A Royal Quest

Set in the turbulent 12th century, the third of Lide's historical chronicles (after Gifts of the Queen charts the history of the Sedgemont family. Lord Raoul and Lady Ann Sedgemont live on the war-torn border between England and Wales. Their allegiance is pledged to England's Henry II, though Raoul and Ann have an old grievance against the ruler. Nevertheless, their sons, particularly impetuous Hue, long to serve the royal family. Their beautiful daughter Olwen is torn by her love for Taliesin, a dashing Celtic prince who is Henry II's sworn enemy. When Taliesin's trip to France to enlist aid against Henry coincides with Olwen's visit to the French court, the plot thickens. The family's story is related by their servant, Urien of Wales, in language as ornate as a knight's suit of armor. With its charging steeds, palace intrigues and smoldering passions, this vivid blending of fact and fiction will delight fans of historical romance. (April 15)