MY FOREVER LOVE

Author: Marsha Canham ISBN: 0451211286 7/2004 HISTORICAL Publisher: NAL

Falling from grace… Ciaran Tamberlane was once an honored warrior—until the day he lost his faith in both church and crown, and was branded a traitor by his fellow countrymen. Only Ciaran's noble lineage kept him from execution. Now, surrounded by dark rumors, he lives in self-imposed exile, responsible only for the peasants who live on his land… …and into her arms Amaranth de Langois was once an obedient wife—until she escaped her husband's brutality and took refuge in a small village. But his men tracked her down. And it was only through Lord Tamberlane's timely intervention that Amie was spared. Now, it's his obligation to return her to her husband, a man who would see her dead. But as long as Amie resides within his castle, Ciaran will protect her from harm. He has nothing to lose should he defy his duty—and everything to gain should he risk his heart for her love…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Normally, reviewing a book by Marsha Canham would take all of two or three minutes. She's such an accomplished and seasoned author that you can pretty much depend upon being greatly entertained, surprised by, and totally absorbed into whatever intriguing story she happens to conjure up. Medieval, Regency, whatever the time period, it doesn't really matter. If it's got the name Marsha Canham on the cover, then you pretty much know you're assured a crème de la crème historical romance read, bar none.

MY FOREVER LOVE is written in typical Canham style, as well-versed and tightly woven in its prose as any of its predecessors. Her medieval voice is, as always, compelling and spellbinding. Rich in historical atmosphere, her portrayal of dramatic battles and conflicts are graphic and often violent, which admittedly may turn off some readers who prefer their romances devoid of so much realism.

Not for me, however. Short of the few historical fiction authors I have read, no one can foist me into the midst of a battle fought on horseback, foot, or a ship’s deck like Ms. Canham can, and MY FOREVER LOVE is no exception. And while the battle scenes are used heavily throughout this story, as typical with her previous works they enhance, rather than overpower, the love story into which they are interwoven.

However, I must admit there was one slight drawback for me that kept me from giving MY FOREVER LOVE a Top Pick award. While I enjoyed and fell in love with Ciaran Tamberlane's character as the tortured Knight Templar, I was a bit surprised and disappointed in Amaranth's character. Ms. Canham is known for her strong, intelligent and independent heroines, and I can't think of a previous female character she has created that I didn't admire and respect. Amaranth, on the other hand, seemed too easily led and overly dramatic to me. Having a much stronger and more self-sufficient woman as the female lead, I think, would have been a much better fit for Tamberlane's brooding and battle scarred character.

There's also a redheaded villain (*snort*) and brief appearances by characters from her previous medieval novels, much to the enjoyment of this fan. It’s always nice to see the return of old friends.

Though not my favorite medieval by this author, MY FOREVER LOVE gets a solid 4 Rose Read from me, sure to please both her old and new fans alike. Might I also suggest that newcomers to Ms. Canham (and seekers of the original stories of the visiting characters in MY FOREVER LOVE) might wish to seek out THROUGH A DARK MIST, IN THE SHADOW OF MIDNIGHT, and THE LAST ARROW. You won't find much better medieval romance reading than Marsha Canham's Robin Hood trilogy.

Nancy Davis