The Maiden's Heart

by Julie Beard

Book Overview

A dashingly handsome knight errant agrees to marry a baron's daughter... sight unseen. But his new bride is as beautiful as an angel--and just as chaste. Her plan to stay that way, however, will drive... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0515125156
• ISBN13: 9780515125153
• Release Date: June 1999
• Publisher: Jove Books
• Length: 333 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

Heartwarming

This wonderful book is the kind of Medieval that Julie Beard is so loved for. There are so many books that have stereotypic heros and heroines. Julie Beard's books always deliver realistic, complex characters that we care about as they overcome the obstacles of the plot. I loved this book. A heartwarming tale.

Great premise, but disappointing for all that...

This is the first Julie Beard book I have read, and I picked it up mainly because of its medieval setting and the interesting premise (a young heiress wants a spiritual marriage, or a marriage that will not be consummated, from her husband, who is a knight and the disinherited younger son of a baron). First, I must speak to the merits of this book before addressing its flaws.The premise is one that I have not seen in any other medieval romance, and I have read many. The hero Hugh is, as I have said, a knight whose livelihood depends on his winning tournaments, but who gives up that same livelihood when his best friend is killed accidentally in one match. He is also the disinherited second son of a baron (who we later learn is deceased), and he has been brought up in circumstances not befitting his birth and social status. [We learn more about this half way through the book]. The heroine Margaret is the daughter of a baron who has fallen on hard times. Not only is his barony greatly diminished but the baron is also mentally handicapped after suffering head injuries during a raid on his castle. Margaret is struggling to keep the estate afloat, and to conceal the truth about her father's condition from vassal and king alike. [The book is set during the reign of Edward II, one of the weaker kings of England].The social history of the book is interesting. There is a papal ban on tournaments because the Crusades are on. Of course, the ban is largely ignored, especially by the better-connected knights. The king, whose reign is not discussed that much, has some vicious companions at least from his youth as Prince of Wales [I am not sure how far this is true, given that his father was the great Edward I who would not have tolerated such lawlessness in his own lands]. There is discussion of various "heretic" movements including the Cathars, and there is also debate about the role of marriage. This social history can be off-putting for those who just want medieval history as wallpaper, but will be of interest to those who want some authenticity with their story. I have to say that as good as the social and religious details are, the political details are rather sketchier. Furthermore, without an author's note, these details can be hard to follow even for those somewhat knowledgeable about medieval history.Now to the story. The hero and heroine are both intriguing characters, basically very good. The heroine is beautiful and chaste, but unaware of her beauty. The hero is truly chivalrous, but he is unlettered and without connections, thanks to his disinheritance. The story (of which I will not say much) is an interesting one, with some intriguing secondary characters. While the marriage is unconsummated for most of the book, of course there is a happy ending eventually. Now to some problems. Firstly, I wonder why every author must have a heroine who is completely unaware of her beauty. [For some heroines, who have been

A breath of fresh air

This is the best book I've read in quite a while. Sir Hugh is a second son, disowned knight looking for a place to plant some roots. He ends up with a barony and a beautiful, but chaste wife who doesn't want to consumate the marriage. Of course the rest of the story has a mystery and sweetness and very lovable secondary characters, from a cross-eyed lady in waiting to a prostitute who becomes the heroine's handmaiden. I wish there was more good books like this one around.

Medieval Romance at its best!

Julie Beard's books are known for their great characterizations. This book follows this tradition. The heroine's desire for a "spiritual marriage" is a fresh and compelling twist and Beard's great use of historical details really bring the book to life. If you love strong characters and heartfelt emotion, you'll love The Maiden's Heart.

Exciting Medieval romance

In 1313 England, knight-errant, Sir Hugh de Greyhurst grows weary after fifteen years on the jousting circuit. Perhaps it is his recent injury that does not seem to heal. Perhaps he needs to quit after seeing an old crony die from an unnecessary accident. Whatever the reason, Hugh informs his peers that he is quitting in order to find a spouse. Everyone laughs at Hugh because he apparently offers nothing to a woman. The innkeeper overhears the discussion and for gold informs Hugh that Lady Margrete Trewsbury seeks a husband. Sight unseen, even as his old friends jeer him, Hugh goes to marry Margrete. When he arrives at Longrove Barony, he quickly learns that her father, who is dying, has a loose screw. Still, he wants Margrete married before he dies, so that King Edward II does not have an opportunity to select someone for his beloved daughter. Margrete informs Hugh she will marry him but they will have a spirited marriage, meaning no sex. He agrees, figuring on eventually persuading her to share his bed. However, as the duo begins to fall in love, they struggle with forming a relationship. Hurting their efforts appears to be a dangerous conspiracy to wrestle control of the Barony from them. THE MAIDEN'S HEART is an exciting Medieval romance because of the detail that Julie Beard brings to the novel. The lead protagonists are a daring, intelligent, and warm pair while the support cast, especially the members of the tournament circuit, amplifies the crisp plot. The story line is filled with action, betrayal, and a depth of an era that will leave readers desiring more tales from Ms. Beard.Harriet Klausner