Customer Reviews:
Margaret, Australia.......2000-02-09
I have read all of The Roselynde Chronicles, and Rhiannon lives up to all the other books. Ms Gellis weaves a wonderful story of a family, supplies history, romance etc etc. She is very detailed with her describitions, it is like watching a movie.
Good, But Not Great.......2000-01-05
I have read the full six volumes of the Roselynde Chronicles, and I found that although Rhiannon as a character was sympathetically written, I couldn't connect. The male family members (aside from Simon, from Book I and Ian, from Book II) were sort of afterthoughts. I had a hard time with some of the plotting between Rhiannon and Simon, as well as Rhiannon's relationship with her father. Admittedly, I don't understand enough about the clan history of ancient Wales, but still, some of it was a bit far-fetched,
Customer Reviews:
A masterful look at life and love in medieval England..........2007-02-16
I picked up this book at a library book sale more for the red-head on the cover than any other reason. Imagine my suprise when this wonderful book turned out to be the last in a series of six detailed portraits of strong women and the men who love them. On paper, 16-year old Sybelle is a ripe prize; heir to all the wealth of Roselynde, she is also blessed with beauty to drive men wild. Unfortunately for Walter, her beauty and wealth are matched by her brains and determination; she, not her husband, will rule her lands. Raised by two generations of strong women to protect what is hers, Sybelle is torn between her feelings for Walter and her fear that he cannot accept all that she is. Their tumultuous love story plays out against a backdrop of war and intrigue in King John's England, and the rich historical details provided by Gellis are what truly make the story. I finished Sybelle in one sitting, and immediately started scouring the internet for copies of the preceding five books. Start with Roselynde if you can, but know that any of these books can stand alone as a tribute to Gellis' skill and passion for her subject.
Margaret, Australia.......2000-04-30
I didn't think that this book lived up to all the other chronicles, but with a writer like Roberta still makes a good read.
Customer Reviews:
Another great read from a great author.......2000-11-08
In this fourth book of the Roselynde Chronicles series, we follow the path of Adam, son of Alinor's first husband, Simon. We meet again our favorites, Alinor and Ian, Joanna and Geoffrey, and meet young Simon. The tale is riveting - a rousing history lesson/review of the turmoil in England at the time of King John's death - while allowing us to glimpse what most noble born women were forced to put up with, while giving us a dashing hero, Adam, and a wonderful heroine, Gilliane, who learns how women should be treated when she meets and marries into this fascinating family. There is intrigue, history, excitment, and diverse characters to please the most exacting palate. A great way to spend an evening or two.
excellent.......2000-02-09
From all of the books in The Roselynde Chronicles this is my favorite. Actually I read this book first, after that I went out and got the whole series. Adam comes from a loving, strong family, and is just what Gilliane needs in her life. This book is full of history, detail, and descriptions can not be surpassed. It is a book you just can't put down, I am sure that you will love it as much as I did.
Customer Reviews:
Romance, Intrigue & History in Medieval England.......2003-07-02
"Joanna" is Book Three in Roberta Gellis' marvelous "Roselynde Chronicles." As with all the individual novels that make up the series, this one stands alone, on its own merit. The novels actually do chronicle history, with meticulous accuracy, so it is helpful to read the books in sequence to understand the politics and reigns of each king. The characters are so richly drawn, even the minor ones, that it is an added touch to watch them grow and mature with every new book.
The story opens during the reign of King John. The treacherous, cruel King has taxed his people heavily; there is political intrigue and moral laxity at court; international problems with the French, Welsh, and Irish bode ill for England's security; and the barons are unhappy with their monarch. The Church is unhappy with John also. He has tried to take control of the Church through his choice for the archbishop of Canterbury, and has been seizing Church revenues for the Crown. The Pope has excommunicated him.
Joanna, Alinor of Roselynde's teenage daughter, has consented to a betrothal with Sir Geoffrey Fitzwilliam, her stepfather's squire of old, who is now a landed knight and budding warrior. He is also the illegitimate son of the King's half brother, and so has royal Plantagenet blood. Alinor and her husband Ian, leave for Ireland to assist the Earl of Pembroke in keeping the peace. They place 20 year old Geoffrey in charge of their vassals in case of war with the Welsh, knowing that Geoffrey's father will back him up if necessary. Joanna is to take charge of their land holdings. Like her mother, Joanna is literate, independent, and trained to care for her people and land, making difficult decisions when needed. Her temperament is less volatile than her mothers and she keeps her feeling to herself. Although she is pleased with her betrothed, who she has known since childhood, she is afraid to love. She has seen war, suffering and loss, including the death of her beloved father some years before. Joanna is a courageous young woman, but fears to lose her heart to Geoffrey, and hopes for a steady, companionable relationship, no more.
As Joanna's and Geoffrey's relationship changes, so does the political climate in England. There are more storms than fair days here, however. A hard war begins with Wales. The Pope absolves all men from their fealty to King John. Philip of France now holds Normandy, which belongs to John. And the King, and Isabella, his Queen, conspire against Geoffrey and Joanna.
Ms. Gellis takes us on an incredible journey through the King's court, medieval keeps, sieges and battles for life, land and honor, the horrific fire that devastated London in 1212, the signing of the Magna Carta by King John at Runnymede and his repudiation of the charter later. Civil War tears the country apart and King Philip invades England with mercenaries. This is exciting stuff!
Joanna and Geoffrey love, marry and are separated by the many events that impact the country. Joanna, at one point must travel, during the war with the French, to rescue her husband who is near death.
I liked this book very much, to say the least. However, it does not merit the five stars I gave the first two books in the series. Because of the turmoil of John's reign, the many problems are reflected in the relationship between the two main characters. While this is realistic, it was difficult to read about depressing times and depressed people. But, hey! Four stars is very good!
JANA
The chronicles continue.........2001-04-07
Roberta Gellis more than any other author I know of continues to give us a story rich in historical detail. This book brings to live the characters we are already familiar with in the two previous books, with an insiders look at the politics, and court intrege of King Johns reign. Both Joanna and Geoffrey bring alive the responsibilities and tensions of the era.
An exciting read about some old and dear characters.......2000-11-08
"Joanna" is the 3rd book in the "Roselynde Chronicles" and while it may not be as riveting as the first 2, it is an excellent read nonetheless. During this part, we see Joanna trying to protect herself from the hurt inherent in any true relationship and Geoffrey, her intended, unsure of how best to break through. We become more familiar with Geoffrey's history and family, and are entertained once more with the very captivating story of Alinor, who is all a woman should be and then some. We learn more of King John's treachery, and learn the some of the causes for the writing of the Magna Carta. A truly enjoyable read.
One of the best I've ever read!.......1998-08-04
Roberta Gellis' Roselynde Chronicles are a MUST read..all of them, not just this book. Start at the beginning with Roselynde. I don't usually do series books but these were the best I've read in a long time.
Amazon.com
In this classic historical romance, author Roberta Gellis spins an unforgettable tale of honorable knights and beautiful ladies, political intrigue in the royal court, and a daring crusade through exotic Byzantium into the Holy Land. Lady Alinor Devaux of Roselynde is a wealthy heiress. At 16 years old, she is well past marriageable age and as willful as she is beautiful. When her beloved father dies, the queen appoints Sir Simon Lemagne as the Warden of Alinor and her estates. But the Queen didn't bargain on Alinor and Simon falling in love. Simon knows that Alinor could attract a richer and more powerful lord as her husband, but Alinor has set her heart and mind on having only Simon--and what Alinor wants, Alinor gets. Through political intrigue and daring battles, this noble knight and strong lady hold fast to each other and to their determination to stay together. This first book in the Roselynde Chronicles is a marvelous story and beloved by romance fans everywhere.
Book Description
The end of her world . . . and the beginning of her greatest adventure
In a time of lords and ladies, Lady Alinor Devaux was an anomaly. The mistress of Roselynde was young, uncannily intelligent, wealthy and had a reputation for being as fierce and protective as any feudal lord before her. Alinor was unmarried and a rich prize for greedy men seeking power and wealth.
When the Queen makes Alinor a royal ward and assigns a warden to oversee the running of Roselynde, Alinor must deal with not only fighting off unwanted suitors, but with the warden as well! Not willing to be any man or woman's pawn, she is determined to make Sir Simon Lemagne's life miserable. But the seasoned knight isn't quite what Alinor expects.
What belongs to Alinor remains with Alinor, and God help any woman, man or holy crusade that gets in her way . . .
Customer Reviews:
Surprisingly good.......2006-10-17
This was great fun. There was so much humour between Alinor and Simon at the beginning, along with their wonderful chemistry. A nice twist to have the heroine being not only intelligent and strong minded, but to have her fall in love with an "older man" instead of some young hunk.
LOL, so many funny scenes but especially the one where Simon wanted to see her books and had a horrible misundertanding with the confused monk.
No matter what the appearances of the book cover and the name of the publisher I would not classify this as a true "bodice ripper". Just a wonderful love story. Alinor and Simon didn't even "do it" until after they were married about 50 pages before the end of the book!
I found the battle scenes to be a bit tiresome (the crusade battles didn't interest me as much), but otherwise very entertaining and well written. I am looking forward to reading the sequel, Alinor.
Return of a Classic romance and series........2006-05-06
Long ago, back in the '70's, I was a fan of what was then called 'women's fiction,' and in some cases, "bodice-rippers."* My favorites of this sort of thing were the ones that were set in some sort of historical setting, where I could happily escape for several hours into a world of knights, fair maidens and plenty of derring-do. Most of these novels were rather forgettible, with little research being done, dialogue and manners being cribbed from various Hollywood films, or such outrageous scenarios that would inspire giggles rather than sighs.
But there was one author that stood out from the pack. Roberta Gellis not only did her work in finding out the actual history of the time and place she was writing about, but made her heroines and the gallant men that loved them, not just interesting, but also right for the time and place. They viewed their world more as people that grew up and matured in a tough, violent society, rather than as twentieth century folks that were transposed into medieval times.
At the opening of this, the first book in the Roselynde Chronicles, we meet Alinor for the first time. She's a young, raven haired woman who is guarding her estates with a fierce determination to keep them. England is in transistion with old king Henry II dead, and his widow freed from imprisonment. Alinor knows that the new king, Richard the Lionhearted, wishes to raise money for his crusade in the Holy Land, and she knows that she's tempting fate if she doesn't find someone to protect her -- and soon.
Coming to Roselynde is Queen Alinor, free at last, and delighted to see her favorite son, Richard, on the throne. She's not too pleased to see him departing so quickly to go on crusade, and his younger, very ambitious brother, John is already plotting mischief. The Queen needs every loyal landholder on her side. She also takes a liking to her young namesake, and takes the young woman with her to London.
Among the soldiers protecting the Queen is Sir Simon Lemagne, grown old -- at least in medieval eyes -- and possessed of a fierce honor and pride of his own. He finds the young Alinor quite beautiful and enchanting, but also knows that he isn't in the running to marry her either. He's a landless knight, and his own self-pride keeps him from declaring his feelings for her.
But then, he never counted on young Alinor deciding on him as the man for her either. We follow their courtship from England to Italy and the Holy Land and back again. There's plenty of adventure, battle, romances -- not just Alinor and Simon's -- and historical figures such as William Marshall, Richard the Lionheart and his queen, Berengaria. Gellis keeps them all within what is known of history, and while the story has become a little dated since it was published back in the seventies, it's still an excellent read.
While those who are concerned with political correctness might find parts of this book objectionable -- the depicition of the Saracens and the very gory outcomes of the wars of the Crusades are rather vivid -- Gellis tries not to move too far away from the attitudes of the time either. This was one of the first romance novels that had sex that was somewhat graphic, and while some may take the use of euphemisms for various parts of the body as silly, it's not quite as stupid as most later novels got to be. Fortunately, she also avoids the use of rather vulgar English for body parts as well, which I find a relief, as they tend to break the mood of the novel for me.
Gellis gives this story a great blend of historical storytelling, and a sexy mature romance that proves it still has legs after all these years. It's close to the perfect historical romance for me, and while it's not completely perfect, it's still far far better than most of the stuff that is getting cranked out these days. What's even better is that the story is continued over several novels, all of which are being rereleased over the next few years.
The publishers, Harlequin Signature Select, have included several additional features into this reissue. There's an forward by author Margaret Moore, an author's note that goes into further detail of the history and times, along with the sources that she used. As with the novel Desiree, there is an adaptation of a medieval recipe, Honey and Egg Loaf with Sweet Wine Syrup as a special little treat. Excerpts from the novel Alinor and Margaret Moore's novel Hers to Command wind up the book.
Roselynde.......2006-02-22
This is one of the best historical romances I have read. In fact, out of all of them, the Roselynde series is my top favorite. The characters are believable, the settings are glorious, the customs and mores are accurate, the social habits are fascinating. This book, (and series) give not only a good story but an incredible look into a fascinating time.
This tale has stood the test of time.......2006-02-18
I first read this book when it was released in the '70s, and my 30-year-old copy of the book is in tatters from numerous re-reads. Ms. Gellis is a consummate storyteller -- medieval English history of the 1200s come alive under her spell. Gellis is the only reason I remember as much English history as I do! "Roselynde" introduces us to Alinor, who has recently inherited a very large estate on the coast of England called Roselynde. Because she is a very young heiress, she is brought to court by Queen Alinor (or Eleanor of Aquitaine, as many of us remember her) to protect her from fortune hunters and opportunists. At court, she enters into a world of political intrigue leading up to the Third Crusade, and finds herself falling in love with a most unlikely man: her guardian, or warden, Simon. She must adroitly manage the wishes of kings, queens and politics in order to manage her own heart's desire.
Roselynde.......2004-07-15
A wonderful read by an excellent authoress.
This book sets one up for the rest of the series ( which can stand alone) I confess to enjoying the part of the book set in England more ( which is why the BROTHER CADFAEL Chronicles by Ellis Peters are my all time favourite) but this is an excellent read too. Characters are full and believable, situations and the history of the time well described.....a wonderful book to take to bed on a cold winters night!!!
Book Description
She could barely meet his eyes . . . so how was she to marry him?
Widowed and a mother of two, Lady Alinor no longer feels the same joy being the mistress of Roselynde. Her husband's passing has left emptiness, both at the keep and in her heart. Somehow, Alinor manages to remain spirited, even as King John's rule means she must fight to keep her land and her family safe. Salvation lies with a trusted family friend, Sir Ian De Point, who offers to marry Alinor. In order to protect that which she loves, Alinor reluctantly agrees because England's days are growing darker, along with the ire of King John, who hasn't forgotten the mistress of Roselynde, nor his intentions for her ruination . . .
Customer Reviews:
Very enjoyable!.......2006-10-22
This was a very nice follow up to Roselynde, with Alinor mourning the loss of her beloved (and much older) Simon, who for protection against King John marries Simon's former Squire Ian, who always loved Alinor from afar. There are many (almost too many) misunderstandings between the two as are afraid to admit their true feelings for another, but some WONDERFUL arguments as well! Oh, the names they call each other and then make up.
I did think the characterization of the evil King John a bit over the top, but otherwise very pleasant and entertaining reading.
Alinor is one of my favorites.......2006-07-01
Despite the cover, Alinor does not wield a sword during this story. She does however wield base practicality, political craftiness, leadership charisma, a mothering instinct, and of course, womanly charms.
Roberta's research into the lifestyles of the times allows for a vividly detailed setting that provided several "oh, so that's how they used to do it" revelations for me without beating me over the head with it.
The writing itself is masterful with realistic love, subplots galore,deep character development, and main characters that I admire. That last is my criteria for enjoying a book.
By the way, even though the featured review gives away too much of the story... there is a lot left to be discovered and enjoyed.
Roberta Gellis continues her classic Roselynde series with Alinor .......2006-06-30
This year I've been busy rediscovering a classic historical romance series that was first published back in the 1970's and early 1980's. Now under the Harlequin Signature Select publishers, the books are being reprinted, with additional notes and tidbits from the author, Roberta Gellis.
Alinor, the third book in the series, begins in the year 1206, about fourteen years or so after the events in Roselynde. England's King Richard has died, and so has his mother, Queen Alinor. Now the youngest of the Angevin brood has become King -- John. Alinor, the lady of Roselynde, knows that her life and lands are in danger once the king discovers that her beloved husband, Simon Lemagne, has died. To save herself, and especially the lives of her two children, Joanna and Adam, she knows that she has to remarry, and soon. It's not a prospect that she is looking forward to.
To complicate matters further, an old friend is returning to Roselynde -- Simon's former squire, Ian Vipont. Ian, who is much the same age as Alinor, adores Simon's children, and when word comes that King John is planning a particularly unpleasant match for Alinor, Ian decides that he must protect her and the children, even if it means that he must marry her, even though she may not love him at all.
As for Alinor, still mourning the death of a husband who was thirty years her senior, reuniting with Ian means that she finds herself overcome with both an emotional and physical attraction. Cautiously, and with a great deal of mutual misunderstanding, the couple agree to marry, even knowing that it will cause them both a great deal of grief at the hands of King John and his henchmen.
How the pair work out their differences, and manage to survive a very dangerous time in English history is what makes this novel work. I found myself very caught up in Alinor and Ian's story, along with those of the children, and Ian's squires, Owain and Geoffrey. These are characters that the reader can empathize with, and despite a few problems, the setting and situations are very believable.
Along the way, the reader is treated to scenes of a medieval marriage, a very vivid boar hunt, sieges and medieval warfare, and a plot and storyline that has real substance to it. Roberta Gellis is one of those few writers that I consistantly enjoy, who can make a historical setting live and breathe, and while the research does take liberties here and there, I can forgive her. What I have really enjoyed is that she's not afraid to weave in actual historical personages into the story -- here we not only see King John, but his half-brother, William Longsword; William Marshal and his wife Isobel and Lord Llewelyn of the Welsh and his wife, Joan. All of these people will play important parts in the novel, but Gellis has great talent to make them behave as actual people do, and makes the story all that more real. Too, problems are not solved in an instant, which also makes the story believable -- it takes quite a while for Alinor and Ian to work out their differences.
Now for the tricky part of the novel. Gellis is not at all shy in showing that the real middle ages were not the pretty, romanticized view that most have. There is a great deal of violence, some of it directed at women and children which most authors have abandoned in recent years for not being that politically correct. However, it was a factor in the time, and while it did make me a bit queasy in spots, it was at least not gratutitous. I would caution sensitive readers to take care in reading this one, as the violence and sex does get graphic.
My other big problem is with the way that Gellis handles the character of King John. Yes, he has been vilified as one of history's most evil kings, but she paints him here as a sadistic monster. While some of his actions were certainly horrible -- his involvement with the death of his nephew, Arthur certainly is questionable -- I have a hard time believing that he was this repellent. Most of what is known of John has been written by religious chroniclers who glorified Richard Lionheart (who wasn't that much of a king) and treated John as barely human. However, looking at what he actually did creates a very different portrait of the man -- for a more sympathetic picture, I would recommend Sharon Kay Penman's novel, Here Be Dragons which takes a much more careful view; if you enjoy the characters in this one, Penman's novel has many of them appearing in Dragons.
In these reprint editions, additional features are tucked away in the back of the book. This time around we get an author's note, wherein she explains some of the liberties that she took with history; a glossary of medieval words and expressions, and an excerpt from the next book in the series, Joanna which is due to be reprinted in December 2006. Alas, there isn't any medieval recipes in this one, something that I hope will appear in the next book.
All in all, despite the flaws, this was a very enjoyable read, and gets a very solid recommendation from me. Four and a half stars, rounded up to five.
I enjoyed the writing style of Roberta Gellis!.......2003-09-13
I enjoyed the writing style of Roberta Gellis. When it comes to historical romance novels it is hard to win me over--so many have tried but most writers fall short in winning me over. I don't exactly know what I am trying to say but I found this writer had what it took to snag me as a fan! I will look for more books by this fun writer!
A Lavish Tournament Of History And Romance!.......2003-06-30
I have now completed the first two novels in Roberta Gellis' "Roselynde Chronicles," and am beginning book three. Warning!! It is difficult to put these books down, and continuous reading, especially in the evening, can cause insomnia! Ms. Gellis, along with Sharon Kay Penman, are the long reigning monarchs of historical fiction. Gellis' work is golden - her plots riveting, the research meticulous, and her writing elegant.
"Alinor" begins at Roselynde Keep, England, in 1206 AD, seven years into the reign of King John (Lackland). Alinor's story actually starts in Book One, "Roselynde," but you do not have to read the first book to enjoy this one. Alinor Devaux Lemagne is widowed at 29 years old. She had married her much older and beloved ward, Simon Lemagne, after finally obtaining King Richard's permission. They have two children, Joanna, age 9, and Adam, age 7. Like Queen Alinor of Aquitaine, whom she is named for, Alinor of Roselynde is a fiercely independent, well-educated, courageous chatelaine of vast landholdings. She had been trained since childhood to rule, and her vassals and serfs obey her with respect. When she and Simon married, her independence was not curtailed. This was a most unusual situation for women in medieval times, where their position was largely ornamental, when they were not breeding.
Simon's squire of old, Ian de Vipont, is now a seasoned warrior, and a landed Knight and Lord. He has known Alinor since she was a girl of seventeen, and has always loved her, in a pure and courtly manner. Now Ian visits Roselynde to mourn Simon, pay his respects, and persuade the widow to marry him. He wants to protect Alinor and the children, especially since King John has no love for her. Ian fears that she will either be forced to marry a scoundrel who will abuse her and the children, or that John will take her land for the Crown. He does not need to work hard to convince Alinor. She is practical and understands his reasoning. He adores the children. And he is also an incredibly handsome and noble man. A wedding is held at Roselynde, with many of the aristocracy in attendance, including three bishops and John's illegitimate half-brother. Although Alinor deeply loved her first husband, he was much older and at times was like the father she never had. Her own parents died when she was a baby. Now she has a chance to make a life, filled with love, with a husband her own age.
John is outraged at the marriage, even though he had given permission to Ian to wed whom he pleased, after serving the Crown well in the wars with France. The King had indeed plotted to hurt Alinor and take her holdings. Now he plans a greater revenge...on both newlyweds and their children.
England was a country with severe problems during this period in history. John had received a kingdon deep in debt, owing to King Richard's Crusade, the ransom paid to free him from prison, his lavish spending, and his lack of concern for England. Richard's continent holdings, of Normandy, Anjou, Poitiers, etc., were his priority. John had greatly increased the taxes which, along with his nefarious political and personal intrigues, earned him the enmity of his barons. The taxes and poor crops had impoverished and bankrupted small farmers, many villeins and some of the lesser squirearchy. Many had been forced from their homes, destitute. Some joined gangs of lawless reavors, (like the legendary Robin Hood). There was much unrest and violence in the land, not to mention problems with France, Ireland and Wales.
The novel is filled with pageantry and wonderful historic detail, including a tournament where Ian is named the King's champion. The events that occur during this tourney, are like a separate mystery within the novel. The suspense is thrilling, and the love story is so realistic. This is an extraordinary novel which I highly recommend.
JANA
Average customer rating:
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Roselynde
Roberta Gellis
Manufacturer: Playboy Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HTVMBA |
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Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books
Gilliane (The Roselynde Chronicles, Book 4)
Joanna (The Roselynde Chronicles, Book 3)
Joanna (The Roselynde Chronicles, Book 3)
Alinor (Harlequin Signature Select)
Sybelle (The Roselynde Chronicles, Book 6)
