THE KNAVE AND THE MAIDEN

Blythe Gifford

Harlequin Historicals #688

ISBN 0-373-29288-0

January 2004

Historical Romance

THE KNAVE AND THE MAIDEN is the debut novel by author Blythe Gifford. Ms. Gifford brings readers a tale of romance, secrets, danger and faith in 14th century England.

Dominica grew up a foundling in the priory where she learned to write, something few people know how to do in this era. Her dream is to remain in the priory, as a nun, and bring God's word to the people in their native language of English. Since this is a time when the church is very powerful and those who are literate guard the knowledge jealously, Dominica's ambitions are considered sacrilege. Reluctantly, Mother Julian allows the girl to go on pilgrimage where she seeks a sign from God that He wishes Dominica to continue her writing. However, Mother Julian and Lord Richard (brother to the priory's benefactor) have a far more sinister plan. If Dominica could be seduced then she would be prevented from becoming a nun and turned out of the only home she has ever known which would place her at Lord Richard's mercy.

Garren would do anything to help his ailing friend William, Earl of Readington. He would also do nearly anything for money since he has no home or property of his own. So when William requests Garren to go on a paid pilgrimage and pray for a miracle on William's behalf, Garren agrees though he has little faith if any in God or miracles. Lord Richard, anticipating his brother's death, seeks to be rid of Garren's influence so he instructs Mother Julian to pay the mercenary knight to seduce Dominica. Garren agrees but is unaware that the request comes from anyone other than the Prioress. He so desperately wants to pay back William for the many kindnesses he has shown over the years.

Could Dominica's faith rub off on one who has lost so much in life and stands to lose his one true friend? Once Dominica has a taste for life outside of the priory will she be content to shut herself away from the world again?

What a wonderful debut! It is always exciting for me to read a new author and especially when it is someone destined to be a great one at that. Through a fluid narrative, rich in historical detail, Ms. Gifford draws readers in for a journey through all the joy and sorrow in a story that is not your run-of-the-mill medieval knight versus virgin romance. Characters demonstrate a range of emotions and motivations that add to the realism and provide the reader with a more complete picture than what is usually found in this genre. At the core of the story is the blossoming of Dominica where she struggles to balance her almost fanatical faith with real-world experiences that could reshape the goals she has set for herself. Garren also experiences growth during the course of the pilgrimage and reveals himself to be a truly noble and memorable hero. The author has crafted exciting plot twists that keep the pace of the story moving, and so the reader will find THE KNAVE AND THE MAIDEN difficult to put down, even when the last page is read!