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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