Book Review: A Tapestry of Dreams by Roberta Gellis

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Click to purchase at Sourcebooks - currently  (as of 5/17) on sale for $5.99!!!

About the Book:


In the name of peace, Lady Audris locked away her dreams of a passionate love, until Hugh Licorne, the only man in England strong enough to defend her from her enemies, claimed her as his own.


About the Author:

Roberta Gellis (born 1927) is an American writer of historical fiction, historical romance, and fantasy works. She holds masters degrees in both biochemistry and medieval literature.

Many major writer of historical romance cite her as an important influence.

My Opinion:

*sigh* 

This cover does not do this book justice as this is not a "bodice ripper." In fact had I seen this book in a book store I would have walked on by and that is a shame as I would have denied myself a very good book.

Our heroine, Lady Audris weaves tapestries of outstanding beauty. But her tapestries have, at times, foretold the future. Whether this is because Audris is psychic or just very aware of what is going on around her you will have to read the book to find out.

She is living in a highly defensible keep known as Iron Fist which is being held for her by her Uncle until she marries. She is the rightful heir but she fears if she marries a man strong enough to manage the place he will displace the Uncle she loves so much. Therefore Audris has vowed not to marry at all. But then Hugh Licorne comes into her life as part of King Stephen's entourage and all bets are off as they say.  But Hugh is landless and not even a knight so how can he possibly even be considered as a suitable husband for the Lady Audris?

There is much Hugh does not know about his parentage as he was raised as a foundling by the mighty Archbishop Thurston and then passed to Earl Walter for training. As Hugh works hard to gain some land for himself so he can be deemed worthy for Audris he learns of his past and finds out the secret of his birth.

This was a truly enjoyable book with a strong love story and well developed characters. There is a strong bit of history too with the battle for control of Britain between Stephen and Matilda. The Scottish invasions play a vital role in the tale as well - there is a bit of gore but there cannot be war without it. Despite the cover the book is more historical novel than anything else. The sex scenes are there but don't dominate the book. I would love to follow these two on further adventures.

A Tapesty of Dreams is available at Sourcebooks where it is on SALE (as of 5/17/11)

A Tapestry of Dreams is available at Amazon.com

Disclosure:  I received a copy of A Tapestry of Dreams gratis from Sourcebooks. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.