MIDNIGHT MAGIC

Author: Shari Anton ISBN: 0446614661 12/2005 HISTORICAL Publisher: WARNER FOREVER
Time Period: Medieval 1145

ONE MAN'S FORTUNE From the moment the warrior arrives to claim her and her land, Gwendolyn de Leon's reaction is swift and fierce. She refuses to yield, not to the knight who slew her brother in battle. But Alberic of Chester is a powerfully sensual man, intent on taking what is now rightfully his by king's decree. ONE WOMAN'S DESTINY Gwendolyn has one hope for deliverance: invoking a powerful spell with an ancient ring. Yet the seal of the dragon is now on Alberic's finger. To wrest it away and avenge her family's honor, she must seduce him. But will her own heart surrender first? ONE RING TO BIND THEM

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

A magic ring, the headstrong daughter of a Welsh princess, the bastard son of a bastard son of an English king. The stage is set for rousing medieval adventure in Shari Anton's MIDNIGHT MAGIC. I believe this story is the first in a trilogy, and I am very willing to follow the story of the de Leon sisters further.

The story is set in 1145 during a period of civil war in England, and begins with a seemingly insurmountable barrier to romance for Gwendolyn and knight Alberic of Chester. He kills her brother in battle. But when the King gives Alberic control of Gwendolyn's home, he proves himself to be a most honorable knight. And of course, it doesn't hurt that he's gorgeous.

There's also a small matter of a magic ring, passed down from generation to generation, indicating that Alberic is the man for Gwendolyn. She is forced to marry him, despite a previous betrothal. Her betrothed fights for her, but we never have any real doubt as to where Gwendolyn belongs.

I enjoyed the book, with its gripping romance, interesting history and bit of magic, and my only quibble is that I want to know more about the magic. Has all the mystery of King Arthur existed just to bring couples together? I'm curious to know what Anton will come up with in the next book.

If you like your historical romances with a touch of magic, this is the holiday escape for you!

Heather Hiestand