The
Novice Bride
by Carol Townend
Kind Hearts and Romance in a War-Torn Anglo-Saxon and Norman World
Publisher:
Harlequin Historical (2007)
Set during the turbulent times of the Norman Invasion of the
Anglo-Saxon world shortly after the Battle of Hastings, Carol Townend's
THE NOVICE BRIDE
brings to life a period of history that is less readily available in
Medieval literature. The fast-paced, humorous beginning draws the
reader immediately into the heroine's lovable character. On her knees
in prayer, the novice Lady Cecily of Fulford is interrupted by the
entry of her sister Emma. Normans have invaded Fulford Hall, their
family home. Emma has been made a ward of Duke William to be given over
to marry one of his knights, Sir Adam Wymark. Emma, disdainful of
marriage to this Breton, has no choice but to marry or escape. Anxious
to leave the convent, Cecily strikes up a bargain to take her place
even if it means marrying this man. Adam is drawn to Cecily from the
first glance but can a lady, inexperienced in the ways of men, find
true love in this marriage of convenience with the conquering enemy?
Will Adam ever be able to trust his new bride when political land
divisions, war and secrets threaten loyalties? Will Cecily be able to
find true love of the heart with this foreign knight when even her own
father ruled like a tyrant?
Readers are likely to include Cecily and Adam in their list of favorite
hero and heroine matchs. Their kind hearts, torn by political loyalties
and inner battles, yet truly noble in even the smaller gestures make
them unforgettable. The impossible Prioress is a fantastic secondary
character, infusing humor into the story while also allowing the reader
to catch a glimpse of the Medieval religious view on women. Mother
Aethelflaeda draws the reader in from the beginning, both with a sense
of admiration for her independence and moxie but also with a twist of
delightful humor as Carol Townend shows some of her less admirable and
infuriating qualities as well. Each detail creates a fine painting,
bringing alive emotions, inner thoughts and mixed loyalties as well as
the terrain and history. After the convent scene, the narrative unfolds
while the hero and heroine travel on horseback, giving THE NOVICE BRIDE a different and
delightfully new feel to the Medieval world as seen in romance. The
fast paced beginning slows slightly in the middle to allow the reader a
glimpse into the political loyalties and histories of the characters.
Although less focused specifically on the hero and heroine, this
background lays an important foundation for the next romance (AN HONORABLE ROGUE) in the WESSEX
WEDDINGS series. One word describes the ending --- beautiful!
THE NOVICE BRIDE
is a historical romance that will find a special place in the heart of
medieval enthusiasts. The author writes the historical language
conflict into the plot and dialogue, with the Anglo-Saxons and Normans
not understanding each other's language. Carol Townend makes history
and the history of language come alive in a real and human way as it
might have been lived by the actual people rather the laborious
translations needed to access stories told during this difficult
English language period. Exquisitely done! A fine romance for two
inwardly noble and kind hearts!
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