The Innocent
Eleanore of Ashlin is only days from taking her final vows as a nun when she is called to her brother's deathbed.  Elf, as she is known to her friends, hasn't seen her brother Robert de Montfort since he took her to the convent of St. Frideswide when she was five years old.  Robert left his sister in the care of the nuns because the family of his betrothed didn't think it was fair for her to raise Robert's sister.  Now, as Robert lays dying after being poisoned by the woman he loved, Elf returns to her home of Ashlin. Since Robert's wife has been unable to give Robert an heir, the lands of Ashlin will belong to Elf now.  Upon taking her vows, Elf intends to give all her belongings, including Ashlin, to the convent.  Ashlin is key to England's security, however,  and King Stephen wants the land to be controlled by someone he trusts.  Therefore, he orders Eleanore to marry one of his knights.  Always obedient, Elf forsakes her religious vows to marry Ranulf de Glandeville. Ranulf is happy to have land of his own as well as a beautiful young wife.  He is gentle and patient with her and he hopes that their marriage of necessity will become one of love and passion.  While Elf and Ranulf are getting to know each other as husband and wife, there are those who seek to destroy their happiness and despoil the lovely, innocent Elf. The Innocent is a tantalizing read with a very appealing hero and heroine.  Set against the backdrop of the wildness of the Welsh borderlands of England, this story of good versus evil will captivate readers.  The Innocent is classic Bertrice Small and fans will not be disappointed in her latest tale of romance. Sizzling romance and authentic history.  Bertrice Small continues to prove herself worthy of the title Queen of Sensuality! The Innocent is a keeper!  Get swept away by Bertrice Small- you won't be disappointed! Bertrice Small is back and better than ever!  The name Bertrice Small is synonymous with passionate, historical romance!  Kristina Wright  --Copyright © 1999 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times