Wendy B. (wsb101) reviewed on 12/3/2011 + 12 more book reviews

Set in the 14th century, this book has all the good bones for a well-written, well-researched piece of historical fiction. There's a widowed noblewoman facing several difficult decisions, some serious villainry from those with the king's power and the church's power, and more than one romantic entanglement.

Unfortunately, the book is character-driven, and the characters themselves are interesting, but less than compelling. The characterizations are believable, but at no point do they do anything that truly surprises or inspires. Perhaps this is a commentary on the unequal distribution of power in medieval England, but it makes for characters who are seemingly helpless to change the tide of their lives.

The main plot is complex, and takes a long time getting where it's going. Some of the events which should have unfolded slowly throughout the book wrap up about halfway through. Finally, several twists near the end happen far too rapidly to be believable.

This is a book that initially made me eager to read what would happen next, but ultimately let me down. It is a story that could have been so much stronger than it is.

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