The Marriage Test

by Betina Krahn

Book Overview

Looking for an urban fantasy series in the tradition of Jim Butcher, Richard Kadrey, and Kevin Hearne? Check out the high-octane thrills and supernatural chills of the Templar Chronicles Cade Williams... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0739444212
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 343 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A surprisingly witty and engaging tale of a Medieval chef

Other reviewers have covered the stories plot in detail. So, for that I'll summarize it as involving a hero, who is a nobleman with an exquisitely sensitive nose, on the hunt for a chef. He finds one--our heroine, who longs for love and a family of her own--stuck in a convent. The good sisters (whom we have met before in "The Wife Test" and "The Husband Test") are reluctant to give her up because they know how important her cooking is to the serenity of their establishment. He bargains for her services to set his kitchen in order in a year. Therein begins a tale of pigs, competing kitchens, romance, truffles, recipes, and treachery. I was surprised to see some of the low scores given this witty and engaging tale. Perhaps that is because a lot of the story revolves around recipes and an understanding of food. Those who know their way around a kitchen--particularly if they have been well trained in this--will probably be snickering, laughing, and rolling on the floor as much as I did. However, even if you know nothing about food or Medieval times, there is sufficient banter and intrique to keep most folks turning the pages with interest. As with her other books, the wily nuns are particularly fun. I really encourage you to give this book a try, along with Krahn's "The Husband Test" and "The Wife Test." They are a delightful way to pass the time, and books that stand the test of rereading with pleasure again and again.

a good read

the author has researched her subject and written a page turning book its funny this is an author you guys should read you wont be sorry she made me feel i was in medievel england the herione wass strong and smart i hate a stupid helpless women dont you lol dee

A Tasty Read

I'd never heard of Bettina Krahn or her books before picking one up to while-away a long bus ride. I love period pieces and wasn't quite sure what to expect, but once I got past the initial chapter or two, orienting myself with the characters, I was amused and delighted.Being somewhat of a medieval buff and a "foodie", the crafting of the genre dishes and delicacies was well-done, and certainly gave this book a nice flavor, if you'll forgive the pun.An easy read that had humor and romance at the same time. I'd gladly pick up other novels done by this author.

amusing medieval romance

After dining at a feast that could only have been made in heaven, Sirs Greeve and Axel return home informing their liege Count Griffin de Grandaise of the delicious palate. Griffin, who cannot abide the slop that is served and with a "nasal" condition, sneaks into the Convent of the Brides of Virtue and tastes the best food he ever ate. He offers the Abbess gold to purchase her cook from her, but is rejected until the Bishop and Duke intercede and force a transaction. The cook, Julia of Childress, will spend one year teaching Griffin's staff to cook in exchange for gold. She is to be returned with her virtual intact so she can take her vows.Unhappy as a pawn and the presumption of the Abbess that she wants to take vows, Julia accompanies Griffin back to his estate, but not before she spends his fortune on spices and sundry. Griffin is attracted to his new employee but avoids her except for meals because he does not want to cause an incident with the Duke and besides he is engaged to the daughter of his neighbor. As a third player manipulates the hostility between Griffin and his future in-laws, Julia choose to stay as his countess because she loves him.THE MARRIAGE TEST is an amusing medieval romance that moves the senses especially taste and olfactory. The humorous storyline grips the audience from the moment Griffin sneaks into the convent's kitchens. The tale never slows down until a final confrontation though the tie up in terms of relationships is too tidy. Fans will enjoy Julia's skills to make Griffin salivate for her food and for her.Harriet Klausner