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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly Enjoyable Read, January 2, 2006
This review is from: The Bride Hunt (Mass Market Paperback)
It's taken quite a good historical to really grab my attention lately, and I eagerly anticipated the reading of "The Bride Hunt" because the story sounded so interesting. Classic damsel in distress meets tortured and honorable knight in shining armor...aaahhh, pure historical romantic bliss, if you ask me. I was so pleased to pick up a book that brought me back to my first love of reading - the true classic historical novel.
Anvrai d'Arques is a knight in service to King William in the year 1072. A loyal knight and servant to his country, he plods on in his duties despite not receiving rewards to justify all his many deeds. Still without land to call his own, he feels unjustified in seeking the hand of any maiden. Not only that, but he knows that is scarred visage will win him no favors in that arena either. At the tender age of eight, he earned horrible scars on his face as well as the loss of an eye, resulting in the revulsion of every woman he's ever encountered. Never expecting any woman not being paid to show him any notice, he struggles to accept the fact that he might never marry and have a family. Certainly he knows never to expect the attentions of the beautiful and noble Lady Isabel Louvet. Recently returned to her family, along with her younger sister Kathryn, from an abby, she is to be bethrothed that very night to a worthy man of her choosing. Unbenownst to her family or the meager defenses around them, Scotsmen lie in wait to attack. when the unspeakable occurs, and Isabel and Kathryn are abducted, Anvrai persues her in hopes of prividing rescue. When he too is captured, both enbark on a journey frought with danger, survival of the fittest and ultimately love.
Anvrai and Isabel were the perfect pair. Her gentle upbringing was the perfect match for his tragic and rough past. Anvrai's reasoning's for keeping his distance from her were reasonable and heartbreaking at the same time. Isabel was a strong woman in a time of typically subserviant women, but not so overpowering as to emasculate Anvrai. She simply took what their misadventures handed them with courage and fortitude, clearly marking her as the perfect mate to Anvrai's hardened attitude from his war experiences.
The details that author Maguire provides of Medieval England and Scotland were fascinating and clearly well thought out. There's enough romance as well as adventure packed into this read to insure enjoyment for all fans of the historical genre. Bravo and two exuberant thumbs up for this wonderfully classic Medieval tale. Without giving too much away, I hope, I simply cannot wait to find out what happens the Isabel's sister, Kathryn. Let's all cross our fingers that she gets her own story soon!
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Good Story, January 14, 2006
This review is from: The Bride Hunt (Mass Market Paperback)
THE BRIDE HUNT was my first book by Margo Maguire. And I was not disappointed.
Lady Isobel has returned to her father's home to choose a husband. Although she wishes for a life in the convent where she grew up, her father wants heirs to pass on his legacy through his two daughters. She has decided to wed a gentle man who will be compassionate of her tender sensibilities. She believes she has found that man in Sir Roger.
Sir Anvari is a landless knight, yet to be rewarded by King William I for his loyalty. Anvari also carries gross disfigurement from an incident which occurred as a child.
When Isobel is stolen by Scots from her father's home, Anvari goes after her, only to be eventually captured himself. Through Isobel's bravery, they, along with Sir Roger who was also captured, to escape. As they make their way back to England, Isobel begins to see the beauty inside Sir Anvari.
THE BRIDE HUNT is fast paced and a very enjoyable read. I greatly enjoyed reading Anvrai and Isobel fall in love. It was emotional and moving. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to a (hopefully) follow up on the other sister, who was also kidnapped.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Enjoyable Historical Read!, March 27, 2006
This review is from: The Bride Hunt (Mass Market Paperback)
Ms. Maguire's "The Bride Hunt" is an enjoyable historical read with a less then perfect hero who falls in love the Lady who will see his value his heart.
Sir Anvrai d'Arques is scared of countenance but bold and brave. When Scottish brigands storm the holding of Lady Isabel's father and capture Lady Isabel and her beau Roger he gives chase in hopes of freeing them but is instead injured and captured...for a short time that is. It's not long before Anvrai manages to escape with Roger and Isabel and with a country on the brink of war they manage to survive. But, Anvrai is not expecting the attraction that burns bright between him and Isabel. He is a war harden man with little dreams of such folly. But, how can such emotion be ignored? Can he have his Isabel?
Isabel is stolen by the Scottish and has no idea she has been followed by the hard knight Anvrai d'Arques. When she realizes he has come to save her she is surprised by the pull of attraction between them. Anvrai may be scared but he is fierce and speaks to a part of her she didn't know existed. Will she be able to keep her knight or will war and circumstances get in the way of a happy ending for them both.
This was very enjoyable read. It was pleasant to read a hero that is not perfect in every particular way. As a result this added depth to the romance between Anvrai and Isabel. This is the first time I've ever read Ms. Maguire but it won't be the last. This story will enthrall the reader from the start...holding him/her captive until the final page. Well done Ms. Maguire.
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