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: Scotland

The Romance of Scotland

Scotland is such a romantic place. The majesty of Edinburgh Castle set atop towering cliffs in the centre of a bustling city. The beauty of the deep blue and green lochs, surrounded by rolling hills, carved by ice eons ago. Tiny villages in the high country accessed by winding roads passing fast flowing streams and craggy hilltops. A colourful history of strength and fortitude that so many Scotsman and women have displayed in the face of adversity.

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It is unsurprising that so many romance novels have been set in this beautiful country. As you may have guessed, I’ve been reading romance novels set in Scotland lately, and would like to share two of my favourites with you.

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On Dublin Street

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young, tells the story of Jocelyn Butler who has never come to terms with the sudden loss of her family. She copes by avoiding getting close enough to anyone to need to confide her past, and thus succeeds in blocking it out. This works reasonably effectively, until she leaves the USA for Scotland where she meets Scotsman, Braden Carmichael. Realising that Jocelyn is terrified of commitment, Braden proposes a sexual relationship with no expectation of anything else. Jocelyn agrees. I loved getting caught up in their passionate romance cleverly woven by Samantha Young, and observing the characters’ growing love and self-knowledge.

When a Scot Ties the Knot

When a Scot Ties the Knot: Castles Ever After by Tessa Dare introduces us to socially anxious Madeline Gracechurch, who avoids her London season by inventing a Scottish sweetheart, Captain Logan MacKenzie. She writes him letters over several years, talks about him with her family, and eventually invents the death of her fictitious love. It turns out that the army has forwarded her letters to a real man named Logan MacKenzie, an army captain, who needs to find a home and means of support for his men following the war. The Captain arrives at Madeline’s property to claim his bride and her assets.

Have you read any romances set in Scotland lately? Which was your favourite?

I love to love: We spent several wonderful days with our extended family over the Christmas period.

I love to laugh: I’m watching the mini-series Cranford at present. The antics of the ladies of the town always bring a smile to my face.

I love to learn: We had a mini-break in Mudgee earlier this month, and visited the town of Rylstone. It was fun wandering through the town, reading the historic notices, observing the old sandstone buildings and imagining how life was in the past.