Setting
1153 AD
England
Synopsis
When Lady Annyn's brother is brought to her doorstep, dead, the story of his demise does not ring true. Why would a man who died of a chest wound have the marks of a hangman's noose about his neck? Annyn suspects murder, and the culprit could be none other than the man who delivered the corpse and lied about her brother's cause of death.
Baron Wulfrith is a respected and feared trainer of knights. Annyn trains for four long years, with a mysterious but fatherly man of her family's household, to attain the strength and skill needed to visit her murderous revenge upon Wulfrith. After cutting her hair, binding her womanly curves and donning a squire's garb, she appears at his castle, on the pretense of seeking his renowned training. However, when the opportunity finally presents itself for her to kill him, doubts as to his guilt and her right to exact vengeance prick her conscience. Can she follow through with her plan?
Wulfrith does not have any use for women beyond the relief of his needs at the hands of prostitutes on occasion, and eventually a cold, indifferent marriage in order to produce an heir. He has no desire to fall in love, as love produces weakness. Weakness causes one to become distracted, and distraction causes death. How will he react when Annyn's disguise is unveiled, revealing the strong, beautiful woman beneath? Which will he lose first, his life or his heart?
Review
First of all, who wouldn't absolutely love the cover! It is so well done! We have all heard it is unwise to judge a book by its cover, but I admit that one of the reasons I bought this book was because the cover was so striking, grabbing my attention instantly, just as the interior soon did. This is the first novel I have read by Tamara Leigh. From what I understand, she used to write mainstream novels and this was her first of several written for the Christian fiction genre. This might be why the book was on the edgy side. I thought it was refreshingly well written and well edited. The old English made for a slower read, requiring greater concentration, but it also served to make the Medieval setting feel authentic. I really felt like I was there at that old castle, hearing the din of the blacksmith's hammer and seeing the sleeping forms of those seeking lodging for the night within the walls of the great hall. It's been a while since I've read a story that felt this real. The emotions were also quite tangible - the fierce loyalty, the struggles of conscience, the thirst for revenge, the mistrust, and of course my personal favorite - the newly born and barely understood feelings of true love. It was almost painful how long Annyn and Wilfrith fought their feelings for each other, but there was enough intrigue and mystery to hold my interest and it was well worth the wait. Their connection was beautiful and breathtaking. There is a good, uplifting theme to this story, of trying to follow God's laws no matter how badly they sometimes failed, and seeking to be loyal to those they loved. The characters made mistakes, as we all do, and forgiveness was sought and granted. This was a wonderfully realistic story that I highly recommend. I am excited to read more from this author.
Edgy Content
1) Reference to previous, unrepentant, off camera visits to prostitutes, as was evidently typical of the era
2) On camera nudity and bathing scenes, though private body parts are not inappropriately described
3) Bedroom scenes are somewhat detailed, but not explicit and there is no on camera sex.
4) References to sexual arousal and physical attraction, though non-specific, such as that Wulfrith's body stirred
5) Evidence of loss of innocence publicly displayed, in accordance with customs of the era
6) Violence, murder and intrigue, common to the time period though not excessively gory
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