THE NOVICE BRIDE

Author: Carol Townend ISBN: 9780373305261 8/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: HARLEQUIN
Time Period: Early Norman Period

As a novice, Lady Cecily of Fulford's knowledge of men is nonexistent. But when tragic news bids her home immediately, her only means of escape from the convent is to brazenly offer herself to the enemy…as a bride! With her fate now in the hands of her husband, Sir Adam Wymark, she battles to protect her family. Suspicions and betrayal are rife, yet their convenient marriage offers Cecily much more than comfort in her knight's arms…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Reading THE NOVICE BRIDE by Carol Townend is a bit like taking a trip back in time. From the very first words, this story snatches the reader from present day, willingly pulling hearts and minds back to the time of the Norman conquest. Culture clash, merciless invaders, innocence lost and freedom captured-all wonderfully highlighted in this mesmerizing novel.

When Novice Cecily, who had been Lady Cecily of Fulford before seeking a life of quiet in the convent, breaks her latest silent retreat to speak with her sister Emma, she has no idea of the way her life is about to change. Gone are thoughts of silent contemplation, of being a nun. Instead, she learns of her mother's demise, a newborn brother and a man who is coming to claim Emma for his wife. Emma is intent on fleeing, leaving Cecily to face a man she's never met. She consents to marry Sir Adam Wymark, a man who has seen and done more than Cecily can begin to imagine.

Trekking along with Cecily and Adam is like watching history unfold. Vivid imagery, wonderful lyrical dialogue interspersed with coarseness that seemed fitting to the time, and an adventure that seemed so realistic I cringed, laughed and gasped as it unfolded. Cecily's determination not to abandon her brother and the people of Fulford to the enemy is awe-inspiring. The extreme she's willing to go to in order to ensure her brother's safety is truly courageous. I loved it, though, that somewhere along the way Adam and Cecily began to realize they were not enemies as much as they'd first supposed.

THE NOVICE BRIDE is an action-filled love story that gave me a taste of a time period I had no previous knowledge of. This tale entertained me, as well as kindled a flame of curiosity within me. Thanks to Carol Townend and this intriguing novel, I desire to know more about this exciting time in history!

Kay James