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Product Description
Set in medieval England, this lively historical romance delivers the trademark wit that fans have come to know and love from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author.When Garron of Kersey returns home from the king's service to claim his title as Baron Wareham, he's shocked to find Wareham Castle very nearly destroyed by a man called the Black Demon.
According to the last starving servants still clinging to life inside the castle walls, the Black Demon was looking for gold belonging to Garron's brother Arthur. Among his remaining servants is the enigmatic Merry, the bastard child of the castle's priest. Garron quickly realizes that she is much more than a servant: She reads and writes and makes lists, just as he does. Together they bring Wareham back to its former splendor.
But this is only the beginning. Did Arthur have a cache of gold? Who is the Black Demon? And the biggest question of all: Who is Merry?
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Customer Reviews
2010-10-11
By Lisbeth C. Little
If you've read C. Coulter's other medieval books then you'll like this one. Same quick wit conversation where the female lead character makes you laugh, cry, and feel her experiences. Well written and good storyline.
2010-10-10
By Harriet Klausner
In 1278, considered by many to be a witch, the widow of the Earl of Valcourt, Abbess Helen of Meizerling Abbey sells her daughter Marianna de Luce de Mornay to the highest bidder, the malevolent Jason of Brennan. Rather than marry the evil Jason, Merry sneaks out of the castle wearing a lad's garb, but is caught by the Earl of Wareham, Lord Garron. Merry manages to escape again, but follows Garron and his retinue to his keep.
At Wareham, Garron is stunned by the massacre that greets him. Few survive the horror. Merry sneaks into Garron's keep and masquerades as the dead priest's illegitimate bastard daughter. Caring for others, Merry tries to help the survivors, which brings her to the attention of Garron. He realizes she is The Valcourt Heiress and plans to escort her to the king. Instead she seduces him, which forces the honorable Garron to have to wed her. However, her odious mother kidnaps her and holds her prisoner until she is released and returned to Wareham. However, her behavior is totally the opposite of her first time here, but Garron knows something is not right as Merry is nothing remotely like the woman he fell in love with; especially when Helen arrives allegedly to negotiate.
This is an engaging medieval romantic suspense starring two fascinating lead characters and an evil Abbess who steals the show with her machinations. The story line is fast-paced from the moment Merry sneaks out of the castle and never slows down as the diabolical Helen insidiously works her schemes by taking advantage of the psyches of everyone who crosses her sphere. Although good and bad are drawn to the extremes, fans will enjoy Catherine Coulter's exciting thirteenth century thriller.
Harriet Klausner
2010-10-06
By Dianne S. Tetro (New England)
The Valcourt Heiress - by Catherine Coulter
When Garron of Kersey comes back to claim his new castle Wareham Castle and his vast properties, he is surprised to find almost everyone dead and the people who are left starving and with little hope. Oddly there is one maiden left who he doesn't know but seems vaguely familiar to him. Her name is Merry and the others left at the castle have taken to her quite well. Garron believes the lies she has told and that she is the bastard daughter of the slain priest that used to live in the castle. Merry knows that Garron knows that she isn't who she seems. But they are both content to let the lies stand until the castle is put to rights. There is death, destruction, and a very nifty witch thrown into the mix as well as a good old fashioned romance
I have never read a book by Catherine Coulter, but my best friend had been encouraging me to read her, so when I had the chance to read this book I felt that since I love historical romance why not? I am so glad I did. It was so entertaining, so vividly drawn, and the characters felt so real. I don't usually like anything written earlier than the Regency; sometimes I will indulge in a Viking historical though. But now I am anxious to see if Catherine has any other Medieval books under her name. The plot was one that I have not really encountered in this manner. Yes I'm sure if you are a historical fan you have read the "beautiful frightened maiden hiding out as a lad" plot before. But I'll bet you haven't read it done quite like this before.
I loved this book and although I was going to send this to my pal, I think this may be a keeper for me! The comedic oaths to all the saints was nearly enough to make this a keeper. But the story is what really does it.
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