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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
excellent tale of a Lady warrior, May 26, 2005
This review is from: A Knight Like No Other (Paperback)
Queen Eleanor wasn't a woman who believe in staying in a `woman's place'. Queen to two countries, two kings, she often was seen dressed as a man, riding a horse astride. So it was not surprising she as patron of St. Jude' Abby, where women were taught to read, write and even fight.
Lady Avisa de Vere came to the cloistered abbey when she was barely two-years-old. There she was thrived in the freedom of learning. She knows more than one language, is encouraged to speak her ideas and is trained as a warrior. One of the most skilled fighters of the Abbey, Queen Eleanor calls upon her skills. She wanted Lady Avisa to secretly guard her Godson, Christian Lovell, to prevent him from reaching Canterbury where he is to attend a wedding. The political climate is about to heat up. Becket (the troublesome priest...lol) Bishop of Canterbury has returned and King Henry is back, and Eleanor doesn't want Christian caught in the middle of the two powerful men.
Soon Lady Avisa is having Christian "rescue" her from outlaws and entreat him to join a quest to save her sister, the diversion set up to keep him from Canterbury. Christian is puzzled by this woman who uses a sword like a man, while Avisa must deals with her confusion of the world outside the cloisters and her growing desire for Christian.
Jocelyn Kelley weaves a very imaginative tale that speaks to love, honor and ancient codes that bound women yet made them want to push beyond these imaginary lines. The story might have been strengthened with Christian's POV, this is essentially a woman's tale so I understand the author's choice to eschew this. It's a strong tale that should please Historical readers.
Highly recommended for Medieval fans.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A tale of love and honor., March 1, 2005
This review is from: A Knight Like No Other (Paperback)
St. Jude's Abbey is sponsored by Queen Eleanor. The women there are taught to read, write, and fight. Lady Avisa de Vere gave up her noble title for the status of "Sister" when she was but a child. After years of training, Avisa is now proficient with broadsword and bow. She helps train the new residents.
Everyone knows of the trouble between King Henry and Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Currently, the king is in Bayeaus. Queen Eleanor gives Avisa a secret mission. The queen's godson is Christian Lovell. He is on a journey to restore honor to his family name. He plans to trek for Canterbury. His brother, Guy, and his page, Baldwin, accompany him. The queen wants "Lady Avisa" to seek out Christian, persuade him to avoid Canterbury until the king returns to England, and guard him with her life. While doing so, Avisa must not let herself be connected to St. Jude's Abbey in any way.
Christian Lovell is a knight sworn to the service of King Henry "Curtmantle". His fondest wish is to cleanse the Lovell name of the dishonor brought on by his father. While en route to Canterbury, he "rescues" a damsel in distress. He has no idea that the damsel was sent to protect him. When Lady Avisa asks him to help rescue her sister, he agrees. He has never met such an enticing female, especially one that carries a broadsword by her side and welds it so well.
Avisa soon realizes that Christian has much courage and great honor. She finds herself desiring him in a way she cannot afford. And he is not making her resistance easy at all.
***** Author Jocelyn Kelley has created a wondrous tale of love and honor set among one of the most troubling times of the past. I found the story to be witty, fast paced, and non-stop entertainment. I highly recommend this author to all fans of the Historical Romance genre. Excellent! *****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
gender bending fun medieval romance, February 26, 2005
This review is from: A Knight Like No Other (Paperback)
In the twelfth century, Queen Eleanor backs and funds St. Jude's Abbey, a special place where young women learn to read and write and are trained in armed combat. One such sister, perhaps the best fighter, is Avisa de Vere, an expert with the broadsword and bow, who instructs other recruits in their use.
Queen Eleanor arrives at St. Jude's Abbey with a task for Avisa to accomplish. She wants Avisa to guard her beloved godson Christian Lovell, who is on a quest to Canterbury accompanied by his brother and his page to clear his family name dishonored by his father. She is also to find a way to talk him out of going to Canterbury until his King returns from France. Christian "rescues" Lady Avisa from outlaws and soon finds his quest detoured into saving her sister though he is amazed with her broadsword skill even while he and she fall in love with one another.
The St. Jude's Abbey and the heroine make for a gender bending fun medieval romance. The story line is action packed with a fine male lead who is capable of taking care of himself and being a champion. However, Avisa, an adept with a sword or a bow, makes the tale fresh and unique with her skills. The suspense comes late, but fans will not be concerned due to the fine duel between the lead couple as to who will protect whom.
Harriet Klausner
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