Romance Across Time: Medieval Romance

by Sharon Bryant

The Medieval Age in Europe spans a huge time period from the 5th to the 15th centuries. It begins with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and ends with the Renaissance.

Men dominated society and woman had to "know their place". For example, in the United Kingdom women needed their parent's consent to marry, could not divorce their husbands, or own property unless they were widowed. Teenage brides were common in wealthier families, and girls usually had no say in who they married. Married women left their father's control and came under the control of their husbands.

This period affords the romance author challenging and exciting opportunities to write about love between masterful men and spirited women. Here are some of my favourite medieval romance novels. I hope you enjoy reading them.

Captured by a Laird by Margaret Mallory

Lady Alison Douglas is relieved when her abusive husband dies. So relieved, she burns his bed. Looking forward to a lengthy widowhood, Alison is shocked when David Hume, Laird of Wedderburn storms her castle as an act of revenge, and compels her to marry him. Passion quickly flares between these strong, independent protagonists. However, David is determined never to fall under a woman's spell as his father did, and Alison, given her abusive past, cannot trust David or believe in him. Margaret Mallory's expert weaving of historical fact with fiction make this novel an extra special read.

The Bride by Julie Garwood

Alec Kincaid, a Scottish laird, must marry one of Englishman, Baron Jamison's daughters by order of King Henry. He chooses the baron's stepdaughter Jamie who is being treated a lot like a servant in her own home. Jamie is strong, brave and accustomed to speaking her mind. Alec expects absolute obedience and subservience from his wife. The clash of cultures, expectations and sheer willpower of these strong, brave and thoroughly likeable characters make this book a real page turner.

The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson

Utilising themes from the tales of "The Goose Girl" and "The Prince and the Pauper", Dickerson has written a beautifully constructed story of medieval excitement, love and loss. This young adult novel features Magdelene, who leaves her home to marry a duke at her mother's behest. Evil servants force her to switch places with a young servant girl, Agnes.

Duke Steffan is returning home from university in Prague when an attempt is made on his life. On arrival at his castle, he poses as a servant until he can work out who is trying to kill him. The growing love and trust between this young couple while they work out how to regain their rightful places in society is a joy to read.

Have you read many medieval romances? Which is your favourite?

I love to love: We became grandparents for the first time recently. It's such a special time.


I love to laugh: I watched "Lost in Austen" the other night. This mini-series is so much fun.


I love to learn: Everything I can about writing.

Romance Around the World: Wales

Wales: A Country of Majesty and Tradition
 

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Wales is a country with incredible scenery, culture and history. It is an ancient land with rugged coastlines, soaring mountains and beautiful National Parks. Inhabited by modern humans for more than 29 000 years, it is known for its medieval castles, Welsh language and Celtic culture. The Welsh people have distinct romantic traditions such as lovespoons which young men would carve for women as a sign of their affection.


Some beautiful romantic novels have been written about this special country. Here are the details of three books, I especially enjoyed.

After Forever Ends by Melodie Ramone

This beautifully constructed novel tells of a love to last a lifetime. Sylvia is from Scotland. She lost her mother at a young age, and her father is somewhat preoccupied. She goes to boarding school in Wales where she meets and falls in love with Oliver Dickinson, a rebellious young man and a twin. The story is told from the viewpoint of Sylvia, now widowed and a grandmother. She decides to return to the Welsh cottage in the woods where she lived most of her life. There is magic in the woods.

The Tides Between by Elizabeth Jane Corbett

 

This young adult novel with elements of romance introduces us to Bridie, a creative and imaginative young woman, migrating to Port Phillip Bay with her stressed mother and practical stepfather. She befriends a Welsh couple, Rhys and Sian. Rhys, a musician who suffers from agoraphobia, was regarded as a coward in his home town. Sian has special healing powers. We follow Bridie’s journey to adulthood and growing realisation of her love for Rhys.

Thunder and Roses by Mary Jo Putney

 

When Nikki is a young boy, he is taken by his gypsy mother to live with his wealthy, titled Welsh grandfather. Feeling abandoned by his mother and scorned by his grandfather, he grows up, inherits the earldom and totally neglects the estate. Clare Morgan, the orphaned daughter of an impoverished Methodist minister confronts Nikki about the starving people in the village and the dangerous mine on his estate. She asks for his assistance. He counteroffers. What he wants is her reputation. If she will live with him platonically for three months, he will give her what she asks.



Have you been to Wales? Which part of the country did you like best? What is your favourite romance novel, set in this beautiful country?

I love to love: I went out to dinner the other night with my father, sister and husband. A very special evening.

I love to laugh: I saw 'Crazy, Rich Asians' at the cinema yesterday. This film is so much fun.

I love to learn: We visited some of the monasteries in Meteora, Greece on our recent overseas trip. The meaning behind the artworks and the ancient traditions of the monks are absolutely fascinating.