Lady Joan of Weston, also known as Solay, is the considered the lowest of the low, punished for her mother’s sin of courting the late king. Now Solay must see the ruling king in hopes of aid. The courts and Parliament have stripped her mother of nearly everything. If something doesn’t change, Solay, her mother, and her younger sister will starve.

Lord Justin Lamont believes in the letter of the law. A lawyer and member of the Council that is to oversee young King Richard’s monetary decisions, Justin has the unfortunate task of interacting with the impetuous monarch. When Solay arrives at Windsor to seek money, Justin vows to stand in her way. Her mother wronged the kingdom and deserves whatever hardship the family must face. From what he can tell, Solay has been sent to seduce her way into a comfortable purse, just like her mother. He won’t let that happen.

When Solay and Justin are betrothed to each other to serve someone’s nefarious purposes, both must reexamine their lives and expectations, for everything is about to change.

Medieval romance is a genre that requires a great deal of research by authors who take on the challenge. Setting, way of life, customs, even what people wore and ate during the era help place readers in the story. Even then, to pull readers the rest of the way in, the author must create a compelling tale. Gifford succeeds at both in THE HARLOT’S DAUGHTER. Solay and Justin are very human; each character is strong, yet deliciously flawed. To a modern woman, Solay’s focus on finding a man to help support her family may seem archaic, but for the time period, it is quite appropriate. Lest the “modern” woman despair, however, this attitude is something that is exposed and addressed quite nicely throughout.

This book is easy to read, and the story is compelling. Political intrigue, a tumultuous betrothal, desperation, and hope weave this tale of love and acceptance into a historical romance that will catch readers’ hearts. Blythe Gifford knows how to touch that essential something in us all.

See Also: