Book review : A Maiden Weeping by Jeri Westerson

A Maiden Weeping
Crispin Guest Book #9
Medieval noir by Jeri Westerson
GENRE : #Medieval-mystery

My rating: ★★★★★
5 full stars!😃

This series never disappoints me and this installment is no exception! Absolutely amazing !!!!

Once again Crispin Guest and his friends have involved me in an exciting adventure full of suspense and mystery.

As always, the book can be read as a standalone. However, I STRONGLY DISCOURAGE DOING SO, especially with this installment.
While the mystery is intricate and very suspenseful, kepting me thrilled until the end, the greatest emotional impact comes from the development of Crispin and his loved ones personal life.

---> MY ADVICE IS TO READ ALL THE BOOKS IN ORDER FROM #1 TO #15.

This book marks an important turning point in the series.
Only readers who have followed Crispin and Jack's journey from the beginning will fully appreciate the nuances of this story and connect deeply with our heroes and all the returning characters.

Before delving deeper,
_________ here's a BRIEF OVERVIEW of THE PLOT :

Crispin Guest is a former knight, who after being banished from court, reinvented his life as the Tracker, that is, the one who finds lost or stolen objects of great value and discovers the culprits even in cases of murder.
One day, while at his favorite tavern, he's approached -- seemingly by mistake -- by someone who wants to hire him as a killer.
After spending the night warning the intended victim first and then bedding her, Crispin finds himself arrested for her murder.
The only person he can rely on to start the investigation that will lead to the truth, is his young but smart apprentice Jack.

_________*********** _______

__ ABOUT THE FOREWORD ____ This book #9 begins, unlike the others, with a lengthy foreword by the author, detailing the legal system of the time period.

This introduction can be useful, but I don't find it essential for enjoying the story and fully understand all the procedures of the trial.
Anyway, if you find it tedious, don't be discouraged! You can always skip that preliminary matter.

I admit that by reading that boring ( according to my tastes ) foreword I was briefly discouraged, fearing the author had lost her way and could no longer write thrilling adventures for these characters.
If I weren't such a fan of Crispin, I might have given up after that opening speech. Fortunately, I love Crispin Guest so much that I persisted in reading and after the first few pages of chapter 1 I found myself filled with excitement again.

____ MAIN CHARACTERS : Crispin, the Tracker and his apprentice Jack ____

As mentioned earlier, this book marks a turning point. Several years have passed since the previous book, and six years since the first.

Crispin, now approaching 40, is no longer the young man of 31. In medieval times, this was an age for reflection on life, actions, and achievements.

Jack is no longer the eleven-year-old pickpocket and orphan who, with determination, settled into Crispin's house as his servant and apprentice.
Over the years, Jack has not only learned Crispin's trade but also learned to read, write, and even speak Greek and Latin, thanks to Crispin's lessons.
He has repeatedly demonstrated his loyalty and value as an apprentice, friend, and person, earning the respect of Crispin and others.

Now he is 19, he feels all the responsibility that comes from affection and gratitude, he would not abandon Crispin even in the worst case scenario and once again he discovers in himself a new strengths and resources he didn't think he had.
It's a stage of life where a boy not only changes physically but also experiences the awakening of physical and emotional instincts.
Instincts that were previously hinted at now emerge forcefully, and the thought of marrying the woman he loves becomes a constant worry, even at the most inopportune moments.

Reading the previous books is essential to fully appreciate the emotional depth of this installment.
The great emotional tension that the reader feels in living through internal turmoils and related changes, together with the characters, can only happen with the knowledge of their past torments and hopes, past sufferings and joys, past events and actions.

___________ SIDE CHARACTERS ______
Unlike previous installments, this story features a wider array of recurring characters, emphasizing their emotional and moral dimensions rather than their actions.
It's as if both the characters and the author are taking stock of the series' direction.

Among the characters who appear alongside Crispin and Jack throughout the series, some of them have strong personalities, and some are even based on real historical figures.

---> John/Eleanor Rykener (one of Crispin's best friends, an embroiderer who dresses as a woman by day and works as a prostitute, still dressed as a woman, by night) and Henry Bolingbroke (the son of John of Gaunt and future King Henry IV of England) are real historical figures who appear in the previous books and return here.

While Henry IV is well known through history books, very little is known about Rykener, but the author has been able to give such depth to the character's multifaceted personality, that I feel great enthusiasm every time I see him involved in Crispin's vicissitudes.

He may be difficult for others to understand, but he lives with less emotional complication because he has embraced who he is and lives his life with happiness, joy, and kindness towards others.
---> The previous stories in which we find him as a co-protagonist are so hilarious !!!!

Other recurring, purely fictional characters include:
the owners of Crispin's favorite tavern, the landlords of his and Jack's home, and old friends made during past investigations.
With so many supporting characters, the story doesn't dwell on their actions but emphasizes their importance in Crispin's life and the role their feelings play in the lives of our hero and his apprentice.

____ THE RECURRING THEME throughout the series:
It isn't historical relics, as one might expect, but the value of friendship.
The series emphasizes the importance of true friendship and judging people by their character, not by societal labels that deem some acceptable and worthy of respect while marginalizing others.
I appreciate very much the strong emphasis on these two themes.

______ A WELL-CRAFTED MYSTERY ____

While this book focuses more on introspection than renetic and sometimes violent action, the murders are still compelling.
Expect the usual web of lies, deceit, greed, perversity of the villains, plots and tenacious and clever investigations by our beloved and sharp-witted heroes.

There is no shortage of brilliant improvisations, a new funny character and a new charming one, who will reappear later in the series (you'll find out why in the final pages), and some laughs.

____ TWO NOVELTIES:

___ 1) In the first part of the book we find Crispin as the victim of a situation and unable to act, the new young emerging Tracker, Jack, will lead the investigation.
Initially, I was disappointed, but then I realized it was wise of the author to give Jack more prominence. This helps readers understand the significant changes he's undergone. Besides, Crispin is never truly inactive, even when he appears to be.

Around the halfway point, the pace picks up as the original Tracker becomes operational and more determined than ever.

___ 2) The introduction of a new four-legged friend touched my heart since I am a passionate animal lover, especially cats lover ( and loving owner ).

___ THE HISTORICAL ASPECT ___
This is the only book so far where historical elements are almost non-existent.
While past mysteries revolved around real relics and objects, the Tears of the Virgin are a product of Jeri Westerson's imagination, serving as a central element connecting the various misdeeds in this adventure.
The historical aspect is likely found in the judicial figures and the interesting development of the legal process (hence the author's foreword).

____ SUITABLE FOR ______
Recommended for readers seeking a mix of mystery, action, irony, sentiment, history, and fantasy.
----> There are no explicit scenes of sex or violence, and the language is appropriate.

_____ CONCLUDING _____
If it isn't obvious by now, I'm crazy about Crispin and this series.
I've loved him and his adventures since book #1.
I have six books left to read, and I'm pacing myself because I want to stay with this charming medieval man as long as possible.

Thanks you all for reading my opinion :-)

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If you want to know more about PREVIOUS BOOKS, you can read my reviews here :

BOOK #1 "Veil of Lies" :

BOOK #2 "Serpent in the Thorns" :

BOOK #3 "The Demon's Parchment" :

BOOK #4 "Troubled Bones" :

BOOK #5 "Blood Lance" :

BOOK #6 "Shadow of the Alchemist"

BOOK #7 "Cup of Blood"

BOOK #8 "The Silence of Stones"

Book review : Her Gentleman Thief by Robyn DeHart

Her Gentleman Thief
by Robyn DeHart

GENRE: Regency clean romance
My rating: ★★★★★

A delightful Regency novella of only about 30 pages! :-)

It's a proper romance, with no explicit scenes but a strong love connection and a completely satisfying ending.

____ IN A NUTSHELL ____
Annalise Petty is on her way to her wedding with her sister and maid when a highwayman holds up their carriage.
To protect her sister's reputation and to escape her impending marriage to a man she finds boring and solely interested in her land, she asks the highwayman to take her with him.

Griffin Hartwell, Viscount Benning, never imagined that playing the highwayman would bring him face-to-face with his own fiancée. Once alone, Griffin seizes the opportunity to show Annalise just how passionate he can be. But will his charade ruin their chance at a forever love? _________________________________

It's often difficult to find short stories, whether romance or mystery, that are truly satisfying, especially those that can be read in an hour or less.

And yet this story is adorable, very sweet with a hint of spice.

Although there isn't much time to properly get to know the characters, I still managed to become quite attached to them.

I can't say much more without revealing spoilers, except that Griffin, the MALE CHARACTER, was very sweet and utterly adorable. He embodies the role of a gentleman perfectly, yet he can also be adventurous, which I adored.

I like Annalise, the HEROINE, too. She isn't the classic beauty society requires, but she isn't envious of her sister; on the contrary, she is generous and protective, and she tends to act outspokenly.

With her brown hair and generous curves, she is beautiful in Griffin's eyes. Her indomitable and intelligent character is something that appeals to passionate men like him.

You'll have to read the rest of the story for yourself!

Suffice it to say that this intriguing, wonderful read left me wanting to read other stories or books by this author.

As always, thanks for stopping by and reading my review.
Wishing you all a happy Sunday !

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Giveaway : June 2025 Free Printable Calendar

A colorful monthly calendar: June 2025,

Hello and happy start of the month !

I was almost forgetting to post my printable monthly calendar, but here we are, June 2025 is ready to be downloaded for free.

You can use it as a desktop wallpaper on your pc or you can print it and and keep it wherever you like.
You can also reduce its size with any free app and print it in the shape of a postcard, to keep it in the book you are reading or in your bag.

Simply click on the preview image to download and save it on your device.

@TizianaFragnerGraphic
June 2025 Calendar
Size 1634 x 1264

Wishing you all a sunny and cheerful June and of course many great reads !!
Warm hugs and greetings from Italy --xxx--

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Book review : A Gentleman in Challenging Circumstances by Grace Burrowes

A Gentleman in Challenging Circumstances
The Lord Julian Mysteries book #3
by Grace Burrowes

GENRE: Regency era cozy mystery
My rating: ★★★★☆

This is a very enjoyable cozy mystery set in the Regency era.
It's not a fast-paced story, but the intense and well-developed investigation is worthy of Hercule Poirot (the famous detective created by Agatha Christie).

________ PLOT IN A NUTSHELL ________

Set in England during the Regency era, the story follows Lord Julian Caldicott, younger brother of the Duke of Waltham. Julian is a young war veteran still struggling with the physical and emotional wounds he suffered as a prisoner of the French.

During the war, Julian lost not only a part of himself but also his older brother, Harry.
Harry, known in London society for his charm and social life, served as a scout and spy (like Julian). Consequently, Harry's death is shrouded in mystery, and his life proves to be an intricate web of secrets and false appearances.
Now, Julian and Waltham unexpectedly find themselves caring for Harry's young son... but is he truly Harry's son? And which of the women in Harry's life is the child's real mother?

__________ * * * ___________

The MYSTERIES IN THIS SERIES are not murder mysteries, yet they are convoluted enough to require a classic, detailed investigation. This involves identifying everyone possibly connected to the case, even superficially, and questioning them one by one, piecing together the clues.

WHAT ALWAYS CAPTIVATES ME in Julian's mysteries is not only the investigation and the solution, but also the personal lives of the characters.
Despite being connected by family or long-standing friendships, they seem to truly begin to know each other only now, after emerging from the dramatic and painful experiences of the war and the human losses it caused.

The reader is completely drawn in by the emotional depth, which flows from Julian's first-person narration and his dialogues with loved ones.

Waltham, too, hides a secret from the world, one he only recently confessed to his younger brother. However, this secret continues to significantly impact both of their lives. In fact, until Julian finds peace within himself ( and so his "male humor" too, as he use to call it ), neither of them can have children.

Harry's possible son seems to be the only solution for providing an heir to the Dukedom (and all that it entailed at that time: lands, possessions, management, and the survival of an entire village), which makes the search even more emotionally fraught.
Discovering the truth could bring resolution or devastation... and what about the child's life? An innocent being who cannot and must not pay for the sins of others.

Even in this book, the CHARACTERS are all well-developed. With just a few lines and short scenes, the author enables us to understand their inner selves and judge their traits.

----> The clean language and in-depth investigation may appeal to lovers of classic Golden Age mysteries.
The pace is slow and without much action, but always filled with new developments and unexpected surprises.

----> WARNING : The book is readable as a standalone, but it is more enjoyable and easier to understand if you start with book #1.

----> Though Goodreads tags it as "historical romance," those seeking romance will be disappointed. It's almost nonexistent and certainly doesn't offer the sweetness and emotional outpouring that readers of Regency romance (even clean ones) usually expect.
Read it only if you enjoy cozy historical mysteries (don't look for a love story).

If you want to know more about PREVIOUS BOOKS, READ ALSO MY REVIEWS about "Lord Julian Mysteries BOOK 1 and BOOK 2" :

BOOK #1 "A Gentleman Fallen on Hard Times"

BOOK #2 "A Gentleman of Dubious Reputation"

Thanks you all for stopping by and reading my opinion :-)

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Book review : The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

The Frozen River
by Ariel Lawhon
GENRE : #historical-mystery
Standalone
My rating: ★★☆☆☆

Given the overwhelmingly positive reviews, my opinion likely diverges from the norm.
While categorized as a mystery, the book read more like a straightforward chronicle, lacking significant twists or emotional depth.
Plus I didn't dislike the protagonist, but I also didn't find myself particularly attached to her or the other characters.

Ultimately, the story, and particularly its narrative style, didn't align with my personal preferences.

My two-star rating is not intended as a judgment on the author's writing ability, but rather reflects my level of engagement and overall satisfaction with the reading experience, including what I perceived as a self-righteous ending. I found the first half of the book rather tedious. Despite my efforts to persevere, it became increasingly unenjoyable, and I struggled to finish it.

Normally, I abandon books I dislike after the first few chapters. However, because I was participating in a group read, I wanted to complete it, hoping for some element that would finally capture my interest and motivate me to continue.

_______ SYNOPSIS: Maine, 1789.
When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine the cause of death.
As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime, and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community.
Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town's most respected gentlemen, one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.

Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.

___________________________

____ REAL HISTORICAL CHARACTER ____ I appreciate that the plot is inspired by a real person: Martha Ballard, a midwife who delivered a remarkable number of newborns (over a thousand) and never lost a mother in childbirth.
The author discovered her story in an article while pregnant. The book includes historical notes that confirm Martha's biography and diaries, where she meticulously recorded events in a concise manner.

In addition to the character, the rape also occurred in real life. This historical basis initially intrigued me and encouraged me to read the book, but I was ultimately disappointed and unable to connect with the story in the way I had hoped.

_____ DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE WRITING STYLE ____ I often enjoy books inspired by true events, or those that create fictionalized narratives around real individuals, whether well-known or obscure, like Martha.
This is why I enjoy historical fiction.
However, I read "fiction" to become more immersed than I typically would with non-fiction.
I appreciate stories told with suspense and pathos, eliciting a range of emotions beyond simple curiosity about the plot's development.

Unfortunately, I didn't share the enthusiasm expressed by other members of my reading group.
To me, it felt like a bland, emotionally sterile chronicle. I wonder if others felt similarly but chose not to comment.

The story is narrated in the first person by the protagonist. While this style initially disconcerted me (when I first encountered this kind of storytelling, many years ago now ), I quickly grew to appreciate it and often prefer it to third-person narration.
In this case, however, the matter-of-fact tone (which may have been intended to mimic the style of a diary, given the real Martha's diaries) prevented me from feeling invested in the story and from developing any empathy for Martha or her family.

______ DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE ENDING _____ Even if the ending was ultimately desirable, I found it to be conveniently self-serving for the main character.

The book centers on life in 18th-century Maine and highlights the injustices faced by women, as well as the hypocrisy and bigotry prevalent in American society at the time (and, arguably, even now).

Yet, despite the protagonist being an open-minded woman married to an intelligent and equally progressive man, it's ultimately convenient for her and her family that ___WARNING SPOILER[ the whole truth doesn't come to light.
Throughout the book, she seeks to clarify a death that clearly occurred by murder (justice without a fair trial), despite the fact that she knows that the dead man is a complete scoundrel, guilty of despicable acts, but then when the truth is not what she likes, it is okay not to say anything? Come on! ]_SPOILER END__

I'm not suggesting the book is poorly written, only that the style didn't resonate with me.
It's marketed as a mystery, but I doubt it would satisfy typical whodunit fans. Had I known this beforehand, I wouldn't have chosen it for the group read.

I might recommend the book to those interested in a glimpse into 18th-century American society.
However, it's challenging to recommend a book I didn't enjoy.
Given the subjectivity of taste, I can only advise: give it a try, and if you like it from the start, great. If you're bored from the beginning, don't expect that to change.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my opinion!

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Book review : Unrequited by Martha Keyes

Unrequited
The Donovans #0.5
by Martha Keyes

GENRE: Regency clean romance
My rating: ★★★★★
full 5-star rating !!!!!!!

A wonderful and sweet, clean romance!

It's a short and light read, but with great intensity and is very engaging from start to finish.
This is the second time I've read a novel by Martha Keyes, and it's the second time I've given it a five-star rating.
I kept dreaming about the story and its characters for many days after finishing the book.

I loved it because, even though at first glance the plot might seem unoriginal, or even like the usual banal Regency love story, this short novel stands out from the rest.
There's no bickering or spite between lovers who then resolve their issues and have a happy ending, starting a life of comfort and privilege, as you might expect after reading the synopsis.

____ WHAT THE SYNOPSIS TELLS US: England, after the end of the war against Napoleon.
Elena MacKinnon has spent the last seven years training to become a proper English lady. When her childhood friend, Captain Theo Donovan, returns from serving in the Navy, he brings with him the memory of Elena’s humiliation: the ill-advised and ardent love letter she wrote him before his departure, which he ignored entirely.
Elena hopes to simultaneously suppress his memory of the letter and make him regret overlooking her, showing him just how refined an English lady she can be.
The only problem? She is not English, but a proud Scot—and her heart may be more enamored with Theo than ever.

_________*********__________*********________

As I already said the story doesn't include the bickering and foolish revenge that the back cover implies.
Elena only intends to seek revenge in the first few pages of the book, knowing that her childhood love is about to return from the war (now over) after having ignored her and made her suffer for seven long years.
As we all know, things rarely go according to plan, and both Elena and Theo find themselves in situations where it's difficult to understand what is real and what only appears to be.

The general plot summary on the back cover doesn't do the novel justice. It's misleading and suggests a story of little intensity, offering, at most, a few comic situations.

The reading is light and very pleasant, but the story also conveys deep feelings.
It subtly addresses serious themes such as the conflict between appearance and reality, the struggle for self-acceptance, and society's often unfair expectations, trapping individuals within rigid and unjust rules.

___ THE MAIN CHARACTER: ELENA ___ I would argue there's only one main character in this narrative: Elena, who tells us the whole story in the first person. Everything revolves around her feelings, assumptions, considerations, and thoughts. We get to know the other characters, including her beloved Theo, through her words and the lively dialogue.

____ EXCELLENT FIRST-PERSON NARRATION ___ Even though the events are told from her point of view, I assure you it's not boring at all; on the contrary, it's very captivating.

I really like first-person narration. In fact, when it's done well, I find it more engaging than third-person stories because it gives me the impression of hearing the confidences of a friend, allowing me to be more involved in the character's emotions.
Of course, the writer must skillfully insert surprising scenes and effectively convey the character's excitement, anticipation, passion, fear, happiness, and other emotional involvements to the reader.
It's not easy at all, but Martha Keyes excels at this. She has an exceptional writing style and makes you feel every little thrill and heartbeat of her characters.

___ THE MAIN CHARACTER'S BELOVED: THEO _____ Through Elena's keen observations and thoughtful reflections, we are able to discern, along with her, the emotions of the other characters, especially the fascinating and enigmatic Theo.
He is a complex character who is difficult to judge at first (and here we see the author's skill in leading us to make at least three or four different conjectures).
Despite the brevity of the novel, he gradually reveals himself to the reader. He pleasantly surprised me and made me read voraciously to discover new developments.

___ SIDE CHARACTERS ___ Each of them plays a relatively small role, which is understandable in such a short novel, but I was still satisfied with how the author managed to bring out the essence of each, providing us with a complete and gratifying picture of the situation and the dynamics of the events.

___ FULFILLING HAPPY ENDING ___ Martha Keyes surprised me even with the ending, which is quite original and different from the usual happy endings.

___ AN UNDERLYING THEME, HIDDEN BETWEEN THE LINES ___ What I appreciate in some novels are the serious themes that are addressed while entertaining us.
The underlying theme of this book is the acceptance of oneself – embracing who you are and your origins – without conforming to the rigid rules imposed by society. These rules, based on prejudices, dictate who is worthy and who is not, who is better and who is worse. This theme remains relevant in every era, even today, despite the ongoing battles fought in the name of equality and respect for all.

Elena is Scottish, and therefore her accent is not favored by the English. She grew up with a certain freedom of expression, running in nature and interacting with commoners.
While, initially, we observe her efforts to please society and Theo, and Theo's efforts to fulfill a parent's dream, we see these two caterpillars transform into butterflies and fly with their own colors during the story.
I really liked it!

____ CONCLUSION ___ In summary, this is a clean romance with just kissing, and with characters and an ending that are a little different from the usual clichés.
A pleasant read that I recommend to all romantic and dreamy readers who aren't necessarily looking for hot sex, alpha males, and scandals.

----> SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES !

Thank you for reading my review. I hope you'll enjoy the book as much as I did.
Please forgive any remaining English grammar errors, as English is not my first language.

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Book review : In the Shadow of the Storm by Anna Belfrage

In the Shadow of the Storm
The King's Greatest Enemy #1
by Anna Belfrage
GENRE: Historical adventure romance
My rating: ★★★★☆

Nice and entertaining historical fiction based on true events.
What did I expect from this book? War, love and great passion in both themes.
Was I satisfied? Yes and no.

___ THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL ___ England, 1321.
Adam de Guirande owes his lord, Roger Mortimer, much more than loyalty. He owes him his life and all his possessions, he also owes him his beautiful wife, even if Kit is not exactly the woman Lord Roger thinks she is.
Kit, half-sister and perfect copy of Katherine de Monmouth, has been kidnapped and forced to marry Adam under a false name, since the real Katherine has run away.
Rumors about Katherine's virginity (who is actually Kit), jealousy, pride and strong attraction that is turning into real feelings, will not make married life easy.
Domestic matters, however, become irrelevant when the king decides to punish his rebellious barons.
So, when Lord Roger goes to fight, Adam has no choice but to ride with him, no matter the cost.

_____________________

Overall, I enjoyed the book and rate it a full 4 stars.
However, it lacked that certain something extra that makes a story truly unique and compelling, the kind that excites you so much that you want to reread it.

___ THE MAIN CHARACTERS ___

The characters stayed with me for days after I finished reading their story. However, I must confess that it took until about 35% of the way through the book before I started to "like" the hero.
Even after my dislike faded, I never perceived him as a true hero.

Adam followed his lord into battle for several reasons: affection, gratitude, and duty.
He was injured, suffered a long imprisonment, and endured unjust torture, and was betrayed by someone close to him.
Yet, I never saw him do anything particularly daring in war or for his family.
He had a lot of sex with his wife; much of his relationship with Kit (aside from moments of touchiness and stubbornness) takes place in bed.

In my opinion, the author focused too much on Adam's beauty, his devotion to his lord, and his love (expressed through words and sex) for his wife.
The writer neglected to have him perform brave and noteworthy actions that would have showcased his courage and big heart. 
As I said, after 35% of the book, the character finally overcomes that antipathy that almost made me stop reading.
However, the only two times we see him take action ( WARNING SPOILER ______when he kills an attacker of his wife and helps someone escape from captivity SPOILER END______), they are described so briefly that they don't feel significant.

In contrast, the heroine demonstrates grit and determination. She transforms an unfortunate event into an opportunity for love and saves both her beloved and herself "by the skin of their teeth" several times.

Kit is the character the author focuses on the most. She is immediately presented as a victim of circumstance who doesn't wallow in her misfortune.
Instead, she reacts to adversity, creating her own fortune through her ingenuity, good heart, ability to forgive, optimism even in desperate moments, and sheer willpower.
She is a resilient young woman who only falls slightly into stubbornness and whims at the end, but I challenge any other woman in her place not to behave similarly, you know: too much of a thing can spoil it.

_____ One of Adam's brothers, the young priest William, is more than a side character, he is practically a co-protagonist for 80% of the story.
He is a positive character, always by Kit's side and ready to support her and Adam.
What I didn't like is that the author makes him disappear at a certain point, giving him another role, and we hear nothing more about him.
He appears twice briefly during a rescue and escape, and then vanishes. I was disappointed by this.
Perhaps the character will reappear in later books?
I hope so, and I also hope the author doesn't eliminate him by killing him off, as she did with other characters we grew fond of, only to find out about their deaths casually through dialogue.

The book is quite long (for my standards), and I felt like every action was treated as a minor addition to the "heartbreaking" love story between the two protagonists (a love that unfolds mostly in bed... which isn't a problem because it's never vulgar, but love isn't only shown through sex).

What I really appreciate in historical fiction is when it seamlessly blends imagined elements with real historical events, featuring both fictional and historical figures.
The author succeeded admirably in this, to the point that I felt compelled to expand my historical knowledge by researching online through articles and Wikipedia.

___ HISTORICAL PART ___

The historical event that inspired the author and around which the destinies of Kit, Adam, and their loved ones revolve is a rebellion of some barons against King Edward II of England, who despotically gave his favorite lands already owned by barons and other nobles.
The king's favorite was the villain of the story, who besieged castles, imprisoned women and children, and mercilessly killed even those who had surrendered.

Actually, the situation is more complex and compelling than I've described, but if I explained it in more detail, it would diminish the pleasure of reading and discovering the historical elements intertwined with the author's imagination.

___ HISTORICAL CHARACTERS ___

Lord Roger Mortimer, his wife, and the king's favorite Hugh Despenser all play fundamental roles in the book. All of them are well portrayed.

The author's HISTORICAL NOTES are well-written and quite exhaustive regarding both events and characters.
While most authors place historical notes at the end to freely explain things without revealing spoilers, I always read them first because they help me understand the plot better and gain a broader, more satisfying view of the whole story.
If a story is well-told, no spoiler can ruin it for me. :-)

----> Clean language. 
----> Several hot sex scenes, but never vulgar. 
----> If you are approaching the reading, you too may hate the hero, hold on, after the first few chapters, he becomes a decent character.

IN CONCLUSION:
Despite the complaints I mentioned at the beginning of my review, the Kit-Adam couple resonated with me, and I will definitely read the sequel.

Thank you for reading my opinion. I hope it is helpful in deciding whether or not to read this series.

( Please forgive any errors you may find in my text, English is not my first language ).
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