Swan FitzRam and Rodrick de Montbryce share a common ancestor four generations in the past. The powers that be in the Church refuse to sanction their marriage. Rodrick must abandon the woman he loves or forfeit his earldom. A poignant love story set against the turmoil of civil strife as King Stephen and Prince Henry Plantagenet fight for the throne of England.
Forbidden (The Montbryce Legacy Anniversary Edition Book 11)
By annamarkland
SETTING: ELLESMERE CASTLE, SALOP, England, July 1153 AD
Against the backdrop of the turbulent times when King Stephen and Maud (the daughter of the previous king, King Henry) fought for their offspring to have rulership of England, the de Montbryce and FitzRam families are brought together at a conclave of the powerful men of England who are deciding which son to back for the kingship upon King Stephen’s death. At this meeting, distant cousins, a lady and a man from each family, fall in love. However, the local priest is not willing to give permission for them to marry due to their being related, albeit distantly.
As these young people work through the problems they encounter along the path to marriage, we see history taking place through their eyes. The death of an heir, the death of a pope and the installation of an English Pope, whom they meet at the end of their “crusade” to Rome, uncovers the uncertainty of the era, and the danger to lords of treachery within their gates is clearly depicted.
CRITIQUE: I thoroughly enjoyed this view into the lives of people living during the turbulent times when King Stephen and Maud fought for their offspring to have rulership of England. Via 2 families, distantly related but drawing together to support a new king, we see how people were affected by the unsettled times. We enjoy seeing another generation from the families of Montbryce and FitzRam as they mature and prepare to take headship of their family. Compelling storylines, well-drawn characters against the backdrop of true history—the very essence of historical fiction! I enjoyed this book, which readers of historical fiction will enjoy and appreciate the skillful writing.
This is entertaining, dramatic and romantic. Rodrick didn’t like his cousin Swan when they first met, but he wondered what was hiding beneath nun’s habit. She came to dinner on the last day before she was to go to the nunnery dressed to the nines, and Rodrick fell in love with her. But nothing could come of it because of her being his cousin, and because she was to become a nun. Swan didn’t want to be a nun, her former betroths father wanted her put there. She was attracted to Rodrick from the start, and was looking angry at fate for introducing her to him.
Rodrick’s sister wanted Swan’s brother Bronson, but he had sworn off marriage after losing two wives and two babies. The four kept getting separated because of war, but Brodrick was determined to marry Swan, so they did everything to secure the church’s permission to marry. The fighting between kings has them separated, as does working on behalf of the king. This is a beautiful love story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Another great read in the series. Ms. Markland takes you back in time and immerses you in the customs, battles, and intrigue of the past. I received an arc of this book.
Ellesmere Castle, England 1153AD
The amazing Montbyce family and this one if a timeless love story that really pulled at my heart. With her detail to history that brings it alive, Anna Markland is a master at creating the medieval atmosphere. The politics and treachery of the times brought many families to battle and also kept many apart.
A meeting of the families to discuss the civil strife tearing England apart had Montbryce’s and FitzRam together and many other peers. Swan FitzRam was being forced by her inlaws to go to a convent since her bethroded had died. Her brother Bronson did not want to take her there but he had no choice. They were second cousins of the Montbryce’s and Rodrick de Montbryce was there with his sister Grace who was back home after losing her husband.
It did not take long for Roderick and Swan to set sparks flying! Also Bronson and Grace had a strong alchemy also! Just loved these characters and holding my breath to see if these two couples could obtain a special approval since they were related. Can you imagine how hard it was back then?
I truly could not put this one down once I started and as all of the stories in this series, it was wonderful revisiting some characters from before.. Do not miss Forbidden or any in this amazing series The Montbryce Legacy!!
https://www.amazon.com/Psychic-Visions-Books-Dale-Mayer-ebook/dp/B01E6BSR30?_bbid=12618465&tag=bookbubdaemail-20
Forbidden is book 11 in the Montbryce Legacy series by Anna Markland. Markland has a wonderful talent of weaving historical fact into her stories without becoming boring. This story is set during the time when King Stephen and Prince Henry Plantagenet fight for the throne of England(1153 AD). It’s not necessary to read this series in order, but I believe that the reader will have a much richer experience beginning with the first Montbryce Story “Conquest” and going all the way through the series. The Montbryce family is an amazing one and Markland fully displays her talent for creating an incredible Medieval world. I enjoyed the romance in this one that actually has two sets of lovers. Each character is put to the test. Will true love win? There are some steamy scenes. On the whole, another great book by Markland. I was gifted a copy of this book.
There is no limit for these twins when they find love. Their trek to do the proper thing is long, adventurous, dangerous and gives them the opportunity to learn more about their loved ones. Of course, the Montbryce always have an unique challenge to fill the plot with intrigue and the battle to survive constantly surrounds them. I love this addition to the legacy and thoroughly enjoyed reading it, once I started it, I couldn’t stop!! Author did an excellent job blending the twins and their different love stories with the plot. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.