cover image Knight's Ardor

Knight's Ardor

Teresa Swift. Avalon, $23.95 (192p) ISBN 978-0-8034-7652-3

Swift's debut, a brisk and easy read, depicts a charming traditional romance between a spunky young noblewoman and a quietly honorable knight in strife-torn 12th-century England, which is divided between warring monarchs Stephen and Matilda. When Rosamund Galleia, daughter of a minor baron, is sent to the earl of Duloe's court as a lady-in-waiting, she is immediately drawn to her escort, handsome knight Alexander Ringewar, despite an embarrassing first encounter. Though of lower social status than her companions, Rosamund makes a place for herself at Duloe Castle while Alexander, focused on family and military obligations, finds himself increasingly drawn to her free spirit and love of the outdoors. Despite the story's brevity and predictable plotting, competent pacing allows Alexander and Rosamund's attraction to mature at a gentle pace against a colorful knights-and-ladies background in an undemanding but enjoyable romance. (June)