THE CRIMSON LADY

Author: Mary Reed McCall ISBN:0060097701 6/2003 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Late 13th century, England

Every man in England wanted her... She was called “the Crimson Lady.” But Fiona Byrne wants no part of the notorious life she was compelled to lead, adopting instead the disguise of a simple seamstress. Then she is discovered by Braedan de Cantor, a desperate and daring stranger who threatens to expose her. Never has there been one so dangerous to the peaceful life she’d fought to achieve. But the greatest peril of all lies deep in her heart. One man would have her... Robbed of his good name and fortune, and cast among England’s criminals, he sought the legendary lady outlaw to save his sister. But the many tales of her extraordinary beauty and cunning did not do the Crimson Lady justice, and Braedan soon finds himself falling under her enchantment, even as he forces Fiona to re-enter the dark world she dreads. And though danger beyond reasoning awaits them, he will let no harm befall the passionate, incomparable woman who now so completely captivates his heart and his soul…and offers them both a future more magnificent than either dared to imagine. Find out more about Mary Reed McCall at http://www.maryreedmccall.com/

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

1292, England. Fiona Byrne, the daughter of a whore, had been sold at age 15 to a man who molded her into the Crimson Lady. Having escaped him and the life he forced her to lead, she is sought out by Braedon de Cantor. He forces her to help him find his foster sister and clear his name.

This was an excellent read; well written and it holds the reader's attention throughout. The plot seems simple; the expected romance between the two characters happens, but the reader isn't left feeling like it's all been done before. Fiona and Braedon are both characters you can appreciate and respect and be glad that they have found each other. The fact that Braedon, a honorable and law-abiding man, must put his trust and faith into the hands of a woman such as Fiona to succeed, makes the story interesting and, at times, amusing.

The other characters in the story are just as intriguing as the main ones - bands of outlaws, power hungry and abusive sheriffs, and women of the 'stewes of Southwark'. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading others by this author.

Sue Cloud