Marked by Honor (Knights of Valor #2) by Lauren Linwood-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 6, 2016

Lady Beatrice Bordel blames herself for the riding accident that cost her father his life when she was a child. Tragedy strikes again when her mother and grandfather die on the same day, leaving her homeless. The young woman decides to travel to visit her grandfather’s closest friend, hoping she can use her domestic skills and lute-playing talent to find a permanent place in his household. Barely into her journey, a band of highwaymen accosts Beatrice and her sole servant. All seems lost—until Raynor Le Roux arrives.

As a knight of the realm, the code of chivalry guides Raynor’s life. While returning to his family’s home after many months absence, he rescues Beatrice, who tells a white lie to this handsome stranger. Raynor takes her to safety at Ashcroft, but his home has changed during his time away. No longer a thriving estate, Ashcroft has fallen into disrepair because his brother Peter is no longer interested in its welfare after his wife’s untimely death. Raynor determines to restore his home before he escorts Beatrice north so she may unite with the man he believes is her betrothed.

The couple’s growing attraction turns to love, but Beatrice’s dishonesty stands between her and Raynor’s happiness. Will she finally tell him the truth—and hope he forgives her deception—or will it be too late?

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REVIEW:

Marked by Honor is the second book in this romantic series of love and adventure by Lauren Linwood. It’s the story of Raynor Le Roux  and Beatrice

The setting is Southern England, beginning in 1363. There’s a tragic scene as Beatrice, just a little girl of three, was riding with her father. He held her in front of him and they galloped across a field, she loved going fast and was thrilled to be with her father. Just as she was about to tell him she loved him, the horse stumbled and they fell. Her father held onto her and turned to cushion the fall. Unfortunately, he broke his neck or back and died, leaving her with a fear of horses.

This marvelously complex and twisting story then takes us to meet a grown Beatrice, living not in luxury but with some comfort with her grandfather and mother. Her life is one of housework, cooking and taking care of her sickly mother and aging grandfather. But soon both her mother and grandfather died. She was left with little money and nowhere to go, except for an old friend of her grandfathers. He had invited her and her grandfather to come visit and attend the wedding of his grandson. She wasn’t sure she would be welcomed alone, if she could manage to get to Brookhaven.

Raynor departed Kinwick castle bidding goodbye to his cousin Geoffrey de Monfort, his wife Merryn and their children. According to Ashcroft’s steward, he was sorely needed at Ashcroft. Raynor meets Beatrice when he rescues her from highwaymen who killed her one servant and were to rob and rape her. Being late at night, he took her the rest of the way to Ashcroft and gave his word to see her safely to Brookhaven as soon as possible.

That’s the gist of the beginning. As usual, I didn’t give you all the details or interesting points. Those must be discovered by each reader. Let me just say that this talented author has written a tale of honor, love, romance, issues, and more. It’s so well woven you really find a hard time with a place to start, it’s difficult to explain all the marvelous ins and outs of this story without giving away all the great surprises in store for the reader.

Marked by Honor is a complicated tale that is well worth the read. It’s indicative of the times. Both exciting and frustratingly steeped in tradition. If you love knights and ladies and all the wonderful things that this world holds…you won’t want to miss this story or this series!!

Reviewed by Georgianna