Shari Anton, Once a Bride

Once a Bride

Shari Anton

Warner, Apr 2004, $5.99, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0446612278

In 1333 Lelleford Castle, Sir John Hamelin informs his beloved daughter Eloise that he must flee before the Earl of Kenworth arrests him for seditious acts against the king. John denies that he performed any treacherous acts informing his daughter to act normal when his "escort" arrives.

Kenworth arrives with Hugh St. Marten, half-brother to Eloise's deceased fianc who died on the church steps just prior to their wedding vows. Hugh opposed the marriage. As Kenworth becomes angrier over John's clever escape, Eloise turns to Hugh for protection though she would prefer Satan. As they fall in love, they try to expose a nefarious plot to condemn John and make Eloise daughter to a traitor.

The story line focuses on how easily a loyal lord can be named traitor in medieval society and how difficult it is to prove your innocence even if you have royal connections. With that as a backdrop fans receive a delightful medieval romantic suspense starring two individuals besieged by love, guilt over of a recently deceased loved one, and the fears for the safety of the heroine's father. While the lead couple is undergoing a stressful relationship, sub-genre readers will appreciate this wonderful tale of court intrigue.

Harriet Klausner