Honor's Splendour

I will let others tell you what the story is about. Instead I will tell you how I feel about this book. This was written some time back. I would not call it a prize winning book, but I would call it a repeat read for when you just need happy in your heart. The kind of book you might have to buy more than once if you reading in paperback because you have read it so much the spine is falling apart. What I always liked about it was the simplicity of it being a real romance. Good characters that you can't help love yourself. Secondary characters you would like to see find their own HEA. A romantic sweetness and yet a story to follow as well that is interesting and a twist here and there. For some reason when I am sick of the TV and video games, and just can't find a decent book to read, I tend to read one of my old medieval Garwood romances (8 or 9), or one of a handful of her regency romances. This medieval romance is high on the favs list for me personally. My repeat read books like this only number around 20 or 30. So it is a place of honor for me.

This book is full of repetitive, pallid descriptions and dialogue. None of the characters have more than two personality traits max, and all of them are at best dull and at worst irritating. Our heroine of the story is an amalgam of genre cliches with no added depth or interest, defined solely by her clumsiness and naivety, and it gets so old so fast. The most irritating aspect of her character is that she faints constantly when it’s convenient for the plot. Duncan alternates between either being angry or being in love with Madelyne, that's it, and everything he says and thinks is incredibly repetitive. As a couple, they are even less likable, they have no chemistry and all they do is either argue over nothing, have poorly described sex, or make the same over-dramatic declarations of love. For all the build-up the characters give him, Louddon, the villain, is also exceedingly boring, and other than the love scenes, he is the prime example of this book's "tell don't show" ethos. There are also plenty of superfluous characters who disappear as soon as it's inconvenient for the plot. And those are just issues with the writing, other problems include sprinkles of homophobia that come right out of nowhere and sexual assault being used as a plot device while the trauma of such an awful event is downplayed by both the writing and our so-called protagonist. 1/5 stars for this waste of time.

I read the hard cover copy of this book until it literally fell apart; notice I said hardcover which tells you how many years I continue to read this book. Be aware you will read this at the doctor's office, your lunch hour, when you are making dinner and possibly at stoplights! Yes, the many revie w's see correct. The only reason I limit to reading once a year is that I am lucky to have someone who needs his feet warmed! Ms. Garwood we beg you to write another book in this time period. I continue to read your other historical novels that fell apart in hardcover copy also; thank goodness for Kindle books!

Heavy Sigh. Classical Medieval feuding romance. Lady Madelyne is the sister of evil Baron Loudden. He is the enemy of Baron Duncan of Wexton. She has just returned to live with her brother (she has been living with her later mother's brother a priest). In fact she was raised by her Uncle because her brother just forgot she existed. She finds her brother has "captured" his enemy, on a false truce sign, and is about to kill him. He tie him to a post in the freezing cold half naked. Madelyne can't let that happen and saves Duncan (and warms his feet on her bare stomach) or so she thought... Duncan actually came under the truce rouse just to kidnap Madelyne. He believes Loudden raped his sister and now he feels a sister for a sister. On the way home, a battle ensues and Madelyne finds herself saving another Wexton brother Gilard. The Wexton brothers start to realize Madelyne is nothing like her brother and all the brothers come to love her. She also manages to bring their sister back from the mental anguish of her attack and wins her friendship and loyalty. Duncan realizes now he can never let her go. SO when the Kings decides Madelyne marry Duncan and Duncan's sister marry Loudden more battle ensues and Madelyne feels she must get involved.The whole story is magnificent. One of Garwood's best. I wish the brothers had their story told!

"I came for you."THE STORY: In 1099 England, Lady Madelyne risks her life to save her brother's enemy Baron Duncan of Wexton. What she doesn't know is that he has planned her abduction in revenge for the rape of his own sister. Very quickly, Duncan realizes what a gentle and caring soul, Madelyne is and realizes that he doesn't want to bargain with her but rather keep her for himself.OPINION: The strength of this book is how gentle, caring and strong Madelyn is and how Duncan recognizes her unique nature and treats her incredibly well. Many times in these historicals, the hero treats the heroine roughly. Here, Duncan is incredibly protective of Madelyne even though she is the sister of his enemy. Their sweet and loving relationship allows Madelyne to grow and recognize her own worth which she doubts based upon her life. Madelyne also makes immense changes in the life of Duncan. This is an relationship where the two characters are respectful to one another. There is a drama over Madelyne's abduction and the dangers from her brother, but most of the story is the drama of these two people changing their lives together.WORTH MENTIONING: There are non-graphic discussions of rape and one of the supporting characters is dealing with the aftermath.FINAL DECISION: This was a book where I really liked the heroine. She is gentle and yet strong. I thought her character interesting and different from the standard heroine. The romance between the two main characters was wonderful because it was based on gentleness.CONNECTED BOOKS: This is a standalone.STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

A re-read that had me smiling and entertained.Set in the medieval times, this book gives us fierce Baron Duncan of Wexton who seeks revenge against the man who raped his sister, what he doesn't count on is falling in love with the women he aims to use in order to gain his revenge - Madelyne.At times Madelyne's switch from meek to defiant and back again had me pausing ever so slightly but it didn't drive me mad.There's a sweet and gentle tone to this one that I enjoy.Potential Triggers: References to rape and murder.

My all time favourite. Always my go to book. It's perfect. Would of loved an epilogue or a Xmas follow up 😊

Madeline and Duncan made for an endearing couple, and this story had a plot which held my interest right to the end. I like the gentle humour the author uses.

Great read, I would definitely recommend Julie Garwoods books,I am now a little addicted now to her stories, I have read most of her books more than once. Even though they are more expensive than a lot of other romance books, you do get a lot more for your money in content and length of her books...

I read this book many years ago and loved it, Duncan held it from the first page and Madelyne made it even better when she warmed his frozen feet. I have always found Julie Garwood's books take you back to an age that you wouldn't really want to live unless you had money and land, but the lifestyle intrigues you. I was delighted to be able to buy a copy and re-read it.