Publisher's Weekly Review
Gwennelyn of Segrave entangles her childhood love, the knight Rhys de Piaget, in a desperate plot to escape her upcoming marriage to the brutal Alain of Ayre. But, in a surprising twist, the scheme fails and Rhys watches miserably as Gwen is forced to the altar. This intriguing medieval romance blends history, family relationships and humor into a love story that spans years and includes many colorful characters who become involved in Rhys's quest for the land and money he needs to buy Gwen's freedom. Against almost insurmountable odds, the lovers eventually manage to free Gwen and her children from their bondage, only to face a battle for Rhys's land. In a medieval society of cruelty, pageantry and doomed chivalry, Kurland creates a special romance between a memorable knight and his lady. (Dec.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Medieval courtly love and all its problems are brought to light in this tale about Rhys, a landless knight, and heiress Gwen of Seagrave. Fourteen-year-old Rhys visits Seagrave with his foster father and rescues nine-year-old Gwen from the pigpen. With her fanciful imagination, Gwen immediately falls in love and names Rhys her champion. The feeling is mutual, though both are aware that Gwen is pledged to his foster brother, Alain. Once Rhys is grown, he sets out to make his fortune. On his return, he literally runs into his beloved, who has run away from her betrothed, but Alain gives chase and weds her the very next day. Rhys and Gwen won't give up on their love, however, and persist in trying to find a way to triumph over all the plots against them. Kurland has a unique ability to combine humor with depictions of the brutality of the times, and this is one romance with a hard-earned and satisfying ending. --Patty Englemann