Reviewer Comments: Setting – England, 1387 --- He calls himself, Sir Garren of nowhere, but because he saved the life of his best friend, William, Earl of Readington, the young novice, Domenica, from the abbey calls him The Savior. Garren could have carried bounty from the fields of France, but would not leave the man who he loved like his brother and gave him the only home he’d known since he had left the monastery at seventeen. Now, William lay dying and his one last request was for Garren to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Blessed Larina to deliver to the priest who resided there a mysterious letter whose seal must remain intact.
Garren had long ago lost his faith in God, and especially the church. The boundless faith in God and innocence that lit the face of Domenica was an unwelcome burden he wished not to carry, especially since he’d struck a side bargain that would take that very same innocence away. That very same innocence and faith would surely be his undoing as his cynical heart began to soften by the presence of the faithful and the pure and simple faith of the blue eyed maiden. Not knowing what was contained in the letter he carried, Garren would lead the pilgrims along the path to the shrine in a race he’d not known would place both his and Domenica’s very lives in danger.
This debut novel by a new voice in medieval romance was for me...pure poetry! I loved the blind faith and innocence she portrayed in Domenica that played out beautifully against the disenchantment of God and Church that tortured Garren. The author supplies a vivid cast of supporting characters that will make you smile in delight and cringe at their very wickedness. The apprehension of the quest is felt quite nicely and the sweetness of the ending will have you running for your tissues. Oh yes, this is a new star on the horizon and I certainly hope to see much more from her!
