BARON OF EMBERLY: Book Two (The Feud 2) by Tamara Leigh

Book Description:

A WARRIOR DANGEROUSLY IN CONTROL 
England, 1334 ~ In the second book of The Feud series, Baron Magnus Verdun is a warrior whose handsome face gives little indication of the darkness he struggles to contain. While pursuing the murderous brigands who plague his lands, he becomes the unwitting savior of the woman the king has decreed he wed—the reckless Lady Thomasin, whose very presence threatens his carefully ordered life. And more so when she proves outspoken beyond what is required of a dutiful wife. Can he tame this woman whose willful ways ought to offend, but instead captivate? More, dare he allow her near and risk exposing the secret that could push her away? 

A LADY PERILOUSLY IMPROPER 
Despite efforts to make a proper lady of her, the illegitimate Thomasin de Arell knows she is no match for the Baron of Emberly. Though she expects her new husband will think her beneath him, she is unprepared when he insists on separate chambers. When he also demands she control her behavior, the spurned Thomasin rebels—and unknowingly becomes the pawn of forces determined to further the feud. But upon finding herself in Magnus’s arms, she discovers he is not as indifferent as he would have her believe. And when she glimpses his torment, she is determined to shine light on his darkness. Will he let her in? Or will their enemies use the distrust between husband and wife for their own ends? 

In this sequel to the bestselling medieval romance, Baron Of Godsmere, join Baron Verdun and his lady as they discover that true love seeks first the soul, and is as easily seen in the dark as in the light.

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Fans of Leigh's Age of Faith series will be held captive once again in her new series, The Feud; especially with Book 2, Baron of Emberly! I will admit to skimming back through Book 1 to refresh my memory. You will find it important to set right in your mind who is who and in which family, as well as each families part in the betrayal. While each story is a separate story with different main characters, the story is a continuing one in which all the characters will play a part either in the forefront or as secondary characters. This is a series that does need to be read in order.

Baron of Emberly, swept me up and had me fully engaged throughout the whole book! Thomasin and Magnus are characters you can root for and ones that are well fleshed out. There were several themes woven into the book, but one that I want to mention is that of the importance of inner beauty and what is lasting. Leigh did a wonderful job of bringing this truth to light. She also had me on the edge of my seat at the end! Truly, a wonderful and exciting novel!

I enjoyed every moment of this journey with these characters and cannot wait for the final book, Baron of Blackwood due out in 2016!

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Klassen has once again written a novel sure to thrill her fans! For those of you who are not familiar with Klassen's work, this novel will be the beginning of a love affair! Her novels are excellent and completely praiseworthy! This is regency romance done brilliantly; thrilling, engaging and sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

I wanted to devour this book but had to remind myself not to race through it, despite the urgency I felt to see what would become of the characters. I didn't want to miss the thrill of the journey, because Klassen pens a story so well. The characters come to life, the time & place leap off the pages and enrapture you. Even the secondary characters find a place in your heart and mind. Klassen could do a follow up novel with some of these. However, she has not yet done a series, so I do not expect it. Nevertheless, the story wraps up well! Very well indeed!!! 

Luther and Katharina: A Novel of Love and Rebellion by Jody Hedlund

Book Description:
She was a nun of noble birth. He, a heretic, a reformer…an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire.  

In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther.
 
His sweeping Catholic church reformation—condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage—awakened her desire for everything she’d been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself. 
 
Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone’s life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a reformer. They couldn’t be more different. 
 
But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with Luther’s threatened life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected bond of understanding, support and love. 
 
Together, they will alter the religious landscape forever.

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This is a fictional novel about two historical figures Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora. So while some of the information contained within this novel is historically accurate, other parts of it are fictionalized. That said, let me just say how enjoyable this novel was! I found the time period fascinating, the characters well written, and the story compelling and hard to put down. Per Hedlund, she "... attempted to capture the social, political, and religious climate of the tumultuous times surrounding the Reformation and the Peasants’ War."; and in my opinion she succeeded. For those concerned about the facts verses fiction she gives you a breakdown in the back of the novel.

Hedlund brought these historical characters to life and made them leap off the pages! I enjoyed seeing all of the different personal, physical, emotional and spiritual struggles they battled. At times it seemed they both had issues with pride, in different forms. But isn't that something that we all struggle with, if we are honest. Overall, just a fantastic story!