Her years in a nunnery taught Rowena of Benfield many things, but not how to be a wife to the powerful lord who claimed her as his bride. She vows never to submit to this aloof and ruthless man who claims her.
Rannulf of Graistan has been a woman’s fool once before and has sworn to never be again, but he cannot refuse the rich estate that this marriage brings him.
But a tide of treachery is … of treachery is rising around them and their only hope lays in daring to trust and to love unconditionally.
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Winter’s Heat Earns 5+/5 Medieval Hearts…Engaging Page-Turner!
I have become an eager fan of Denise Domning’s twelfth-century historical fiction work whether steeped in mystery or rich in romance, and although book one, “Winter’s Heat” from The Seasons series (aka The Graistan Chronicles), has characters with whom I’ve became familiar through her Servant of the Crown series, it isn’t the same genre nor would I call it a crossover. It is, however, a brilliant, engaging, and compelling read! As the second daughter of Sir John of Benfield, Rowena had limited prospects for marriage since any opportunities and amount of inheritance was destined for her elder sister Phillippa. Her best option was to take up residence in a convent. Although her father refused to allow her to take final vows, she learn to read, write, and become competent at “tallying up numbers.” Although her “commanding” manner is not truly suitable for the cloistered life, she happily resigned herself to that existence. Until one wintery morning her father arrives accompanied by several chain-mail clad men and drags her, kicking and screaming, out of the convent—a bruised jaw will attest to his intentions. A shocking revelation has her locked in her father’s chambers set to marry the wealthy Rannulf FitzHenry, Lord of Graistan. Quite a change to her future, but is it one she’ll regret or one she’ll thank God Almighty?
Denise Domning’s “Winter’s Heat,” set in 1194 A.D., has elements of a prequel to Domning’s “Season of the Raven” in her Servant of the Crown series. Lord Graistan was peripherally introduced as one who turned down a crucial position newly created in hopes of spending more “quality” time with his new wife. This book, however, provides the background into Lord Graistan acquiring his new wife, her disgruntled family, and her ingratiating herself into the fabric of Graistan Keep. The couple’s conflicts and passion (deliciously intimate) are a compelling contrast along with the vicious intent and intrigue created by Lady Maeve, Graistan’s former sister-in-law. Their rocky marriage pits his arrogance against her assertiveness creating a dismissive attitude by Lord Graistan to his wife and her acerbic tongue admonishing him, then through revelations of covert actions to undermine their union and efforts to steal her inheritance, their ultimate happiness is shocking, nail-biting, and heartwarming. Well written with a fascinating world created and rich characters whose banter is engaging and illustrates well the era and personalities. Loved it!
The whole Seasons series is wonderful !!!
Lady Rowena aka wren , is forced by her father to leave convent and wed. Upon her wedding her finds her a shrew and wishes he a way from her . He comes to a new home by clean castle and few staff gone. Then his ex wife sister cause havoc which he blind to see . Will these two get past their disdain and make a life of their own?
Over all good wish there was more family stuff written with Jordan lady seems 5 yr old stepson. Perhaps a ending set few years off showing how they grew. I did enjoy the book looking forward to others
What can I say, I just like this author. Some stories are more intriguing than others but you are guaranteed a good plot with loveable characters every time.
IT KEPT MY INTEREST
Good book. More realistic than many, with a good cast of characters. Held my interest.
Good for a historical novel, characters were well developed, but the plot was somewhat predictable but enjoyable. It held my interest.
Good book.
This is such a good romance.
good characters but drags out too long
Good middle ages romance, but filled with misunderstandings between husband and wife right up to the end of the book.
I like the way the two main characters overcome their differences and learn to trust each other. Old wounds, mistrust, devious sister in-laws were all challenges to the two main characters, but love conquers all.