A Memory of Love

by Bertrice Small

Book Overview

A tale of stunning passion, reckless danger, and the fierce will of a remarkable woman who can wield a sword as powerfully as any man-and who dares to fight for her most uninhibited desires. . . .

Spirited, iron-willed Rhonwyn is the bastard child of the Prince of Wales, raised more boy than girl, able to ride and fight with the best. Against her wishes, she is married off to an English lord, Edward de Beaumont, who is stunned...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345435184
• ISBN13: 9780345435187
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: Ivy Books
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Strong and Sassy Heroine

Rhonwyn, bastard daughter of the Prince of Wales opens this story as a five year old sheltering and caring for her three-year-old brother. Her mother lay dead from a miscarriage when the children's father shows up and Rhonwyn's indifference to her sire demonstrates her independence and strength of character. Not knowing what else to do with his children and not wanting to be inconvenienced, he brings them to the closet place, a border fortress manned entirely by men and leaves them. Rhonwyn grows up more of a lad than a lassie, the darling of the fort, excelling in swordplay and hunting. By the time her father returns, 10 years later, and politically motivated, he has betrothed his daughter to one of the king's men. To his horror, Rhonwyn is unrecognizable as a lady and he brings her to his sister, the lady abbess, to mold into some semblance of womanhood before bringing her to her new husband. Rhonwyn's early upbringing without another female to guide her in any womanly pursuits or knowledge of marriage, romance etc. made this quite a different read. Her only guide to behavior was to do her duty with honor and loyalty. It was accompanying her husband on the crusades that she would began to fall in love with him. Then she was captured and thrust into the harem of a caliph who would be her guide in releasing the demons that had, up until then, blocked her passionate nature and she would be schooled in erotic love. Rescued, escaping and finding her way back to Great Britain, she would find that she had been declared dead, replaced by another, and entering a new battle to repair her heart. I loved this fascinating and compelling story! From the very beginning, this book was very exciting with an interesting story and an absolutely fabulous heroine. The historical details were plentiful, the dialog fresh and sassy, the heroine gorgeous, secondary characters fascinating, and the sensuality sizzling - all in all a most perfect read!

A great induction to Bertrice Small...

This is the very first Small book I have read and it was excellent! The history between Wales and England was supurb, I have never read such acuracy before in a romance book. Small is so detailed she even brings to life the smells around you and the tastes. I was astounded. The love story was so different from what i was used to in other romances, Rhonwyn is the Welsh Prince's daughter and is used as a "bargaining" chip in the Prince's cooperation with the King of England. She is forced into a marriage with Edward, a mere Lord who has knowledge of Welsh language and culture. The marriage is a political one and the King feels assured the Prince of Wales will not give him trouble. Rhonwyn is a wild and spirited woman who was raised by her father's soldiers without a mother or female influence. Edward is not happy with this, but tries to make the best of a strange situation. Soon he is called to fight in the Crusades alongside (then) Prince Edward, son of King Henry. She begs to acompany him, because she wants to fight too. He relents and soon finds herself captured and given to the Lord in a harem. We as the readers learn alot about Rhonwyn's character in this time she is there and learn about a terrible secret she has hidden from her husband. After a year of longing for Edward, she escapes and finds her way home, only to learn of another horrible truth that she must now face. It was such a wonderful story and I loved how strong and independant she was. I agree with the other readers too, I wish Rafe were introduced much earlier. Besides Rhonwyn, he was my favorite character. The secondary characters, her brother and her aunt are wonderful, and I loved when they appeared, alos her devoted Welsh guards made me smile with their utter devotion to her. This is a wonderful story that should not be missed, and now I am going to read everything from this talented author that I can get my hands on!

Nobody does it better!!!

This may seem strange from a male point of view but I love Mrs. Smalls books. A few years ago while I was laid up in the hospital my sister gave me book to read (Skye O'Malley), seeing what it was I dismissed it completely. Well two days later, dying of boredom I started to read the book. BAM--I loved the characters. From that day forward I've read every book of Mrs. Smalls. This one is just as good as the first that I've read. Thank you Bertrice. Even a guy wants a little romance once in a while.

Vintage Bertrice Small!!

After I had read the last few books of Ms. Small, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed, but no more! Her newest book is one of the best that she has written in quite a while. The heroine Rhonwyn is a bit different from the usual females that she writes about, but that makes her all the more intereting. Bertrice Small is known for separating characters and then reuniting them but this time things go terribly wrong! I was actually angry that Rhonwyns husband commited such a despiciable act, but in the end it works wonderfully for the story. Long time readers know that Ms. Small loves placing her females in harems, yet this time the harem part of the story is quite short, and important to the conclusion of the story. I will say that this book is not very sensual, especially if you have read "Hellion" and "The Love Slave" but it is still spicy in some parts.I loved the fact that Wales was the setting for this story, and history comes alive with Ms. Small's skillful writing. This book is a bit reminiscent of "The Spitfire" in that just when you think you know how the story will end you are surprised and shocked at the way the book concludes.A definite must read,and it is wonderful to have Bertrice Small writing the style books that her fans have come to love her for!

A warrior and a princess.

Rhonwyn and her younger brother Glynn are the illegitimate children of the Prince of Wales in 13th century Europe. When their mother dies, their father takes them to a nearby fortress "for a little while." The years fly by and Rhonwyn becomes a young woman adept at weapons, war, and a sense of duty. When her father comes for her to marry her off as part of a peace treaty with England, he is shocked to find a warrior rather than a princess. After lessons on how to be a lady, Rhonwyn is married to Edward. Unlike most of Small's heroines, Rhonwyn is not overly passionate and doesn't care overly much for lovemaking. Edward is concerned, but doesn't know how to handle it. Suddenly an opportunity comes up. The have been invited to join the crusades. Edward nearly dies from the filth, but is nursed back to health by his devoted wife. All too soon the inevitable happens and Rhonwyn is captured by the enemy and brought before the Emir of Cinnabar. With great care, he helps Rhonwyn discover a terrible secret which allows him to awaken the passion inside her. Although she enjoys the Emir's attentions, she plots for the day of her escape and her return to her husband's arms. Even though I had some expectations of the Bertrice Small formula: Boy meets girl, boy loves girl, boy loses girl to handsome stranger in a far off land, boy gains girl, I was completely floored by what happened to Rhonwyn upon her return home. At first, I wasn't sure of the direction this story was heading and then I was thrilled. A great story! And by the way, I enjoy the harem stories. They are part of the Small formula and no one else can write it like her.