The Knave And The Maiden (Harlequin Historical) [Mass Market Paperback]

Blythe Gifford (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Rescuing his liege, William, on the battlefields of France earned English knight Garren the name of "Savior," but all his efforts seem futile once they reach Readington Castle and William begins a slow descent toward death. Now in a desperate bid to save his friend, Garren agrees to go on a pilgrimage to the shrine of the Blessed Larina. Among the other pilgrims is beautiful Dominica, who seeks some sign that the saint approves of her choice to become a novice. Unbeknownst to Dominica, the prioress, in collaboration with William's younger brother, pays Garren to seduce Dominica in the hope of keeping her out of the convent. Garren tries everything he can think of to tempt Dominica into surrendering her innocence, only to find Dominica's unshakable faith tempting him into believing in God again. Faith and love play an important part in Gifford's sweetly passionate and wonderfully romantic debut historical, which vividly re-creates the medieval pilgrimage experience, complete with a company of characters worthy of Chaucer. John Charles
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373292880
• ISBN-13: 978-0373292882
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,894,364 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and compelling!, March 12, 2004

By 

Toni Blake (Kentucky) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Knave And The Maiden (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

Blythe Gifford uses beautiful language and engaging historical detail to tell this unique and compelling story that will take you back in time. THE KNAVE AND THE MAIDEN is an extremely well-crafted tale that drew me in immediately. I fell in love with Garren and rooted for Dominica, and found the setting and cast utterly entrancing.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars engaging look at fourteenth century culture, December 31, 2003

By 

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

This review is from: The Knave And The Maiden (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

In 1357, Garren carried the severely wounded Earl, William, and the man's armor home from the French battlefields. Though he sacrificed personal wealth by not looting like everyone else did and William's brother Richard the heir blames him that his sibling still lives, Garren knows William is dying anyway. When William asks him to buy a lead feather to help him on his next journey, Garren promises to steal the relic so William can touch it.

The Prioress Mother Julian believes that the abandoned foundling Dominica is a heretic when the lass insists that God told her to spread the word. Julian and Richard make a evil pact to destroy Dominica and Garren. They arrange a pilgrimage to honor Will, but offer money for Garren to take Dominica so she is not a pure wife to the Savior, which in turn will disgrace the popular hero. Garren agrees, but on the trek, he falls in love with the gentle Dominica and she reciprocates. As he becomes a believer, he wonders how to keep her safe and pure.

THE KNAVE AND THE MAIDEN is an engaging look at fourteenth century culture of the various classes. The story line is fun to follow with Garren slowly becoming converted by the goodness and love he feels for the woman he is supposed to deflower. Though Dominica is a charming person, she adjusts too easily to what should have been a strange secular world that should have her tripping all over the place since she has no experience outside the monastery. Still medieval fans will appreciate this appealing tale of love between two unlikely individuals.

Harriet Klausner

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An unusual book!, January 1, 2004

By 

Carolyn Woolston (Felton, California USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Knave And The Maiden (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

The Knave and the Maiden is not your run-of-the-mill medieval romance. Ms. Gifford displays not only engaging storytelling skills but an understanding and authentic portrayal of the medieval world view. In addition I admire very much the presentation of physical/spiritual passion, which is not "overwritten" as many such romances are, but deeply moving.

This is an author who will go far.