The Willing Wife (edition 2002)

Good medieval books are hard to find, and this is a good medieval story. Lots of rich detail in the surroundings and the everyday life of the characters help to create a strong background for the story. It's refreshing to see characters that stop to reflect and analyze their feelings before jumping right to the "I love you" part despite their instantaneous attractions. ( )

Wow! A romance in the true sense of the word.

Nicola has a wealthy holding, and the King has married her off for the 5th time. Her 4 previous husbands all sought annulments after she was unable to conceive a child. She has no faith that a husband will stay, so she remains docile, agreeable, and WILLING until the latest man disappears and she can continue in her monastic style life, surrounded by women, weaving and stitching tapestries.

Rowland, the latest husband, is a warrior who obeys his King’s bidding. A widower who has never forgotten his beloved first wife, he sees Nicola’s pain and distrust. While he never thinks to love her in his heart, he vows he will remain by her side forever. He is a husband she will not be rid of.

A wonderful story, full of interior monologues, great secondary characters, and emotional journeys as hero and heroine must give ground and take chances of the heart to win eternal love. Beautiful. ( )