A Knight's Captive

Townsend pens an intriguing historical romance with "A Knight's Captive." Set in England, 1066, as William the Conqueror takes the throne, "A Knight's Captive" gives a gritty account of the times. Deception, greed, and lust run rampart in the Middle ages, yet the power of love shines in Townsend's tale. The novel starts with Sunniva accompanying her father, Cena, and her brothers on a pilgrimage to St. Cuthbert's grave. Her father and brothers treat her poorly and she's practically no better than a slave to them. Also going on the pilgrimage to St. Cuthbert's grave is Marc de Sens. Marc is a Norman who is traveling with his three nieces. Marc is their guardian. As the pilgrimage progresses, Marc saves Sunniva from a near rape. The attraction between the couple simmers with longing glances as they continue to interact on the pilgrimage. Marc, however, maintains a respectful distance as he observes how disrespectful Sunniva's father and brother are to her. As news of William the Conqueror spreads through England, Sunniva's father and brother reluctantly join Ethered's army and leave the pilgrimage putting Sunniva in Marc's care. Marc soon discovers Cena and his sons have died in battle, leaving Sunniva as his heir. Sunniva must now travel to her newly inherited lands, but can she trust Marc, or are his motives for helping her more darker than she suspects? Marc and Sunniva are interesting characters. Marc's concern and care of his nieces are admirable, yet he seems to be followed by gossip that accuses him of being a woman killer. This gives his character a bit of an edge. Beneath the gossip, Marc is honest and loyal, traits any woman would admire in a man. Sunniva is a more complicated character. She begrudgingly puts up with her father's bad behavior toward her and this hardens her. At the time of his death, Sunniva's trust has been destroyed, and while attracted to Marc, she doesn't know how to trust him. Sunniva lies to him about being engaged, and it's only as Marc earns her trust by his deeds, does she begin to lower her defenses. Townsend's dialogue reflects the nature of the times while not weighing down the reader. Her love scenes are sophisticated for romance readers with passionate, yet tasteful scenes between Marc and Sunniva. Overall, "A Knight's Captive" will take you into the past to discover a love that will last lifetime.

Marc de Sens is traveling on a pilgrimage to St. Cuthbert in Northern England with his three nieces. He has been given their guardianship and takes his responsibilities serious. He wants all three of the girls to be able to be safe and laugh and have joy in their lives. On the way to the shrine, Marc can't help but notice the beautiful girl accompanying her rude father and disrespectful brothers to the same place. His heart is instantly transfixed on the beauty of this woman and when he finds out she is betrothed, his sadness if real. However, her engagement is not. Sunniva made up an engagement after learning about Marc from her brothers. Sunniva can't help but notice the knight that is so gentle and soft spoken with his three charges. Her experience with men has not left her thinking very highly of them. When her brothers and father leave her to go off to war and in turn get killed, Sunniva is now alone in the world. Marc promises her he will help her continue her journey and he does. He just wishes she didn't believe the worst in him. Sunniva and Marc fall in love but the path to their happiness is paved with big huge boulders. Every single step forward almost certainty guarantees a step backwards. The biggest hurdle is Sunniva's belief that Marc is an abuser of women. I watched this loyal and trustworthy knight and my heart went out to him because I knew he was good and kind. However, Lindsay Townsend and her wonderful characters didn't let me down. The love that Marc and Sunniva had for each other finally culminated in a relationship that was almost blessed. A KNIGHT'S VOW by Lindsay Townsend is a keeper in my book. I can't wait to read it again. Natalie S.

I love a story with a truly heroic hero and a heroine strong enough to match him. I also like high stakes adventure interwoven with the romance, as well as a wealth of authentic details that transport me to another time. Ms. Townsend has succeeded on all counts.