By King'S Decree (Harlequin Historical Romance) [Mass Market Paperback]

Shari Anton (Author)

Book Description

Series: Harlequin Historical Romance | Publication Date: January 1, 1998

The King Had Granted Them A Year Of Love

Gerard of Wilmont wanted nothing more than to make Ardith of Lenvil his cherished bride. But what if he and his Saxon flame were not blessed with the heir that would ensure their union would last forever?

Torn Between Joy and Despair,

the lady Ardith pondered the royal decree that betrothed her to Gerard, Baron of Wilmont, for though he had forever been the lord of her heart, she knew that cruel fate had made her fit to be no man's wife…!

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Ardith of Lenvil, narrowly escapes death when she is attacked by a boar. While recovering from her injuries she overhears her father, Harold, refusing a betrothal offer to Gerard, the eldest son of Baron Wilmont, because he believes the boar's attack has left his daughter barren. Ardith is disappointed, not only because is it a better match than her station should have brought, but Gerard is young, handsome, and kind. Five years later, Gerard has inherited his father's title and an enemy, Basil of Northbryre, who covets the Wilmont estates. When Basil tries to have Gerard murdered, it is Gerard's half-brother Richard who nearly pays with his life. Gerard wants revenge, but must wait on King Henry's justice. While visiting his estates, making certain that they can withstand attack, Gerard and Ardith are reunited. He remembers the beautiful and spirited woman, but does not know that she is considered barren. When he travels to see the king he requests that Harold as his vassal accompany him. Ardith goes along as well as her father's nursemaid. They are attracted to one another, but Ardith thinks he merely wishes to bed her. When Gerard asks to marry Ardith, she is dismayed, but neither could have known what the King would decree. Shari Anton has created a wonderful hero and heroine, who brave censure to find happiness. By King's Decree is a moving love story -- tender, yet exciting, with a plot that carries the reader along to the final page! I found it hard to put down, even when the clock said I should be making dinner! I will be looking forward to reading more of Anton's work.A touching story of love against all odds. By King's Decree, is a lushly written tale of love and intrigue, sure to bring tears to the eyes of readers and a glow to their hearts. Anton handles history with a deft hand, even as she spins a tale that will capture the reader's heart.Phoebe Imel -- Copyright © 1998 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 299 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373290012
• ISBN-13: 978-0373290017
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,938,146 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Shari Anton's publishing career began in 1997. Since then she has written several historical romances for Harlequin Historicals and Grand Central Publishing. Ms. Anton lives in Wisconsin, loves to ride on the Harley, and visit Civil War battlefields, medieval fairs and historical societies. This award winning author is a member of Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America (WisRWA), Novelists, Inc., and The Authors Guild.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The king had granted them a year of love, August 6, 2004

By 

Anza Carrillo "heavenlyanza" (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: By King'S Decree (Harlequin Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

Ardith of Lenvil had loved Gerard of Wilmont since Gerard's father had asked for a betrothal between Ardith and Gerard. Ardith's father refused, however, declaring that Ardith had been left barren due to being gored by a wild boar. Crushed, Ardith lives her life as well as she can under her father's oppressive and critical thumb, knowing that she will never have the man she desires or a family of her own. Upon meeting Gerard again, however, Ardith begins to hope for the impossible when Gerard returns her interest. Could the midwife be wrong, could she bear the man she loves an heir?

Gerard is immediately attracted to Ardith, but has no idea that she is considered barren. He offers for her hand in marriage, and only then is told the horrible news. Gerard must have an heir, since he is a baron and has no lawful heir yet, although he does have an adorable three-year-old boy named Daymon who was born on the wrong side of the sheets. He thinks Ardith would be the perfect wife and mother to his young child, and he's not willing to give up on her yet. When King Henry gives Ardith and Gerard a year to conceive a child, can they accomplish the impossible so they can spend the rest of their lives with each other?

Shari Anton is a wonderful writer, and it's obvious whenever you read one of her stories. This book earned a solid five stars. Ardith was a wonderful woman, and a very realistic heroine. Gerard of Wilmont was also a great hero, full of passion for the woman he loves and fatherly love for his child. When Ardith and Gerard come together, sparks fly! The love scenes between the two were very passionate, and their love story was enough to make your heart melt. They faced so many obstacles when it came to their love - the king's decree, the possibility that Ardith might be barren, Gerard's enemy Basil of Northbrye who is intent on destroying Wilmont and all he holds dear, Gerard's overbearing shrew of a mother - but nothing stops them from loving one another.

I read this book because I started reading other books in the Wilmont series and wanted to see how Gerard and Ardith got together. I definitely wasn't disappointed in this book. The other titles in the series (in order) are: Lord of the Manor (Richard and Lucinda), By Queen's Grace (Corwin and Judith), and Knave of Hearts (Stephen and Marian). All of the books are great reads, and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading the series (although I read them out of order!).

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful story, March 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: By King'S Decree (Harlequin Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

I started reading this book becuase I read "Lord of the Manor", also by Anton, first. Oops! It pretty much gives away the climatic moments of this book, but nonetheless, a wonderful historic novel worthy of reading.