So Speaks the Heart (Avon Historical Romance)

This was one of the first romance novels I read and it greatly influenced my reading choices. See, it was one of those books that made me understand romance writing could be really interesting and fun. I had read hundreds of books since I first read So Speaks the Heart and could still remember most of the story line. There are not many books that can stand that test of time.Rowland Of Montville is the bastard son of rather mean warlord. He is called home after six years in France because there is a threat to his father's fortress and Rowland is one very talented warrior. He is surprised at his father's request for him to return home because he thought it understood by both his father and himself that he would never return to Montville. But after listening to a convincing argument of the friend sent to retrieve him, Rowland begins the journey back home.Bridgette de Louroux is the daughter of French nobleman who has died and left her in her brother's care. Her brother is now reported dead and since Bridgette is only seventeen, a really evil aunt steps in and takes over the estate in the unauthorized role of Bridgette's guardian. The trials she suffers under this awful aunt are too many to swallow with any measure of belief - but hey - it's a great story otherwise. The aunt has forced Bridgette into the servants' quarters, taken away anything of value, and Bridgette works alongside the other servants. She is being kept for an advantageous marriage that the wicked aunt will arrange and benefit from financially. And sure enough - the chosen future groom is all a woman could abhor in a man.During all of this, Rowland is traveling through France, on his way home, blissfully unaware of what awaits him when he stops at Bridgette's home. He is there to deliver a message that her brother is alive and will come home when he recovers from a wound suffered in a fight. He is to deliver this message to the fallen man's sister and as Rowland introduces himself and the purpose of his visit, the aunt assumes Bridgette's identity. Through many more convoluted actions of the aunt, Bridgette ends up in Rowland's room that night accidentally and it is assumed by all that he has taken her virginity during the night. In the furor of Bridgette's supposed loss, the wicked, evil aunt gives her to Rowland - insists he take her as his servant - and polishes up some really big lies to convince him to finally carry Bridgette away from her homeland forever. Since the aunt fears her nephew's reaction to his sister's horrible treatment upon his ultimate return, she forces Rowland to promise that Bridgette will never come back to this part of France again. Rowland, embarrassed by apparently taking an innocent (he doesn't remember doing so), promises that he will keep her with him, as his servant, far away as requested. Of course, Rowland has no idea Bridgette is a nobleman's daughter. The tales he has been told about her repulse him and he unwillingly continues

Lady Brigette's brother Quinton has been killed in war. Her aunt Druoda is now plotting to take over Brigette's home and wants to be rid of her. In the meantime, she treats her as a servant and attempts to break her thru hard labor and abuse. But Brigette's brother is very much alive. Rowland of Montville suffered thru an abusive childhood and has grown into a hardened warrior. When Quinton is wounded saving his life, Rowland agrees to pay the debt by going to Quinton's home to inform his family that he is alive and soon will be coming home. But Druoda lies to him, convincing him that the lovely Brigette is a lowly servant and will be killed unless Rowland takes her as his own. At first, Rowland is angry for being put into such a position. When Brigette tries to tell him the truth, he refuses to believe her and takes her home with him to make her his servant. Soon doubt begins to creep into Rowland's mind. What if Brigette is speaking the truth? He would have to let her go and he can't for Brigette is the one person who could heal his pain. This book is a serious story of pain, betrayal, and healing. As an earlier book of Lindsey's it doesn't have the humor that we have come to know her for. Instead we find a dark, brooding hero and a tormented heroine. Each carrying tremendous baggage, but eventually working beyond that to accept love from each other. One of my favorites!

Even though I first read "So Speaks the Heart" over seven years ago...this is one of the few Lindsey books that still is etched in my mind till this very day. I must've read it over 20 times. It is truly one of her very best works so far and is a real page turner. The characters are very well developed and some scenes are so touching it feels like your actually in the story. If you claim to love a Lindsey and have never read "So Speaks The Heart"....for goodness sake....What are you waiting for?

I've began to reread my JL collection and I must say that this is still one of my favourites. The story is a classic. The emotion in this book was rivetting. I totally felt her desolation as she lied to Gui to protect him for Rowland.