Customer Reviews

Bride for a Knight

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was very hopeful during the first chapters of this book. The main couple, Jamie and Aveline, were instantly attracted to one another. There was none of the typical resentment or stubbornness coming between them. Jamie was chivalrous and protective of Aveline's feelings when her father humiliated her in front of her clan. Aveline was thrilled to meet her groom, and she was protective of Jamie's dignity in the face of her father's treachery. They wanted to spend as much time together as they could, and neither wanted to hide their growing feelings for one another. I was definitely looking forward to a romantic tale.

Unfortunately, I began to get very bored around the middle of the 5th chapter, then had a strong urge to start skimming at the beginning of the sixth chapter. Too many extra themes and characters entered the story. The original dilemmas of a rivalry between Jamie's and Aveline's fathers, Jamie's father's resentment over the fact the Jamie's mother died during his birth, and the loss of Jamie's brothers to a tragic accident were more than enough adversity to sustain the story. To my disappointment, Welfonder decided to also throw in the ghosts of Jamie's brothers haunting their father, mystical premonitions and dilemmas of characters from Welfonders' past novels, and various superstitious actions and beliefs by Jamie's clan. All of this happening at once made it impossible for me to dive into the story of the main couple. My head was spinning while trying to keep each character's problems separate, yet still keep them combined into one core story. What started out as a beautiful romance turned into several tangled stories of mythical legend.

In the crowded genre of the Scottish historical romance there are a great deal of recurring tropes that can make different books very samey. Although this book is somewhat different than the norm as it apparently has a paranormal aspect it was still ultimately not entirely satisfying.

Jamie Macpherson's nine brothers have all been killed in an accident on a bridge and he is returning home - partly to see his father (from whom he is estranged) but mostly to get married to the woman his father has arranged for him, Aveline Matheson. As he approaches his father's house he spies a beautiful faerie in the moonlight of St Bride's Glade; how convenient that she turns out to be his intended wife.

Their betrothal takes place but Jamie soon realises there is more to the deaths of his brothers than just an accident as they appear to be haunting his father and his fiancée has also seen them. Jamie's distrust of ghosts (Bogles) is such that he looks for a rational explanation, at the same time trying to protect Aveline. The author made rather a lot of the fact that Jamie is a big lad (and we're told multiple times that he's big all over... ahem) and Aveline is a tiny thing and so he's worried he might hurt her when they consummate the marriage. Fortunately the story gets distracted from these thoughts by trying to discover the truth behind the deaths of the other Macpherson brothers, working out who might gain from the deaths and Jamie being all protective of his betrothed.

What was good about this book was that the unmasking of the villain was a real surprise to me although it was effected by some rather unlikely plotting at times. The book gave good descriptions of the life and politics of powerful men in Scotland at that time, interspersed with the less satisfying paranormal aspect. The romance between Jamie and Aveline was fairly low-key as it was a love-at-first-sight story and it actually seemed to get in the way of the plotting at times. I was also distinctly dubious about the happy-ever-after potential; Jamie and Aveline are happy now but knowing his immense size and her tiny stature I expect her to die in her first experience of childbirth. However, that aside, this was a reasonable read and different from many of the books in this genre. It's clearly part of a series, with many other side characters mentioned, but it also worked as a standalone book.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book, www.curledup.com. © Helen Hancox 2007

I'm not one to enjoy anything with even a hint of paranormal. One of the reasons I didn't enjoy Until the Knight Comes. This one was different. Perhaps it was the characters?

Big in every sense of the way, Jamie Macpherson joined clan Mackenzie and went on to make a name for himself through out the years. While still @ Cuidrach Castle, he receives word that his brothers have all died from a tragic accident. He is also told that he will be married to the daughter of his fathers enemy, Aveline Matheson. But why would his da's enemy want him married to his daughter? He hadn't planned on returning but honor would let him do no less. He would return even if it meant facing the truth; he would never earn his fathers love, last son or not.

Aveline Matheson, youngest daughter of Alan Mor is a delicate soul. She is likable within the first couple of chapters for she has an earthy nature. With her betrothal to Jamie approaching, she knows that she must make the best of her situation. Besides, it's for the good of their clans. Though she is a wee delicate lass, she has no fear. Nor does she let her small size shield her from all of the joys of life. of married life. of life with Jamie Macpherson.

I usually prefer a little bit of bickering from the h/h however these two gentle hearts were sweet to each other from the beginning. I enjoyed watching their romance bloom and not in a sexual way but love! On that note, I will admit that the sex scenes were "PG" and I had hoped for more. They were not steamy at all IMHO. Excellent secondary characters helped that blemish *Munro and Morag*! We also get a glimpse of the Mackenzie's; Duncan, Robbie, Linnet, Juliana, Arabella and our next heroine Gelis. Anytime this clan is involved, I tend to smile. With the ghost, betrayal and eerie feelings floating around, can their love last?


I had honestly thought not to read this novel..I was disappointed in Until The Knight Comes and thought that it could only get worst. However this is an excellent story and I await the story of Gelis (though I must wonder why we don't see Arabella's story first seeing as she is older).

'Bride for a Knight' is the much anticipated book featuring James MacPherson, otherwise known as Jamie the Small. However, there is NOTHING (and I mean nothing) small on this man's body. We first meet Jamie in 'Until The Knight Comes' and learn of his 'problem' below the kilt. For he is not only broad of shoulder and long boned, but also too big everywhere. Och, the lasses tremble in fear.

Tragedy has struck and Jamie is called home to his estranged father and discovers, as well, he is to be married to one of the Fairmaiden lasses. Jamie's description of what he remembers of said lasses had me laughing out loud as his recollection of said maidens are less than 'fair'. Upon Jamie's arrival, he spots his bride-to-be, but believes her to be a faery. What follows is a wonderful story of true-love and passion that left me breathless.

I will admit since reading 'Until The Knight Comes' I've waited impatiently to read Jamie's story and Ms. Welfonder did not let me down. She has penned a sensual tale with a cast of characters I cared about. The love scenes were absolutely scorching and creatively written. And most of all the love story was believable. I felt as if Jamie and Aveline's love would last forever.

Also, having been to Scotland and immersing myself in its culture, I admire Ms. Welfonder's historical accuracy and knowledge of the country and its culture. If you've never been to Scotland, just pick up any book by this author and your journey will begin.

Other reviewers will layout the story. I'm just inserting that Welfonder captures Scotland at its medieval best. I found Jamie larger-than-life and Avenline his perfect match in this page-turning romance. There's mystery and ghosts. And an outcome that will surprise you! All in all, a book for my keeper shelf.

Following the death of his mother giving birth to him, his father has had nothing to do with his offspring, James Macpherson. Instead others have raised him. Jamie is squire to Duncan "The Black Stag" Mackenzie when he learns his brothers were killed. As the heir he must come home to meet the father who abandoned him at birth.

Reluctantly, Jamie does his duty and comes home for the first since his father banished him, but is still unwelcome by his sire although he is the heir. He also learns from his father that he is to wed his late sibling's fiancée to cement an alliance between clans. However, Aveline, the sister of his betrothed, takes her place as his bride. As their lust for one another turns to love, the ghosts of Jamie's brothers demand he avenge their murders and stay alert for he and his beloved wife are the next targets.

Sue-Ellen Welfonder continues her powerfully vivid fourteenth century Highlander saga (see UNTIL THE KNIGHT COMES) with a wonderful romance. The male protagonist believes he is unworthy of love as he remains estranged with his father while the woman who loves him plans to prove to him he is wrong as he is deserving of her love. The paranormal and mystery elements blend nicely into the story line as those segues enhance a fine historical romance.

Harriet Klausner

A tale served on a sizzling platter of passion, shimmering with sexual intensity and intrigue, with emotions taking the reader to a level very few can achieve.~Affaire de Coeur

I am almost finished with all of Ms. Welfonder's books in this series ... yes; I truly do seem to be a glutton for punishment.

All of her books have one thing in common ... they are all full of fluff and filler to pump up page count. These excesses detract from the stories. The reader is buried in all the tedious thoughts of her characters and the never-ending (and oft repeated) descriptions.

Other reviewers have given plenty of plot and character information so I will not add to it. I will, however, comment on something I found totally preposterous - no, it is not the size of Jamie's manly parts. It is the fact that anyone with knowledge of the Scottish Highlands would ever believe eight fully-grown highland men would walk across - all at the same time - a wooden footbridge which they knew to be in very poor condition. These characters were raised in the Highlands - survival skills would have been second nature to them. Doing something this absolutely ridiculous would not happen, even at sword point. They would have fought or died by the sword - not crossed a bridge like they were going to a picnic.

It is so hard to find Scottish romance novels that have more than the normal cheesy romance plot. Your book delivers! I absolutely love this book and look forward to reading the rest of your books currently out and any future publications you may have. Your book has brought me out of my "reading rut"!!

Keep up the good work and thank you so much for having unique stories!!

After his mother died, James Mcpherson was sent away by his father. Now that his brothers are dead he as heir must meet the father who abandoned him when he was a baby. Reluctantly he accepts his duty but unfortunately his father is still not interested in him. He also learns that he has to marry his late brother's fiancée to secure an alliance between the clans, but suddenly her sister Aveline takes her place and James falls for her. The situation gets complicated when the ghosts of his late brothers demand that he avenge their murders.

Finally Ms. Welfonder gifts her readers with the long awaited story of James Mcpherson and they won't be disappointed because it was worth to wait. She blends the paranormal and suspenseful elements into the Scottish medieval story that we know her for.

James Mcpherson is a wounded hero, who thinks that he is unworthy of love, due to his unfortunate family situation. Aveline has a lot of work ahead of her to persuade him of the opposite, but she is the perfect match for him.

BRIDE FOR A KNIGHT takes its reader on a wonderful journey to Medieval Scotland. So fasten you seatbelts and let yourself be swept away.

This reviewer liked the light paranormal touch with the ghost in the story, it set it a little bit apart from Ms. Welfonder's previous stories. She is curious with what Ms. Welfonder comes up next.

If you enjoy medieval romances with a light paranormal touch, you should pick up a copy of BRIDE FOR A KNIGHT.

Courtesy of Loveromances and more