The Lady and the Minstrel by Joyce DiPastena
Robert Marcel is no Earl. He is no Duke nor king’s son, but
a simple minstrel. Though with the spirit of a roaring lion, he wonders about
the lands with his most prized possession: the lute. As fate would have it, he
happens across a particular place whereupon he rendezvous with a cherished
childhood memory; the lady whom he could never forget.
Lady Marguerite of Winbourne is destined to marry the undesirable
Earl of Saxton, but not once could she remove from her mind the thoughts of a
particular young man who had fled for his life so long ago. She had saved him
that one day, and as time would generously have it, threw them together once
more. Ever since recognizing him down in the village outside the castle walls,
her heart has only known love’s thrills once more.
The title alone lured me. It promises the adventure, the
thrill, and the curse of ill-fated love. There has to be a way for them to end
up together. Right? As I dug into the folds of the sumptuous court entertained
with jesters, acrobats, and minstrels, I was easily flighted into the pages of
history and intrigue. Joyce DiPastena has woven a rich world with a rich plot, with amazing
prose and characterization. She has done an excellent job with each person
starring within the stage of her book. She has done a swoon-worthy job!
Joyce DiPastena dreamed of green medieval forests while growing up in the dusty copper mining town of Kearny, Arizona. She filled her medieval hunger by reading the books of Thomas B. Costain (where she fell in love with King Henry II of England), and later by attending the University of Arizona where she graduated with a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages. The university was also where she completed her first full-length novel...set, of course, in medieval England. Later, her fascination with Henry II led her to expand her research horizons to the far reaches of his "Angevin Empire" in France, which became the setting of her first published novel, Loyalty's Web (a 2007 Whitney Award Finalist).
Joyce is a multi-published, multi-award winning author who specializes in sweet medieval romances heavily spiced with mystery and adventure. She lives with her two cats, Clio and Glinka Rimsky-Korsokov, in Mesa, Arizona.
Joyce DiPastena's official website: http://www.joyce-dipastena.com
The Lady and the Minstrel releases January 29!
NOTE: The author provided a free copy of this book which has had no sway in my review
Sounds fun, love the cover, and she lives the period so much that she dresses the part too. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteI love when an author gets into the spirit and dresses like their characters! :)
DeleteClass differences are one of my favorite tropes. Sounds like a fun read.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes! So thrilling, isn't it? <3
DeleteSounds like a good read. I love the Ren fair pic. I used to participate myself.
ReplyDeleteI never have, but always wanted. What did you like best about the whole experience? :)
DeleteThat sounds like a wonderful read! Congratulations to Joyce!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI tend to identify with minstrels more than knights or kings. Hope the book release has kicked off well.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
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Tossing It Out