Her Secret Guardian

Oh man, what a heart-wrenching story. By halfway through it I was head-over-heels in love with Simon (truly a hero!) & totally dreading what was to come for him. This is a story about a 20 yr old crime against man, about love & forgiveness. Even though I knew it would turn out ok, I still hated what Simon was going to have to live through. Ms. Needham does know how to write a good story & stir up your emotions. I liked the fact that although Simon was keeping a HUGE secret from Kailey (which I usually don't like), LN had a truly acceptable reason for it (in this case it really was to protect Kailey & her future). I'll have to admit though that it's not a writing style that I'd want to read often; although LN wrapped it all up very nicely, I was still so sad when I was finished with it. However, I'm sure that many others would really like it cause I know that others don't always go for the light-hearted, humous kind of books that I usually want.

Simon's past holds a terrible secret, but instead of hiding from it, he marries the woman who is a constant reminder of his transgression. When Kailey discovers the truth behind her father's death, only her forgiveness can heal Simon.

This was a very nice book to read. I will keep it to read again

The five stars are given on the strength of the last few chapters alone, which is a rollercoster ride of emotions. This is truly a touching book about a man who, to flee from a horrifying guilt in his past, bury himself in honour and justice, becoming one of the King's most loyal and fair magistrate. It is also about a woman, whose past is intertwined with the man's, a woman who flees the loneliness of her life by taking in strays and making them her family. Ms Needham did a wonderful job. I found myself smiling as loved blossomed between them, and sighed in pleasure as Simon, the hero, reluctantly but surely allowed himself to be part of Kailey's family. Now, the wonderful last few chapters where all crashed down as secrets were revealed. This part was the most powerful, as both confronted the pains, horror, and betrayal from the demons of the past. And Kailey's forgiveness, so heartfelt, so painful, tore at my heart. And Simon's gradual acceptance of his guilt and Kailey's love really really made me cry. After reading this I had to take a deep breath and readjust my equilibrium. This is how powerful the impact of this book has on me. It left me drained, yet a feeling of well-being that could only come from a very good book lingered.

In 1174 Chestershire, England, Lady Kailey Hewett's foster father, Sir Robert, is dying. However, before he dies, Robert obtains a death bed promise from Kailey that she will marry the new Sheriff Simon de Marchand. Robert also reminds Simon, who happens to be his estranged son, about their involvement in the hanging for treason of Kailey's father. Simon makes it clear to Kailey that they should immediately marry in spite of her name and lack of a dowry. On the journey to Simon's home, they stop for him to adjudicate several cases. However, Kailey refuses to sit idly by and interferes with his inquiries. She also starts to collect an assortment of oddballs. Most of all, she amasses Simon's cold heart as her own. Still, the two decade old hanging of her father needs to be forgiven if love is to complete the healing process. One of the best writers of Medieval romance, Linda Needham continues to scribe superb work that will excite fans of the sub-genre. Her latest novel, HER SECRET GUARDIAN, will not remain a secret treasure for long, once readers realize how good the novel is. The action-packed story line brimming with love, loyalty and redemption, brings the era to life. The lead protagonists are charming, especially Kailey, who teaches her beloved that there is more to justice than just a narrow interpretation of the law. Anyone who reads this book will need to peruse other works by Ms. Needham such as FOR MY LADY'S KISS and EVER HIS BRIDE. Harriet Klausner