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Synopsis:
England, the Welsh Border Lands, 1283
Bran ap Madog, bastard son of a Welsh prince, has devoted his life to serving
the English king. At Edward’s behest, he has nourished his reputation
for savagery, taking as his badge the raven, a scavenger bird that feeds off
rotting spoils. He wants, as his reward for service, the hand of a wealthy
wife and the land and power she will bring to his bed. What he doesn’t
bargain for is finding true love, the stuff of chivalrous romances.
When her father and twin brother are murdered, Lady Catrin Fitzalan sets out
to learn the truth about the awful rumors. Were they killed by the king’s
own champion, the vicious King’s Raven? She will do anything to protect
her remaining family, including switching places with her cousin when the king
forces the pious girl into marriage with his champion. Trapped in a lie, Catrin
does not bargain for a change of heart and a certainty that her “husband” has
not committed the foul deeds for which he stands accused.
Together, they try to clear Bran’s good name, until he learns Catrin’s
terrible secret. She’s not his real wife. He’s fallen in love with
an imposter. When the real killers kidnap Catrin, Bran rides to her rescue.
Will the King's Raven save the woman who decieved him? Will they live happily-ever-after?
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Joysann
reviewed My Lord Raven on Barbara Vey's Beyond
Her Book Blog.
"Though I'm not an historian myself, I am nonetheless fond
of historical fiction that, if it's good, is wrapped in actual
history, and it is evident that Jan Scarbrough worked hard
to describe accurately the people, the castles, the fashions
and the warfare of England in the 13th century. I felt compassion
and sympathy for the strong, impulsive, naive Lady Catrin,
but it is the mysterious, passionate Bran that is thoroughly
captivating. All of these elements make My Lord Raven a fascinating
historical romance worth taking the time to read."
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Reviews:
- 4 1/2 Pixies —"MY
LORD RAVEN is authored by the prolific Jan Scarbrough,
who stars in the LADIES OF LEGEND, TN Series
as well. Ms. Scarbrough knows her history,
andreaders will
find MY LORD RAVEN both accurate and its detailed settings compelling.
Rich in
detail, vivid in imagery, MY LORD RAVEN is a fine introduction to the period
and an excellent historical backdrop
to
the romance building between Bran ap Madog-Lord Raven-and Lady Catrin, who
has disguised herself as her shy, reticent cousin. Ms. Scarbrough demonstratesa
talent for building both female and male characters, and peeling away their
layers to reveal the real personas beneath the social/political masks. MY
LORD
RAVEN appeals to fans of historical fiction and
romance, but will be enjoyable for any reader." Frost - Dark Angel
Reviews
- 4 Blue Ribbons — ‘Looks
can be deceiving' is the theme of Jan Scarbrough's latest
release, MY LORD RAVEN.
A good historical romance is a wonderful thing and in Jan
Scarbrough's case, a well written and beautifully characterized
historical romance is one that I will read over and over
again. MY LORD RAVEN is such a romance. It captured my attention,
held me spellbound, and I was on the edge of my seat for
the duration. In my opinion, nothing is better than that!
Romance Junkies
- Short But Sweet Book Review 2/18/2009
Ms. Scarbrough has skillfully drawn her characters with a
knowing, loving hand - combining well-written, historically
correct narration with breathtaking passion. Her narrative
is smooth and her knowledge of the subject time period
is outstanding. Her ability to draw readers into the mood
and hold them captive for the duration made this one a
cannot-put-down read for me. A completely delightful read!
Well done, Jan! ~Measures 8.9 on the Richter Scale.~ ~110
degrees F~ Fran
Lee on her blog.
- Enduring
Romance Blog 9/3/2009
Bran is what makes My Lord Raven extra special. This unique
hero made my heart melt. The writing is wonderful. I laughed
and cried and hoped along with Bran. If you love medieval
romances, you'll love My Lord Raven.
- The writing is beautiful – crisp, polished, tight.
Dialogue sparkles, scenes flow with emotion, and the descriptions
do an excellent job of painting the sights and sounds and
smells of the Middle Ages. Historical detail abounds, without
ever feeling like a history lecture, since the facts of
medieval world are skilfully woven into the narrative,
strengthening the story rather than distracting from it.
Tatiana March ~ author and avid reader at the Resplendence Publishing blog
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My Lord Raven was voted one of the top
10 books of the year by blogger Kimber Chin.
Bran is what makes My Lord Raven extra special. This unique
hero made my heart melt. The writing is wonderful. I laughed
and cried and hoped along with Bran. If you love medieval
romances, you'll love My Lord Raven.
- Ms. Scarborough has created a stunning novel of medieval England in My Lord Raven. Set in 1283 around the Marcher lands that border Wales, this story is rich in historic detail with compelling protagonists. I was captivated from the first page. My Lord Raven is well written, fast-paced and with enough mystery and intrigue to keep the reader turning pages right to the satisfying end. Highly recommended. Amazon Review
Excerpt: MY LORD RAVEN
CHAPTER ONE
The King’s Tournament, near Shrewsbury
October 1283
“
Let me pass!” Lady Catrin Fitzalan, sides heaving from
her haste, glared at the tall, imposing knight who barred her
way.
How dare he block the path? Gilbert waited for her at his
tent where he made ready for the king’s forthcoming mêlée.
Yet, the knight said nothing, his mail-clad legs spread in
a determined stance. Why did she think he glowered at her
through the sights of his visor? The back of her neck prickled
with
unease, for here stood a fearsome creature in full battle
armor, broad of shoulder and chest. Unlike other combatants
at King
Edward’s tournament, he wore no crest upon his great
helm or coat of arms upon his black surcoat.
Drawing a shaky breath, she gathered her nerve. “If I
were a man, I’d force you out of my way!”
The brute raised his leather gauntlet and pointed it toward
the red silk scarf she gripped in her hand. “If you were
a man,” he said, “I would not find myself seeking
your favor.”
Surely, he mocked her. Her chin came up and she clutched
the scarf tightly. Did he think she’d part with the precious
favor on the day of her brother’s first tournament? She
and her cousin Olwen had spent hours on its creation, each
embroidering a Rothmore golden lion rampant on opposite ends
of the silk garment so Gilbert might wear it on his sleeve
this special day.
“
You will gain no favor from me. Stand aside,” she ordered.
“
Then you will not pass this way, and your true love will not
have it either.” His words hissed through the breathing
holes in his face guard.
Catrin swayed, frustration simmering into anger. He assumed
she was going to meet a lover. “You presume too much,
knave!”
“
My lady, you dishonor me.”
He leisurely removed the helm from his head, revealing harsh
and rugged features. As custom, his upper lip was clean-shaven.
Black eyebrows drew into a frown above the bridge of his
straight, hawkish nose. She could see no more of him, for
he wore a mail
coif with a ventail wrapped under his chin.
Yet, she couldn’t tear her gaze from his glittering and
wickedly beautiful eyes. He’d a wild-blooded look about
him that stole her breath away. For an instant, she’d
thought him threatening. What else must account for the strange
flutter in her chest?
“
As God is my witness, I mean you no harm.” His eyes sparkled
and a smile now tilted one corner of his mouth. “I only
ask for part of your favor, a simple silken token to carry
with me into the lists, for I have no maiden fair. Will you
honor me, my lady?”
Dare she believe the sincerity of his request? His flattery?
Catrin bit her lip, looking for a way to escape. She’d
no more time for banter. The tournament would soon start and
she must deliver the scarf to Gilbert.
She glanced at the knight again. The amused light in his
eyes darkened. The tingle of attraction surprised her.
“
Oh, very well,” she said, abruptly making up her mind. “Gilbert
waits. I have no time for your foolish game.” She tore
the scarf in two and thrust half of it toward her tormentor. “Take
this!”
Bowing as any chivalrous warrior might, he accepted the jagged
piece of silk without a word and stepped aside.
Catrin picked up her skirts and bolted from him, sprinting
as fast as she’d run during childhood days in the fields
near Clun Castle.
# Learn about ravens at PBS — NATURE
Did you know the Tower
of London keeps ravens?
"Unusually for birds of ill omen, the future of both Country
and Kingdom relies upon their continued residence, for according
to legend, at least six ravens must remain lest both Tower
and Monarchy fall."
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