"A good medieval romance"
In 1155, when Lady Isabel Dornei's father dies she
travels to the nearby abbey knowing she will be physically
safe until her betrothed arrives for her. The heiress is
not quite as sure of the haven when it comes to her heart
because her beloved Richard, brother to her fiancé, seeks
absolution while studying to be a monk at the abbey. Word
soon arrives that her betrothed died so the honorable
Richard marries Isabel to keep her safe. Though Isabel and Richard love one another, both feel
guilty that their relationship formed with the death of his
sibling, especially knowing deep down inside that they
prayed for a miracle to bring them together. Realizing
that they obtained what they wished for at a high cost,
both must find a way to overcome their deep regrets over
the death of Richard's brother or remain doomed to a
marriage of unhappiness in which love turns hollow. Medieval romance readers who enjoy strong lead
characters and a historical setting will find THE
MARRIAGE BED quite appealing though the story line ambles
slowly forward. Isabel and Richard make for an engaging
couple because they both feel love and the torture of
guilt.
Claudia Dain
provides her audience with a change of pace historical
relationship drama in this twelfth century character study. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted November 7, 2001
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