It's Christopher de Lohr's bastard son, Peter, in a tale that could change the stars of the House of de Lohr forever...
When religion and politics don't meet, it's an explosion that could tear the Executioner Knights—and England—apart forever...
Peter de Lohr is the illegitimate son of the greatest knight in the realm, though he has been accepted by his father. Not only accepted—embraced. Peter is well-loved by everyone, an enormous and powerful knight in the image of his famous sire.
He is also an Executioner Knight, and one of the very best. A great marriage is expected of him, it is presumed, to the daughter of a high-placed warlord.
Until he meets Liora ben Thad.
Petite, raven-haired and blue-eyed, Liora is the exquisite and glamorous daughter of a very prosperous goldsmith. She is also a Jewess, her father being a jeweler to the king. It is a time of great prosperity for the Jews of London, with King John being surprisingly fair to them, far more equitable than to some of his own barons.
When Peter sees Liora, all other women—and quite possibly his plans for the future—cease to exist.
But that comes at a price.
The high-placed warlord and his daughter will not go quietly, and they certainly will not relinquish a prize like Peter de Lohr to a woman of lesser social status. So begins a plot to separate Peter from Liora, a sinister plan that will threaten the House of de Lohr and the Executioner Knights... and everything they believe in.
One that puts Peter right in the line of fire.
Will two cultures, and two religions, and a royal order keep Peter and Liora apart?
Or will their love find a way?
Watch the Executioner Knights take sides in this delicious—and unusual—love story.
Juggernaut 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.
Read: 7/11/25 Setting: England, end of Kjng John's reign Trope: class/religious differences (Jewish)
I love getting to visit with my favorite characters from KLV's older (better) books. Unfortunately. they were not the main characters. This is Peter's De Lohr's story, not his father's Christopher's book. The author could have fooled me!
plot: While hiding from a grasping woman, Peter hides in a yard. There, he meets Liora, a Jewish woman. He falls instantly. Now, he will battle anyone to have her, including his father, the king, and any religion, keeping them apart.
Peter is too naive for me. The author forgot this was a medieval hr. Everyone's is way too progressive thinking for the middle-ages. Their differences in their religion were solved way too easily.
Again, it was great to have so many of my favorites return, but the main romance was weak.
I found this novel had an interesting viewpoint of both the historical events that took place during the reign of King John as well as the cultural differences between Christians and Jews. I loved Peter from the outset as he attempts to escape the attentions of Lady Agnes de Quincy. His boyish humor and panic at being trapped into a marriage that he has no stomach for, made me smile. Liora's gentle humor as well as her practical view on life make her the perfect foil for Peter, and certainly, her little brother keeps him on his toes as well. The historical events that unfold reveal a tragic period of time, and the part played by men who had the good of the country at heart makes one realize that despite circumstances there is always a way to solve the ills of this world. Unfortunately, jealousy and revenge get in the way, making this a novel that kept my interest throughout. As a result of this book, I found myself reading up on King Henry III, coming to the realization that the sacrifices made were all worthwhile. I received a copy of this romance from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Kathryn’s writing is always mesmerising, I can totally immerse myself in her books and I’m lost to reality for hours, just as it should be.
Peter de Lohr’s book is a perfect example of me reading and forgetting the world. I found him sweet and protective, honourable and a delight to meet, Liora was the same, I was stunned to learn of the differences and challenges that were put upon them because they were from different faiths but wanted to be together, things I never knew, but I had my eyes opened for me, Thankyou Kathryn.
One thing I did notice, although I believe Kathryn loves all her characters in one way or another, I feel when she writes a scene with Christopher de Lohr in it her writing almost takes on a life all its own, you can feel the love for him through the way she writes, similar with a few others. I wonder if there’s anything to my feelings.
A brilliant story and satisfying read, one I will always adore, especially for the father son melding and heart to heart chats between Peter and Christopher. They made the book for me.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Prepare to be brought again, into the amazing imagination of Kathryn Le Veque, as she takes us on a different journey through history, with religion being part of the story.
A strong, brave,Executioner Knight, who was enormous, powerful and skilled beyond measure, was hiding. There was a woman determined to have him as husband and he wanted none of it! Having hidden in the Jewish section of town, he then met her. Yes, beautiful beyond measure, with a sense of humor and intelligence. He had to see her again.
Simply a story of the heart as these two come together. So different in so many ways but it seems their hearts know each other and have to find a way.
Strong characters, a storyline not soon forgotten, and all in a era where a terrible King tries to rule and dominate. These stories need to be a tv series, yes, seriously! Loved every word.
Love, politics, religion, intrigue, and jealousy… what more do you need? A handsome medieval warrior, a witty damsel, and true love burdened by some laws, some rules that do not allow the young lovers to fulfill their dreams… Longing for a kiss, longing for a gentle touch .... the desire is too great, and the battle uncertain .... Can love win when odds are against? Another emotional story from the pen of this talented author, who manages to intrigue me with the unique mixture of true historical facts and incredible imagination. A book that offers pages full of spoken and unspoken truths and desires that offer an overview of a society where attraction and love were only a sporadic factor in people's lives, and political aspirations and social status - the most important criteria. And what especially impresses me is the way this author manages to capture every scene, with incredibly fitted details and so much emotion, that it seems for a moment you move into that skillfully created world of knights and ladies, experiencing every conflict of interests and painful truths and prejudices…. Some of them that are still present around the world today. A story about forbidden love, the same god, the same principles but different religions ... something not allowed at that time ... The love of Peter and Liora - convicted before it began ... The author, as in the previous works, manages to build characters that are simply memorable and captivating, with enough emotional depth and perfect balance. Peter is a character who, with all his skillfully depicted features, from the powerful physical appearance to the nobility, is the complete embodiment of that romantic brave prince of fairy tales. A character because of whom we all enjoy historical love romances, a character who is brave and strong enough, yet gentle enough to make every reader swoon. Liora with her kindness and intelligence is a real partner for this brave knight. Their instant love is something that bothers me a little, I would like a little more depth and complexity, but it must be admitted that it offers hope for a better future. If you are looking for an amazing Medieval Love story with a solid plot, enough twists and turns, then Kathryn Le Veque's novel The Splendid Hour is a must-read.
This is the kind of story I read historicals for. Such exquisite attention to detail, such amazing heart-filled emotional writing, every bit of it was enthralling and insightful.
Peter is not just a typical Christian of the time; as an Executioner Knight his allegiance to the Church is as ingrained in him as his allegiance to his family. LIora is a Jewess, a woman whose life and family is so wrapped up in her religious traditions that it's the foundation of her ethnic identity. But the heart wants what the heart wants, despite how treacherous the path to their HEA is.
The outside forces working against them range from the truly villainous to the merely power-grabbing, but through it all Peter walks a fine diplomatic line between keeping his word and keeping his life. I really appreciated the attention to detail shown by the author, making this a solid history lesson as well as a thrilling romance.
As someone with more than a passing familiarity with both Jewish and Christian beliefs and traditions, I commend the author for her accuracy and fairness in presenting the common ground where most people only see conflict. The religious aspects are true to their historical setting, especially as they differ from their contemporary counterparts. The solution they found was respectful, realistic, and stayed true to what both Peter and Liora needed in order to find happiness and peace in their growing family.
Read it for the history, read it for the romance, read it for the religious conflict - regardless of which part pulls you in, you won't be disappointed. It's a fantastic story, and exactly what I've come to expect from this author. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
How I love losing myself into the world of the Executioner Knights, the names alone make my heart beat that much faster! I know they are all from Kathryn Le Veque's imagination but one can't help but wonder what IF there had been such knights!!! I thoroughly enjoyed Peter and Liora's story, so much heart and honour in it.
Religion plays a large part in their story and I thought the author handled it really well. Back in the medieval era, Christians and Jews were not allowed to marry each other unless one or the other converted and even then, their problems were not over. Peter and Liora have a lot of decisions and sacrifices to make but their love for each other is so intense, you can't help but cheer them on. Amidst all of this, the battle continues with King John, who I think was the most hated king in history.
One of my favourite lines in the book...."We cannot control what the heart demands"!!
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The Splendid Hour is the seventh title in the Executioner Knights series, and features Peter de Lohr the son of Christopher de Lohr who featured as the hero of Rise of the Defender. I read Christopher’s story several years ago and became enamored with Kathryn LeVeque’s medieval romances. Her characters cross over in titles, and as a fan of the de Lohr Dynasty I was eager to dive into Peter’s story and it didn’t disappoint. Peter is a strong, gallant, honorable, protective, and loyal knight, but also has a playful side to him that makes him all the more endearing. The lady who holds his attention, is Liora a Jewess who is sweet, kind and compassionate, yet practical and the perfect woman for Peter, despite the differences in their religion. This title is a dramatic, medieval romance with strong themes of family, friendship, jealousy, revenge, religion, identity, and love. I was captivated and intrigued by this well written and romance, and need to catch up on the backlist of Kathryn’s books that I’ve yet to read, including several from the Executioner Knights series.
The Splendid Hour is not my first Kathryn LeVeque novel, but it's my first of her lengthy Executioner Knights series. As a Jew, I was drawn to the premise of a love story about Christian knight and a Jewish woman as much as I was dreading it. On one hand, I was excited to have a Jewish main character--they are few and far between even in contemporary romantic fiction. On the other hand, I knew going in that a true interfaith marriage in 13th century England was not possible. I also knew that there would be an HEA of some kind. I was worried, though, that an HEA for these two would mean the heroine would have to give up her faith. I crossed my fingers that LeVeque wouldn't strip Liona of her cultural and religious identity in order to achieve that HEA.
Without going onto spoiler territory, I'll just say that LeVeque did a really good job finding balance by the end. I don't know what I really wanted the outcome to be (aside from happy), but I do know that I was more or less satisfied. It helps that LeVeque's portrayal of herJewish characters--mostly Liona, her father Haim, and her little brother--goes against harmful stereotypes from that era. They are warm, intelligent, and generous. Even the young rabbi who appears briefly is remarkably open minded.
The character of the hero Peter, too, helped ease my underrepresented mind. He displays a respectful curiosity about Judaism and a sincere desire to learn. He's also entirely willing to make the sacrifices that would be necessary to keep Liona in his life.
Where the story falls short for me is the whirlwind nature of their courtship. While there's always a bit of suspension of disbelief with romance, I think this particular pair needed more time. I would have enjoyed watching Peter interacting with Jewish traditions. However, because of the historical timing (both real and fictional), I suppose the author was a bit limited. The other area that I struggled with was the sheer number of secondary characters, most of them protagonists from LeVeque's other books in this series.
Overall, this is a solid story and I commend the author for taking this giant risk. I also appreciate her thoughtful author's notes and afterword.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
The Splendid Hour by Kathryn Le Veque is another entry into her breath-taking saga of the Middle Ages and English knights. The De Lohr family is second only to William de Wolfe in its production of stalwart, courageous knights. Despite the fact that he was not born to a legitimate union, Peter De Lohr has been recognized as Christopher De Lohr's eldest son and been accepted into the family as one of their own. Despite all of this, he has always felt a little left out, as if he is on the edge of things. Then came the day, while trying to escape Agnes de Quincy's overbearing attempts to secure a betrothal, he happens on the kitchen courtyard of the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. She is called Liora. Not only is she beautiful, but she seems kind and is definitely witty. He spends an enchanted time with her and vows to return. Meanwhile, the de Quincys are still up to their tricks. Liora doesn't meet him the next day as she has promised but sends her little brother to tell him she will be late. This message comes just as he is ready to give up. It only takes a couple of days, but he is smitten. And the de Quincy's are motivated to secure a betrothal, Liora notwithstanding.
This is an enticing book, rife with issues appropriate to the era. King John was a horrible king and his nobles rebelled. One of his few redeeming features was his positive relationship with the Jewish population. Despite that, marriage between a Jew and a Christian was nearly impossible and that impossibility is portrayed with sympathy and kindness as Le Veque explores the relationship between Peter and Liora. She writes Christopher as a supremely fair man, who while he is not happy about the relationship, supports his son. It is a beautifully written story, faithful to history and at the same time exploring several really sensitive subjects with a finesse that only Le Veque could evoke. It was a lovely read, consistent with history and yet revealing of personal feelings. I suggest you give it a try.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Splendid Hour by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #thesplendidhour.
This book has become my favorite Kathryn Le Veque book so far. (And I have loved all of her books that I have read so far.)
The first chapter scared me. Ms. LeVeque was trying to give us some insight to the men, historical and fictional involved in this story. And there were a bunch. But i didn't need to worry. It was made very clear what was going on and who was doing what.
The story centers around Peter de Lohr and Liora. Peter meets Liora while he is being followed by another woman who wants him for her husband. Hence begins a great love story, and evil plans to force Peter to marry the other woman.
But the relationship of Peter and Liora has a deeper issue. Peter is a Christian and Liora is Jewish. In order to marry, one of the two need to adopt the other's religion. If Peter would choose to become Jewish, he would lose the rights to any of his father's property. If Liora chooses to become Christian her family would shun her. I found this situation to be very interesting. Love can conquer all things if we only work at it and open our hearts.
But Peter is a Knight, a Knight connected to a certain group. This is another very interesting part of the story. Definitely this is a book hard to put down once you get started. The love is intense, the Knight's job is intense but mixed between is humor as well. You cheer, you laugh and cry. What more do you want from a book????
I do have one question for Ms. Le Veque. In a section of the book William Marshall is giving his knights instructions on a job he wants them to do. At the end of the instructions he asked the Knights if they can do what he is asking. The answer is yes. To which Marshall replies, "Then Make it so. Did you intend for that to be a Star Trek reference? As a Capt. Picard fan, it got my attention.
Nice mix of intrigue, suspense, unique storyline, twists, violence, a few nasty villains and instant love. Our main characters were from different faiths, they had more hurdles than average. The author handles the topic with beautifully. You're dealing with two of the oldest faiths and I appreciated she didn't bash one or the other.
Because you have two faiths with very strong traditions, I wished the MC took more time to ponder what one or the other would be giving up. The secondary characters were more concerned. Their feelings for each other happened too quickly and I didn't feel a connection to them. They really aren't together in most of this story.
Now the intrigue will keep you on edge with a King who is ruthless and the Knights who serve him or do they? The mix of history and fiction is done at its best with this author. Especially the ending this came shining through.
I read the Dark Angel prior to reading this one. Someone dies in that story that was so emotional. At first, I was upset with myself for reading it before this. But how someone's death is handled in Dark Angel is dealt with it in this story, so very touching. The Poem really got to me and the meaning will stay with me.
Some reviewers thought too many secondary characters, and there're. BUT, having read over 100+ stories by this author, it was like going to a family reunion.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, standalone, little on romance, a tad a steam within marriage - heat level 2.5 out of 5. The Lord's name used in vain a few times. The epilogue was fantastic as only this author can wrap up everything with a beautiful bow.
I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide to purchase, which I highly recommend. (ljb)
The Warrior's Prayer Behold, I see those I love, And my relatives who have died before me. I see my father seated in the golden halls With an empty seat beside him. I see the greatest warriors who have ever lived, Surrounding my father, Calling to me, Death is not the end, but the beginning For a true warrior never dies. He takes his place of greatness among those who are worthy. Mourn not the glorious dead but rejoice in their legacy They wait for me, not in this life, but the next, Where their legends shall live forever
I'd read this prayer in previous novels and it struck me as noble and beautiful, but in this book, it had me in tears. I won't go into it because I can't begin to explain the magnitude of the scene. All these hardened, war-torn, older knights, sitting at a table...you're just going to have to read the book.
This was different from any story I've ever read. Peter is a Christian knight. Liora is Jewish. That in itself makes this whole thing unique and even impossible. People from these faiths did not intermarry without great sacrifice by one person. That made a great story, but there was so much more going on, the two plots worked in conjunction, but I was more interested in how the second plot was going to work out. I knew Peter and Liora were going to get their happily ever after, but at what cost?
This book was packed with emotion, drama, fantastic characters, and a beautiful love story. I loved the ending and the epilogue. So good.
I don't know if this is the end of the series or not. The author said there might be in the notes at the end of the book. If there is, bring it on. If there isn't, then this was a wonderful ending to one of the best series I've ever read.
What do you get when you mix Politics + Religion + Love ? A Out of this World book by Kathryn Le Veque! She has written another sumptuous Executioner Knights book that has some of the old Executioners making appearances that will excite you as usual! However, this book has focused on the newbie Peter de Lohr, the illegitimate son of Christopher de Lohr who we all know is the Knight that King John is most leery about. Peter is a compassionate has remarkable qualities for his position as a Knight . The tolerance he shows for others is commendable, but he goes one step further by aiding those below his status without thinking of wanting others to acknowledge his deeds. He is a force on the battlefield and fights to win! Liora is a Jewish girl and daughter of a goldsmith to the King. She inadvertently comes to Peters aid and the two are instantly attracted. However, in this particular age Catholics and Jewish never crossed lines. The time time period was fraught with battles with King John and now Peter saw this as another battle.
The characters are so penetrating that you can’t help, but become engrossed in their daily lives. I truly became embroiled in the storyline that when my husband asked me questions he had to either holler at me or the one time he got up and stood in front of me and said, “ I am going to bed!” I was like well okay, go lol. I didn’t want this book to end. I wanted to read more and more. I won’t say anything else because I am not a “Spoiler”!
I loved this book and would definitely recommend!
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
Sir Peter de Lohr is the illegitimate son of one of the greatest Knights England has ever known. He is also an Executioner Knight and powerful in his own right. That has made him the target of a marriage minded woman and her father. They will do anything to get what they want. While Peter will do all he can to avoid them.
Liora ben Thad is the daughter of Haim, the Jewish Goldsmith who makes jewelry for the King and many other nobles. She is a good and dutiful daughter who has never even dreamed of a different type of life, until she meets a big fully armoured Knight hiding in her garden.
The noble warlords of England are still having trouble with King John, even after they forced him to sign the Magna Carta. Extra measures might just be necessary.
This book covers a difficult relationship between two people who have absolutely nothing in common, and according to their faiths should never be together.
As usual from this author, we get caught up in our characters lives from the first to last page. Because of our hero's bloodlines and connections you will have met many of the secondary characters in other books. This story may have less warfare than some others, but is just as high in danger and political intrigue.
Oh my goodness, Kathryn Le Veque just keeps getting better and better and better. The Splendid Hour is amazing.
Peter is the perfect hero. He is intelligent, giving, loving, generous, a wonderful son/brother, and a man who is willing to sacrifice EVERYTHING (including his life, livelihood, and honor if needed) for the woman he loves.
Liora is a truly beautiful woman; her soul, her faith, her live of family, and her willingness to sacrifice EVERYTHING (including her life and families honor) all for the man she loves.
These two people are two of the best characters ever placed in print. Their love is the type of love that gives the reader hope because it transcends all else, it is full of life and desire and faith and generosity and lust and passion and a love so strong that nothing can stop it. After reading this book I felt elation and an ultimate sense of peace and calm. I cried, I cheered, I felt anger, and I felt every emotion Kathryn could wrench from a person and I can't thank her enough.
There are not enough stars in the sky to rate this book, it was perfection!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am volunteering an honest review.
Peter de Lohr premiere knight, an Executioner Knight who's the following his father’s legacy has he’s to be one of the greatest knights the realm has ever seen. Loyal to his family, king and country until the warlords have spilt William Marshall’s Executioner Knight in half with their beliefs. He knows there’s lady out to marry into the great de Lohr name, but has caught his interest until he stumbles upon raven-haired and blue-eyed, Liora, while he hides in her father’s garden to escape the notice of such lady, the daughter of a warlord, who keeps stalking him. Liora is the daughter of Jewish jeweler for the King John. This is a captivating story when Peter is quite intrigued by the beautiful and intelligent Liora. He finds himself drawn to her over and over as Peter and Liora against all odds fall in love against their different faiths Jewish and Christian, do not marry and causing families tensions to rise and tear their world apart. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the great book that has a story so intricately woven with history and romance as Kathryn le Veque takes you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Peter de Lohr is one of the Executioner Knights and also the illegitimate sone of the great Christopher de Lohr. Raised as his beloved eldest son he will never inherit the title.
Liora ben Thad is the daughter of the jeweler to the king and she is also a Jewess. When an accidental meeting between Peter and Liora leaves Peter very smitten he can’t help but to pursue the beautiful Liora. Unfortunately they can never be and it is forbidden for them to marry as a Jewess and a Christian can never marry. Peter and Liora face so many obstacles least if all their families. When jealousy rears it’s ugly head it could mean the end of Liora and Peter just might make the ultimate sacrifice to save her.
Once I started I could not put this book down. There are so many issues that can come between Peter and Liora, family, country, religion. I was so taken with Peter and his love for Liora. Peter would move heaven and earth for the woman he loves. I laughed and I have to say I could not help the tears that came into my eyes. This is such an emotional story one you don’t want to miss! Beautiful!
An enjoyable read bringing two different religions together during a time when it would result in one or both being "exiled" from their families. Peter has always felt different being born a bastard, even though his family loves him and accepts him. It resulted him making something more of himself and having a greater understanding of life. When he unexpectedly meets Liora, everything changes for him. She is the one for him and he will not consider anyone else. Liora is kind, educated, and intelligent, but she is a Jewess and it is considered forbidden for a Jew and a Christian to marry. Both experience much turmoil, among themselves, families, others who have have ulterior motives, and with the King of England. Both must overcome those troubles to have a life together, even if means banishment from both families. I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
10 Stars!!! This one will become a fixture in my library. Peter and Liora's story reminded me so much of this author's earlier epic stories. The Splendid Hour is extraordinary! Sir Peter de Lohr is the bastard son of the Richard's Lion Claw, Christopher de Lohr. He is his beloved son no matter what. While avoiding the pursuits of a determined woman, he hides and discovers the beauty of another woman who captivates him. Liora, daughter of Hiam, is Jewish and she is polite to the knight who is in her yard hiding. She intrigues Peter and he wants to learn more about her. Unfortunately, these two will have to face extreme obstacles... Religious ones, Crown deceptions, dangerous looming battles and an ambition family who knows no limits.
For this story, you will need Kleenex. If you have read this author's epic stories your heart will break for so many reasons. I highly recommend The Splendid Hour, for it is a keeper for me!
I wait as patiently as possible for each new stereo come out. I read all of her books as soon as I can and read others over and over. Mrs Le Veque's books are some of my favorites of all time. I love this book because it is a little bit different from the other stories. The difference makes it lovely story and a delightful time spent in reading. Thank you so very much for writing such wonderful stories and sharing them with us. Please, keep up the good work and I will be happily reading the hours away so that in the time that I am in the story I get to escape my considerable chronic pain. Oh,it's still there but it gives a little of break that is very much needed. Good luck with your future endeavors and may the people you love will love you as your heroes and heroines love each other.
Peter is the eldest son of Christopher de Lohr, and one of the executioner knights. He is younger than the others and is not as hardened but fearsome no less. Except when is comes to a woman (Agnes) and her father who are hell bent on trapping him into an unwanted marriage. When he is hiding from this woman he sneaks into a kitchen garden where he meets the beautiful Libra, the Jewish daughter of a go,smith to the king. They immediately connect and a forbidden love soon begins. This prompts Agnes and her father to accuse Liora of treachery to get her out of the picture. That sets a series of events in place that are difficult to stop. This book has everything, politics, intrigue, honor, revenge, deception, love and death. My only complaint was the editing errors.
I loved this story, the throughly researched setting, and the rich depths of the characters' descriptions. Kathryn LeVeque has outdone herself, once again. The love story of Peter, the bastard son of Christopher de Lohr, and Liora, a Jewish woman, set in the 13th century with all the religious prejudices as well as the political strife of the time made for an irresistible read. To then include a jealous rival and the Executioner Knights, William Marshall, King John, the Magna Carta and new characters in King Henry IIII, and Matthew de Lorha; was the icing on the cake. I would recommend this tale to all who enjoy romance, historically accurate place settings, and medieval times.
This is a wonderful and beautiful love story!! I love both Peter and Liora!! Their love is breathtaking, powerful and deep. Both willing to sacrifice themselves to be together. I love the way the author builds the men, the heroes in her books. Peter was so genuine in his character. A tough, deadly and noble knight with a sweet, charming and playful side. He’s just precious!! Actually all the knights had won my heart. I couldn’t pick a favorite because they all are outstanding. This book was full of political intrigue and evil doings. John was such a wicked king. The ending was satisfying. A lot of excitement, political drama, brotherhood and family in this book. pamarella PRCS
I love this authors books and this one was no exception. She always has a way with words and trys to stay with timelines and the history of the book. There is always plenty of danger and a son or knight finds his lady love. King John is the way he always is, self centered, jealous, conniving and a hateful and arrogant person. I loved reading Peter and Liora's story and had tears in one part of the book towards the end. I'm familiar with the old war lords, so when one is taken it breaks my heart. Loved the book and characters in it. HEA for Peter. I just reviewed The Splendid Hour by Kathryn Le Veque. #TheSplendidHour #NetGalley
I have only one comment is dissent to make. No where was the main difference between Christianity and Judaism mentioned belief in Christ as the son of God! Surely that would have been what Liora would have had to confess to become Christian, and yet it wasn't mentioned. Christians believe the Messiah has come in Jesus, Jews are still waiting on the Messiah and believe Christ was only a Rabbi or perhaps a prophet at best, A deceiver at worst! But this was a great story and I'm happy to say I spent several Splendid hours reading and enjoying every minute of each one! Wonderful story!
Kathryn Le Veque hit this one out of the park. She touched upon something she hasn't explored or used before. That controversial element is "intermarriage" or marriage in the medieval times between Christians and those born Jewish. It was handled sensitively and beautifully. And, of course, there was the vile King John being his despicable self causing havoc and misery. In addition, it is always a treat to visit with prominent characters who have played significant roles in previous novels. Who doesn't love Christopher de Lohr from "Rise of the Defender"? And, Marcus Burton (from same) plays a nice part in this book. It was an excellent read.
I was in need of a love story with a satisfying ending and this medieval tale certainly gave me an exciting medieval ride. Love and honest relationships reign supreme with its large cast of players. KLV even brought in some funny moments. My favorite is Chris' description of the young but brilliant William de Wolfe . Serious political intrigue mixes well with family loyalty in this medieval love story that does not disappoint. If you have liked any of her books, you will enjoy this one. Make it so.
I'm enjoying the Executioner Knights series, The Splendid Hour being book 7. Peter de Lohr is the illegitimate son of Christopher de Lohr. In attempting to escape the attentions of Agnes de Quincy, Peter finds himself in the gardens of Liora, the daughter of a Jewish jewelry maker. In order to marry, they need to resolve the issue of their different religions as well as deal with the meddling of the de Quincys. An entertaining read from Ms Le Veque as always. I'm looking forward to the next in this series.