To Every Love, There is a Season: A historical romance of the Scottish border in the reign of King John
✍ Scribed by St James, Marissa
- Publisher
- Renaissance
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 133 KB
- Category
- Fiction
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
✦ Synopsis
NEW FROM THE ROSE AWARD NOMINEE FOR HISTORICAL ROMANCE Here is a novel with all the passion and sweep of Janet Dailey and the divine characterization of Nora Roberts. Find out why Carol Durfee of Word on Romance says Marissa St. James historical romances are "A wonderful way to spend an enchanting evening! The characters are deeply drawn and [her plots] will keep you guessing till the last page is turned. Once you think the tale is going to go one way it takes another turn." To Every Love There is a Season, is a dramatic tale of love imperiled in the days when John was appointed King of England, following the death of his brother Richard the Lion-Heart, and all important decisions affecting women are made by men. Young Lady Ellen of Ravencliff is more fortunate than most. Her father, Hugh, Duke of Ravencliff and the vast estates that surround it, has enough faith in her judgment that he has promised that when the day comes, she will be allowed to choose her own husband. What few realize, especially the man heart is set on, is that Ellen made her choice long ago. Ellen can be quite resourceful, which sometimes gets her into trouble, but she is sure of one thing. One day, she intends to marry David Ross, who has no idea how deeply she has wound herself into his heart and his life. For throughout her childhood, she has been thrown together with David Ross, whose father claims lands on the Scottish side of the English border, has been formally held as a hostage by her father. Unfortunately, David, who calls her "Sprite," and thinks of her as a little sister, does not seem to see her as a woman or a potential romance. David has built a strong friendship with Gordon, Hugh's son and heir, for both young men are studying and training for knighthood. Most of the time, David doesn't mind having the Sprite, as he's nicknamed Ellen, follow them about. But, on the day David earns his knighthood, there is no longer a reason to hold him captive, and he is called back to Scotland by his father, leaving an angry, heart-broken Ellen behind. She decides to prove to herself she really doesn't care, but a lifetime of love cannot be thrown away, and when David returns to England, Ellen discovers true happiness, she learns he has already spoken to her father and their marriage is arranged. As a bride in David's arms she experiences a joyous ecstasy she has never known. Neither of them is aware how short lived their happiness is to be. For, Nicolas, Earl of Fair Haven, a rejected suitor wants Ellen - and will stop at nothing, including murder, to possess her. Due to Nicholas machinations, Ellen is disgrace in David's eyes and sent home. Shortly thereafter, David and Gordon are attacked by bandits and reported murdered, though in her heart of hearts, Ellen does not believe David is dead. As a landed widow, she must remarry, for her husband will become heir of Ravencliff, and so well has Nicholas plotted that he has won the friendship of King John who decrees Ellen must marry the Earl of Fair Haven. Even Ellen is daunted, for if she attempts to defy the King and resists the royal decree, John's wrath might extend to her father. Realizing she has no choice, Ellen acquiesces to the marriage and allows herself to be led, unwillingly, to the altar. She knows nothing can save her from becoming Nicholas bride and his possession - except a miracle. If it is still possible for miracles to happen… Here is another thrilling, tempestuous romantic adventure from the Rose Award nominee, Marissa St. James. Expect more critical kudos like these for her earlier books: "Strong characters, tightly woven plots, and incredible scene description." ~Blaine Mackenzie, author of Rivers Run and Secrets of the Reef. "Refreshing, enchanting… The weaving of characterization and tense, concise plot deepens but smoothly flows in the most satisfying manner. One wants to turn the pages faster... This writer has a natural gift for the art of writing that seems to pour forth without effort or manipulation. How rare and delicious to meet this infrequent appearance. ~Viviane Crystal, whatimreading.com. Cover: Elspeth Fahey