Lord of the Keep

This book is a definite page turner. Not only are the characters real, they touch your heart and soul. It is one of the best historicals I have read in a long time. Her twists are never anticipated and surprise you at every turn. The perfect hero, the most wonderful heroine and a love story to "die for"-I cannot say enough good things about this book. It is not to be missed by those who love true historicals-a definite keeper. A great book done by an extraordinary author.

is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. It has realistic characters, deep emotions and a page turning plot. I am very picky in what I read and this book had nothing to pick apart. It was in a word; Wonderful. Ann Lawerence has a great career ahead of her and I will be there every step of the way buying her books.

Ann Lawrence's second book, Lord of the Keep, from LoveSpell's Perfect Heroes series is a great medieval historical - quite different from the paranormal Virtual Heaven, her first book. The physical image conjured in my mind by the series title, Perfect Heroes, doesn't exactly match forty year old Gilles d'Argent, but the label fits him nonetheless. What a wonderful story this is with delightful characters and some unusual twists.Gilles meets Emma, a talented weaver, when her uncle brings her before him claiming she has given away her virtue and therefore cost him the benefit of a marriage arranged for her. Emma refuses to name her lover, to whom she considers herself married because of the private vows of marriage they exchanged. Two years later, when Gilles rescues Emma and her baby, Angelique, from the attack of mad dogs, she comes back to his notice. He brings her into his household and makes her his private weaver. Of course, the lover she thought she married, and who subsequently abandoned her and their baby, is Sir William, a member of Gilles's household. Although she is only a weaver, Emma is befriended by Sarah, wife of Gilles's close friend Roland and apparent housekeeper of Hawkwatch Keep. Although fascinated with Emma, Gilles is hesitant to take her as a wife, given her lowly station, or as a leman, her obvious dignity. He also fears rejection due to his advancing age and Emma's obvious appeal to the younger and more handsome men of the Keep. They cannot deny the feelings they have for each other, however, and become both friends and lovers. When Emma realizes the feelings she had for William cannot compare with the love she develops for Gilles, she agrees to become Gilles's leman. The jealousies that arise between Gilles and William make for some interesting scenes, and eventually lead to a crucial turning point for Gilles and Emma.I was enchanted by this sweet story, by Gilles and Emma, Sarah and Roland, and other secondary characters, as well as the story as a whole. Even Sir William is a complex villain, who causes some complicated plot twists. I liked the fact that Gilles, a great warrior and Lord of the Keep, was nonetheless insecure in his appeal due as compared to younger men, while Emma never gave this fact the least thought. Lord of the Keep is a wonderful tale, which I strongly recommend. Ann Lawrence is obviously a new author to watch. Enjoy!

Giles d'Argent does not look forward to his new duties now that his father died and passed them on to him. As the new Baron of Hawkwatch Castle he tires of listening to petitioners presenting their complaints. But, when an old man and a young woman enter his hall, a mystical-like feeling came over him and he stopped the proceedings to listen to them immediately. Emma, a young weaver, was brought before Lord Gilles by her cruel uncle, now her guardian, in an attempt to force her to marry the knave who stole her innocence. Emma believed the man she made 'vows' with would marry her so she refused to offer up his name. Beset with confusion when Lord Gilles did not judge her harshly, she returns to the home of her uncle. She is cast out when he learns she's to have a babe and lives among the beggarly in the village on the side of a wall of the castle. Denying he spoke 'vows', and unwilling to claim the child as his, her 'lover' refuses to aid in any way. Weaving and selling at market earns Emma very few pennies, and it is her only friend the Widow Cooper who keeps her and her baby from starving.Two years pass before Gilles will see Emma again, but he has not forgotten her. He is out hunting when a sense of urgency comes over him and in a panic he follows his instincts to find Emma circled by a pack of hungry dogs. When he fights away the dogs Emma falls into a faint and cracks her head on a rock. Gilles hears a mewling sound and is surprised when he finds a tiny blonde-headed babe wrapped in her mother's arms. He immediately recognizes Emma and has his squire tend her and stitch her wounds. Still unconscious she is taken to the castle until she wakens. Both Emma and Lord Gilles are again struck by their mysterious feelings for each other. Returning to her meager dwelling Emma weaves a unique belt as a gift to thank Lord Gilles for saving the life of her baby and herself and he is speechless when he opens it. Gilles is overcome by the pleasure of the gift and tells Emma that she must join his weavers immediately. Emma agrees, and thus begins the story of LORD OF THE KEEP.Ann Lawrence delivers a story that is filled with excitement. Just when you think you have things figured out, the author offers another twist to unravel. She writes so expressively that readers are returned to the days of old, living among her cast of characters. LORD OF THE KEEP is a medieval reader's dream, offering enough romance, steamy sensuality, and adventure to keep readers spellbound to the end of this definite keeper.

With her second novel Lord of the Keep, Ms. Lawrence proves she deserved the accolades she received with her debut book Virtual Heaven. In LOTK, she skillfully spins a stunning love story between Gilles D'Argent, the Lord; and Emma, a weaver and single mother in Medieval times. The plot involves all the key components of wonderful storytelling, with strong, empassioned characters fighting both inner demons and external forces in order to be together. Ms. Lawrence's talent shines through as she creates a tale of people that grips you by the heart and won't let go until the very end. This is a must read!