Katherine S. (kathyk519) -
Helpful Score: 3
How long do you wait to be with the one person you truly love? What lengths are you willing to go to? This book is a love story that is filled with romantic tension, intrigue, chivalry and even comedy. The hero and heroine, Rhys DePiaget and Gwennelyn of Segrave are two people who will wait a long time to be together. During a time, when women and girls have betrothals made for them by their fathers, these two will find a love that goes beyond everything. Rhys is one of those heroes you absolutely fall in love with yourself a man who loves his lady, stands by her no matter what and also claims and loves the children she has with another man who wouldnt want that.
Lynn Kurland weaves another wonderful story. Kurland creates a geneology of two families DePiaget & MacLeod and writes the romances of various generations and time periods (some stories include a bit of time travel) although the books can be read stand alone I would suggest that you read them all, as I intend to do.
Lynn Kurland weaves another wonderful story. Kurland creates a geneology of two families DePiaget & MacLeod and writes the romances of various generations and time periods (some stories include a bit of time travel) although the books can be read stand alone I would suggest that you read them all, as I intend to do.
Kathleen P. (kathleenmaciver) reviewed Another Chance to Dream (De Piaget, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
If you've read the Amazon reviews, then you're probably wondering how in the world this could be a good book, when Gwen is forced to marry the wrong man. I was wondering the same thing... until I read it! I am a huge fan of Lynn Kurland's books, and none of them sound quite as hopeless as this one, to someone whose only read reviews and back covers. I am a huge fan of fairy-tale-like romances, and don't like any of the darker or more sinful relationships that many romance writers spin... Yet this one of my favorite of all of Lynn's books, because it is not any of that, and portrays a purer love than even most of Lynn's other books! (I'm excluding Morgan and Miach in her Nine Kingdoms trilogy.) Sure, I would have liked it if she had written it slightly different so that Gwen hadn't had to marry Alain, but this is written into the story more as a temporary "selling into slavery," than a marriage in the way that we think of marriage today. It doesn't even come close to ruining the story.
What Lynn has done is to take a very common situation in the 1200's... one where the daughter of a lord is forced to marry the son of another... and she's sent in a hero to straighten things out and make her happy. What makes this story different, however, is that the hero is bound by a conscience and rules and laws and is not willing to just kill her husband to set her free. It's just the perfect mix of reality and fairy-tale for me.
And Lynn was at her best when she created and portrayed these characters... Gwen is full of fire and boldness, yet not brazen or hard... Rhys is just about the perfect medieval knight and champion of his lady... most skilled swordsman in all of England or France, yet willing to drop everything to spend time with his and Gwen's little children... leader of a the fiercest band of mercenaries, yet willing to save himself for his lady... so devoted to Gwen that he'd fight the world for her, even if she lost the beauty that makes him breathless.
Believe me... those that say that this book is merely frustrating are only reading what "happens" in the book, and missing the deeper threads of emotion that wind through every happening in Gwen and Rhys's story.
What Lynn has done is to take a very common situation in the 1200's... one where the daughter of a lord is forced to marry the son of another... and she's sent in a hero to straighten things out and make her happy. What makes this story different, however, is that the hero is bound by a conscience and rules and laws and is not willing to just kill her husband to set her free. It's just the perfect mix of reality and fairy-tale for me.
And Lynn was at her best when she created and portrayed these characters... Gwen is full of fire and boldness, yet not brazen or hard... Rhys is just about the perfect medieval knight and champion of his lady... most skilled swordsman in all of England or France, yet willing to drop everything to spend time with his and Gwen's little children... leader of a the fiercest band of mercenaries, yet willing to save himself for his lady... so devoted to Gwen that he'd fight the world for her, even if she lost the beauty that makes him breathless.
Believe me... those that say that this book is merely frustrating are only reading what "happens" in the book, and missing the deeper threads of emotion that wind through every happening in Gwen and Rhys's story.
Carol S. (waucondacarol) reviewed Another Chance to Dream (De Piaget, Bk 1) on + 319 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A long satisfying story of medieval England, Knightly chivalry, intrigue and enduring love. Lots of colorful characters add to the plot of a Knight's steadfast love for his lady through her arranged marriage to an amoral, crude neighboring Lord who dispises her, the birth of her children, the Knight's years in France as a mercenary to raise money to buy land and purchase her freedom from her husband, and the fate that seems to keep them apart year after year. Lots of humorous situations, many caused by the feisty Gwennelyn as many of her antics and her stubborness try the patience of Rhys as he endeavors to claim her for his own wife.
Sherri H. (mamadoodle) -
Helpful Score: 1
Another great Lynn Kurland Highland romance! I REALLY REALLY enjoyed this book!
Helpful Score: 1
I greatly enjoyed this book because of the style/manner in which it was written. Lynn Kurland pays minute attention to historical details that many authors miss. Also, a beautiful love story unfolds in this book that you can follow up on in the other books in this intriguing series.
This is the beginning of the De Piaget family books...what a beginning it is...lovely and romantic
Since childhood, Gwen of Seagrave has wanted to marry Rhys de Paegent, though she is betrothed to weak-willed Alain of Ayre. But Rhys is a landless knight with no money with which to bribe Gwens guardian into changing his plans.
No matter her desire, Gwen is compelled to marry Alain, and for the transgression of loving Gwen, Rhys is forced to serve Alain for two years as the captain of Gwens guards in payment for his own land.
Rhys serves well and gallantly. But when his time is up, he leaves to raise funds and an army to claim his lands. He promises to write Gwen and return for her with the kings permission to annul her marriage or divorce Alain.
But Rollan, Alains brother, intercepts their letters and for three years Gwen worries about Rhys while her husband continues his life without her. Upon Rhys return new problems erupt and the lovers risk everything to claim their forbidden love.
No matter her desire, Gwen is compelled to marry Alain, and for the transgression of loving Gwen, Rhys is forced to serve Alain for two years as the captain of Gwens guards in payment for his own land.
Rhys serves well and gallantly. But when his time is up, he leaves to raise funds and an army to claim his lands. He promises to write Gwen and return for her with the kings permission to annul her marriage or divorce Alain.
But Rollan, Alains brother, intercepts their letters and for three years Gwen worries about Rhys while her husband continues his life without her. Upon Rhys return new problems erupt and the lovers risk everything to claim their forbidden love.
Sharon S. (SharonS312) reviewed Another Chance to Dream (De Piaget, Bk 1) on + 475 more book reviews
Publisher's Note
With neither title nor land, Rhys could not win the hand of Gwennelyn of Segrave--though he would always have her heart. But Gwen was betrothed to another man, and Rhys feared he would lose her forever. But then a surprise offer came his way--bringing Rhys and Gwen a second chance at love...
Industry reviews
Gwennelyn of Segrave entangles her childhood love, the knight Rhys de Piaget, in a desperate plot to escape her upcoming marriage to the brutal Alain of Ayre. But, in a surprising twist, the scheme fails and Rhys watches miserably as Gwen is forced to the altar. This intriguing medieval romance blends history, family relationships and humor into a love story that spans years and includes many colorful characters who become involved in Rhys's quest for the land and money he needs to buy Gwen's freedom. Against almost insurmountable odds, the lovers eventually manage to free Gwen and her children from their bondage, only to face a battle for Rhys's land. In a medieval society of cruelty, pageantry and doomed chivalry, Kurland creates a special romance between a memorable knight and his lady.
With neither title nor land, Rhys could not win the hand of Gwennelyn of Segrave--though he would always have her heart. But Gwen was betrothed to another man, and Rhys feared he would lose her forever. But then a surprise offer came his way--bringing Rhys and Gwen a second chance at love...
Industry reviews
Gwennelyn of Segrave entangles her childhood love, the knight Rhys de Piaget, in a desperate plot to escape her upcoming marriage to the brutal Alain of Ayre. But, in a surprising twist, the scheme fails and Rhys watches miserably as Gwen is forced to the altar. This intriguing medieval romance blends history, family relationships and humor into a love story that spans years and includes many colorful characters who become involved in Rhys's quest for the land and money he needs to buy Gwen's freedom. Against almost insurmountable odds, the lovers eventually manage to free Gwen and her children from their bondage, only to face a battle for Rhys's land. In a medieval society of cruelty, pageantry and doomed chivalry, Kurland creates a special romance between a memorable knight and his lady.
great read!
Cindy L. (cindimytrle) reviewed Another Chance to Dream (De Piaget, Bk 1) on + 133 more book reviews
With neither a title or land rhys could not win the hand of gwennelyn. But he would always have her heart
Two kindred souls
Until a offer
Two kindred souls
Until a offer
Jennifer L. (Marinette-Semper-Fi) reviewed Another Chance to Dream (De Piaget, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
With neither title nor land, Rhys could not win the hand of Gwennelyn of Segrave. But he would always have her heart. The two are kindred souls...Rys, a knight with far too many notions of chivalry for his own good. And Gwen, a lover of minstral tales, waiting to be swept away. But Gwen is betrothed to another man, and Rhys fears he will lose her forever. Until a suprise offer comes his way-bringing Rhys and Gwen a second chance at love...
it was a very good book. I enjoy reading Lynn Kurland books. I would recommend reading ti.
This is a love story involving time travel..I really enjoyed it.
Lynn Kurland writes lovely romances with exactly enough action to keep the reader turning pages. This one is no exception. The hero and heroine are beautifully written, the plot rolls along nicely and the ending is very satisfying. I do recommend it.
I always enjoy Lynn Kurland's books- the love stories are touching and the time travel element is intriguing.
"Kurland surprises, and enchants, with each turn of phrase and page." --Publishers Weekly.
With neither title nor land, Rhys could not win the hand of Gwennelyn of Segave. But he would always have her heart. The two are kindred souls...Rhys, a knight with far too many notions of chivalry for his own good. And Gwen, a lover of minstral tales, waiting to be swept away. But Gwen is betrothed to another man, and Rhys fears he will lose her forever. Until a surprise offer comes his way -- bringing Rhys and Gwen a second chance at love and another chance to dream.
With neither title nor land, Rhys could not win the hand of Gwennelyn of Segave. But he would always have her heart. The two are kindred souls...Rhys, a knight with far too many notions of chivalry for his own good. And Gwen, a lover of minstral tales, waiting to be swept away. But Gwen is betrothed to another man, and Rhys fears he will lose her forever. Until a surprise offer comes his way -- bringing Rhys and Gwen a second chance at love and another chance to dream.
Sweet funny story. But I like my books with more umph! There are no love scenes. (none zero nadda)
I've loved all of Ms. Kurland's books, this was wonderful!
I like lots of her other books, but this one wasn't my cup of tea. Unless you like romances where the heroine is forced to marry someone else. It's actually quote romantic, but not very satisfying if you like seeing your hero and heroine actually get to be together sometimes.
I love Lynn Kurland's books....
Cindi E. (PebblesEdens) reviewed Another Chance to Dream (De Piaget, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
I dare you to read a kurland story and not enjoy it
Darcy I. (YahtzeeQueen) reviewed Another Chance to Dream (De Piaget, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
This is a great bus book.
A great read!
Another Chance to Dream mixes humor with pathos and English medieval grit with gallantry in a charming historical tale of a love to last a lifetime.
With neither title nor land, Rhys could not win the hand of Gwennelyn of Seagrave. But he would always have her heart.
Gwennelyn of Segrave entangles her childhood love, the knight Rhys de Piaget, in a desperate plot to escape her upcoming marriage to the brutal Alain of Ayre. But, in a surprising twist, the scheme fails and Rhys watches miserably as Gwen is forced to the altar. This intriguing medieval romance blends history, family relationships and humor into a love story that spans years and includes many colorful characters who become involved in Rhys's quest for the land and money he needs to buy Gwen's freedom. Against almost insurmountable odds, the lovers eventually manage to free Gwen and her children from their bondage, only to face a battle for Rhys's land. In a medieval society of cruelty, pageantry and doomed chivalry, Kurland creates a special romance between a memorable knight and his lady.
L-O-V-E-D this book! :)) It is so well written. Kept me captivated from the very first pages. Characters are compelling, there are so many creative plot twists your head spins... lots of laughter, wit... I hope you will enjoy.
Rhys is already a famous knight at the age of fourteen when he meets Gwennelyn of Seagrave. However, Rhys is a knight without land or title so it's almost impossible for him to win a bride like Gwen. When they meet, it's almost love at first sight. Six years later, Rhys returns to Seagrave and Gwen, out of desperation, tricks him into meeting her on the battlements. This is the only moment they share before Rhys leaves for four years to raise enough gold to win Gwen as his bride.
By the time Rhys returns, Gwen is due to marry in a week. The man she was betrothed to as a child, Alain, is a dim-witted coward and also a cruel man. He cares nothing for Gwen other than to have her bear his heirs, and then occupies himself with bedding every woman in sight.
Rhys and Gwen are desperate to get out of the situation they're in, but Alain has seen to it that Gwen cannot escape the keep. Realizing the hopelessness of their situation, Gwen marries Alain, but trusting all the while that Rhys will do what he can to find a way for them to be together.
By the time Rhys returns, Gwen is due to marry in a week. The man she was betrothed to as a child, Alain, is a dim-witted coward and also a cruel man. He cares nothing for Gwen other than to have her bear his heirs, and then occupies himself with bedding every woman in sight.
Rhys and Gwen are desperate to get out of the situation they're in, but Alain has seen to it that Gwen cannot escape the keep. Realizing the hopelessness of their situation, Gwen marries Alain, but trusting all the while that Rhys will do what he can to find a way for them to be together.
Rhys & Gwennelyn's story.
