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The Harmonious Blacksmith
A tangled tale of love, loss and loyalty, the Harmonious Blacksmith is a magic realism exploration of Medieval folklore and myth; tragedy and disappointment.
And above all, hope and rebirth.
♥ You always fall in love with the most unexpected person at the most unexpected moment and sometimes for the most unexpected reasons. ♥
In 1200 Guy Ferrier's wonderful singing voice is renowned throughout the county of Wiltshire.
A well respected blacksmith of thirty, he thinks it's about time he married. But how should he go about it?
Fate takes a hand when he meets Adela Lillebon, his Lord's daughter. It's love at first sight for them both.
However there is no hope of the two lovers being together; he is a commoner, a simple artisan and she is a member of the nobility. Besides, Adela has been betrothed to Guiscard Courtenay for years, an arrogant member of the Berkshire aristocracy.
How can Guy and Adela contrive to be together save for the few moments they can snatch whilst Guy is working on the church door; an amazing metal work of art showing Noah's Flood? And how can Guy fulfil his promise to his old friend the bailiff of East Kennet, to look after his wayward daughter, Parnell? To crown it all, Guy composes an innocent song which, upon its first hearing, causes him considerable anguish and plummets him into danger.
Blamed for the death of Guiscard, Guy moves closer and closer to death himself.
◆ And then 900 years later... ◆
The magic of love continues across time...
And above all, hope and rebirth.
♥ You always fall in love with the most unexpected person at the most unexpected moment and sometimes for the most unexpected reasons. ♥
In 1200 Guy Ferrier's wonderful singing voice is renowned throughout the county of Wiltshire.
A well respected blacksmith of thirty, he thinks it's about time he married. But how should he go about it?
Fate takes a hand when he meets Adela Lillebon, his Lord's daughter. It's love at first sight for them both.
However there is no hope of the two lovers being together; he is a commoner, a simple artisan and she is a member of the nobility. Besides, Adela has been betrothed to Guiscard Courtenay for years, an arrogant member of the Berkshire aristocracy.
How can Guy and Adela contrive to be together save for the few moments they can snatch whilst Guy is working on the church door; an amazing metal work of art showing Noah's Flood? And how can Guy fulfil his promise to his old friend the bailiff of East Kennet, to look after his wayward daughter, Parnell? To crown it all, Guy composes an innocent song which, upon its first hearing, causes him considerable anguish and plummets him into danger.
Blamed for the death of Guiscard, Guy moves closer and closer to death himself.
◆ And then 900 years later... ◆
The magic of love continues across time...
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2021
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55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 18, 2022
In a Nutshell: Started off well, but soon went down the slippery slope. Whoosh all the way to the bottom!
Story Synopsis:
Where the book worked for me:
🌷 The book begins very enthusiastically. Unlike most stories set in the 13th century, this one was quite cheerful and serene, with the focus only on love and friendship.
🌷 I loved the character of Parnell, who seemed like a strong and mature young girl with a smart head on her shoulders.
🌷 There are some fun scenes also, and some interesting banter.
🌷 The plot covers, albeit at a minor level, several themes such as women's rights, freedom of will in the nobility as well as gentry, the undue importance given to priests/religious heads.
🌷 The pace is also quite decent, despite some meanderings off the main track.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
🌵 Except for the mention of the year at the start and in the final sections, and a constant reference to the old professions such as stewards and bailiffs and Lords and blacksmiths, there is nothing to suggest that the story belonged to the 13th century. The dialogues seemed modern, with even some contemporary phrases popping in randomly. (I am still not sure if this was done on purpose as some kind of satire, or is just a writing boo-boo. But it didn’t feel historical in its atmosphere.)
Sorry about the spoilers below, but I really need to vent my frustration about a few things!
Usually I get bugged when books don't cater to the period they are set in. But this was so easy-going at the start that it felt almost like a spoof historical and I just went with the flow. But it became sillier as the chapters went ahead, and the ending was just Oh-my-God-just-kill-me-already level of stupid!
I honestly can’t recommend this, especially to avid historical fiction readers who will find the lack of authenticity either laughable or infuriating, possibly both. With a decent start and a nonsense end, it’s below average as a whole.
1.5 stars, rounding down because I am terribly irritated by that ending.
My thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Harmonious Blacksmith”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this turned out to be such a disaster.
PS: I was really sad at being an outlier yet again. But a closer evaluation of the ratings here shows that almost all of the 5 star ratings are fake. Disappointed to see how the rating system is misused. There needs to be some mechanism in Goodreads by which to report fake ratings - whether 5 stars or 1 stars, just as we can do for fake reviews.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
Village of East Kennett, Wiltshire. Around 1200 AD.
Guy Ferrier is a respected blacksmith and ferrier who is also known for his singing talent. At thirty, he decides it is high time to get married. Unfortunately for him, he falls in love with his Lord’s daughter, Adele. He knows the dalliance isn’t possible as he is just a commoner and she, a member of the nobility. Moreover, she has been engaged to an aristocrat since many years. However, there’s a change in circumstances, and Guy’s reputation comes under question. What will happen to this blooming relationship?
The story comes to us in a limited third person narration.
Where the book worked for me:
🌷 The book begins very enthusiastically. Unlike most stories set in the 13th century, this one was quite cheerful and serene, with the focus only on love and friendship.
🌷 I loved the character of Parnell, who seemed like a strong and mature young girl with a smart head on her shoulders.
🌷 There are some fun scenes also, and some interesting banter.
🌷 The plot covers, albeit at a minor level, several themes such as women's rights, freedom of will in the nobility as well as gentry, the undue importance given to priests/religious heads.
🌷 The pace is also quite decent, despite some meanderings off the main track.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
🌵 Except for the mention of the year at the start and in the final sections, and a constant reference to the old professions such as stewards and bailiffs and Lords and blacksmiths, there is nothing to suggest that the story belonged to the 13th century. The dialogues seemed modern, with even some contemporary phrases popping in randomly. (I am still not sure if this was done on purpose as some kind of satire, or is just a writing boo-boo. But it didn’t feel historical in its atmosphere.)
Sorry about the spoilers below, but I really need to vent my frustration about a few things!
Usually I get bugged when books don't cater to the period they are set in. But this was so easy-going at the start that it felt almost like a spoof historical and I just went with the flow. But it became sillier as the chapters went ahead, and the ending was just Oh-my-God-just-kill-me-already level of stupid!
I honestly can’t recommend this, especially to avid historical fiction readers who will find the lack of authenticity either laughable or infuriating, possibly both. With a decent start and a nonsense end, it’s below average as a whole.
1.5 stars, rounding down because I am terribly irritated by that ending.
My thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Harmonious Blacksmith”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this turned out to be such a disaster.
PS: I was really sad at being an outlier yet again. But a closer evaluation of the ratings here shows that almost all of the 5 star ratings are fake. Disappointed to see how the rating system is misused. There needs to be some mechanism in Goodreads by which to report fake ratings - whether 5 stars or 1 stars, just as we can do for fake reviews.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
December 13, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC of The Harmonious Blacksmith! This book was SO sweet. A lot of books set in the Medieval Period are kind of brutal, but this rendering of the time period is really heartfelt.
Guy Ferrier, the blacksmith of East Kennett, finds himself in trouble after falling in love with the village lord's daughter, Adela, at first sight. They try to see each other in secret, but they are unable to ever be together, especially since Adela is betrothed to Guiscard Courtenay. Guy has also promised his friend and mentor Bailiff Truman that he will take care of his daughter, Parnell, when the bailiff passes away. Guy and Nell are friends, but her father desperately wants them to be more. Guy finds himself pulled in many directions, caught between his love for Adela, his desire to watch after Nell, and rumors that he is using the magic blacksmiths are apparently known to possess for less than wholesome purposes.
This is definitely a character-driven story, which is very reminiscent of a lot of medieval literature. Guy is charming, especially with his singing and ability to make up songs on the spot. He is very clever and uses people's beliefs about the magical nature of blacksmiths to help his community when he can. I loved his relationship with Nell and their banter back and forth. I also really liked Nell. She is caring towards Guy and her father, but also has a sharp tongue towards those who she cares for less. Adela falls a little flat in comparison to Nell, but still comes off as very sweet. As Guy was falling for Adela, I really wished he was thinking about Nell instead.
The pace of this story is leisurely, put there is still plenty that happens, especially towards the end. I love the detail in the setting and the attention to historical detail. This story felt like a nice stroll back in time. I do feel like the dialogue was occasionally a little stilted, but then again, English has gone through a lot of change since the 13th century. The romance(s) were just so sweet and I wanted to see Guy be happy because he is a good man and deserves it. The time switch towards the end was unexpected and reminded me a lot of a gentler version of a similar concept Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgewick. I really liked the jump in time as it really solidified what was meant to be.
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did, which was a really pleasant surprise. The cover is gorgeous and so is the story. Any fan of magical realism and/or medievalism should give it a read!
Guy Ferrier, the blacksmith of East Kennett, finds himself in trouble after falling in love with the village lord's daughter, Adela, at first sight. They try to see each other in secret, but they are unable to ever be together, especially since Adela is betrothed to Guiscard Courtenay. Guy has also promised his friend and mentor Bailiff Truman that he will take care of his daughter, Parnell, when the bailiff passes away. Guy and Nell are friends, but her father desperately wants them to be more. Guy finds himself pulled in many directions, caught between his love for Adela, his desire to watch after Nell, and rumors that he is using the magic blacksmiths are apparently known to possess for less than wholesome purposes.
This is definitely a character-driven story, which is very reminiscent of a lot of medieval literature. Guy is charming, especially with his singing and ability to make up songs on the spot. He is very clever and uses people's beliefs about the magical nature of blacksmiths to help his community when he can. I loved his relationship with Nell and their banter back and forth. I also really liked Nell. She is caring towards Guy and her father, but also has a sharp tongue towards those who she cares for less. Adela falls a little flat in comparison to Nell, but still comes off as very sweet. As Guy was falling for Adela, I really wished he was thinking about Nell instead.
The pace of this story is leisurely, put there is still plenty that happens, especially towards the end. I love the detail in the setting and the attention to historical detail. This story felt like a nice stroll back in time. I do feel like the dialogue was occasionally a little stilted, but then again, English has gone through a lot of change since the 13th century. The romance(s) were just so sweet and I wanted to see Guy be happy because he is a good man and deserves it. The time switch towards the end was unexpected and reminded me a lot of a gentler version of a similar concept Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgewick. I really liked the jump in time as it really solidified what was meant to be.
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did, which was a really pleasant surprise. The cover is gorgeous and so is the story. Any fan of magical realism and/or medievalism should give it a read!
December 11, 2021
I've very delighted that this ARC via NetGalley has not only introduced me to a completely new-to-me author, but one who has an extensive back catalogue of books. Mediaeval Murder Mysteries? Yes, please!
The Harmonious Blacksmith is not a Murder Mystery, however. It's the third book in a series of Mediaeval Romances. And it was really sweet - just so wholesome and pure.
It had a pedestrian pace - not in a bad way. It was like a really enjoyable walk in beautiful woodlands where you're, for the most part, just encountering one thing after another; but then there's a clearing and you appreciate how all of the elements fit together in a cohesive whole. I had the strong impression of an author who absolutely knew where all the pieces on the chessboard were located, what they meant in relation to each other and what they were about to do.
Guy, the village Blacksmith and Farrier, is a really solid, well-rounded character. He's not easily flustered and takes things in his (long) stride. He falls hopelessly in love with Adela, the daughter of the local Lord and even though the love is reciprocated it is absolutely hopeless. Guy is quite pragmatic about it and there's none of the usual belly-aching that you get in more passionate Romance narratives.
At 65% in, the point-of-view shifts from Guy to another character. This is absolutely necessary for the action to continue flowing but I found it jarring when it happened so late in the book and just out-of-the-blue. I think it would have benefitted the overall story if we had been getting insights from this character's perspective all along.
I was captivated by the cover for this book which enticed me into a whole new world and oeuvre. I may be some time!
The Harmonious Blacksmith is not a Murder Mystery, however. It's the third book in a series of Mediaeval Romances. And it was really sweet - just so wholesome and pure.
It had a pedestrian pace - not in a bad way. It was like a really enjoyable walk in beautiful woodlands where you're, for the most part, just encountering one thing after another; but then there's a clearing and you appreciate how all of the elements fit together in a cohesive whole. I had the strong impression of an author who absolutely knew where all the pieces on the chessboard were located, what they meant in relation to each other and what they were about to do.
Guy, the village Blacksmith and Farrier, is a really solid, well-rounded character. He's not easily flustered and takes things in his (long) stride. He falls hopelessly in love with Adela, the daughter of the local Lord and even though the love is reciprocated it is absolutely hopeless. Guy is quite pragmatic about it and there's none of the usual belly-aching that you get in more passionate Romance narratives.
At 65% in, the point-of-view shifts from Guy to another character. This is absolutely necessary for the action to continue flowing but I found it jarring when it happened so late in the book and just out-of-the-blue. I think it would have benefitted the overall story if we had been getting insights from this character's perspective all along.
I was captivated by the cover for this book which enticed me into a whole new world and oeuvre. I may be some time!
January 26, 2022
Cute and enjoyable, I picked this because I liked the cover but I was not sure about the title. It was a very nice read, it flowed right along and I enjoyed it.
December 23, 2021
** This review contains spoilers**
In 1200, Guy Ferrier, the blacksmith of East Kennet, decides to take a wife. Thus opens this medieval tale of love, revenge, and second chances.
Guy is known for his lovely singing voice and ability to make up songs as he works at his forge. He has a successful occupation and is well-liked. Finding a wife should be easy. But there is no one in his village for him to marry, so he ventures further afield and falls for the local Lord’s daughter, Adela. The attraction is mutual but since he is a commoner, they cannot marry.
Adela’s fiance dislikes the attention his betrothed pays to the blacksmith and ambushes Guy. The next day, the fiance is dead and Guy is accused of having a hand in his death through sorcery. Rumors abound that Guy is in league with the Devil after his neighbor is miraculously brought back to life, and finding a bride is suddenly the least of Guy’s concerns.
This was a really sweet story. Guy was well-rounded and thoroughly likable. I loved the hints of magic, since most of the songs that Guy made up came to pass – despite being easily explained away as natural occurrences. Leaving it up to the reader to interpret whether there was magic involved or not was well-played. His neighbor, Nell, was a stand-out character as well. She was loyal to her loved ones but didn’t hesitate to call out anyone she didn’t care for. The subplots were also well fleshed out and kept the plot moving along.
However, I had several issues with this novel. First off, I never felt the chemistry between Adela and Guy. It was fairly obvious to me that Nell was perfect for him and I couldn’t figure out why they weren’t betrothed sooner. Second, despite there being plenty of conflict, the book was light on tension. Aside from Guy’s last encounter with the Courtenay cousins, every problem he encountered (and there were several) was reconciled easily and usually within one chapter. Lastly, and it may have just been my kindle copy, but the formatting drove me mad. There was no rhyme or reason to the spacing, making it difficult to follow dialogue.
The ending lost me. Perhaps because I never felt the love and/or longing between Adela and Guy in the first place, I didn’t understand the need to jump 900 years into the future and bring them back together. I was perfectly content with the 13th century conclusion and the book could have ended there. Not only did it feel contrived that everyone in that village was reincarnated at the same time (with almost the same names), the means of Guy remembering his past was, once again, too easy. While it certainly happens that a person can remember flashes of a past life based on a place or a person, a complete download out of the blue is unlikely.
I’m grateful to NetGalley for providing the ARC copy of this novel and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I rated this novel 2.5 stars.
In 1200, Guy Ferrier, the blacksmith of East Kennet, decides to take a wife. Thus opens this medieval tale of love, revenge, and second chances.
Guy is known for his lovely singing voice and ability to make up songs as he works at his forge. He has a successful occupation and is well-liked. Finding a wife should be easy. But there is no one in his village for him to marry, so he ventures further afield and falls for the local Lord’s daughter, Adela. The attraction is mutual but since he is a commoner, they cannot marry.
Adela’s fiance dislikes the attention his betrothed pays to the blacksmith and ambushes Guy. The next day, the fiance is dead and Guy is accused of having a hand in his death through sorcery. Rumors abound that Guy is in league with the Devil after his neighbor is miraculously brought back to life, and finding a bride is suddenly the least of Guy’s concerns.
This was a really sweet story. Guy was well-rounded and thoroughly likable. I loved the hints of magic, since most of the songs that Guy made up came to pass – despite being easily explained away as natural occurrences. Leaving it up to the reader to interpret whether there was magic involved or not was well-played. His neighbor, Nell, was a stand-out character as well. She was loyal to her loved ones but didn’t hesitate to call out anyone she didn’t care for. The subplots were also well fleshed out and kept the plot moving along.
However, I had several issues with this novel. First off, I never felt the chemistry between Adela and Guy. It was fairly obvious to me that Nell was perfect for him and I couldn’t figure out why they weren’t betrothed sooner. Second, despite there being plenty of conflict, the book was light on tension. Aside from Guy’s last encounter with the Courtenay cousins, every problem he encountered (and there were several) was reconciled easily and usually within one chapter. Lastly, and it may have just been my kindle copy, but the formatting drove me mad. There was no rhyme or reason to the spacing, making it difficult to follow dialogue.
The ending lost me. Perhaps because I never felt the love and/or longing between Adela and Guy in the first place, I didn’t understand the need to jump 900 years into the future and bring them back together. I was perfectly content with the 13th century conclusion and the book could have ended there. Not only did it feel contrived that everyone in that village was reincarnated at the same time (with almost the same names), the means of Guy remembering his past was, once again, too easy. While it certainly happens that a person can remember flashes of a past life based on a place or a person, a complete download out of the blue is unlikely.
I’m grateful to NetGalley for providing the ARC copy of this novel and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I rated this novel 2.5 stars.
March 11, 2022
“Guy Ferrier was determined that he would marry. […] But, he admitted to himself, he had not the first idea how he was to go about it.”
These are some of the opening lines from The Harmonious Blacksmith and they set the story in motion, although not the in the expected way. This is book 3 from Kennet Valley Tales, a series of Medieval Romances, by Susanna M. Newstead.
The main character, Guy Ferrier, is a well-established blacksmith and an esteemed member of East Kennett village community, famous for his work and his songs. As he starts looking for a possible bride to be, fate intervenes and he meets Lady Adela Lillebon, daughter of the local Lord. It’s love at first sight, but their social differences set them apart. Even more since Adela is betrothed to another member of the nobility. They find some chances to meet while Guy is repairing the metal work in one of the church’s doors, but there’s no hope for a happy ending between the two of them. When Guiscard Courtenay (Adela’s betrothed) suffers a fatal accident, while visiting the village, Guy is pointed as responsible, and his own life gets in danger. After many plots and twists set in the 13th century, that involved other inhabitants of East Kennett, the reader is brought to the present times… Can true love cross centuries?
I really enjoyed reading this medieval tale of love touched by magical realism. Guy is a solid character that I’ve trusted immediately, but Adela was not a favorite. My favorite female character was actually Parnell Truman, the Bailiff’s daughter: She was independent, strong willed, resourceful, skilled (she was the best bowman in the village) and she was not afraid to speak her mind… She was always at Guy’s side to help him getting out of so many troubles and threats he had to face. Parnell reminds me of Mabel Wetherspring, the main character from Withershynnes series also by Susanna M. Newstead, that I really like. The 13th century book world is impeccably researched and brought to life.
The final chapters allow a different path for some of the love stories that started so many centuries before. I didn’t feel the need for those second chances in the present time, because I think most of the characters had found redemption or a new opportunity in the middle ages.
These are some of the opening lines from The Harmonious Blacksmith and they set the story in motion, although not the in the expected way. This is book 3 from Kennet Valley Tales, a series of Medieval Romances, by Susanna M. Newstead.
The main character, Guy Ferrier, is a well-established blacksmith and an esteemed member of East Kennett village community, famous for his work and his songs. As he starts looking for a possible bride to be, fate intervenes and he meets Lady Adela Lillebon, daughter of the local Lord. It’s love at first sight, but their social differences set them apart. Even more since Adela is betrothed to another member of the nobility. They find some chances to meet while Guy is repairing the metal work in one of the church’s doors, but there’s no hope for a happy ending between the two of them. When Guiscard Courtenay (Adela’s betrothed) suffers a fatal accident, while visiting the village, Guy is pointed as responsible, and his own life gets in danger. After many plots and twists set in the 13th century, that involved other inhabitants of East Kennett, the reader is brought to the present times… Can true love cross centuries?
I really enjoyed reading this medieval tale of love touched by magical realism. Guy is a solid character that I’ve trusted immediately, but Adela was not a favorite. My favorite female character was actually Parnell Truman, the Bailiff’s daughter: She was independent, strong willed, resourceful, skilled (she was the best bowman in the village) and she was not afraid to speak her mind… She was always at Guy’s side to help him getting out of so many troubles and threats he had to face. Parnell reminds me of Mabel Wetherspring, the main character from Withershynnes series also by Susanna M. Newstead, that I really like. The 13th century book world is impeccably researched and brought to life.
The final chapters allow a different path for some of the love stories that started so many centuries before. I didn’t feel the need for those second chances in the present time, because I think most of the characters had found redemption or a new opportunity in the middle ages.
January 11, 2022
I liked the book.
It's been a long time since I had liked a book with romance.
The story is diverse but it takes a while to really pick up pace, however, once the action begins, the book develops with an intensity impossible to let go of.
The characters are well written and I could clearly picture them in my mind.
The whole structure of the story happening in the 13th century was something very different for me, I found it very interesting.
Regarding the time shift, I thought it was a little unnecessary, it wasn't bad but I would have preferred to know more about what kept happening to the characters in the 13th century.
I understood the impossible lovers situation, but the way the story ended with Guy marrying Nell and the characters living their normal lives would also have been very interesting to read.
I like stories with imperfect endings where the lovers are separated, where the good guys don't always end up winning, because that's the reality of the world. Most real stories aren't perfect.
It's been a long time since I had liked a book with romance.
The story is diverse but it takes a while to really pick up pace, however, once the action begins, the book develops with an intensity impossible to let go of.
The characters are well written and I could clearly picture them in my mind.
The whole structure of the story happening in the 13th century was something very different for me, I found it very interesting.
Regarding the time shift, I thought it was a little unnecessary, it wasn't bad but I would have preferred to know more about what kept happening to the characters in the 13th century.
I understood the impossible lovers situation, but the way the story ended with Guy marrying Nell and the characters living their normal lives would also have been very interesting to read.
I like stories with imperfect endings where the lovers are separated, where the good guys don't always end up winning, because that's the reality of the world. Most real stories aren't perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2022
Early thirteenth century & East Kennet blacksmith Guy Ferrier, well known through the county for his singing & ability to make up lyrics on the spot, is approaching 30 & has decided it’s time to think about settling down & finding a wife. He visits the church in nearby Marlborough & falls in love with the sight of Adela Lillebon. However, as she is the daughter of the lord of the manor, their romance is unable to progress further than a few snatched moments to discuss the repair of the ironwork on the church door.
When Guiscard Courtenay, Adela’s fiancé, is killed in a tragic accident Guy is blamed of sorcery after being overheard singing about a hare. Then his neighbour is pronounced dead only to wake the following morning after Guy is again heard singing to the moon.
I enjoyed the book although I’m not sure how I felt about the jump to modern day to tie up the characters love lives! I didn’t feel the connection between Guy & Adela & preferred his relationship with Nell!
When Guiscard Courtenay, Adela’s fiancé, is killed in a tragic accident Guy is blamed of sorcery after being overheard singing about a hare. Then his neighbour is pronounced dead only to wake the following morning after Guy is again heard singing to the moon.
I enjoyed the book although I’m not sure how I felt about the jump to modern day to tie up the characters love lives! I didn’t feel the connection between Guy & Adela & preferred his relationship with Nell!
January 9, 2022
I received a NetGalley ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but the premise and the cover drew me in. Ultimately, I enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting, with lots of twists and turns to keep me hooked. It was written very simply, which for me didn't quite match the medieval setting of this book, especially when it came to the characters' dialogue. However, the simple writing style could draw in more readers who are often intimidated by medieval styles and settings. I also expected the modern parallel setting to appear far earlier in the book than it did. I love an ancestral memory plotline, but I thought that this one was brought in and concluded rather quickly and clumsily. Overall, a pleasant read, but I would have loved a little more time and detail in a couple of places.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but the premise and the cover drew me in. Ultimately, I enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting, with lots of twists and turns to keep me hooked. It was written very simply, which for me didn't quite match the medieval setting of this book, especially when it came to the characters' dialogue. However, the simple writing style could draw in more readers who are often intimidated by medieval styles and settings. I also expected the modern parallel setting to appear far earlier in the book than it did. I love an ancestral memory plotline, but I thought that this one was brought in and concluded rather quickly and clumsily. Overall, a pleasant read, but I would have loved a little more time and detail in a couple of places.
January 11, 2022
The story is diverse but it takes a while to really pick up pace, however, once the action begins, the book develops with an intensity impossible to let go of.
The characters were well written and I could clearly picture them in my mind.
The whole structure of the story happening in the 13th century was something very different for me, I found it very interesting.
I like stories with imperfect endings where the lovers are separated, where the good guys don't always end up winning, because that's the reality of the world. Most real stories aren't perfect.
The characters were well written and I could clearly picture them in my mind.
The whole structure of the story happening in the 13th century was something very different for me, I found it very interesting.
I like stories with imperfect endings where the lovers are separated, where the good guys don't always end up winning, because that's the reality of the world. Most real stories aren't perfect.
April 24, 2025
Beautifull story but it wasnt catching.
Un amor imposible, prohibido por el estatus social de las dos personas, prohibido por el tiempo en el que se encuentran. Hasta que literalmente se ven despues de 800 años se ven por primera vez y recuerdan toodo lo que vivieron sus vidas pasadas y deciden casarse bc why not? si son los mismos lpm.
Me hubiese encantado que todo eso se desarrollara un poco más BUT no fue asi e hizo que la lectura terminara siendo medio pedorra.
Guy, por mas bueno que seas, pobre Nell lpm
Un amor imposible, prohibido por el estatus social de las dos personas, prohibido por el tiempo en el que se encuentran. Hasta que literalmente se ven despues de 800 años se ven por primera vez y recuerdan toodo lo que vivieron sus vidas pasadas y deciden casarse bc why not? si son los mismos lpm.
Me hubiese encantado que todo eso se desarrollara un poco más BUT no fue asi e hizo que la lectura terminara siendo medio pedorra.
Guy, por mas bueno que seas, pobre Nell lpm
December 24, 2021
An enjoyable tale, but I found the pacing a bit too leisurely for my liking, its definitely character-driven although there is still plenty that happens. I love the setting and the author obviously did a lot of research. The characters were likeable and very easy to connect with and the romance here just lovely. Overall, an enjoyable and interesting read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
December 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book...until the end. I was completely immersed in the 13th century world of Guy, Nell and Adela and wanted their story to continue. Instead, the ending throws us contemporary characters that have been reincarnated and found each other again. I didn't enjoy that aspect and wished the author had simply continued with a good thing.
January 11, 2022
The story takes a while to really pick up pace, however, once the action begins, the book develops with an intensity impossible to let go of.
The whole structure of the story was very different, I found it very interesting.
I like stories with imperfect endings because that's the reality of the world. Most real stories aren't perfect.
The whole structure of the story was very different, I found it very interesting.
I like stories with imperfect endings because that's the reality of the world. Most real stories aren't perfect.
March 26, 2022
Sorry to say I did not finish this book. I enjoyed it at the beginning, but the dialogue didn't seem to fit with the time period the story is set in. It changed perspective when I wasn't expecting it, and I got a bit lost after that, so gave up on it.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
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