I used to love these meaty historical romances, but I think I’ve become shallow in my old age… 400 pages of history is a bit much these days!
Bartered Bride by Anne Avery
(1999, Medieval) 7/8/12
Grade: 4
Lady Alyce Fitzmartin finds herself married to cloth merchant Robert Wardell, for the price of 100 silver coins and her family’s support of the Earl of Leichester. Robert supports King Henry III and his son Prince Edward, but finds it prudent to have a foot in both camps. But despite the practical marriage arrangement, both Alyce and Robert find they have passion together… and as England goes to war, they fight on the same side.
An interesting historical romance, with most of the emphasis on the history and not as much on the romance. But still, it was a fascinating story, with a lot of emphasis on the class differences between Alyce, the daughter of a Baron, and Robert the cloth merchant, as well as the split between the two sides in the war. I didn’t know much about Henry III and the baron’s rebellion, but this book definitely brought it to life. The relationship was present, but the focus of the story was more on how the hero and heroine adjusted to marriage and their new lives, rather than the romance. Overall, an interesting read – but I’m ready for something lighter!
What a great cover, by the way! I love the Franco Accornero covers – they just say “historical romance” to me.
Karen Wheless
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