Knave of Hearts-Shari Anton

Knave of Hearts is the first novel of Ms Anton's I've had the pleasure of reading and I hope it will not be the last one I stumble across. There were a few small issues in the story that jarred me out of it, but on the whole I enjoyed the book and would pick up another of Ms. Anton's works in the future.

Set in 12th Century England the story follows the path of Marion de Lacy - a name that did slightly put me off as it's one of the names that has been used in reference to Maid Marion before now - and her love for Stephen of Wilmont.

Years before Stephen and Marion were lovers, when he was but a young, new fledged man and Marion truly was a maiden. That brief love affair carried a terrible toil for Marion which ended with her leaving her home in shame, pregnant with Stephen's child and cast out from her family when she wouldn't name her lover. Stephen has gone on through life knowing nothing of what happened to the young woman whose skirts he lifted.

I did wonder why Marion was cast out of her home and even worse, allowed to go with another family member, her cousin, instead of being sent to a nunnery after the birth of the baby. Or locked away in shame, but I could see the banishment happening if there were other children for the family line which is hinted at in the story, though not made entirely clear.

Through the very cousin that takes Marion in, and offers her shelter, Marion and Stephen are re-united years later, after the birth of twin daughters and Stephen is ignorant of the children being his. Apparently he can't add up the years, and paid no attention to what might have happened to Marion after he left. I did want to slap Stephen silly, but his attitude was in keeping with how many noble men acted. Women were there to be used and left, but he does redeem himself later in the novel and the fact Marion is still in love with him even after all these years, does help.

The love and passion they still share is blocked by one small problem. Stephen is there to court Marion's cousin, Carolyn. Now there is a woman I wanted to B slap from one side of the keep to the other. I've never come across a more selfish, arrogant and down right annoying woman. Yes, she helped Marion out, but she treats Marion as something to walk upon and barely above a servant. It just irked me!

If the writing hadn't been so good I admit I wouldn't have finished the book, but Ms. Anton's writing made the book one I had to finish. So well done there Ms. Anton.

The book, as I said, does jar me out of the storyline in a few places, but on the whole was an enjoyable light read. It's historical release from Harlequin, released in 2001.
ISBN:0-373-29147-7