When the Normans invade England and conquer the Saxons, Madeleine de la Haute Vironge is taken out of the convent and given property in the newly conquered land. However as a woman in the medieval era, she needs a husband in order to properly control her new land, subjects and other lords in the area who are keen to undermine her. The new 'English' king provides her with a choice - three eligible men, all titled and wealthy, from which she must select her husband.
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Aimery de Gillard has proven himself many times over on the battlefield during the Norman invasion, but being half-english, he himself is unsure where his loyalties lie - to the English people, or to the Norman king. As a sort of compromise, he disguises himself as 'The Golden Hart', an outlaw who helps the English people to fight the usually cruel reatment of the other Norman lords. One day, whilst washing in a stream, he comes upon a beautiful young woman. They are imediately attracted to each other, and would have made love if Madeleine (the woman) hadn't had her maid nearby...
However, he hears rumours (untrue) that Madeleine is cruel to her subjects, and is not nearly as kind on their second meeting.
Surprise surprise, one of the eligible men presented to Madeleine is Aimery - whom she is NOT eager to choose, from fears that he is a traitor as well as past treatment. He doesn't want to marry her either - he believes she is cruel. But it soon becomes apparent that he is the only real choice the king has given her - they are basically forced to marry. From this unwanted marriage, both must overcome their misunderstandings to find love and, at the same time, protect their land and people.
The review of this Book prepared by Hannah Warnaar
