The Knave and the Maiden

I was asked to judge this novel for a contest and enjoyed it so much that I just have to recommend it! Ms. Gifford's vivid imagery puts the reader right in the middle of the medieval era, with believable, sympathetic characters. Domenica wants to devote her life to her faith; hero Garren has lost his. It's difficult to mix deep Christian faith with sensuality but Ms. Gifford pulls it off, and convincingly too. I won't give a synopsis of the plot here, since our talented diva Harriett already did it better than I could. Trust me: You can't help but cheer for this couple, and the happy ending doesn't disappoint. I can't wait to read more from this promising new talent.

Blythe Gifford uses beautiful language and engaging historical detail to tell this unique and compelling story that will take you back in time. THE KNAVE AND THE MAIDEN is an extremely well-crafted tale that drew me in immediately. I fell in love with Garren and rooted for Dominica, and found the setting and cast utterly entrancing.

The Knave and the Maiden is not your run-of-the-mill medieval romance. Ms. Gifford displays not only engaging storytelling skills but an understanding and authentic portrayal of the medieval world view. In addition I admire very much the presentation of physical/spiritual passion, which is not "overwritten" as many such romances are, but deeply moving.This is an author who will go far.

Setting - England, 1387 --- He calls himself, Sir Garren of nowhere, but because he saved the life of his best friend, William, Earl of Readington, the young novice, Domenica, from the abbey calls him `The Savior'. Garren could have carried bounty from the fields of France, but would not leave the man whom he loved like his brother and gave him the only home he'd known since he had left the monastery at the age seventeen. Now, William lay dying and his one last request was for Garren to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Blessed Larina to deliver to the priest who resided there a mysterious letter whose seal must remain intact.Garren had long ago lost his faith in God, and especially the church. The boundless faith in God and innocence that lit the face of Domenica was an unwelcome burden he wished not to carry, especially since he'd struck a side bargain in order to gain some coin that would take that innocence away. That very same innocence and faith would surely be his undoing as his cynical heart began to soften by the presence of the faithful and the pure and simple faith of the blue-eyed maiden. Not knowing what was contained in the letter he carried, Garren would lead the pilgrims along the path to the shrine in a race he'd not known would place both his and Domenica's very lives in danger. This debut novel by a new voice in medieval romance was for me.... pure poetry! I loved the blind faith and innocence she portrayed in Domenica that played out beautifully against the disenchantment of God and Church that tortured Garren. The author supplies a vivid cast of supporting characters that will make you smile in delight and cringe at their very wickedness. The apprehension of the quest is felt quite nicely and the sweetness of the ending will have you running for your tissues. Oh yes, this is a new star on the horizon and I certainly hope to see much more from her!

In 1357, Garren carried the severely wounded Earl, William, and the man's armor home from the French battlefields. Though he sacrificed personal wealth by not looting like everyone else did and William's brother Richard the heir blames him that his sibling still lives, Garren knows William is dying anyway. When William asks him to buy a lead feather to help him on his next journey, Garren promises to steal the relic so William can touch it.The Prioress Mother Julian believes that the abandoned foundling Dominica is a heretic when the lass insists that God told her to spread the word. Julian and Richard make a evil pact to destroy Dominica and Garren. They arrange a pilgrimage to honor Will, but offer money for Garren to take Dominica so she is not a pure wife to the Savior, which in turn will disgrace the popular hero. Garren agrees, but on the trek, he falls in love with the gentle Dominica and she reciprocates. As he becomes a believer, he wonders how to keep her safe and pure.THE KNAVE AND THE MAIDEN is an engaging look at fourteenth century culture of the various classes. The story line is fun to follow with Garren slowly becoming converted by the goodness and love he feels for the woman he is supposed to deflower. Though Dominica is a charming person, she adjusts too easily to what should have been a strange secular world that should have her tripping all over the place since she has no experience outside the monastery. Still medieval fans will appreciate this appealing tale of love between two unlikely individuals.Harriet Klausner