The Jewel and the Sword

Rating:
Summary: exciting medieval romance
Review: In 1233, Border Lord Devlin Ravenstone volunteers to trade places with King Henry because the sovereign is his best friend and the threat to the monarch comes from his estrange half-brother Morven Douglas. Morven hates Devlin and their father because he gave the symbolic jeweled sword to the younger sibling and this means Devlin is the heir. Devlin, signing a death notice, rides under the king's banner while Henry takes a smaller contingency under a different flag. Devlin's only regret is leaving his wife a widow. He survives but learns that his spouse was the heart of the treason.

Ten years later, Morven Laird of Clan Douglas invades Ravenstone; as he flees with the jeweled sword, the English capture him. Morven's aid takes the sword back to Douglas Keep. Devlin attacks Douglas Keep to regain the sword, but is wounded in the battle and captured by the Scots. Morven's daughter Meghan tends to his wounds. Immediately attracted to one another, he still hides his identity from her. When Douglas escapes, Meghan follows, hoping to free her father and halt the retributions that harm both sides. However, how will she react if she knows that she has fallen in love with her father's enemy, her uncle?

This exciting medieval romance focuses on honor and betrayal that lead to deadly feuds. Marjorie Jones explains that the half-brothers are actually not blood relatives, but Meghan and her father do not know that as good intentions have paved the way to hell. Douglas is a wonderful person who believes women are snakes while Meghan is an idealist pushing for peace. Though readers will doubt Morven's fate, fans will enjoy this colorful historical tale.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: Another Wonderful Historical Romance!!!
Review: Ms. Jones has penned a truly wonderful historic romance which will captivate you and stay with you long after you turn the final page!

Devlin Barnett has been betrayed by the woman he thought he knew and loved. As a result he keeps his heart safely guarded behind a wall of stone. Or at least he thinks he does. His defenses are about to be stormed by one fiery scottish lass and everything he thought he knew is about to be tested. A family sword has been stolen by his brother who is Laird Douglas. He goes to the Douglas Keep with the intention of getting his sword back. Instead he is wounded in battle and finds himself under the gentle care of Meghan Douglas.

Meghan can't help but be drawn to the mysterious warrior and vows she will do all she can to keep him alive. She heals more then just his warriors body, she heals his heart but will that be enough to keep them together or will tretchery and the secret of who Devlin really is keep them apart?

This story was rich with historic details, and character development was well done. I found myself truly caring about Devlin and Meghan. Secodary characters like Will (Devlin's cousin) and Morven (Meghan's father) are wonderful additions to the storyline. Maybe one day Will will have his own story!

Ms. Jones is truly an author worth watching. She is a natural born storyteller and as the reader you will be well reward if you pick up this book.

Rating:
Summary: A Tale that Transports you in Time...
Review: This wonderful story is so fresh and immediate, you feel as though you are really there. The sights and sounds bring you right into the world of the knight Devlin, a noble and sexy hero. I could identify with Meghan as she fought for her knight. You really root for them to be together, unlike many other heroes & heroines of books. This is a great debut from author Jones!