Customer Reviews

A Whisper of Rosemary

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Maris is a memorable,likeable heroine. She's feisty, independent, unconventional, yet willing to honor her father's wishes, even if it means losing the man she loves.
Dirick is a knight on a mission to find his father's murderer. He doesn't plan on meeting and falling love with Maris, a woman he cannot hope to marry. A medieval serial killer, the deceit of a forbidden love, and a blackmailing nobleman with a lust for our heroine, bring us a great blend of drama and humor in this marvelous novel set against the backdrop of King Henry's court.
I give A WHISPER OF ROSEMARY my highest recommendation!

At the king's command, Allegra must marry Merele Lareaux although she carries another man's child. On her wedding day, Allegra believes Michael could not bear to see her marry another when she receives word of his departure. Nevertheless, she will never forget the man who fathers her child and still lies hidden within her heart of hearts. She vows that her daughter will never have to face such a loveless marriage.

Eighteen years later, men lie murdered, carefully arranged in a death drama by a madman. The youngest son of victim Harold Derkland vows revenge. On a mission for the king and seeking answers regarding his father's murder, Dirick becomes an undercover guest to Merele Lareaux. He finds himself immediately drawn to his host's only child, Maris. But an intenerate knight without land or wealth cannot hope to marry such a woman. Indeed, Maris has no wish to marry, but must acquiesce to her father's desire for her to marry Victor D'Arcy. Unfortunately, his controlling ways and harsh expectations clash with this spitfire of a woman. Meanwhile, the ruthless Bon de Savrille plots to take Maris for himself.

Author Colleen Gleason creates a complex weave of duplicity, intrigue and love in A WHISPER OF ROSEMARY. Her characters spring to life as she captures the very essence of medieval life. As two generations of women struggle with the challenges and dangers of love, the reader will be swept away with the enthralling adventure. Dark overtones and rabid intentions keep the pace moving rapidly right to the last shocking, yet satisfying moment. A WHISPER OF ROSEMARY comes very highly recommended.

I couldn't believe it when I found out about this book! Not only is it set in my favorite time period (the middle ages), but the author is also giving all of her proceeds to charity--one that is near and dear to my heart. My sister has Cystic Fibrosis, and the son of the author of this book also has CF, so she is donating all of her money to CF research. But even if the author was donating money to charity, it wouldn't matter if the book wasn't good. Well, it's not good...it's terrific! It's one of the best medieval romances I've read since Roberta Gellis's Roselynde Chronicles. The research is wonderful and puts you into the time period. The plot is not predictable, nor is it the simple boy-meets-girl-boy-loses-girl story. There is humor and suspense, and the characters (especially Maris and Dirick) are well-defined and interesting. And the end....well, I won't give it away, but this book ended the only way I thought it could! A wonderful adventure!

i picked this book up because i had read the novella prequel in JOURNEYS OF THE HEART and loved it. this full-length sequel was not a disappointment! i was up late into the night, unable to put this one down. can't wait for the next book from Ms. Gleason!

Love, lust, medieval times, knights....all are in this wonderful book by one of my favorite authors. A modern woman in this time period who knows what she wants, but is bound by duty to carry out the wishes of her father. In the end, my money is on the heroine.......and well worth the read to see if I'm right!!!!

Rosemary is not the name of anyone in the book. It's a scent in soap that Maris uses that the Knight Dirick is attracted to. (These are the two main characters).
Maris' "healer" aspect is an important one in this book and is the reason for a number of story twists.
Dirick does not feel worthy of Maris because he is not a land owner so he has nothing to offer her; Maris only wants to marry for love. Her father decides on a man who is totally wrong for her. A few men who want to marry (own) her bring about plot twists.
The mystery around who killed Dirick's father brings evil and intrigue into the book.
My main problem with the book was the relationship between Maris' mother and the man she always loved and who sired Maris. "Michael" (in Maris' presence) calls her mother a whore and on the same page refers to her as "your stupid mother", which sounds like he hates her, but then he claims he always loved her and shows his love through a rather bizarre permanent decision they both make at the end of the book. That was confusing.
Ah well...I read this book in an afternoon, and enjoyed it enough to not want to put it down. Easy read and interesting.

Maris is a memorable,likeable heroine. She's feisty, independent, unconventional, yet willing to honor her father's wishes, even if it means losing the man she loves.
Derick is a knight on a mission to find his father's murderer. He doesn't plan on meeting and falling love with Maris, a woman he cannot hope to marry. A medieval serial killer, the deceit of a forbidden love, and a blackmailing nobleman with a lust for our heroine, bring us a great blend of drama and humor in this marvelous novel set against the backdrop of King Henry's court.
I give A WHISPER OF ROSEMARY my highest recommendation!

Dirick of Derkland, is a man of the king, and on a mission of revenge. Maris of Langumont, is a woman of passion and strength, and a woman who has vowed never to wed. Until Dirick walked into her life and her heart. A story of kings, queens, adventure and knightly love. I loved this book! Five stars all around. I was giggling like a schoolgirl by the end. I am definitely passing this book on to my friends. A talented author! Reviewed by Kim Blair

Colleen Gleason has written a historical romance that blends history, humor and romance in a story that I found hard to put down. While the book finds a thread of the usual historical romance plot, it takes you on a few twists and turns that leaves you wanting to read more in order to understand Dirick and Maris. I especially took a liking to Maris who has streak of independence that adds a spice to the character. The romance of these two is enhanced by the intrigue that culminates as the plot unfolds. By the end it all makes sense and your heart goes out to Maris and Dirick as they try to find their own way ...and each other.

I really enjoyed this book and hope this author will write more stories for all of us romance lovers.....I found this book by accident and am so happy that I did!

Allegra desperately wants to marry Lord Michael. With her maid Maella's words ringing in her ears she knows this is impossible. "My Lady...you cannot fight the king's will." The year is 1137, Lord Merle Lareux is the king's choice for her. Maris, the daughter Allegra was carrying at the time of her marriage is now of marriageable age herself in 1155. Maris is the much loved child Lord Lareux believes is his own. Although Allegra's life with life with Lord Lareux has been reasonably rewarding, she is determined her child will not be faced with the heart rending circumstance of her own marriage day. Allegra had been happy living on Langumont lands. But, her heart had always belonged to Michael.

Colleen Gleason has produced a spellbinding novel set in the time of lords, maids, kings and duplicity. From the opening lines the reader is transported back to the sights, scents and excitement of medieval times. A Whisper of Rosemary is a fascinating, fast paced work sure to keep the reader enthralled.

Writer Gleason's vibrant characters presented in A Whisper of Rosemary are well thought out personalities having their own identities and idiosyncrasies. Allegra's sorrow for being forced into a marriage she does not want is palpable. Maris the headstrong daughter of Lord Lareux is a youngster parents can understand. She has no desire to marry, however, her father determines that she will marry Victor D'Arcy. Unfortunately D'Arcy is a man who causes Maris nothing but icy fingers down her spine. Ruthless Bon de Savrille determines that if anyone marries the girl, it shall be he. Dirick of Derkland has no interest in marriage, he has returned home only to avenge the barbarous murder of his father. It is not long before the three young men find themselves caught up in a snarl entwining their fate with at of Maris.

The often peppery dialogue writer Gleason employs between the players flows in a natural manner on the pages of A Whisper of Rosemary. Gleason's writing is both powerful, and filled with enough detail to keep the reader's attention rapt. A Whisper of Rosemary is an exciting text which is sure to tickle the fancy of those who enjoy more than just a touch of romance interspersed with a downright fascinating mystery.

Writer Gleason has produced this narrative with the intention that all royalties will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of her son.

Reviewed by Molly Martin