Publisher Five Star
Date published April 2008
ISBN 978-1-59414-682-4
Historical Romance
Hardcover
Reviewed by Lil
A mixed blood Gypsy woman finally finds her place when a shocking accusation is leveled at the one man who has accepted her. Kadriya’s loyalty is steadfast for her fiancé, Teraf the Gypsy King. Claims of a valuable chalice stolen from an abbey seem outrageous. His denials and her pleas fall on deaf ears as monastic knights led by John Wynter discharge their duty in capturing and attempting to bring the alleged thief to justice.
In the tumult of high emotion, the young woman finds herself the unlikely leader in an assault to free the condemned man. The unwise attempt leaves her betrothed still in the hands of the knights, but with Sir John as her captive.
The events which follow challenge this knight in his views of Gypsies and Kadriya in her choice of alliances. As each works to their own purpose to solve the mystery of the theft, they grow to see past their differences. The question remains, will this honorable man be able to shake off ingrained prejudice to embrace the love that has burgeoned between them?
Set in 1448 England, EMERALD SILK takes us on an unusual journey of the heart. Prejudice is an unattractive trait, but we are gently shown a hero who clearly looks down upon these foreigners and yet is also an admirable, worthy man in other respects. His bigotry is not immediately relieved but is melted away slowly by Kadriya and his experiences throughout the story, making the feel of it relatively believable.
For her part, the heroine has challenges to face, as well. An identity as Gypsy and as English has not allowed her to blend well in either society. One can understand the gratitude and blind devotion she feels for those who have welcomed her into their midst even if one does not agree with it. Be that as it may, readers will enjoy Kadriya’s strength of character, intelligence and honesty with others and with herself.
One wishes that there could have been further scenes in the story showing this romanticized and maligned people in a more sympathetic light. It would have added weight against the scenes where we saw misbehavior. Happily, the author did give balance in demonstrating transgressions among the superior feeling English.
The relationship between John and Kadriya is a beautiful one with enough adventure and mystery to give readers an exciting framework to delve into even as we wallow in the setting and the romance. EMERALD SILK is a lovely and smooth read.
Date published April 2008
ISBN 978-1-59414-682-4
Historical Romance
Hardcover
Reviewed by Lil
A mixed blood Gypsy woman finally finds her place when a shocking accusation is leveled at the one man who has accepted her. Kadriya’s loyalty is steadfast for her fiancé, Teraf the Gypsy King. Claims of a valuable chalice stolen from an abbey seem outrageous. His denials and her pleas fall on deaf ears as monastic knights led by John Wynter discharge their duty in capturing and attempting to bring the alleged thief to justice.
In the tumult of high emotion, the young woman finds herself the unlikely leader in an assault to free the condemned man. The unwise attempt leaves her betrothed still in the hands of the knights, but with Sir John as her captive.
The events which follow challenge this knight in his views of Gypsies and Kadriya in her choice of alliances. As each works to their own purpose to solve the mystery of the theft, they grow to see past their differences. The question remains, will this honorable man be able to shake off ingrained prejudice to embrace the love that has burgeoned between them?
Set in 1448 England, EMERALD SILK takes us on an unusual journey of the heart. Prejudice is an unattractive trait, but we are gently shown a hero who clearly looks down upon these foreigners and yet is also an admirable, worthy man in other respects. His bigotry is not immediately relieved but is melted away slowly by Kadriya and his experiences throughout the story, making the feel of it relatively believable.
For her part, the heroine has challenges to face, as well. An identity as Gypsy and as English has not allowed her to blend well in either society. One can understand the gratitude and blind devotion she feels for those who have welcomed her into their midst even if one does not agree with it. Be that as it may, readers will enjoy Kadriya’s strength of character, intelligence and honesty with others and with herself.
One wishes that there could have been further scenes in the story showing this romanticized and maligned people in a more sympathetic light. It would have added weight against the scenes where we saw misbehavior. Happily, the author did give balance in demonstrating transgressions among the superior feeling English.
The relationship between John and Kadriya is a beautiful one with enough adventure and mystery to give readers an exciting framework to delve into even as we wallow in the setting and the romance. EMERALD SILK is a lovely and smooth read.
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