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Age of Faith #5

The Longing

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alt cover ASIN: B00JWVNW6M

THE ONE HE CAN NEVER FORGIVE
For years, Lady Susanna de Balliol has borne the blame for betrayal-well-earned, though not as believed by the man she can never forget. Now her nephew must prove his legitimacy or lose his claim to his father's lands. When Susanna is forced to flee with the boy following an attempt on his life, will the one man who knows the truth of her nephew's birth grant them sanctuary within his walls? More, will he aid the woman whom he believes cost him the love of his life?

THE ONE SHE CAN NEVER FORGET
Eleven years-a long time to have loved and lost. Certain he will not love again, Everard Wulfrith has committed his life to the command of Wulfen Castle. But when the girl whose betrayal he can never forgive appears to him as a grown woman and demands he atone for his sins, can he lay bare his past to aid her nephew? And what of his unexpected feelings for the scandalous Susanna de Balliol whose indiscretions may very well put his own to shame?

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2014

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About the author

Tamara Leigh

61 books951 followers
Tamara Leigh signed a 4-book contract with Bantam Books in 1993, her debut medieval romance was nominated for a RITA award, and successive books with Bantam, HarperCollins, and Dorchester earned awards and appeared on national bestseller lists.

In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.

In 2012, Tamara returned to writing historical romance with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms and Lady of Conquest. In late 2018, she released Merciless, the first book in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series, followed by Fearless and Nameless, unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Watch for Heartless in Spring 2020.

Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints.

Connect with Tamara at her website www.tamaraleigh.com, Facebook, Twitter and [email protected].

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for MLOW.
1,822 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2018
Another hit :)

I thoroughly enjoyed book 5 of this marvelous series. Though each book can stand alone (with the exception of book 3 perhaps that leaves a bit of concern over a secondary character which is resolved in book 4), the whole series is wonderful and unlike other series where the books tend to get weaker as you go, each book in Age of Faith is a powerful and enjoyable read.

The Longing's hero (Everard) has remained largely an enigma in the previous books, so one of the real joys of this book was unraveling his mystery as we learned his story. Great character development on both lead characters and wonderfully believable interactions and (of course) romantic tension :)

A thoroughly enjoyable read - though all Tamara Leigh's books are, which is why she's quickly solidified her spot as one, of my favorite authors. Bravo Tamara on another work well done! As always, eagerly awaiting more ;)
Profile Image for Christen Woods.
25 reviews10 followers
April 29, 2014
This is one of those books where you start reading it and you immediately get involved in the story, but right before you need to go to bed it gets to a really good part so you convince yourself it's okay to just read a little bit more, but at 12am you decide to finish the book even though you will end up staying awake until 2am and will struggle to keep your eyes open the next day. (That pretty much happened to me).

The whole Age of Faith series is extremely good. It's hard to find clean reads set in medieval times (or around then). Either the story is good, but the writing isn't, or vice versa. That is not the case with these novels. I can't praise them enough.

And since the series is coming to a close, I'm going to go cry while eating a massive gallon of ice cream and praying that Tamara writes Sir Durand's story next.
Profile Image for Ronie.
Author 71 books1,225 followers
February 26, 2017
Probably one of my favorite of Leigh's books. It was nice to see a heroine who is broken, but also strong and reasonable.
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 54 books1,670 followers
October 13, 2018
I knew Everard's story would be awesome! I'm sad he's the last Wulfrith but glad there's more to come in this series.
Profile Image for Rebecca Embry.
Author 1 book9 followers
May 19, 2022
'Tis my favorite story yet from this series!!! Review to come.
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,116 reviews677 followers
December 18, 2014
What a great series. I'm glad I decided to read these all together, while I think this one could actually stand on its own, I loved following the Wulfrith siblings as they found love.

This last story is about Everand, he has been a bit of a mystery and not really that present in the other books. I was really looking forward to finding out what makes him time. Eleven years earlier he had fallen in love with a women betrothed to another. He and Judith were caught in a compromising situation by her friend Susanna (who was also the sister of Judith's fiancé). He always thought Susanna had told of their indiscretion and held her responsible for losing his true love. He was not happy when eleven years later she shows up at his doorstep seeking sanctuary.

Susanna and Everand had great tension. She always loved him, even when she was just a young girl of fourteen. She also knows he loved Judith deeply and feels he could never see her as anything more than the one who betrayed him. It takes Everand awhile to warm up to her, but even when he was angry and resentful he was still drawn to her. Their relationship had a lot of interesting dynamics that made their love story and eventual HEA engrossing.

I think book one and book five are my favorite of the series. I liked the end where we're reunited with all the different characters and it was fun to see them all together and doing well. I enjoyed the overall series and will definitely re-read it in the future.

The Age of Faith series does have heavier Christian elements compared to her other medieval books (Lady At Arms and Lady Of Eve). I prefer to have lighter religious themes, sometimes they can slow the story down or overshadow the story. I appreciate characters growing and finding God, but I rather have it be more subtle or not such a main focus of a story. But, this series if Christian Historical so I know what I'm getting going in.

Overall, a great Medieval series...go read it!

Content
Romance: Clean
Violence: Mild
Religious: Moderate
Profile Image for Tara.
336 reviews
November 20, 2017
2017 re-read:
Oh, Everard. Only ever you...
Everard and Susanna’s story has always been my favorite in the Age of Faith series... whenever I end their story, I immediately want to go back to page one and begin to re-read (and have done just that before!). But this time, I have a book six to start!!! I am so excited that the series is not over...yet! Now to move onto our soon to be fully redeemed Durand... ❤️


Original review: Sigh...and so, it's done. :( I honestly can't remember the last time I read an entire series where with each book I thought, "THIS one is my favorite." But for me, I loved each book in the Age of Faith just as much--if not more--than the book(s) behind it. And The Longing is no exception. But I honestly think (*FOR REAL THIS TIME*) ;) that this one was my favorite. I. ADORED. Everard. And Susanna...and Judas...and Sir Rowan...and even Sir Elias. (side note: I love how Tamara Leigh can take a character who is in need of redemption, and give them said redemption without discounting what wrong they've done. It's wonderful!)

Everard and Susanna have such a sweet love story...and some of my favorite romantic moments/scenes in the entire series. I just loved this book...can you tell? ;)

I have enjoyed this series immensely...and I am so sad to see it end! These are stories that will stay with me and that I look forward to reading over and over again in the future.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
Author 10 books30 followers
August 1, 2015
Sometimes you just need an escape, and Tamara Leigh's Age of Faith series has been a wonderful diversion for me. I'd recommend this and all the books in the series to anyone interested in 12th century England. Especially if you like your men to be chivalrous and your women to know their way around a sword and dagger. These books are packed with struggle, a good amount of blood, sin, redemption, and heart-rendingly romantic moments.

I don't like giving much away about books, but I will say that this final book of the series was my favorite, and included a dark, heart-racing, windswept romantic scene as good as I've read. But read the series in order if you can. It isn't necessary, but adds to the fun.

If the gorgeous cover appeals to you, I can't imagine you'll be disappointed by Leigh's cinematic writing. Be prepared to use your Kindle dictionary to brush up on a few medieval words. I'm a geek, so this is one of the fun parts for me.

And don't expect to get a lot of sleep once you start reading. *sips more coffee*
Profile Image for Mikal Dawn.
Author 10 books140 followers
August 10, 2015
I can't even describe. I love Tamara Leigh's books so much, I squeal like a two-year-old girl when a new one comes out. I've read this book before, and sigh and swoon each time. Well, that happens with EVERY TL book I read...and re-read. Because I DO re-read them. Over and over and over. They're just that swoonworthy-good. <3
Profile Image for Sadie VanderKodde.
276 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2019
I'm realizing that I like the brothers' stories more than the sisters' because the men are more honorable. I love me a strong, honorable man who rescues the "damsel in distress." Everard fits the bill in this story, and Susanna is a worthy recipient of his rescue. I'm sad the Wulfrith siblings' stories are over, but look forward to finally reading Sir Durand's story.
Profile Image for Corey.
444 reviews2 followers
December 23, 2019
I’ve loved this whole series, but I think this one and the first have been my favorites.

Unfortunately for my family, reading so many of these in a row has me accidentally re-ordering my words on occasion such that they sound more medieval than modern. 🤣
Profile Image for Deborah Andreasen.
Author 3 books400 followers
August 26, 2017
I have followed the Wulfrith family on their journey for a long time. I was sad to see it end, but happy that I felt like I got to know them all. I thought this was a fantastic conclusion to the saga. I think the first, The Unveiling, and the last, The Longing, are probably my favorites. Probably because Garr and Everard were my favorite brothers. Of course, I loved Christian Lavonne as well.

Anyway. Back to this book.

It was a little lighter on the battle and training of knights. There were more "behind the scenes" things that we got to see in the training to become a knight - such as a knighting ceremony. It was also a little lighter on the faith based theme. Both characters are very religious, so they often talk of prayer and God. But it doesn't feel like there is a need to convert one or the other to the faith because they're both already strong.

The book as a whole felt different than others because it's mostly set within Wulfen castle, so there's really only a few rooms that we are able to move through. That must have been very challenging for the author, but she did a beautiful job.

I just love this author's style of writing. I love all her characters and that she can transport me back in time so I feel like I'm standing beside Lady Annyn or climbing to the roof at night with Lady Susanna.

I am sad that this series has mostly come to an end. I know there is one more book, but there are no more Wulfriths! ;)
Profile Image for Deborah.
673 reviews51 followers
January 23, 2015
Wow. This one took me a while to get through. Mostly because I just had no time.

I really enjoyed the first book of this series. A lot actually. I was so excited to pick this one up because I knew I did not have the time to read all five back to back, so why not just the first and last? I just didn't love this one like I thought I would. I really didn't enjoy all the talk of unfaithfulness before marriage and there was a lot of it. It pretty much was the base of the story. I just felt like there was also too much talk of our leading lady and how she would give "favors" to men. We find out that they were only kisses but it still all made my stomach crawl because it just wasn't the sweet romance that I wanted.

If I read a book like this it's to have a happy sign now and then and to feel a love grow. I'm sure this was in there but the back drop of the whole story was lost to me.
Profile Image for Laura Van Nice.
249 reviews23 followers
December 31, 2018
Tamara Leigh did it again - created a compelling story that was both moving and filled with intrigue. The characters are well rounded and complex, and the author does a great job of slowly revealing how their individual experiences shaped them and brought them to where they are.

Be prepared to get a little teary over Susanna's plight, angry over the injustice to young Jonas and delighted by the much deserved happy ending. This is the fifth in Tamara Leigh's Age of Faith series, and can easily be read as a stand alone, but treat yourself and read them all.
Profile Image for Haley.
271 reviews13 followers
October 9, 2014
The final book in the series. I liked it and liked the ending of the stories.
130 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2020
Premise: For the last ten years, Susanna de Balliol has done her best to shield her nephew from her late brother's abuse. But now that the boy's in danger of losing his own life and inheritance, she must seek help from the man she's never stopped loving in spite of his scorn for her. Everard Wulfrith never expected to meet again the one whom he believes cost him his beloved – much less her demand that he own up to his past. Little does he know he may start to feel for this woman once he learns that he in fact cost her far more than he ever could've imagined.

Story/Writing: And so we come to the last of the Wulfrith siblings in the "Age of Faith" series. When I first read "The Longing," I remember it being my favorite out of the ones I've read so far. It is the longest so far, and I did feel its length at times for reasons I'd rather not explain. Regardless, what happens in this particular story is so heartbreaking yet touching that it'll stay with you long after you've read it. It definitely did with me. In a lot of ways it's a cautionary tale on how dangerous our assumptions about others can be. I've also noticed that the couples in this series so far have had one big thing in common. Annyn and Garr both suffered the consequences of a loveless marriage. Beatrix and Michael both knew what it was like to be falsely accused. Gaenor and Christian both carried massive regret. Helene and Abel didn't have the best experience from a previous marriage. Here, Susanna and Everard have borne the blame of betrayal. But as is the case for one partner in each of the books, the consequences of the shared experience have been far more dire. Tamara Leigh obviously planned this story for a long time. It has a haunting feel to it but not in a bad way. If anything, it's for that reason that it ends up being a perfect final romance for the Wulfrith siblings. You get the feeling that the characters involved have really suffered the weight of what their decisions and the decisions of others put on themselves and others. It reads in a way that's tragic yet hopeful. It's steeped in emotion but not in a way that makes it melodramatic. The decisions and actions made by the characters really warrant the heavy feelings in a way that few authors are able to pull off. Following that is a sense of urgency for things to be set right, amends to be made, and forgiveness to be given. My only regret is that I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first time, but that's on me and how tired I was when I read it, not the book. In my honest opinion, Tamara Leigh could not have written a better romance for the story of the Wulfriths to go out on. Of course, there are three more books in the series, and I look forward to reading those soon!

Characters: In any story, characters are of utmost importance, and Tamara Leigh gave this outstanding story an equally outstanding cast of characters! It is a little bittersweet to read about the Wulfriths themselves – or at least, this generation – for the last time. But I am happy with how far they've come and where they've been left. Still, these characters in this story felt particularly special, and not just because it's about the last unmarried Wulfrith sibling joining his brothers and sisters in marriage.

Susanna de Balliol – It's interesting that the heroine of the last Wulfrith story of this generation feels like a girly-girl, given the first featured a tomboy. But while Susanna does feel like the girly-girl to Annyn's tomboy, she's in no way less well-written or strong. While this is the first time we've been introduced to her, you really get the sense of the eleven years of living under the roof of her tyrannical excuse for a brother that she was forced to endure. If anything, it's kinda miraculous that she's as mentally put-together as she is, given the desperation to survive and protect her nephew that drove her to do things that no woman should be driven to do. I confess that when I first read it, I wondered what'd driven her to tell her brother. Then she told Everard what really happened – that Alan saw her witness the affair between him and Judith, and then punished Susanna for not reporting it by breaking her betrothal and subjecting her to scorn and abuse for the rest of his life – and I gasped as my heart broke for her. Having a reader reframe everything they'd read before a big reveal can backfire if the reveal isn't worth it. Here, however, I felt like I was in Everard's shoes when she told the truth. I knew her brother was cruel, but I didn't know how much until then. It made me reframe the physical and emotional abuse she endured, the bargains she made, and her utter brokenness so as to form a picture entirely different from the one before. Yet, again, never does it feel like she's just being overly dramatic. Her fits of emotion, her physical weakness, and especially her utter devotion to her nephew along with the sacrifices she was willing to make to protect him – whatever you think of those sacrifices – feel warranted so that, when she finally does find happiness after so long, it's so cathartic and so happy that I was glad to endure her journey with her, if only in part!

Everard Wulfrith – Out of all the Wulfrith brothers, Everard is my favorite, probably because, in comparison to his brothers, he mostly presented as an enigma. Then again, never before had I read from his point of view as much as I did here. There's a passion about him that all the Wulfrith siblings share, one that can be either destructive or life-giving depending on where he directs it, and of course, upon whom. When I first read this book, it was hard for me to pin down why he disliked Susanna at first. Having read it again though, I think I get it. By that point, he'd only ever known her as the well-off daughter of a baron with a crush on him, and therefore assumed she told Alan of his affair with Judith out of jealousy if not family loyalty, making her – in his mind – vain, high-maintenance, and a bad influence. Still, I wanted so bad (yet not gloatingly) for him – the otherwise most reasonable of the Wulfrith siblings – to take responsibility for his part in this calamity and see how much Susanna suffered for that same part. When he finally did, it was such a relief, and after it, I started to like him as much as I did Garr and Abel, if not more in some ways. If nothing else, I was glad he acknowledged how stupid he was to cheat on Alan with Judith (even though, of course, Alan didn't deserve her). More, I felt about as moved as he was when Susanna forgives him. And I will give him credit that he went out of his way to get involved with Judas's plight, which he was under no obligation to do, prior to finding out how big a role he played in it. Even if his anger was misguided, he isn't unreasonable. And once he did find out how responsible he was, he wasn't willing to sacrifice Judas's innocence. Not to mention, he knew to proceed slowly with Susanna, given what she'd experienced in her bargains with various men. May they have a long and happy marriage!

Judas de Balliol – While Susanna and Everard are both written fantastically, I really gotta hand it to Tamara Leigh for being able to write a believable abused child. Prior to their flight from Cheverel, you feel just as much concern for him as Susanna, if not more. Whereas Susanna was a teenager when her brother began abusing her, and knew of his tendencies before, Judas has faced emotional abuse literally from the time he was born. First off, his father gave him the worst name he could've at that time and place, then made no attempt to disguise his scorn for his own son, despite never disavowing him before his death. He's had to deal with breathing attacks, even if he has it mostly controlled by the time the story starts. While there's still some innocence about him, it's been broken enough that he feels driven to survive almost as much as his aunt. That said, he's not completely ruined and rebellious, nor is he unable to cope. He knows (for the most part) when to stand up for himself and/or his aunt, and won't let his age or breathing issues get in the way of participating with the securing of what's rightly his. All I can say is Susanna did a fantastic job raising him, and I see a good future ahead of him!

Elias de Morville – Speaking of good futures, I can't wait to eventually read Elias's story in "The Raveling!" I like how, at first, you get a feeling that he's just one of the many unscrupulous knights Susanna is forced to bargain with. But not only is he nothing of the sort, he proves himself to be an incredibly likable guy! As Everard says early on, there's more to him than first appears to be. He's as proficient with poetry as he is with the sword. And despite not being romantically drawn toward Susanna, he not only treats her more honorably than most of the knights of Cheverel, he goes out of his way to bring her and Judas to Wulfen and even stays with them to look out for them. Sure, he probably didn't intend to reveal his identity and life story to Everard, let alone be knighted by him, but still, the lengths he was willing to go for both Susanna and Judas really make him stand out. Not to mention, his story is almost as heartbreaking as Susanna's, in that he fell in love with a servant girl and even offered to marry her so she wouldn't have to bargain with her body to feed her family, only to find that she would do it whether or not they married. But since that's in the past, I look forward to where his story is going in the future!

Lady Richenda and Lady Blanche – I like that there's now a female villain this time around. Not that I condone Lady Richenda's behavior. It's just refreshing because there've always been formidable women who knew how to bend circumstances in their favor. In this case, Lady Richenda is willing to go so far as to arrange for the murder of a ten-year-old boy, twice. Not to mention even Sir Talbot and her son-in-law feared her, to some extent. Of course, it was amusing the way she conducted herself in that perverse glee of hers, and made herself look like a fool in front of the queen. And it was definitely satisfying when Susanna slapped her when she tried to stop her from helping Judas in the beginning. As for Lady Blanche, I don't consider her a villain like her mother. If anything, she's another victim of her mother's abuse and plotting. You can't help but feel sorry for her when you learn she was ordered to sleep with Sir Talbot and, even though Judas is the rightful heir, want some good for her, if only for the sake of her infant son. That said, I liked that she was willing to stand up to her mother and reveal her deeds to the queen. If nothing else, since she chooses to live with him without Lady Richenda, her brother can do no worse.

Various Other Characters – It was so great to see Rowan again! I liked how he kind he was toward Susanna throughout her stay at Wulfen, from watching the knighting ceremony alongside her on the roof to telling her the story of how Annyn snuck into Wulfen to kill Garr but ended up falling in love with him instead! Not to mention he gives her in marriage to Everard just as he gave Annyn in marriage to Garr! And since this may be the last time we see the Wulfrith siblings and their families, I thought it was great that their kids got a little bit of focus toward the end, particularly when Issie and Jonas (Garr and Annyn's children) were playing with two of Eleanor's children, Henry and Matilda. It was great to see John (Abel's adopted son) finally begin his training at Wulfen, and of course it was great that Beatrix was finally expecting her first child with Michael! Durand was a bit of a surprise, but not an unwelcome one. He's clearly found himself in the queen's favor, and of course I can't wait to read his story which is the next one after this! I liked how Judas and Squire Charles became friends in spite of their initial and hostile skirmish. It makes you wonder if Jonas and Sir Merrick from "The Unveiling" became friends the same way. I'm just happy he survived the wounds Sir Morris gave him! Speaking of whom, as awful as he was, I'm glad he ultimately proved useful at the hearing, and decided to give Lady Richenda more than a bit of what she gave him! And of course, last but not least, I was excited when I learned this book features the most powerful woman in Europe at the time, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. She's one of my favorite historical queens, and I'm happy to say I believe Tamara Leigh did her justice! By all accounts, she was formidable as she was pretty, and that side of her definitely made itself known here. She's a decent, reasonable-minded woman, but you also get the feeling you do not want to get on her bad side. I also liked that she thought seriously about this matter and decided she wouldn't be partial toward either side. Overall, she was great!

Overall: While it was a little bittersweet to read this book, since it was the final story in this generation of the Wulfriths, I felt it ended on the perfect note! More, while it may be a bit lengthy for some, to me, the emotions and the ultimate payoff this story generates makes it totally worth it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tamara Tilley.
Author 10 books23 followers
November 18, 2017
Two amazing series from author Tamara Leigh, THE AGE OF FAITH SERIES and THE FUED are absolutely incredible!

I’m not going to review the books individually, because I read both series so fast (nine books in all), I have too many stories buzzing around in my head; I would not do them the justice they deserve. Needless to say, it was an incredible journey filled with knights and ladies, castles and baronies, romance, intrigue, and tragedy.

The true center of THE AGE OF FAITH SERIES is the Wulfrith family. Baron Wulfrith, Lady Beatrix, Lady Gaynor, Sir Abel, and Sir Everard, these are the main characters, and each has a book devoted to them. Everything about their stories captivated me, including the alluring covers. Currently, there are six books in this series, with the seventh to be released in Winter 2018. I can’t wait!

The FUED series tells the tale of three noblemen: the Baron of Godsmere, the Baron of Blackwood, and the Baron of Emberly, and their family feud that spans twenty-five years. The King wants an end to the feud, so he demands that the families inter-marry, creating bonds instead of rivals. Begrudgingly, the families follow the King’s command, and the stories that unfold keep you turning page after page.

My genre of preference is usually contemporary pieces. I’m not one for Regency era, Amish, or fantasy, so I don’t generally give period pieces my attention. However, a blogger I follow and respect, showcased books by Tamara Leigh, on more than one occasion, so I decided to give them a try. After reading, THE UNVEILING from THE AGE OF FAITH SERIES, and THE BARON OF GODSMERE from THE FUED SERIES, I was hooked, and immediately bought the other seven books that completed these two series. Each story transported me to a dark but magical era. Passion and pride, rivals and rogues, deception and dalliances. These series are escapism at its best! Exactly what I look for in a book. Thank you, Ms. Leigh, for an incredible journey.
Profile Image for Sandy.
67 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2024
Squeals in happiness 🤗🤧

LOVED. EVERY. MINUTE. OF. THIS.

Ohhhh Everard you most swoony knight you… and lady Susanna what a sweet lady you are… a most adorable pair ♥️ This one’s my second favorite in the series next to the unveiling. The romantic tension was sweet and angsty, and perfect in every way. Lady Susanna has always been infatuated with Lord Everard ever since she was about 14, but he loved her best friend and didn’t really give her a second glance.

Unfortunately her best friend passes away in childbirth and Susanna gets a second chance with lord Everard Wulfrith who has to provide her and her beloved nephew shelter at the Wulfen castle. What follows is a slow burn, tender romance in which Susanna falls even more in love with Everard without any hope of her love being returned because Everard at first hates Susanna. He thinks she betrayed her best friend whom he loved and is still attached to her memory, but then he surprisingly starts to feel attraction for Susanna, and as he learns the truth of what happened and gets to know her, he slowly and deeply falls in love with her. I mean it was absolutely delicious and heartwarming, I can't wait to reread it.

BUT FIRST SIR DURAND I AM COMING FOR YOU QUEEN'S GALLANT MONK 😆 I HAVE BEEN WAITINGGGG FOR YOUR HAPPY ENDING 😭
Profile Image for Rosanne Lortz.
Author 25 books197 followers
April 16, 2019
Everard Wulfrith can never forget the woman he once loved, nor the woman who once betrayed them and ripped them apart. But when Lady Susanna de Balliol comes back into his life, seeking sanctuary for his long lost Judith’s son, he cannot deny her. As Everard works to safeguard the boy’s inheritance, he learns that Susanna may not in fact have been as faithless as he assumed, and Susanna learns that even in the darkest hour, hope can reemerge.

This book holds an unusual love story, as the ghost of the departed Judith stands between Susanna and Everard. Forced to fend for herself in a cruel world, Susanna arrives at Wulfen Castle damaged and broken, but determined to do her best by her nephew, whatever the cost to herself. Despising her initially as a traitor and a harlot, Everard finds his mask of indigation beginning to crack when he realizes the cruelty of the life Susanna has had to bear. This book introduces Sir Elias Morville, a troubadour at heart, whose feelings for Susanna must yield to Everard’s, but whose story will be continued in a later book.
Profile Image for Caryl.
1,729 reviews25 followers
April 15, 2020
I love medieval romances! Handsome knight and lovely damsels in distress set in kingdoms of unrest.

Lady Susanna de Balliol, has seen to the care of her nephew, Judas, since his mother died and his father is wary of son's lineage. Lady Susanna is fiercely loyal to her nephew and is on a quest to see that he is recognized as heir of Cheverel.

Sir Everard Wulfrith lost the love of his life 11 years ago. Since then he has committed his life to the command of Wulfen Castle where oversees the training of England's elite knights.

I was immediately immersed in the story. The journey of Lady Susanna and Sir Everard to healing and wholeness was wrought with great difficulty and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I was so captivated that I found it very difficult to put the book down.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy medieval romance.

I borrowed a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Cheryal.
885 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2017
Well, about 70% through I kept thinking, blah,blah,blah and maybe I would give this book a 3.
Then around 79%, Sir Elias related a wonderful story and I was back on track again and it took off until the end.

This author has to overstate previous books and that is where the blah, blah comes in. Plus the male and female love interest had no depth. BUT there were other aspects that I found interesting but will not reveal.

There is a 6th book coming out about Sir Durand and I am excited. I liked him....most of the time.

She is still a really good author so I am off to add more of her books to my "to read" list.
Profile Image for Lumen.
56 reviews
November 5, 2018
Wow.


I was waiting for Everard story for a while, now. And what a story it was. So gripping. Tamara Leigh dug deep into the enigmatic character! Amazing. The heroine, Susanna was a surprise. Such a complex character. All the twists and turns of the story were on point!

All the young characters (kids of characters we knew, and new kids) are so interesting...I can picture future book installments with them! :D


Grab that book!
39 reviews4 followers
January 25, 2022
Hmm....

As in the last one, way too much repetitive inner dialogue between actual dialogue. It becomes a drawn-out, uninteresting way to drag out a story. And the big conflict, that she's unclean because she gives "favors"? Super cringey.
Hesitant to read any more of this series. Maybe the author is tapped out of stories. The first two, Garr and Annyn and Beatrix and Michael were interesting stories. The last three, not so much.
947 reviews15 followers
March 14, 2017
Another great book in this series

I really like these books by Tamara Leigh. Each story is very unique and I love the Wulfen family. This fifth book is overall a clean adult book. I don't know that I'd let my teens read it, because there is talk of rape. But nothing is descriptive. Great read!!
Profile Image for Abigail Harris.
Author 48 books247 followers
Read
October 20, 2021
Due to content I do not recommend this book. Personally... Most will be fine with them however I just didn't really like how descriptive or suggestive they were at points.

I read the whole of the series and I liked them but may places I skimmed or skipped due to sexual content, fade to black scenes, or too many details.
Profile Image for Catarina Águas.
2,192 reviews196 followers
February 3, 2022
Fantastic book. Susanna had endured so much and just wanted the man she loves to love her back, she deserved it too. And Everard was a very good man that needed to open his heart and see what was right in front of him the all time. I would love to read a series about the future generations, it would be something
352 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2022
well done

Everard’s backstory with Judith was very interesting, as I have wondered about his lack of hair for a couple of books now. I loved Judas. He went through so much yet did not become bitter. And Susanna was a long suffering woman and devoted aunt. And the villains Lady Richenda and Sir Morris were truly heinous. Looking forward to the next book.
85 reviews
August 28, 2017
Even more this on!

Can't say how much I love her books and was sad the ending of this series is about to end. Next going on to the last book of this series of Sir Durand story and I'm excited can't wait.
11 reviews
December 5, 2017
Loved all of these stories!!

Thank you for such uplifting stories of faith, courage, forgiveness and perseverance. The plots are engaging, and the characters growth and depth capture the heart. Your books are great reads and give much hope!!
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