If I Had You (de Piaget Family)

by Lynn Kurland

Book Overview

In this delightful and humorous (Booklist) portrait of 13th-century England, a man returns home from a war to the enchanting woman who leaves him breathless with longing--and to a treachery that... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425176940
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Berkley
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.9" x 1.2" x 4.3"

Customer Reviews

A SURE Winner!

Anne of Fenwyck has loved her foster brother, Robin de Piaget, since they were children. Robin was smitten himself when he first laid eyes on her, and boys being boys, he put a frog down her dress to show his affection. When they were younger, the two of them had been as close as could be, but because of an act of humiliation Robin felt so profound, he kept himself and his heart away from Anne for fear that she would find him lacking. As soon as he could, he went off to war, determined to forget Anne, and prove himself. Robin has grown up to become a most fierce and feared knight and has stayed away for five long years yet when he learns that Anne's father is husband-hunting he rushes home before it is too late. Proficient in war, but unskilled in wooing his surliness soon works to a distinct disadvantage as he tries to get on Anne's good side. Knowing Robin's heart better than he knows himself, his brother Nicolas and his very strong-willed and domineering grandmother set out to bring a bit of chivalry to this fearsome knight! As if Robin didn't have enough on his plate trying to woo his lady, there is an evil plot afoot to take Anne from him before he ever makes her his.I have to credit Kurland with creating a most beautiful and enjoyable love story. I absolutely adored the love and warmth portrayed by the sibling rivalries of this loving de Piaget family. It was both hilarious and touching to `feel' the love and tenderness between these siblings as they beat on each other whether it be with words or fists. Her portrayal of Robin so manly and strong, yet so boyishly awkward when trying to woo Anne was nothing short of brilliant. Kurland draws you in and makes you one of the family, and I can hardly wait to for the next family reunion. Highly entertaining and heartwarming, this book will retain a space on my keeper shelf.

Pure Romance

Lynn Kurland manages to erase time and create an atmophere so realistic, that you'll hate to put the book down and rejoin the 21st Century. The beauty of Kurland's writing is in her characters. As in "This is All I Ask," Kurland presents a hero and heroine whose flaws are what create their beauty. Anne's leg, considered a weakness by her father, inspires respect for Anne's courage from Robin. Robin's own demons, which are not as visible, prove to be the catalist for his tender love for Anne. Despite their own inhibitions, they learn that the past can only be the past, but the future still lies ahead. Throughout the book, you'll find yourself carried away on a flight of emotions ranging from frustration at the two for their own stubborness to communicate, to laughter at the witty dialogue and skilled descriptions of the lessons in wooing, to warmth from the unflawed glow of family love. It's a journey that, although mainly character driven, keeps you flipping pages until you find the story has ended. Or has it. Kurland is an expert at presenting secondary characters that could easily hold their own in another novel. Robin's brothers and sisters are so well defined, that the reader knows there's more to come. I would adore an entire novel about Nicholas and Amanda, as well as a novel that expands on Jason's declaration. You'll find yourself feeling as though you're part of the family. Whether it's the intrigue as to the murder attempts, the continuation of a family we've grown to love, or the awkward courtship and resulting blossoming of true love, Kurland has created yet another masterpiece. For that reason, I have to disagree with other reviewers. The closed door romance is ideal for these books. Consider the era to understand the true effect a kiss can have on a young woman. Sometimes love is a coming together that can't be shared with anyone by means of words. This is a romance novel in the truest and purest sense of the word. I can't wait to read more of Ms. Kurland's work!

A great read

I am a big fan of Lynn Kurland, and so was very excited to see a new installment arriving in stores. I wasn't dissappointed. I think the story is great, and after reading all of her other books, I was happy to learn more about Robin and Anne's story. I really love how she connects all the books together, and I hope she continues. It made me go back through all my other books to review what happened to their parents and their children. I look forward to more great reads with her; I have never been dissapointed!

So Funny!

I enjoyed this book from the beginning, but the last half was definitely my favorite part! As I sat in my living room reading this last part, I began to snicker to myself, then chortle, then laugh out loud! At that, my family asked my to please take my book to the bedroom, because they couldn't hear themselves think! The scenes where Robin is being "civilized" are so hilarious!

Medieval romance was never like this

Geoffrey Fenwick wants his daughter Anne married immediately. Though she has no takers due to her crippled leg, Geoffrey feels her large dowry should prove enough incentive to complete the deed. While visiting Artane, a fortress that Anne loves, Geoffrey makes it clear that Anne will marry soon. Anne only wants Robin, the heir to Artane, but he has hidden from her as if he is ashamed of her appearance. Robin has just returned home after fighting overseas, a place he hid after suffering a humiliation in front of his beloved Anne. He wants to tell Anne he loves her, but cannot find the words. Instead, he is harsh with her, making it even more difficult to tell her he loves her. Complicating matters is a plot to kill Anne, Robin, and his siblings. Lynn Kurland always provides her audience with an exciting tale and her latest medieval romance, IF I HAD YOU, will enhance her reputation. The story line is crisp, fast-paced, and provides much insight into early twelfth century life. Though readers will have no empathy for the inept Robin, the audience will root for Anne and Robin's siblings to succeed. Overall, sub-genre fans will enjoy this warm historical romance.Harriet Klausner