Winter's Heat
1994 Winner of Romantic Times' Magazine "Best First Historical""Splendid...A superstar in the making"  -Romantic Times"Riveting...full of sizzling passion, tension and intrigue...you should not miss this one!" - Penelope Williamson"Enchanting...Vivid...Exciting!"  -Susan WiggsWhen Rowena of Benfield is forcibly abducted from the convent by her father and forced to marry Lord Rannulf of Graiston, she is convinced the life she has come to know and love is gone forever.  However, Rowena is soon pleased to find that her duties as Lady Graiston will allow her to utilize all the leadership and administrative skills she learned from the abbess.  She soon earns the respect and love of the servants and family - except, it seems, for her husband. Tragic family secrets keep Rannulf from believing in the rare love his parents shared.  Although he loves his half brothers dearly, and would do anything for them, his past experiences with women have left him bitter and suspicious of their actions.  Rannulf is certain that Rowena's devotion to Graiston stems from personal gain and not love.  Only when his beliefs are proven false by the evils of another woman, and his brothers make clear their disapproval of his mistreatment of his wife, is Rannulf free to tell Rowena that he needs and desires her, and truly accepts her as his lady.  It still takes a fierce battle, however, and many deaths before Rannulf can truly believe in Rowena's love and acknowledge his in return.Ms. Domning's first novel brings to light the harsh realities of life in medieval England, but also the passion and tenderness of which these hearty people were capable.  From the hardness of the knights to the softness of the ladies, this well-written first novel gives us the flavor of the time without overpowering the real story of a family's battle to find peace and happiness with themselves and each other.  A well-thought out first novel by a writer destined to be victorious in the field of romance!  Ms. Domning wields a powerful pen!  A new author sure to be taken seriously again, and again, and again!  Ms. Domning breathes new life into a tried and true genre!Diane Potwin  --Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times