Love Alters Not

This is a very satisfying book. As another reviewer wrote, this book truly does have it all--a fast paced and exciting plot, a strong and resourceful heroine, a brooding but noble hero and much adventure, heartbreak and humor along the way. Dimity Cranford is one of the best Veryan heroines. She's every bit as strong and independent as Leonie Aynsworth (Mistress of Willowale) and lighthearted like Rebecca Parish (The Wagered Widow). Like all Veryan heroines, she dotes on her family and is absolutely feminine--Veryan's heroines are strong characters, but they would never dream of upstaging their man or being overly aggressive. Most of the heroines in the Golden Chronicles are dragged into treason by a brother or a lover. Dimity is true to form--she becomes mired in treasonable intrigue on behalf of her erst-while suitor. Unlike the other heroines, Dimity becomes the driving force itself, rather than a tag-along to the hero. It makes her a very courageous figure. Note the promise that Roland Otten makes the heroine at the end of the book--that promise is important in later in Golden Chronicles installments.

Back Cover copy:SHE NEVER DREAMED BEING A TRAITOR WOULD ENDAGER HER LIFE AND HER HEART...Impetuous Dimity Cranford bravely sets out to rescue her wounded friend by delivering a crucial cypher to his fellow Jacobite sympathizers. But her midnight coach is overturned and she is forced into a bold deception to avoid questioning. Masquerading as Mrs. Catherine Deene, the guardian of a young boy orphaned by the accident, she plots to complete her mission.When she arrives at the lavish estate of her new charge, however, she comes face to face with the infamous Sir Anthony Farrar, the knave who deserted her very own brothers' troops in the midst of battle! Unfortunately, the cowardly yellow dog is extremely good to look at. Soon Dimity finds herself torn in a most daring test of courage--and of love...

Romance, adventure, a hero who is at once vulnerable, proud and loving to the extreme, a heroine who is strong, independent and intelligent, a lovable little dog named Shuffle, and an irrepressible but good-hearted little boy. What else could you ask for? Typical Veryan, this story is extremely well-written, drawing readers to sympathize with Anthony Farrar, the gentleman accused of cowardly deserting his troops in battle, and to root for Dimity "Mitten" Cranford in her attempt to understand this enigma of a man. The book also has some very funny and witty dialogue as well as an extremely touching scene which of course brought tears to my eyes. It is a highly recommended novel, and I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying it or being moved by it.

I loved this book! It was my second favorite in the serise (after Dedicated villain). Dimity Cranford (sister to Piers and Perry from the jewled men serise after this one)and Anthony Farrar made a wonderful couple although Veryan rushes the attraction a bit. The premise was great and the ending was to die for! It was so sad I actually cried at one point. I was also glad to see Tio Glendenning from the Jewled Men serise in this one too. If at all possible read the Golden Chronicals then The Jeweled Men, they make more sense that way! This book should definitely be read in order but it is one of the best books in the Golden chronicals.