Written by Renee Mitchell:
Everyone deserves a chance at finding true love, even in the harsh realities of Medieval England. In Loretta Livingstone’s third novel in her Out of Time series, Blossom on the Thorn, she explores the love that can grow between two people in an arranged marriage, despite the obstacles that are thrown into their path. Isabella is a young girl who was married at the tender age of fourteen to a brutal man, who sorely abused her and destroyed her confidence. After an accident while boar hunting turns fatal, Isabella finds herself a widow. Unfortunately, as was the way of things in 1194, the options for a young, noblewoman of childbearing years were slim, and she soon finds herself ordered to marry again. Her new husband, Giles, is a humble knight with a small manor. Strangers, the two must forge ahead, attempting to build a life together, as several obstacles stand in the way of their finding happiness. Livingstone is a good historical writer, and it is clear that much research has gone into the book. The language she uses and the descriptions of the harsh medieval world in which her story is set really draw the reader in. Labelled as a stand alone in the series, I do believe that this book can be read without having to find the others. That being said, she does offer a few references to things that have happened in previous books which can be frustrating for the uninitiated reader. In particular, the hints of time travel do not fit in with this third book and took me right out of the story. I also felt that although the beginning and middle sections of the book were long and drawn out, the climax of the story felt rushed and I was looking for more of a comeuppance for those characters who deserved to be reprimanded. Still, the romance of the story did draw me in, as well as the language and setting, so I award this four stars, and give it my recommendation. This is a romantic story, set in the harsh wintery landscape of 1194 England, where feelings, just like the landscape, are slow to thaw out. But once they do, the reader is left – mostly – satisfied. Just as the blossom grows on a thorn, this novel brings with it feelings of hope and renewal, and as with most romance novels, a tingly, happy feeling.
3 Comments
Char. Le Breton
8/25/2019 04:48:33 am
So we'll revived makes me want to read the book. Renee your words are so convincing.
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Nancy Cape
8/25/2019 03:06:23 pm
It has been awhile since I read a historical romance, but after reading the review, I think I will give it a try!
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8/25/2019 03:33:17 pm
Thanks so much for reviewing my book, Renee. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
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