Review: Norman-Saxon Medieval Romance
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 15, 2014
It is 1066. Beatrice Giffard had been freed from life at the convent in order to chaperone her cousin, Lady Anne de Vidames, from Normandy to Saxon lands. The Norman king William issued the marriage between her relative and a Saxon Thegn in order to bring peace to the region. Upon arrival and while treated kindly, Anne snubs the Thegn of Lindsey. At the same time, Beatrice is introduced to Edmund, the older illegitimate half-brother of the nobleman.It should be noted that this story was first released in 1989 and was Ms. Townend's first published romance. I enjoyed reading about the era and, at times, it felt realistic. This is the third book I have read by this author and I believe her strength is in her research of the times. Beatrice was 16 and while we think of that age as young, many people didn't survive past childhood.My guess was Edmund was somewhere in his early 20's. He was the product of his father's first true love but someone the Thegn could not marry. For most aristocrats, marriages were political: to gain lands or earn dowries. So, while Beatrice treated him kindly, Edmund had reservations. Then all hell broke out and the Thegn and many of his loyal men were killed. Long story short, the injured Edmund is forced into hiding and Beatrice tries to help.My reasons for three stars: there are trust issues between the two and this monopolizes most of the romance with bursts of anger and words better left unsaid. There is also lots of passionate teasing and groping between Edmund and Beatrice when they are alone. Love between the two comes at the very end.**My review is based on the 2001 paperback issue.  I understand the Kindle version had been revised before it was reissued.  -Per the author's website.**