Janet Lane, Tabor’s Trinket

Tabor's Trinket

Janet Lane

Five Star, November 2006, $26.95

ISBN: 1594145423

In 1430 in the Coin Forest, Lord Hungerford attacks Tabor lands killing the lord and his wife while destroying much of the economy. Tabor's brother Richard barely escapes with his life, vowing vengeance. The new Baron is taken in by gypsies who give him time to somewhat heal from his wounds. There he meets the young Sharai, who saves his life when Rauf Hungerford tries to kill him.

Five years later, Tabor still vows revenge, even as he searches for Sharai whose courage and beauty haunts him. However, Tabor knows he must marry wealth and power if he is to defeat Hungerford and his knights, as everyone knows of their feud, including the King, but no one will condemn the atrocities of five years ago or assist Tabor; that is unless he marries into such support. When he sees Sharai he knows his heart conflicts with his brain.

Though somewhat similar in tone to too many medieval romances, Sharai refreshes the tale with her courage and fortitude, as she comes to the aid of her beloved several times, keeping him safe from a backstabbing rival. The exciting storyline focuses on the intrigue of an era filled with betrayals, while Hungerford seems to have gotten away with the deadly assault, though Tabor plots revenge. Fans will appreciate Tabor's dilemma, as he believes he must choose between love and betraying a "death bed" vow.