If I Had You [Mass Market Paperback]

Lynn Kurland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 3, 2005

In her captivating new novel, bestselling author Lynn Kurland paints a magnificent portrait of 13th-century England -- with the passionate tale of a woman crippled by the past and a man destined to future greatness....

--This text refers to an alternate Mass Market Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Setting: England, 1225

Sensuality: 6

Beautiful Anne of Fenwyck has loved her foster brother, Robin de Piaget, since they were children. Now Robin has become a fierce knight and Anne's father is bent on marrying her off. Robin hasn't been home to his family's seaside keep, Artane, for five long years, but when he learns that Anne's father is husband-hunting, he returns immediately. Although Robin, too, has loved only Anne since they were children, he is a warrior unskilled in wooing and his awkward attempts to lure the lady he loves are too often misadventures. Fortunately for the course of true love (although often painful for Robin), our hero has a charming brother and a strong-willed grandmother who are more than willing to lend a matchmaking hand.

As if Robin didn't have enough on his battle-scarred hands with trying to win his lady, there is evil mischief afoot in the castle. Jealousy and greed have festered long and strong in the hearts of three of Artane's residents and the return of Anne and Robin sets in motion a chain of events that threatens their lives. Now Robin must find a way to keep Anne and his siblings alive while he discovers the identity of the assassins that stalk them.

In this tale of medieval wooing and mystery, Kurland has created an endearingly gruff and impossible hero balanced by a warm and vulnerable heroine. There is an often hilarious humor to the scenes of sibling rivalry and the secondary cast of characters is so interesting that one can easily imagine a series of books featuring the members of the de Piaget clan. In If I Had You Kurland has written another sure-fire hit that will delight her readers. --Lois Faye Dyer --This text refers to an alternate Mass Market Paperback edition.

From Booklist

Anne of Fenwyck has had only one wish: to live forever at Artane, her grand foster home, with Robin de Piaget, the heir. Her father wants her married, but she rejects all suitors, even though Robin has rejected her. Anne believes that he is appalled by her limp, the result of a crippling childhood accident, but Robin, who has always loved her, berates himself for not protecting her and avoids her out of shame, not repulsion. He has been away at war for a long time, hoping to prove himself worthy of Anne. When they meet again, however, both are unable to reveal their true feelings. Then castle life is thrown into upheaval as an unknown assailant tries to hurt Anne, which forces Robin to act on his love. Kurland brings history to life with her dramatization of the responsibilities of the lord of a keep to his large extended family in this tender medieval romance. Patty Engelmann
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an alternate Mass Market Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (May 3, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425208680
• ISBN-13: 978-0425208687
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,475,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Sexual Content: Rated G, October 15, 2000

By 

Tina "tinaellorascave" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If I Had You (Mass Market Paperback)

The upside to "If I Had You" is that the latest installment of the de Piaget saga is a relatively strong one. The downside is that its strength doesn't come into play until the last 180 pages of the novel. The first 250 pages of the book are redundant and exasperating, with misunderstandings and miscommunications being used far too often (and over silly things) to keep Anne and Robin apart.

There are several positive aspects to "If I Had You". Speculation that arose in "Another Chance to Dream" concerning Robin's heritage is laid to rest, making this novel worth reading for that aspect of it alone. The love relationship between the protagonists is heart-warming and endearing, and the story line contains Kurland's usual witticisms and humorous dialogue. The negative aspect of the book, and the reason I can't give it more than a 3, is that all of the aforementioned positive aspects occur in the last 180 pages.

"If I Had You" is an entertaining read, but there is no question that Kurland is capable of better.

(sexual content G = love scenes, but no description of consummations)

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A SURE Winner!, January 22, 2003

By 

M. Rondeau (West Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: If I Had You (Mass Market Paperback)

Anne of Fenwyck has loved her foster brother, Robin de Piaget, since they were children. Robin was smitten himself when he first laid eyes on her, and boys being boys, he put a frog down her dress to show his affection. When they were younger, the two of them had been as close as could be, but because of an act of humiliation Robin felt so profound, he kept himself and his heart away from Anne for fear that she would find him lacking. As soon as he could, he went off to war, determined to forget Anne, and prove himself.

Robin has grown up to become a most fierce and feared knight and has stayed away for five long years yet when he learns that Anne's father is husband-hunting he rushes home before it is too late. Proficient in war, but unskilled in wooing his surliness soon works to a distinct disadvantage as he tries to get on Anne's good side.

Knowing Robin's heart better than he knows himself, his brother Nicolas and his very strong-willed and domineering grandmother set out to bring a bit of chivalry to this fearsome knight! As if Robin didn't have enough on his plate trying to woo his lady, there is an evil plot afoot to take Anne from him before he ever makes her his.

I have to credit Kurland with creating a most beautiful and enjoyable love story. I absolutely adored the love and warmth portrayed by the sibling rivalries of this loving de Piaget family. It was both hilarious and touching to `feel' the love and tenderness between these siblings as they beat on each other whether it be with words or fists. Her portrayal of Robin so manly and strong, yet so boyishly awkward when trying to woo Anne was nothing short of brilliant. Kurland draws you in and makes you one of the family, and I can hardly wait to for the next family reunion. Highly entertaining and heartwarming, this book will retain a space on my keeper shelf.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Medieval romance was never like this, October 10, 2000

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: If I Had You (Mass Market Paperback)

Geoffrey Fenwick wants his daughter Anne married immediately. Though she has no takers due to her crippled leg, Geoffrey feels her large dowry should prove enough incentive to complete the deed. While visiting Artane, a fortress that Anne loves, Geoffrey makes it clear that Anne will marry soon. Anne only wants Robin, the heir to Artane, but he has hidden from her as if he is ashamed of her appearance.

Robin has just returned home after fighting overseas, a place he hid after suffering a humiliation in front of his beloved Anne. He wants to tell Anne he loves her, but cannot find the words. Instead, he is harsh with her, making it even more difficult to tell her he loves her. Complicating matters is a plot to kill Anne, Robin, and his siblings.

Lynn Kurland always provides her audience with an exciting tale and her latest medieval romance, IF I HAD YOU, will enhance her reputation. The story line is crisp, fast-paced, and provides much insight into early twelfth century life. Though readers will have no empathy for the inept Robin, the audience will root for Anne and Robin's siblings to succeed. Overall, sub-genre fans will enjoy this warm historical romance.

Harriet Klausner