Alinor (The Roselynde Chronicles: Book Two)
by Roberta Gellis
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Book Summary Information
Author: Roberta GellisEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1994-05
ISBN: 084393607X
Publisher: Leisure Books (Mm)
Book Reviews of Alinor (The Roselynde Chronicles: Book Two)
Book Review: A Lavish Tournament Of History And Romance!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have now completed the first two novels in Roberta Gellis' "Roselynde Chronicles," and am beginning book three. Warning!! It is difficult to put these books down, and continuous reading, especially in the evening, can cause insomnia! Ms. Gellis, along with Sharon Kay Penman, are the long reigning monarchs of historical fiction. Gellis' work is golden - her plots riveting, the research meticulous, and her writing elegant.
"Alinor" begins at Roselynde Keep, England, in 1206 AD, seven years into the reign of King John (Lackland). Alinor's story actually starts in Book One, "Roselynde," but you do not have to read the first book to enjoy this one. Alinor Devaux Lemagne is widowed at 29 years old. She had married her much older and beloved ward, Simon Lemagne, after finally obtaining King Richard's permission. They have two children, Joanna, age 9, and Adam, age 7. Like Queen Alinor of Aquitaine, whom she is named for, Alinor of Roselynde is a fiercely independent, well-educated, courageous chatelaine of vast landholdings. She had been trained since childhood to rule, and her vassals and serfs obey her with respect. When she and Simon married, her independence was not curtailed. This was a most unusual situation for women in medieval times, where their position was largely ornamental, when they were not breeding.
Simon's squire of old, Ian de Vipont, is now a seasoned warrior, and a landed Knight and Lord. He has known Alinor since she was a girl of seventeen, and has always loved her, in a pure and courtly manner. Now Ian visits Roselynde to mourn Simon, pay his respects, and persuade the widow to marry him. He wants to protect Alinor and the children, especially since King John has no love for her. Ian fears that she will either be forced to marry a scoundrel who will abuse her and the children, or that John will take her land for the Crown. He does not need to work hard to convince Alinor. She is practical and understands his reasoning. He adores the children. And he is also an incredibly handsome and noble man. A wedding is held at Roselynde, with many of the aristocracy in attendance, including three bishops and John's illegitimate half-brother. Although Alinor deeply loved her first husband, he was much older and at times was like the father she never had. Her own parents died when she was a baby. Now she has a chance to make a life, filled with love, with a husband her own age.
John is outraged at the marriage, even though he had given permission to Ian to wed whom he pleased, after serving the Crown well in the wars with France. The King had indeed plotted to hurt Alinor and take her holdings. Now he plans a greater revenge...on both newlyweds and their children.
England was a country with severe problems during this period in history. John had received a kingdon deep in debt, owing to King Richard's Crusade, the ransom paid to free him from prison, his lavish spending, and his lack of concern for England. Richard's continent holdings, of Normandy, Anjou, Poitiers, etc., were his priority. John had greatly increased the taxes which, along with his nefarious political and personal intrigues, earned him the enmity of his barons. The taxes and poor crops had impoverished and bankrupted small farmers, many villeins and some of the lesser squirearchy. Many had been forced from their homes, destitute. Some joined gangs of lawless reavors, (like the legendary Robin Hood). There was much unrest and violence in the land, not to mention problems with France, Ireland and Wales.
The novel is filled with pageantry and wonderful historic detail, including a tournament where Ian is named the King's champion. The events that occur during this tourney, are like a separate mystery within the novel. The suspense is thrilling, and the love story is so realistic. This is an extraordinary novel which I highly recommend.
JANA
Summary of Alinor (The Roselynde Chronicles: Book Two)
Alone and afraid since the death of her husband, Lady Alinor Lemange finds she will risk anything for the forbidden (and dangerous) love of dark knight Ian de Vipont. Reprint.Literature & Fiction Books
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