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The Roselynde Chronicles #5
Rhiannon
She Was A Fiery Free Spirit Only Love Could Tame.
RHIANNON - ravishing, raven-haired daughter of a Welsh prince. Half-shy, half-wild, it was aid she could cast a spell over any man but was no man's possession.
SIMON - the handsome nobleman notorious for loving - and leaving - the most beautiful women in the realm. Then he met Rhiannon, who drove him mad with fury and delirious with desire.
They began a romance that would endure battles, betrayals, and their own stormy passions. While rebellion raged across England and divided loyalties claimed their hearts, they risked everything for an everlasting love.
RHIANNON - ravishing, raven-haired daughter of a Welsh prince. Half-shy, half-wild, it was aid she could cast a spell over any man but was no man's possession.
SIMON - the handsome nobleman notorious for loving - and leaving - the most beautiful women in the realm. Then he met Rhiannon, who drove him mad with fury and delirious with desire.
They began a romance that would endure battles, betrayals, and their own stormy passions. While rebellion raged across England and divided loyalties claimed their hearts, they risked everything for an everlasting love.
381 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
15 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Roberta Gellis
56 books184 followersRoberta Gellis has been one of the most successful writers of historical fiction of the last few decades, having published about 25 meticulously researched historical novels since 1964. She was married to her husband Charles for over 50 years and they lived together in Lafayette, Indiana with a lively Lakeland terrier called Taffy. She has one child called Mark.
Her page at the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase
Her page at the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 15, 2022
Reading this series for the third time as a comfort book during the quarantine for the covid 19 pandemic. Unfortunately I feel constrained to name the specific pandemic as I feel this will be the start of many in the future. Thank God for books! 4/16/20
2/14/22. Reading again and stIll the pandemic is with us. Crazy!!
2/14/22. Reading again and stIll the pandemic is with us. Crazy!!
August 20, 2008
This is the story of Alinor and Ian's son Simon, who has settled in Wales where he is governing Ian's lands. Simon has spent much of his adult life as quite a womanizer, and never planned to marry until he met Prince Llewellyn's natural daughter Rhiannon. Of course, then it's love at first sight for him, but she's afraid to admit love and only wants him for, well, you know. Thus begins a predictable romance in the historical setting of Henry III's court and his battles with the Welsh and his rebellious barons. I have to admit to finding the love scenes a tad bit over the top, not tasteless but it moves the book more towards a bodice ripping category instead of a solidly written historical romance.
While I give Gellis credit for her wonderful historical details, this plot was a bit of a stretch, and not up to the standards she set in Roselynde and Alinor. I mean, come on, Rhiannon being ambassador between her father and Henry? And I won't be a plot spoiler, but what she did at the end of the book traipsing around with her cat Math to find Simon was just a tad bit over the top for me. Three stars.
While I give Gellis credit for her wonderful historical details, this plot was a bit of a stretch, and not up to the standards she set in Roselynde and Alinor. I mean, come on, Rhiannon being ambassador between her father and Henry? And I won't be a plot spoiler, but what she did at the end of the book traipsing around with her cat Math to find Simon was just a tad bit over the top for me. Three stars.
March 19, 2018
Favorite book by favorite historical author
Roberta Gellis combines genuinely interesting characters with historical accuracy. Nothing makes me put down historical fiction faster than characters or location that are completely wrong. Her books are full length novels that are best read in order. Start with Roselynde.
Roberta Gellis combines genuinely interesting characters with historical accuracy. Nothing makes me put down historical fiction faster than characters or location that are completely wrong. Her books are full length novels that are best read in order. Start with Roselynde.
December 3, 2019
Historical romance where the emphasis is on history.
Gellis writes, and writes well, firstly a historical account of medieval times and then adds a romantic aspect. This is no bodice ripper. These characters are fleshed out. Gillianne was my favorite book, but Rhiannon gave me a look at events from a Welsh perspective. Good reading.
Gellis writes, and writes well, firstly a historical account of medieval times and then adds a romantic aspect. This is no bodice ripper. These characters are fleshed out. Gillianne was my favorite book, but Rhiannon gave me a look at events from a Welsh perspective. Good reading.
August 4, 2020
The heroine was rather tiresome but I got used to her by the end. The best parts were catching up with the family and how the author makes history come to life.
April 12, 2021
I read these books many years ago but never this one. It was worth reading but it did not live up to my expectations.
dnf
September 21, 2023If you're looking for romance, don't bother. 50% of this book is the main male character talking about some war to come???
June 27, 2011
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Rhiannon wants NO husband. She wants to be free in her beloved Wales, free to coax the animals to her, to revel in the mists and the wind, roam the hills, use her knowledge of healing, and always be able to come and go as she pleases. She sings to the Winds of Dina Emrys, winds that terrify most people. They answer her. She is desired by many but her father, Prince Llewelyn freely admits to Simon of the influential Roselynde family in England that those who reach to have and hold her get their fingers burned. Llewelyn gives Simon his blessing to pursue her but warns that she is a law unto herself.
Simon holds properties in Wales and is a vassal of Llewelyn’s. He likes the Welsh style of life and of war. Young, wild, and a lover of the ladies — many of whom vie for his attention everywhere he goes, for he is a ‘beautiful’ man. Unlike most of his family, he is not political but is adept at war strategy in Welsh country. However, all his interests dim in the light of his interest in the elusive Rhiannon, who wants his beautiful body but fears his wish to marry her. His being the pursuer rather than the ‘pursuee’ is a new experience for him and his frustration and desires mount. He realizes she is always in his mind and heart even though she ran from him saying he is dangerous to her heart and soul.
Math, Rhiannon’s cat, adds humor and a hint of witchery. He lets all know how disdainful he is of most humans and how unnecessary they are to him. He is one smart cat — love him.
Other characters like Rhiannon’s mother Kieva march to a different drum than most. She is unique and in her own way just as independent as her daughter. Of course, the Roselynde characters are strong-willed, opinionated, intelligent, and steeped in the political intrigues that keep England a seething hotbed of unrest. If you’ve read other Roselynde Chronicles books, you will love catching up with old acquaintance. If you have not, you’ll find some delightful, compelling characters that will probably send you looking for their stories in earlier Roselynde Chronicles books. Strong women with men who love them make for captivating stories that are full of emotion and intelligent outmaneuvering enemies.
Medieval England of which author Roberta Gellis writes is a turbulent time when one of the King Henrys is strongly lead by the Bishop of Winchester who urges the young king to seek absolute power without regard to the Magna Carta that was so hard won earlier. The underhanded dealings are rampant and threaten to create an all-out war that would devastate the country. Ms. Gellis makes history a lot more interesting than my college professor did.
Of course, I longed for more love story with Rhiannon and Simon but I also enjoyed the court intrigues, battles strategies, just not as much as I did the magic of the love scenes with the hero and heroine. Through all the other events, my anticipation of Simon and Rhiannon finding their way to each other and realizing their ‘meant-to-be’ love kept me turning pages. The analogies and metaphors Ms. Gellis uses makes the story sparkle with life and makes the reader feel as if he or she is right there in the moment with the characters.
Rhiannon wants NO husband. She wants to be free in her beloved Wales, free to coax the animals to her, to revel in the mists and the wind, roam the hills, use her knowledge of healing, and always be able to come and go as she pleases. She sings to the Winds of Dina Emrys, winds that terrify most people. They answer her. She is desired by many but her father, Prince Llewelyn freely admits to Simon of the influential Roselynde family in England that those who reach to have and hold her get their fingers burned. Llewelyn gives Simon his blessing to pursue her but warns that she is a law unto herself.
Simon holds properties in Wales and is a vassal of Llewelyn’s. He likes the Welsh style of life and of war. Young, wild, and a lover of the ladies — many of whom vie for his attention everywhere he goes, for he is a ‘beautiful’ man. Unlike most of his family, he is not political but is adept at war strategy in Welsh country. However, all his interests dim in the light of his interest in the elusive Rhiannon, who wants his beautiful body but fears his wish to marry her. His being the pursuer rather than the ‘pursuee’ is a new experience for him and his frustration and desires mount. He realizes she is always in his mind and heart even though she ran from him saying he is dangerous to her heart and soul.
Math, Rhiannon’s cat, adds humor and a hint of witchery. He lets all know how disdainful he is of most humans and how unnecessary they are to him. He is one smart cat — love him.
Other characters like Rhiannon’s mother Kieva march to a different drum than most. She is unique and in her own way just as independent as her daughter. Of course, the Roselynde characters are strong-willed, opinionated, intelligent, and steeped in the political intrigues that keep England a seething hotbed of unrest. If you’ve read other Roselynde Chronicles books, you will love catching up with old acquaintance. If you have not, you’ll find some delightful, compelling characters that will probably send you looking for their stories in earlier Roselynde Chronicles books. Strong women with men who love them make for captivating stories that are full of emotion and intelligent outmaneuvering enemies.
Medieval England of which author Roberta Gellis writes is a turbulent time when one of the King Henrys is strongly lead by the Bishop of Winchester who urges the young king to seek absolute power without regard to the Magna Carta that was so hard won earlier. The underhanded dealings are rampant and threaten to create an all-out war that would devastate the country. Ms. Gellis makes history a lot more interesting than my college professor did.
Of course, I longed for more love story with Rhiannon and Simon but I also enjoyed the court intrigues, battles strategies, just not as much as I did the magic of the love scenes with the hero and heroine. Through all the other events, my anticipation of Simon and Rhiannon finding their way to each other and realizing their ‘meant-to-be’ love kept me turning pages. The analogies and metaphors Ms. Gellis uses makes the story sparkle with life and makes the reader feel as if he or she is right there in the moment with the characters.
March 6, 2013
Review: Ms. Gellis takes us on a journey into history. She has a way in which it is so much more enjoyable to read it through her eyes then to pick up a dusty history book.
We find the story of a young girl Rhiannon; although she is shy she also tends to be on the wild side. Okay maybe it is easier to describe her as a bit of a free spirit. She gets that from her mom. She has her own beliefs and isn’t going to let anyone sway her in the other direction. Rhiannon’s father a Welsh prince thinks it is time for his headstrong daughter to settle down.
In walks Lady Alinor Roselynde’s son Simon. Simon is notorious for leaving a string of unsuspecting females wherever he goes, some being the most beautiful women in the realm.
From the moment Rhiannon and Simon meet there are romantic sparks. Over time their romance and love for each other burns so strong that it endures betrayal, battles and their own fiery passion.
Simon changes from a womanizer as he pursuers Rhiannon full steam with the blessings of her father. He loses interest in everything but his pursuit of Rhiannon.
Rhiannon on the other hand is determined not to find a husband but stay a free spirit in her native Wales.
While rebellion takes over Medieval England, even though they are divided by their loyalties they still risk their hearts for a love that is strong.
Rhiannon’s cat, Math gives much needed humor to the story and gives just the littlest hint of a possibility of witchery.
Reviewed by: Robin
Book provided by: Publisher
Review orginally posted at Romancing the Book
We find the story of a young girl Rhiannon; although she is shy she also tends to be on the wild side. Okay maybe it is easier to describe her as a bit of a free spirit. She gets that from her mom. She has her own beliefs and isn’t going to let anyone sway her in the other direction. Rhiannon’s father a Welsh prince thinks it is time for his headstrong daughter to settle down.
In walks Lady Alinor Roselynde’s son Simon. Simon is notorious for leaving a string of unsuspecting females wherever he goes, some being the most beautiful women in the realm.
From the moment Rhiannon and Simon meet there are romantic sparks. Over time their romance and love for each other burns so strong that it endures betrayal, battles and their own fiery passion.
Simon changes from a womanizer as he pursuers Rhiannon full steam with the blessings of her father. He loses interest in everything but his pursuit of Rhiannon.
Rhiannon on the other hand is determined not to find a husband but stay a free spirit in her native Wales.
While rebellion takes over Medieval England, even though they are divided by their loyalties they still risk their hearts for a love that is strong.
Rhiannon’s cat, Math gives much needed humor to the story and gives just the littlest hint of a possibility of witchery.
Reviewed by: Robin
Book provided by: Publisher
Review orginally posted at Romancing the Book
February 6, 2012
while i think the actual relationship is quite well done, it is a very slow read. the action-- the sieges and "battles" are slow reading, and without much excitement. the book is the bulk of political movements, motions and meddles. unless you are very interested in the politics of that time era, then you will enjoy this book. there is not much of it surrounding actual sex scenes, and while she talks much of what goes on in her characters' heads for each other, their interactions are actually very few. then spend much time apart, their own relationship as much a game between them as the politics between the king and the barons. it was not what i normally expect from a "romance novel" that comes with a cover of the main characters making out, with the back speaking only of the two main characters and their relationship. as for the actual sex scenes, i didn't find them to be original or even very exciting, personally.
it is not a book i will read again or keep in my personal library.
it is not a book i will read again or keep in my personal library.
August 14, 2008
ROSELYNDE - NR
Gellis, Roberta - 1st in Roselynde Chronicles
Beautiful and strong-willed Alinor, the mistress of Roselynde, teams with Simon, a battle-scarred knight, to fight political obstacles, journey to Byzantium, and engage in a sizzling romance.
It was okay, but very slow. Well written, heavy on history, which I enjoyed, but very light on passion, which is why I read romance.
Gellis, Roberta - 1st in Roselynde Chronicles
Beautiful and strong-willed Alinor, the mistress of Roselynde, teams with Simon, a battle-scarred knight, to fight political obstacles, journey to Byzantium, and engage in a sizzling romance.
It was okay, but very slow. Well written, heavy on history, which I enjoyed, but very light on passion, which is why I read romance.
July 6, 2015
Good historical fiction in which Simon, son of Ian and Alinor finds love during the beginnings of war. It is a good story with the ups and downs that Simon experiences. But I'm disappointed in the ending. What about that beautiful fabric Kicva made and such conversations around it and then nothing? The first of the series- Roselynd has been the best.
August 11, 2011
I love the Roselynde series and own all of them. Roberta Gellis is amazing at giving the flavor of this period without rubbing your nose in the squalor of it. Always enjoy reading them, again.
January 27, 2012
I have read plenty of better historical romances than this one. I bid this one a not fond farewell. =)
June 14, 2009
historical
Want to read
August 26, 2009have
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews