Lady Constance de Bret was determined to be a nun, until shadows from the past eclipsed her present. Marriage is the safest option, but she insists on a spiritual union, in which physical intimacy is forbidden. Not so easy with a bridegroom who wields unparalleled charm! But a long-buried secret could taint his affection and cloak her in shadow forever.Back from the Crusades, Sir Robert le … Donjon craves a home of his own and children to inherit it. From the moment he meets Constance, he feels a mysterious bond between them. When she’s threatened, he vows to protect her and agrees to the spiritual marriage, with the hope of one day persuading her to enjoy a “real” one. She captivates him but opens old wounds and challenges everything he thought he believed.Two souls in need of healing. Two hearts destined to beat as one.
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I just finished reading Shadow of the Swan, and I loved it! It is book three in Judith Sterling’s Novels of Ravenwood series, but it could definitely be read as a standalone book. I have read the first two books in the series, and it was fun to see some characters from those pop up in this book. I always enjoyed the secondary character of Sir Robert le Donjon in the previous books, and have been looking forward to reading his story. I was not disappointed. The story of his romance with Lade Constance de Bret pulled me right in, and I couldn’t stop reading! Prior to this series, I had not read many historical romances set in this time period, early 12th century Britain, but it’s been interesting. The author paints a vivid picture of the time and characters, you feel as if you are right there with them. I really enjoy Sterling’s writing style, and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is, by far, the greatest of the three books in this series. From the first page, I connected with Constance. Her self-loathing touched me deeply, as if she was reliving events in my past. Her disbelief in her own beauty and her pushing away Robert so he wouldn’t discover how tainted she is sprung emotions in me I haven’t felt in years.
The antagonist (I won’t reveal who it is so you can be as shocked as I was) is one of those characters you hate with every fiber of your being. Their abuse of their power and esteem to punish women like Constance rang true to history and was accurately portrayed.
This is more than a historical romance, it is a story of faith lost and restored once again. Shadow of the Swan will transform you and reaffirm the power of love.
Favorite Character/Quote: Sir Robert. I loved everything about him but especially his patience with Constance. He takes it slow and in the end, their love is well worth the wait.
My Rating: 5+ stars
The third book in The Novels of Ravenwood series another great story in this series. Lady Constance de Bret and Sir Robert le Donjon are two damaged souls that meet. This story has suspense, drama, twists, turns, danger, a villain, swans, tapestry, and love. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A little of many emotions and a dash of magic mixed with a lot of surprises!
I really loved this well written book!! It has lots of twists and turns of family and friend dynamics.
Some fun and adventure and a true love story that left me feeling joyful. Now that is a really great read!
He wants a wife. She wants protection. When the two feel a pull toward the other, will only a spiritual union be possible?
This tale of letting go of past pain and hurt and finding love is so sweet. Constance is a very hesitant and wary bride while Robert is kind and patient. Judith Sterling has a knack for creating deep and interesting characters, and you can’t help but love them as they go on their own journeys to become their best self.
Shadow of the Swan is a great addition to The Novels of Ravenwood, and I’m really looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
“Shadow of the Swan” is the third book in the series.
The whole series (so far…!) has been a joy to read. The characters are all so well-rounded and believable, the storylines are entertaining, and the writing proves that Judith Sterling is a natural as an author.
I’m looking forward to reading many more books by this author.
Charming romance with some unusual garnishes. Quite an enjoyable read. I received a free review copy of the audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
An excellent triology . I am just confused if that s is the end of it there will be a book 4. Hi got this book from StoryOrigin and this is my voluntary and honest review.
This is by far my favorite in this series. I love Constance and her broken story. And boy will that ending hit you HARD. Judith Sterling is an amazing author and I’m in love with her work!! I’m so happy Robert is in this story! I was hoping hed be next when he was introduced in the last book! These are all stand alone you don’t have to read them in order or the others at all, although I highly recommend it because you will fall in love!!! This name of this story now gets me. You’ll understand later. This is such a beautiful love story of someone trying to heal and someone willing to protect them despite everything. Watching this love blossom was so so heartwarming. The narrator for this last story was different than the last but I think she is so perfect for this one! Virginia Ferguson is new to me and I loved how she portrayed Constance and Robert!
I couldn’t wait to read Robert’s story and it didn’t disappoint! Judith Sterling has fast become a favorite author and once you read this series, you’ll know why.
Robert is my new book boyfriend….he’s got dimples, ladies….dimples!!! He’s such a wonderful character and you can’t help but want him to find a forever love. Constance is ready to become a nun but her plans change when she finds herself having to flee and asks Robert to escort her to her sister’s place. Before you can even blink, they find themselves married but she wants it in name only and he wants it to be real so he sure has a lot of convincing to do:) No matter what happens, though, he just wants to protect her.
Be ready to meet a ghost and there are a few twists and turns that will make you gasp. I really never expected the “ghost” to be who it was!!!! Always a pleasure to also see the characters from the previous books and find out how they’re doing:)
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A young woman wants to be a nun, but is forced to run by an evil priest. In an impulsive move, she finds herself married to a knight for protection. She asks for a spiritual marriage only. Can her new husband earn her trust to have a real marriage?
I recommend reading these books in order because of the overlap of characters. Easy to read with an enjoyable story. Some modern words/phrases.
This was a great third book in this series. I love how all three loosely tie together, but can stand on their own. It was a very quick read that didn’t have quite as much of a supernatural bend, but had a more human set of ghosts. The whole story is a feel good read, it happens with just the right amount of development and leaves you rooting for Robert and Constance whilst simultaneously cursing the evil Dominy. This is a great read, the setting was richly detailed, the author really did her research and it elevated what could have been a ho-hum romance into an immersive world that pulls you in and doesn’t let you go until its over. Great job, and thank you for the opportunity to review this gem.