Queen of the May

This is a good, fast-paced story with interesting characters. I especially liked how Alexander gradually came to a deeper understanding of the plight of his serfs through Giselle's help. I also liked how Giselle in turn overcame her prejudice toward nobles by her interaction with Alexander and his family. Well done, Ms. Cody!The only problem with this story is that it is much too simplistic. It's extremely easy to guess Giselle's background and it was disappointing that there was only one candidate for the role of villain. A book that is packaged with the promise of a "secret enemy" seeking to kill Giselle should have had more than one possibility for her enemy. The attempts on Giselle's life should have started much earlier in the story as well. When one knows who the villain is, one wonders why it took him so long to make a move against Giselle.All in all, however, this was a nice story. I'm partial to the legend of Robin Hood and was thrilled to read a romance that incorporates his legend. Fellow fans of Robin and Marian should check out Marsha Canham's Robin Hood trilogy: THROUGH A DARK MIST, IN THE SHADOW OF MIDNIGHT, and THE LAST ARROW.

A beautiful red-headed wood sprite from Sherwood Forest and a decorated bastard knight fresh back from Richard's Crusades, Giselle and Alexander will capture your heart from word one. With an evil secret enemy and Robyn Hood and Maid Marian as secondary characters, QUEEN OF THE MAY is a delightful and absorbing read.I will be searching the stores for Ms. Cody's backlist!