry the man that the King has chosen or she will marry Richard her capturer. She knows that she can't stay here with Richard it has been harder enough fighting him off for all these years. Melville doesn't want to marry this woman she is the enemy and she is nothing to him. But can they ever move on from the past and accept that they belong together? Can Annis find the peace that she has been looking for with this foreigner and will Melville be able to accept that she is what he wanted all along? A good read.
March 21, 2017
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
A beautiful romance that captures the trials, pain, and confusion of a noble marriage during war, but also the love, commitment, and dedication that is sometimes brewed out of arranged marriages.
I fell in love with this story from page one! Avis is an incredibly strong main character, with all of the charm, wit, and sass that could be desired to fulfil such a powerful role. Hers and Melville's story is one that is enchanting and memorable, and also illustrates how valuable communication is in a relationship.
There is some mild language, sexual comments, thoughts, and actions (though no scenes), and the details of the war can become very gruesome. However, though these things are present, they do not come very often at all, and are mild when they are included in a scene.
Thus, I give Conquests, 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to more of the author's work in the future.
This review was originally published on Literature Approved (http://literatureapproved.wordpress.com).
A beautiful romance that captures the trials, pain, and confusion of a noble marriage during war, but also the love, commitment, and dedication that is sometimes brewed out of arranged marriages.
I fell in love with this story from page one! Avis is an incredibly strong main character, with all of the charm, wit, and sass that could be desired to fulfil such a powerful role. Hers and Melville's story is one that is enchanting and memorable, and also illustrates how valuable communication is in a relationship.
There is some mild language, sexual comments, thoughts, and actions (though no scenes), and the details of the war can become very gruesome. However, though these things are present, they do not come very often at all, and are mild when they are included in a scene.
Thus, I give Conquests, 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to more of the author's work in the future.
This review was originally published on Literature Approved (http://literatureapproved.wordpress.com).
January 18, 2017
I made a quick read of this book, because I just couldn't put it down. Richard was simply loathable, Avis was simply lovable and Melville was simply lustable! I feel like Melville needed a bit more depth and character development in the early stages of the story. I would have liked for his "layers" to be peeled back a little sooner to facilitate a quicker attachment to the character by the reader.
I really liked how Avis and Melville struggle to overcome who they are separately, so they can learn to accept and enjoy who they can be together. I could have done with a little less of the constant reminders they sling back and forth at each other, that one is Anglo-Saxon and the other is Norman and never the twain shall meet, though. It was a bit overkill.
Also, there seemed to be some discrepancies in time frames and seasons, at points.
But, overall, this was a lovely story. It was rich with history and the "feel" of the times came through very well (the utter despair, the sorrow, the anger, the fear, the disparagement, etc.). I was a big fan of the way that Melville and Avis, though married, waited on love to bloom before considering consummation of the marriage. Melville won me over with his patience and respect for Avis. I also really liked the way that Avis rallied the villagers and brought them under the castle's protection, managing to facilitate the unity of two cultures and plant a seed for the future success of the holding.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Emily Murdoch!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review.
I really liked how Avis and Melville struggle to overcome who they are separately, so they can learn to accept and enjoy who they can be together. I could have done with a little less of the constant reminders they sling back and forth at each other, that one is Anglo-Saxon and the other is Norman and never the twain shall meet, though. It was a bit overkill.
Also, there seemed to be some discrepancies in time frames and seasons, at points.
But, overall, this was a lovely story. It was rich with history and the "feel" of the times came through very well (the utter despair, the sorrow, the anger, the fear, the disparagement, etc.). I was a big fan of the way that Melville and Avis, though married, waited on love to bloom before considering consummation of the marriage. Melville won me over with his patience and respect for Avis. I also really liked the way that Avis rallied the villagers and brought them under the castle's protection, managing to facilitate the unity of two cultures and plant a seed for the future success of the holding.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Emily Murdoch!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review.
August 19, 2017
A Fantastic Book!
The content was fascinating, beginning with a flashback to 1066, when the Normans, led by William the Conqueror, invaded the Anglo Saxons, leaving few alive, behind them. Three years later, begins the main part of the story and is a view into what some of the new King William’s decrees caused for some Anglo Saxons and Normans, both. The resulting romance is full of tensions between the two opposite sides; but it is fascinating to hear. Well done, and I’m looking forward to getting more of the books.
The content was fascinating, beginning with a flashback to 1066, when the Normans, led by William the Conqueror, invaded the Anglo Saxons, leaving few alive, behind them. Three years later, begins the main part of the story and is a view into what some of the new King William’s decrees caused for some Anglo Saxons and Normans, both. The resulting romance is full of tensions between the two opposite sides; but it is fascinating to hear. Well done, and I’m looking forward to getting more of the books.
April 18, 2018
Rating : 2.5 stars
I like to read historical fiction but I rarely get a chance to read such books. The blurb of this book sounded promising and overall, I liked the setting up of the timeline and the writing style of the author. As for the narration, at times it felt forced. The flow wasn't really consistent. The characters could have been developed better. It felt as if they were just there for the love and the marriage. I didn't get to see shades of them as the story progressed. But, it was good to come across the Anglo Saxon and Norman cultures which I wasn't aware of.
I like to read historical fiction but I rarely get a chance to read such books. The blurb of this book sounded promising and overall, I liked the setting up of the timeline and the writing style of the author. As for the narration, at times it felt forced. The flow wasn't really consistent. The characters could have been developed better. It felt as if they were just there for the love and the marriage. I didn't get to see shades of them as the story progressed. But, it was good to come across the Anglo Saxon and Norman cultures which I wasn't aware of.
April 20, 2018
A Joining of Enemies
I really wanted to give this book a 5star rating,but I really found that it seemed unrealistic that Robert would not have taken full advantage of the heroine,especially because she was Angle -Saxon, and had no protector. He was descibed as full of lust, she was described as a prize of the Conquest.
The editing was very good,and there were almost no typos. The story kept me very engaged. I would definately recommend this book to everybody, who loves a clean, romantic story.
I really wanted to give this book a 5star rating,but I really found that it seemed unrealistic that Robert would not have taken full advantage of the heroine,especially because she was Angle -Saxon, and had no protector. He was descibed as full of lust, she was described as a prize of the Conquest.
The editing was very good,and there were almost no typos. The story kept me very engaged. I would definately recommend this book to everybody, who loves a clean, romantic story.
December 28, 2018
Historical romance set in the time of the Normal invasion of England with a young titled girl trying to survive and making lemonade with the lemons that the new King is giving her.
Lady Avis is left with nothing when her family is killed while her castle-home is conquered and she has a few years to grow up until she is forced into marriage with a Norman, but she chooses the unknown when she marries the younger knight Melville. There is a HEA, but this is not an enlightened equal opportunity time so it is more a story about the survival of the fittest.
278 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Lady Avis is left with nothing when her family is killed while her castle-home is conquered and she has a few years to grow up until she is forced into marriage with a Norman, but she chooses the unknown when she marries the younger knight Melville. There is a HEA, but this is not an enlightened equal opportunity time so it is more a story about the survival of the fittest.
278 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
November 24, 2019
This was a solid 4 star read for me. It was interesting, gripping and a fun read in general. I like the characters and they got enough time to develop their personalities. Melville was everything a romance novel hero should be and then some.
End was a little bit dragged, specially after Melville's return to the village. But nothing annoying. Would recommend as a fun read, if you are in medieval romance.
End was a little bit dragged, specially after Melville's return to the village. But nothing annoying. Would recommend as a fun read, if you are in medieval romance.
April 20, 2018
Great Book !!!
Emily Murdoch has written a wonderful book about life after William conquered England. The research for this book was excellent. It gives a true look at the lives of the people and the difficult problems they were faced with.
Avis must find a way to forgive the Normans and find love during this time. The twists are surprising and will keep the readers intrigued from start to finish. I cannot wait to read her next book!
Emily Murdoch has written a wonderful book about life after William conquered England. The research for this book was excellent. It gives a true look at the lives of the people and the difficult problems they were faced with.
Avis must find a way to forgive the Normans and find love during this time. The twists are surprising and will keep the readers intrigued from start to finish. I cannot wait to read her next book!
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