Keeper of the Dream

A wonderful romance book that will not disappoint you. In fact, I have yet to be disappointed in any of PW's books. One reviewer wrote "Do you want beautiful prose, rich characters and a story line that is not the 'same song second verse'?" And I couldn't agree more!!! The year is 1157 and Lady Arianna's brother killed and his castle Rhuddlan is captured by the illegitimate son of the late Earl of Chester, Raine - or better known as the Black Dragon. Lady Arianna is taken hostage. Raine's half-brother wants the castle for himself and approachs King Henry II for ownership. To be able to claim the castle as his, Raine must fight his half-brother in a tournament. In the end the winner gets the castle and weds Lady Arianna.The story is one of sibling rivalry and never being good enough for a father's love. Being dedicated to her family and Welsh countrymen, Arianna fights Raine and his English ways constantly until she allows herself to see another side of him. It is a story of eternal love with a wonderful ending. I highly recommend it. You will no doubt enjoy it!!!

It has been a long while since a book left me in awe at the sheer brilliance of it. In fact I can't recall the last time that happened and as far as I'm concerned this book cannot be rated because it is off the charts. It is that incredible! This is the story of Raine and Arianna set in the year 1157 when Wales and England were in constant war. Raine is the bastard son of the Earl of Chester, a horrible man who relegated his illegitimate son to work in the stables and subjected him to countless beatings and floggings and ultimately gives Raine up as a hostage to his enemies. Raine overcomes these immense obstacles with his courage and sheer strength, driven by a strong derire to prove himself to his uncaring father, to make him see him as his son or at least as his equal. Raine's drive and ambitions eventually gain him knighthood and in exchange for saving King Henry's life he receives his own keep. Raine's dream was to someday be the Lord of his own castle and King Henry made that dream come true, however, for this dream he has to pay a hefty price. Raine is also to marry the daughter of a Welsh prince to secure not only his castle but also a truce between the two countries. This Welsh princess is as beautiful as she is stubborn and strong, and she has made it very clear that she does not want to marry the Norman bastard others call the Black Dragon.Arianna is a Welsh "seer", a beautiful, strong girl who is not easily subdued by any man. Raine is a Norman, therefore her enemy, who has killed countless of her people and even her own brother in battle. She will not easily accept this arranged marriage not only because he murdered her brother bu also because her loyalty lies in Wales. Through her gift of sight and with the help of a very mysterious squire Arianna is able to see into Raine's terrible past and from those visions she is able to glean an understanding of him, and she begins to fall in love with him. She finds out that underneath the intimidating and confident warrior lives a little boy starving for love and acceptance. Raine and Arianna's love will grow to be so unbelievable and strong as to transcend time. Do you believe in eternal love? If you do then this book is for you. If you don't this book will make a believer out of you. If you are a sucker for tortured heroes with hearts of gold then you will fall head over heels in love with Raine. If you love strong, intelligent heroines then Arianna will make you cheer. This novel has all the ingredients that make a romance perfect. If you need to be reminded of why you started to read romances in the first place then give this book a try.It will remind you .... Highly recommended!!!

I am not by nature a romance reader, but I borrowed this book from my mother and was absolutely shocked. The two main characters are composed of such depth and breadth that you feel right along with them as they go through their trials. You know those books you just never want to end? This is one of them. Not only is it the best romance novel I've ever read, it is one of the best books I have ever read. Period. It makes up for a hundred other terrible books that I have read.

I could not put it down. KEEPER OF THE DREAM is deeply emotional, beutifully written, and filled with as much laughter as tears. Raine is the illegitimate son of a Norman nobleman. He is a much-feared warrior nick-named the Black Dragon. He conquers castle Rhuddlan, but must nevertheless fight his legitimate half-brother in a tournament to become its lord. In the process, he must wed Lady Arianna. This illegitimate son of a nobleman is weary of fighting and wants his own land and title enough to consent to an arranged marriage. Lady Arianna is horrified by the thought of marrying the Norman who killed her brother in battle. Suffice it to say that theirs is a chaotic and emotionally brutal union. And this is only the first 100 pages! What follows is quite a beautiful and heart-wrenching read.There is much strife, turmoil, and heartbreak in this multi-layered story. However, there is enough humor and laughter to save it from becoming depressing. I loved this book. It is now one of my very favorites. I will no doubt hunt down the rest of Penelope Williamson's books.