To win her heart, she'll have to fight…
Oxfordshire 1362
When Lily Barden discovers her best friend Johanna’s hand in marriage is being awarded as the main prize at a tournament, she is determined to stop it. Disguised as a knight, she infiltrates the contest, preparing to fight for Jo’s hand. But her conduct ruffles feathers, and when a dangerous incident escalates out of Lily’s control, Jo must help her escape.
Finding safety with a local brewster, Lily and Jo soon settle into their new freedom, and amongst blackberry bushes and lakeside walks an unexpected relationship blossoms. But when Jo’s past catches up with her and Lily’s reckless behaviour threatens their newfound happiness, both women realise that choices must always come at a cost. The question they need to ask is if the cost is worth the price of love…
PJ's Thoughts:
Emma Denny has done it again; she's created a heart-tugging novel that immersed me fully into the time, place, and lives of her characters with a story that I didn't want to put down.
This is a tender, slow-burn, at times heart-aching, but ultimately joyful romance between two women in Medieval times. One, Lily, knows who she is and what she wants, both in love and life. The other, Johanna, has known only duty and suppression under her tyrant of a father. She knows not what she wants but only what she doesn't. However, breaking free of what is planned for her will not be easy.
I really love the journey Lily and Jo embark upon, both individually and as a couple. Their story begins with friendship (a solid foundation of any relationship) and slowly, organically, believably, transitions into a deep and abiding love. Denny handles their relationship with care, respect, tenderness, and realistic obstacles. I had no idea how she was going to pull off a happy ending for these two and have it be believable but she does.
The sense of time and place created in the book by Denny is also well done. There was never a moment of language, action, or reaction when I did not feel like I was in Medieval times. I enjoy an author who can immerse me in an era other than my own and keep me there.
There are some unexpected twists in the book that keep things interesting and a visit from book one characters that adds another layer to the story that is fun for fans of One Night in Hartswood (click to read my review) but shouldn't be confusing for readers new to the series. All the Painted Stars can absolutely be enjoyed on its own.
Have you read Emma Denny yet?
Do you enjoy Medieval romance?
Lily dreams of being a chivalrous knight. What did you dream of being? Have you fulfilled those dreams?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 13 will receive a print copy of All the Painted Stars.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
Thanks for the review. I am not a fan of Medieval romance. The era does not inspire me. But, love stories do inspire me. This is a new to me author and I thank you for the introduction.
ReplyDeleteMedieval doesn't work for everyone. That's why I appreciate all the different books out there.
DeleteGreat review, really looking forward to this one! I loved Emma Denny’s first book — there’s a shortage of Medieval romances, particularly ones with diverse characters. I hope we continue to see this subgenre grow.
ReplyDeleteI also loved the first book, Ina. Medieval romance - in the right hands - is one of my favorite romance subgenres. I recently judged a Medieval in a contest that blew me away. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend Highland Beast by Heather McCollum. It's book four of a five book series but reading it out of order didn't diminish my enjoyment of it at all.
DeleteThank you for the recommendation, I will check it out! I don’t believe I’ve read anything by Heather McCollum yet
DeleteMedieval romance is unique and special. I find it very interesting and become immersed in the characters lives. I haven't read any of this author's novels. My wishes and dreams have been fulfilled many times over.
ReplyDeleteI've not yet read Emma Denny. I do enjoy medieval stories. They were the first romances I read and they got me hooked on the genre.
ReplyDeleteI have been lucky enough to fulfill two of my primary dreams. The first one was to become a Peace Corps volunteer, many years ago. My second was to find a good man to spend my life with. That happened and after 52+ years, I have no doubts I got the right one.