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The Lady and the Minstrel
A forbidden love and a past they can’t leave behind . . .
In 13th century England, Robert Marcel chafes against the law that holds him bound as a villein on his lord’s manor. He tries to make a daring escape and is nearly caught by his cruel master, but a young girl helps him slip away.
Years pass and Robert takes up trade as a minstrel. Invited to play at a banquet for the notorious Earl of Saxton, he is stunned to come face to face with the girl he’s never forgotten—now Lady Marguerite of Winbourne, betrothed to the earl. Her status as a noblewoman puts her completely out of Robert’s reach, but he knows they are meant to be together. He vows to make her his wife no matter what the cost.
Lady Marguerite has often thought of the young man she helped escape. Her tender feelings for him quickly turn into much more when they are brought back into each other’s lives. She longs to be free to marry Robert, the man she loves, but that will require her to sacrifice all she holds dear.
They are tested at every turn by those bent on driving them apart and destroying what they have found together. Can their love truly conquer all?
In 13th century England, Robert Marcel chafes against the law that holds him bound as a villein on his lord’s manor. He tries to make a daring escape and is nearly caught by his cruel master, but a young girl helps him slip away.
Years pass and Robert takes up trade as a minstrel. Invited to play at a banquet for the notorious Earl of Saxton, he is stunned to come face to face with the girl he’s never forgotten—now Lady Marguerite of Winbourne, betrothed to the earl. Her status as a noblewoman puts her completely out of Robert’s reach, but he knows they are meant to be together. He vows to make her his wife no matter what the cost.
Lady Marguerite has often thought of the young man she helped escape. Her tender feelings for him quickly turn into much more when they are brought back into each other’s lives. She longs to be free to marry Robert, the man she loves, but that will require her to sacrifice all she holds dear.
They are tested at every turn by those bent on driving them apart and destroying what they have found together. Can their love truly conquer all?
600 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
13 people are currently reading
790 people want to read
About the author
Joyce DiPastena
22 books586 followersJoyce DiPastena illuminates the Middle Ages for modern readers through heartfelt historical romance. However many changes a few centuries may bring, she believes that stories of love unite people across time. Joyce is a two-time Whitney Award finalist. The Historical Novel Society rated her romantic historical novel, The Lady and the Minstrel as “highly recommended,” while the same title won a Swoony Award for Excellence in Clean Secular Romance.
Joyce grew up in southern Arizona and can easily withstand summer temperatures of 115 degrees, as long as she’s sitting in a restaurant, movie theater, or under a ceiling fan—inside an air-conditioned building. She can be bribed with chocolate chip cookies and enjoys attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival every year. She holds a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages, from the University of Arizona. Joyce currently resides in Mesa, Arizona with her black cats, Nyxie and Calypso, who bring her good luck every day.
Visit her at joycedipastena.com.
Joyce grew up in southern Arizona and can easily withstand summer temperatures of 115 degrees, as long as she’s sitting in a restaurant, movie theater, or under a ceiling fan—inside an air-conditioned building. She can be bribed with chocolate chip cookies and enjoys attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival every year. She holds a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages, from the University of Arizona. Joyce currently resides in Mesa, Arizona with her black cats, Nyxie and Calypso, who bring her good luck every day.
Visit her at joycedipastena.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 8, 2015
Robert Marcel started out in life as a villein (peasant) but was able to escape and become a minstrel. Lady Marguerite is 17 years old and is being forced to marry a cruel man who she doesn’t love. The Earl of Saxton has a mistress that he openly flaunts in front of Marguerite and she would honestly be content with him leaving her completely alone.
Marguerite met Robert briefly years ago and they recognize each other when he comes to the castle to play his music. They are attracted to each other but their stations in life make it impossible to be together.
I didn’t look at the page count before I started reading this and was surprised that it was 600 pages. I knew there would be a lot of story to tell and there was. The characters drew me in immediately. Robert was easy to like. I knew from some of the choices he made that his life wouldn’t be easy and he was going to be tried and tested before his story was done. Whenever he made plans with Marguerite, they were thwarted by something and the obstacles they faced seemed truly impossible.
There were lots of great side characters, including the Earl of Gunthar and his wife, Helene. There are characters to love and hate and plenty of twists and turns to keep the story interesting. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys clean medieval romance!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Marguerite met Robert briefly years ago and they recognize each other when he comes to the castle to play his music. They are attracted to each other but their stations in life make it impossible to be together.
I didn’t look at the page count before I started reading this and was surprised that it was 600 pages. I knew there would be a lot of story to tell and there was. The characters drew me in immediately. Robert was easy to like. I knew from some of the choices he made that his life wouldn’t be easy and he was going to be tried and tested before his story was done. Whenever he made plans with Marguerite, they were thwarted by something and the obstacles they faced seemed truly impossible.
There were lots of great side characters, including the Earl of Gunthar and his wife, Helene. There are characters to love and hate and plenty of twists and turns to keep the story interesting. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys clean medieval romance!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
May 3, 2015
Robert Marcel is loyal, honest, brave, and has a good heart. He has the bearing of someone born into nobility, but he was born the son of villeins (peasants). There was a lot of love in his family, but Robert could never be content being treated like another man's property. He couldn't be content with his father being falsely accused and hung for a crime didn't commit either. He escapes from his cruel master and makes his way as a minstrel.
Marguerite was 10 years old seven years ago when she helped a young man escape from a cruel master. Marguerite was raised by a loving grandfather who taught her to treat everyone as equals. When Robert sees her again after all these years, he recognizes her as the same girl who showed him kindness all those years ago, and he is immediately attracted to her. But she is a lady, and far, far above his station as a minstrel. And she is betrothed to the cruel Earl of Saxton, the most powerful man in England except for the king.
I loved how pure Robert's and Marguerite's love was, and how their love stayed steady even through all the obstacles they faced. I also love that their obstacles didn't easily vanish, and at times their obstacles seemed insurmountable.
The Earl of Gunthar fell out of favor with King John and was banished from the court 12 years ago. But he is now being summoned by the king. And so he and his beloved wife of almost 40 years, Helene, leave their home in Kent to return to the king's court. I loved Gunthar and Helene when I first read Loyalty's Web, and I loved the part they played in Robert's and Marguerite's story.
This book is 600 pages long so it isn't a fast read, but it definitely kept my interest. This story is full of betrayal, loyalty, hate, love, kindness, cruelty, and lots of intrigue.
Content: Clean (there was an instance where a man tried to force himself on a woman, but it was stopped), there may have been a few mild swear words
Source: Review Copy (Opinion is 100% my own)
Marguerite was 10 years old seven years ago when she helped a young man escape from a cruel master. Marguerite was raised by a loving grandfather who taught her to treat everyone as equals. When Robert sees her again after all these years, he recognizes her as the same girl who showed him kindness all those years ago, and he is immediately attracted to her. But she is a lady, and far, far above his station as a minstrel. And she is betrothed to the cruel Earl of Saxton, the most powerful man in England except for the king.
I loved how pure Robert's and Marguerite's love was, and how their love stayed steady even through all the obstacles they faced. I also love that their obstacles didn't easily vanish, and at times their obstacles seemed insurmountable.
The Earl of Gunthar fell out of favor with King John and was banished from the court 12 years ago. But he is now being summoned by the king. And so he and his beloved wife of almost 40 years, Helene, leave their home in Kent to return to the king's court. I loved Gunthar and Helene when I first read Loyalty's Web, and I loved the part they played in Robert's and Marguerite's story.
This book is 600 pages long so it isn't a fast read, but it definitely kept my interest. This story is full of betrayal, loyalty, hate, love, kindness, cruelty, and lots of intrigue.
Content: Clean (there was an instance where a man tried to force himself on a woman, but it was stopped), there may have been a few mild swear words
Source: Review Copy (Opinion is 100% my own)
February 2, 2015
Joyce DiPastena takes you back 800 years to medieval England and France in THE LADY AND THE MINSTREL. You can smell the scented rushes on the floor and feel the rough tunics and fur-lined gloves.
Robert Marcel is a minstrel who falls in love with Lady Marguerite when she rescues a village child in the snow. Marguerite returns his love, even though she becomes betrothed against her will to the abusive Lord Saxton. Robert and Marguerite want to marry in spite of the betrothal (or because of it), but all Robert can offer her is life as a minstrel's wife.
What follows is mystery, conspiracy, and intrigue as Robert seeks some personal answers when he goes to war in France. Will his experiences allow Marguerite and him to have a happy ending, or will he die as a traitor?
I couldn't put this book down. If you love sweet, historical romances, you'll love this one. And you'll learn about life and politics in the early 13th century along the way!
Highly recommended.
Robert Marcel is a minstrel who falls in love with Lady Marguerite when she rescues a village child in the snow. Marguerite returns his love, even though she becomes betrothed against her will to the abusive Lord Saxton. Robert and Marguerite want to marry in spite of the betrothal (or because of it), but all Robert can offer her is life as a minstrel's wife.
What follows is mystery, conspiracy, and intrigue as Robert seeks some personal answers when he goes to war in France. Will his experiences allow Marguerite and him to have a happy ending, or will he die as a traitor?
I couldn't put this book down. If you love sweet, historical romances, you'll love this one. And you'll learn about life and politics in the early 13th century along the way!
Highly recommended.
April 18, 2015
Wow! Joyce did not disappoint me with this one. It is a suspense filled story with such deep emotion throughout. I was caught up into the many impossible challenges the caste system used to have on everyone. Sometimes the characters drove me to distraction and I wanted to shake them and get them to solve their problems quicker, but, like them, I had to be patient. It had a super satisfying ending. Loved it!
June 7, 2015
I have read several novels by DiPastena, so I was looking forward to this one. I was really struggling to figure out if I was supposed to recognize names--until Gunthar showed up. This is a few decades after the other novels take place. Rob is a traveling minstrel who finds himself in the company of Lady Marguerite--who saved his life while he was running from his home. Marguerite's husband stands to inherit many lands when he marries Marguerite. Her grandfather's will stipulates that she may choose her husband, but her parents have decided that notorious Earl of Saxton. He is a womanizer and cruel, but has the ear of the king.
Rob and Marguerite steal away to spend time together despite their difference in station. What starts as a friendship develops into something much more, but they face much more than angry parents if they tried to push the relationship.
The story line was good, but it was SO LONG! At 52 chapters, 600 pages, the book really was laborious to read in some places. Cutting a couple hundred pages would have made it more palatable. I liked Marguerite's character--she had to really figure out who she was and what she wanted, but was willing to learn and grow. Rob on the other hand was willful and stubborn....the whole 600 pages! Even when the decision seemed like an easy one to make, he had to be defiant and choose what he wanted or what he thought wouldn't wound his pride. I really wanted to reach through the book and shake him. Gunthar ends up being his mentor toward the middle of the story, but Rob won't trust or listen to him because he couldn't possibly understand anything Rob was going through. DUH. I really wanted to hit Rob. He never really grew. He just gave in because Marguerite gave him no choice.
Thankfully, the ending was pretty well done. The characters end up well and everything is resolved. I would recommend this to friends who really like history. A book this length isn't for those looking for a light summer read!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rob and Marguerite steal away to spend time together despite their difference in station. What starts as a friendship develops into something much more, but they face much more than angry parents if they tried to push the relationship.
The story line was good, but it was SO LONG! At 52 chapters, 600 pages, the book really was laborious to read in some places. Cutting a couple hundred pages would have made it more palatable. I liked Marguerite's character--she had to really figure out who she was and what she wanted, but was willing to learn and grow. Rob on the other hand was willful and stubborn....the whole 600 pages! Even when the decision seemed like an easy one to make, he had to be defiant and choose what he wanted or what he thought wouldn't wound his pride. I really wanted to reach through the book and shake him. Gunthar ends up being his mentor toward the middle of the story, but Rob won't trust or listen to him because he couldn't possibly understand anything Rob was going through. DUH. I really wanted to hit Rob. He never really grew. He just gave in because Marguerite gave him no choice.
Thankfully, the ending was pretty well done. The characters end up well and everything is resolved. I would recommend this to friends who really like history. A book this length isn't for those looking for a light summer read!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2014
This is a beautifully written story that takes you back to Medieval time when people were treated based upon their class of birth and not as individuals. It is a story of determination, love and acceptance. A story where love does not follow social protocol.
Robert "Rob" Marcel is born to parents that are villein or an unfree peasant on the higher social end. His parents want more for him in life and he trains under a clergy man. He is able to read and write. I don't want to tell the story, so I will say that Rob also has been trained by his mother to play the lute and he becomes a traveling minstrel, going from town to town, playing in castles or wherever he can to survive. But he has never settled down.
Marguerite Valette, born a Lady, whose parents are of wealth and standing in the Kingdom. She is betrothed to Symeon Achard, Earl of Styres. Marguerite does not want to marry Styres, a man so bold as to bring his mistress and flaunt her in front of everyone. Even though Marguerite is a Lady, under the law, she is still considered property of her father and her betrothed husband. She must bow to their wishes. But Marguerite is a rebel and from her time under the care of her maternal Grandfather and tutored under Odo, she has spunk and is not one to be meek and follow the rules.
Robert "Rob" Marcel is born to parents that are villein or an unfree peasant on the higher social end. His parents want more for him in life and he trains under a clergy man. He is able to read and write. I don't want to tell the story, so I will say that Rob also has been trained by his mother to play the lute and he becomes a traveling minstrel, going from town to town, playing in castles or wherever he can to survive. But he has never settled down.
Marguerite Valette, born a Lady, whose parents are of wealth and standing in the Kingdom. She is betrothed to Symeon Achard, Earl of Styres. Marguerite does not want to marry Styres, a man so bold as to bring his mistress and flaunt her in front of everyone. Even though Marguerite is a Lady, under the law, she is still considered property of her father and her betrothed husband. She must bow to their wishes. But Marguerite is a rebel and from her time under the care of her maternal Grandfather and tutored under Odo, she has spunk and is not one to be meek and follow the rules.
January 16, 2015
Robert Marcel is no Earl. He is no Duke nor king’s son, but a simple minstrel. Though with the spirit of a roaring lion, he wonders about the lands with his most prized possession: the lute. As fate would have it, he happens across a particular place whereupon he rendezvous with a cherished childhood memory; the lady whom he could never forget.
Lady Marguerite of Winbourne is destined to marry the undesirable Earl of Saxton, but not once could she remove from her mind the thoughts of a particular young man who had fled for his life so long ago. She had saved him that one day, and as time would generously have it, threw them together once more. Ever since recognizing him down in the village outside the castle walls, her heart has only known love’s thrills once more.
The title alone lured me. It promises the adventure, the thrill, and the curse of ill-fated love. There has to be a way for them to end up together. Right? As I dug into the folds of the sumptuous court entertained with jesters, acrobats, and minstrels, I was easily flighted into the pages of history and intrigue. Joyce DiPastena has woven a rich world with a rich plot, with amazing prose and characterization. She has done an excellent job with each person starring within the stage of her book. She has done a swoon-worthy job!
Lady Marguerite of Winbourne is destined to marry the undesirable Earl of Saxton, but not once could she remove from her mind the thoughts of a particular young man who had fled for his life so long ago. She had saved him that one day, and as time would generously have it, threw them together once more. Ever since recognizing him down in the village outside the castle walls, her heart has only known love’s thrills once more.
The title alone lured me. It promises the adventure, the thrill, and the curse of ill-fated love. There has to be a way for them to end up together. Right? As I dug into the folds of the sumptuous court entertained with jesters, acrobats, and minstrels, I was easily flighted into the pages of history and intrigue. Joyce DiPastena has woven a rich world with a rich plot, with amazing prose and characterization. She has done an excellent job with each person starring within the stage of her book. She has done a swoon-worthy job!
June 6, 2015
A wonderfully written medieval romance where severe class distinction existed, where villeins who toiled their lands under the lords were little more than slaves and treated like animals. A story of a seemingly impossible love between a lady betrothed to a cruel, powerful Earl who has the King's favor and a minstrel with radical views far ahead of his time.
I absolutely loved this story. At well over 500pages, it's quite a bit longer than most romances I've read but the story builds and flows so beautifully I did not want it to end. Both Marguerite and Robert (Rob) were such wonderful characters I fell in love with them from the start. Marguerite was brought up by her grandfather, who was rather radical himself having freed all the villeins in his estate and having them work as free men on his lands. Marguerite was given an education far beyond the normal & learned to treat everyone from lord to peasant with compassion but when her grandfather dies, she goes back to live with her parents & her father quickly accepts a betrothal with the King's current favorite, the cruel Earl of Saxton who only wants Marguerite for her inheritance.
Rob was born the son of villeins, whose character was firmly molded by his father, a visionary man who dreamed of freedom and a better life for his family and who bought his son an education from the village priest. Rob is the most amazing character; he's hot headed & reckless but almost painfully honorable. His word was his honor and he would never break it. He was way ahead of his time, believing all men are equal yet realistic enough to know that he alone could not change the world.
Rob and Marguerite 1st met at children when he was attempting to run away to gain his freedom (a villein can become a free man if he runs away & is not recaptured for a year, if he binds himself to a town and a trade for a year) and she helps divert attention from him which enables him to flee his pursuers. When they meet again 7 years later, both have kept the memory of their 1st meeting alive & the attraction is immediate. But Marguerite is already betrothed & Rob is so far below her station. Stolen meetings only serve to cement their attraction and an all encompassing love soon grows between the young lovers.
The story of how the 2 young lovers find their HEA is truly an engrossing read. Separated when Rob goes off to join England's war with France, Rob soon comes under the attention of the Earl of Gunthar, Saxton's main rival while Marguerite comes under the motherly hand of his wife Lady Helen. The relationship that builds between the 2 younger characters and the older pair is very sweet. Lady Helen finds in Marguerite the daughter she never had. Rob's relationship with Gunthar is much more complex, with them being from different classes but the author builds it beautifully.
There are many, many wonderful parts of the story which made me cry due to their poignancy. The all encompassing love between Rob & Marguerite and the no lesser love and understanding between Helen and Gunthar. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Copy gifted for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this story. At well over 500pages, it's quite a bit longer than most romances I've read but the story builds and flows so beautifully I did not want it to end. Both Marguerite and Robert (Rob) were such wonderful characters I fell in love with them from the start. Marguerite was brought up by her grandfather, who was rather radical himself having freed all the villeins in his estate and having them work as free men on his lands. Marguerite was given an education far beyond the normal & learned to treat everyone from lord to peasant with compassion but when her grandfather dies, she goes back to live with her parents & her father quickly accepts a betrothal with the King's current favorite, the cruel Earl of Saxton who only wants Marguerite for her inheritance.
Rob was born the son of villeins, whose character was firmly molded by his father, a visionary man who dreamed of freedom and a better life for his family and who bought his son an education from the village priest. Rob is the most amazing character; he's hot headed & reckless but almost painfully honorable. His word was his honor and he would never break it. He was way ahead of his time, believing all men are equal yet realistic enough to know that he alone could not change the world.
Rob and Marguerite 1st met at children when he was attempting to run away to gain his freedom (a villein can become a free man if he runs away & is not recaptured for a year, if he binds himself to a town and a trade for a year) and she helps divert attention from him which enables him to flee his pursuers. When they meet again 7 years later, both have kept the memory of their 1st meeting alive & the attraction is immediate. But Marguerite is already betrothed & Rob is so far below her station. Stolen meetings only serve to cement their attraction and an all encompassing love soon grows between the young lovers.
The story of how the 2 young lovers find their HEA is truly an engrossing read. Separated when Rob goes off to join England's war with France, Rob soon comes under the attention of the Earl of Gunthar, Saxton's main rival while Marguerite comes under the motherly hand of his wife Lady Helen. The relationship that builds between the 2 younger characters and the older pair is very sweet. Lady Helen finds in Marguerite the daughter she never had. Rob's relationship with Gunthar is much more complex, with them being from different classes but the author builds it beautifully.
There are many, many wonderful parts of the story which made me cry due to their poignancy. The all encompassing love between Rob & Marguerite and the no lesser love and understanding between Helen and Gunthar. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Copy gifted for an honest review.
June 29, 2015
During the reign of King John - in thirteenth-century England - Robert Marcel chafes under the law that holds him bound as a villein on his lord's manor; serving at the whim of his master and denied any chance at freedom. He attempts a daring escape, determined to leave everything behind - his family, his security, the only life that he's ever known - to seize the only viable chance he can see to determine his own fate. He is very nearly caught by his cruel master, but a young girl's quick thinking actions allow him to slip away.
Several years pass and Robert takes up trade as a minstrel; traveling around England and earning a living through plying his musical talent. Invited to play at the betrothal banquet of the notorious Earl of Saxton, Robert is stunned to come face to face with the one girl he's never forgotten - the girl whose single act of kindness towards him quite literally saved his life. She is now the Lady Marguerite of Winbourne, and she is betrothed to the earl. Robert is determined to find some way to show his gratitude to Lady Marguerite for the assistance she gave him so long ago, but her status as a noblewoman puts her completely beyond Robert's reach - yet he is completely smitten by her shy smile.
Lady Marguerite has often thought of the young man she helped escape. Over the intervening years since she crossed paths with the runaway serf, Marguerite has fondly remembered their brief encounter. She had always hoped that the small service she provided to the desperate young man might have helped him in some way, but was unsure if what she had done was actually successful. Marguerite has absolutely no idea if Robert remembers her, although she has never forgotten him.
Marguerite's tender feelings for Robert quickly turn into so much more when they are finally brought back into each other's lives. Despite the difference in their stations, Robert vows to himself that he will win Marguerite's hand, come what may - he knows they are meant to be together. Marguerite herself, longs to be free to marry Robert - her one true love - but that will require her to sacrifice all she holds dear.
Robert and Marguerite share a forbidden love and a past they just can't leave behind. They are tested at every turn by those who would do everything in their power to drive them apart - people whose every intention is to destroy what Robert and Marguerite have found together. Yet, can their love survive and truly conquer all?
I have always enjoyed reading historical romances - particularly those set in the Middle Ages. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. At 613 pages, The Lady and the Minstrel by Joyce DiPastena is certainly long and very richly detailed - but by no means is the story dull or in any way over-written. The story itself was very well-written and strongly grounded in the medieval time period. I was quickly immersed in the plot and found myself wondering what would happen next.
This is the first book by Ms. DiPastena that I've ever read, but it certainly will not be my last. I have placed this author's name at the top at my Wish List, and give this book a definite A+!
Several years pass and Robert takes up trade as a minstrel; traveling around England and earning a living through plying his musical talent. Invited to play at the betrothal banquet of the notorious Earl of Saxton, Robert is stunned to come face to face with the one girl he's never forgotten - the girl whose single act of kindness towards him quite literally saved his life. She is now the Lady Marguerite of Winbourne, and she is betrothed to the earl. Robert is determined to find some way to show his gratitude to Lady Marguerite for the assistance she gave him so long ago, but her status as a noblewoman puts her completely beyond Robert's reach - yet he is completely smitten by her shy smile.
Lady Marguerite has often thought of the young man she helped escape. Over the intervening years since she crossed paths with the runaway serf, Marguerite has fondly remembered their brief encounter. She had always hoped that the small service she provided to the desperate young man might have helped him in some way, but was unsure if what she had done was actually successful. Marguerite has absolutely no idea if Robert remembers her, although she has never forgotten him.
Marguerite's tender feelings for Robert quickly turn into so much more when they are finally brought back into each other's lives. Despite the difference in their stations, Robert vows to himself that he will win Marguerite's hand, come what may - he knows they are meant to be together. Marguerite herself, longs to be free to marry Robert - her one true love - but that will require her to sacrifice all she holds dear.
Robert and Marguerite share a forbidden love and a past they just can't leave behind. They are tested at every turn by those who would do everything in their power to drive them apart - people whose every intention is to destroy what Robert and Marguerite have found together. Yet, can their love survive and truly conquer all?
I have always enjoyed reading historical romances - particularly those set in the Middle Ages. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. At 613 pages, The Lady and the Minstrel by Joyce DiPastena is certainly long and very richly detailed - but by no means is the story dull or in any way over-written. The story itself was very well-written and strongly grounded in the medieval time period. I was quickly immersed in the plot and found myself wondering what would happen next.
This is the first book by Ms. DiPastena that I've ever read, but it certainly will not be my last. I have placed this author's name at the top at my Wish List, and give this book a definite A+!
May 6, 2015
Lady Marguerite is not thrilled about her parents trying to force her hand into an arranged marriage with the despicable Earl of Saxton. He flaunts his mistress in front of her and is more violent than her father. But with her grandfather dead, there isn’t anyone to stand up for her rights. Until she meets Robert. He is just a simple minstrel with some dark secrets of his own. His attempts to outrun his past come back to haunt him when he once again meets the girl who saved his life years ago. When an impossible romance develops between them, they are determined to be together. But everything from King John’s crazy campaign against France and her possessive fiancé get in their way.
I could not put this book down. I enjoy historical romances but I usually don’t get super invested in them. This one had me neglecting all responsible mom duties until I could finish it. Amazing! The romance between Robert and Marguerite was sweet and passionate, but I found the political intrigue going on to be even more of a draw. The treacherous atmosphere that was King John’s court kept me in constant anticipation on whether or not things were ever going to work out for our romantic duo. Joyce DiPastena truly captures the medieval royal courts with all its glamour and underhandedness. The historical information was seamlessly worked into the plot so as not to bog it down too much. I’m super excited to check out the rest of her book.
Enjoy!
I could not put this book down. I enjoy historical romances but I usually don’t get super invested in them. This one had me neglecting all responsible mom duties until I could finish it. Amazing! The romance between Robert and Marguerite was sweet and passionate, but I found the political intrigue going on to be even more of a draw. The treacherous atmosphere that was King John’s court kept me in constant anticipation on whether or not things were ever going to work out for our romantic duo. Joyce DiPastena truly captures the medieval royal courts with all its glamour and underhandedness. The historical information was seamlessly worked into the plot so as not to bog it down too much. I’m super excited to check out the rest of her book.
Enjoy!
June 19, 2015
I am not a big fan of books from this time period, but this book was phenomenal. It is a bit long but worth every minute. Definitely was one of those “can’t put down” books for me. The characters were very real & I felt like I knew each one personally.
Robert Marcel and Lady Marguerite met many years before when Marguerite was a young girl & Robert was trying to escape his cruel master. Years have passed. They both thought of each other occasionally but never thought they would see each other again. Robert is now a minstrel and has been invited to sing at the betrothal of the Earl of Saxton and Lady Marguerite. As Robert sings, he realizes that he is strongly attracted to Marguerite. They arrange clandestine meetings and fall in love. They realize that marriage is next to impossible for them because of each one’s position in life.
There are many twists and turns, many chances are taken, many obstacles need to be overcome. Can Robert and Marguerite overcome their social standings and differences to be together forever? An excellent read. I would recommend for any romance lovers.
Robert Marcel and Lady Marguerite met many years before when Marguerite was a young girl & Robert was trying to escape his cruel master. Years have passed. They both thought of each other occasionally but never thought they would see each other again. Robert is now a minstrel and has been invited to sing at the betrothal of the Earl of Saxton and Lady Marguerite. As Robert sings, he realizes that he is strongly attracted to Marguerite. They arrange clandestine meetings and fall in love. They realize that marriage is next to impossible for them because of each one’s position in life.
There are many twists and turns, many chances are taken, many obstacles need to be overcome. Can Robert and Marguerite overcome their social standings and differences to be together forever? An excellent read. I would recommend for any romance lovers.
June 2, 2015
I received an advance copy of The Lady and the Minstrel through iamareader.com in exchange for an honest review.
Robert Marcel escaped his life as a villein with the help of a young girl. He has spent the last seven years honing his skills as a minstrel.
Lady Marguerite is being forced into a marriage against her will. She has never forgotten the young man she helped to escape as a girl.
When Rob and Mae meet and recognize each other, the sparks soon begin to fly. With such well written characters, I quickly found myself rooting for Rob and Mae. They are faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, but throughout their challenges the reader always has hope for them.
Ms. DiPastena has created a realistic medieval world that is still relatable to modern readers. Rob and Mae have clearly modern sensibilities, but they don't seem out of place in their own world. The secondary characters are all well written and added to the reading enjoyment.
Great book – I highly recommend it!
Robert Marcel escaped his life as a villein with the help of a young girl. He has spent the last seven years honing his skills as a minstrel.
Lady Marguerite is being forced into a marriage against her will. She has never forgotten the young man she helped to escape as a girl.
When Rob and Mae meet and recognize each other, the sparks soon begin to fly. With such well written characters, I quickly found myself rooting for Rob and Mae. They are faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, but throughout their challenges the reader always has hope for them.
Ms. DiPastena has created a realistic medieval world that is still relatable to modern readers. Rob and Mae have clearly modern sensibilities, but they don't seem out of place in their own world. The secondary characters are all well written and added to the reading enjoyment.
Great book – I highly recommend it!
May 22, 2015
I loved this book just for the fact that it was a whole, complete, well thought out story in one book. With how short many books are these days, I felt like I was treated to a series in one book! ;) Ms. DiPastena has quickly become one of my favorite authors! Her knowledge of the time period is obviously extensive which allows her to slip in little details every where that just make the story so rich in history, customs, fashion, etc. This story had me volleying between disgust for how women were (and unfortunately are sometimes still) treated, exultant in sweet pure romantic love, angry over the injustice of social class systems and the blatant and ignorant usage of people as slaves, sentimentally emotional over those who had lost little ones and could still open their hearts to love others like children, sick over the paltry reasons people fought wars, and incredibly impressed by the details of royal law and history that she had to know about to write so intricately! I can't praise it enough!
May 1, 2015
The Lady and the Minstrel is a fascinating medieval romance with as many twists to the storyline as there is factual history woven through. Joyce is an amazing author. She has recreated the medieval world for readers to wander through. Her attention to detail and facts is great. Her stories are delightful especially as they are clean. I enjoyed The Lady and the Minstrel, but felt on edge for the whole book, which seemed exceedingly long because of those ups and downs. My heart bled for Marguerite and Robert. Hope seemed to peer around the corner only to be dashed into small pieces with the next barrier. Even the beautiful ending kept me expecting another turn for the bad. I’d recommend this novel to anyone who loves historical clean romances, but hold on to your seat and don’t give up; all is well in the end.
June 8, 2015
I like to read all types of novels including histories so this was very interesting for me. I had recently read an article about King John and the Magna Carta so I was quite interested in the atrocities that were happening which brought about this great document. However, this novel was quite a bit longer than I thought necessary. I believed the story could have been told several hundred pages shorter with the same, possibly better flow. I found myself getting annoyed by all of the different twists and turns and problems that were happening to Rob and Marguerite. I found I didn’t like Rob very much with his stubborn pride. I think it’s very important to like the main characters of a book. This book is very well-written which is incredibly rare today. I received this book for free for an honest review.
3 Stars. Clean with some violence.
3 Stars. Clean with some violence.
June 22, 2015
This is a beautiful story. It takes place in 13th century England. Robert was born the son of a villien. His story takes you from the countryside of England, to the court of King John, and onto the battlefields in France. He falls for Lady Marguerite, the girl who saved him when he was fleeing the villiens at the age of thirteen. When they meet again years later, he is a minstrel and a freedman, and she is promised to Lord Saxton. Robert declares his love to Marguerite and promises to help her escape the grips of her vile, abusive betrothed; but, Robert's past stands in his way. There is much he must resolve before he can be with Lady Marguerite.
DiPastena has written a tale of epic proportions. It is very well written. One feels as if they are a part of Robert's and Marguerite's world. I couldn't put it down.
DiPastena has written a tale of epic proportions. It is very well written. One feels as if they are a part of Robert's and Marguerite's world. I couldn't put it down.
August 14, 2015
Copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
I really enjoyed "The Lady and the Mistrel" by Joyce DiPastena. First, I am an absolute sucker for historical romances. two I loved heroes and heroines that struggles to be together when the odds are stalked against them. I loved lady Marguerite and Robert. I loved the obstacles that were stalked against them and the grace and love they faced their challenges.
I was a little worried about reading a lengthy story, about 400 pages. But once I started reading I was intrigued with the characters, their struggles and ultimately their love for one another. Mixed with the love between Marguerite and Robert is the historical tension of the times and also the tensions that fill society.
I really enjoyed "The Lady and the Mistrel" by Joyce DiPastena. First, I am an absolute sucker for historical romances. two I loved heroes and heroines that struggles to be together when the odds are stalked against them. I loved lady Marguerite and Robert. I loved the obstacles that were stalked against them and the grace and love they faced their challenges.
I was a little worried about reading a lengthy story, about 400 pages. But once I started reading I was intrigued with the characters, their struggles and ultimately their love for one another. Mixed with the love between Marguerite and Robert is the historical tension of the times and also the tensions that fill society.
June 20, 2015
I loved this book! It's a struggle of love between the social classes that sweeps from 13th century England to France during war time and back. It is beautifully written and realistically shows the differences in classes back then as a well to do young Lady Marguerite falls in love with a traveling minstrel whose life she saved years ago meet again just as she's betrothed to a cruel Earl that she despises. Can true love overcom the deceit and treachery and prevail? You must read this book!! I couldn't put it down!
September 29, 2015
What a great read! I love the middle ages and so does Joyce Dipastena, you can tell by the wonderful way she writes. It's like time traveling when you pick up one of her novels. This story was fabulous but stressful all at once. You don't know how it can turn out with a happily ever after. There is so much going against Lady Marguerite and Robert, a common minstrel. The twist and turns along the way make for an exciting read.
April 23, 2015
I've long been a fan of Joyce DiPastena's books, but this one is a personal favorite. I became so invested in Marguerite and Robert's story I found myself reading when I should've been working on my own writing or playing with my boys. This is such a touching and romantic story and I love that it also had a lot of action in it. I would highly recommend Lady and the Minstrel.
May 29, 2015
Medieval romance at its finest! Rich storyline and strong characters created a fabulous page turner. Friendship, deceit, romance … and what’s a medieval romance without a sword fight or two! Didn’t want to put it down. A must for your own personal romance library!.
Want to read
October 9, 2015This has been nominated for a 2015 Swoony Award, you can vote for it here.
February 12, 2015
This book really needs an epilog! Good read!
October 17, 2024
NOT A MERRY TUNE, BUT A GRIPPING ONE
The book THE LADY AND THE MINSTREL by Joyce DiPastena is driving me nuts. I can’t close the wretched thing. Okay, it’s not wretched. Its actually a truly LOVELY book.I have to know the ending, because it seems impossible that these two star-crossed lovers will ever manage to do more than kiss.
Yet you ache for it to happen. You want Rob of the Road to put down his lute for just long enough to say “I do.” And you want Marguerite, his very rich sweetheart to say “I don’t” to the tool who is trying to force her to be his wife with the willing compliance of her clueless parents. Clueless because they couldn’t care less that the man is a traitor bent on eliminating all road blocks to his meteoric rise to power in King John’s England. He certainly isn’t going to hold back from stomping Robert Marcel into the ground—the one honest, villein-born man who can’t quite prove (but knows for certain) that he’s a full-on traitor.
This book aches me. I feel for Rob and his Mae in their desperate bid for love. I feel Rob’s yearning to breathe the air of a truly free man, able to plot his own course in life. And for Mae as well.
This book has it all: a beautiful heroine, dashing heroes, several people you despise, castles, battles, traitors, and people who will put their lives on the line for each other.
As soon as I’m done writing this, I’m diving back into the book. And if, as I hope, it all turns out well for this couple, I’m going to stand right up in my living room, or wherever I am, and I’m going to cheer. And with Rob, I, a girl, am going to slam my fist right into the bad guys’ faces and walk away. Yup. Get this book. You’ll love it.
January 7, 2026
I loved this book, especially in the context of the Poitevin Hearts series .
Gunther and Heléne are my favourite characters written by Joyce DiPastena, they aren't the main characters in this book, but I love seeing them very much themselves even though they have aged to being Granparents. I also loved how Rob and Mae are very similar to them even though they are also very different.
Gunther and Heléne are my favourite characters written by Joyce DiPastena, they aren't the main characters in this book, but I love seeing them very much themselves even though they have aged to being Granparents. I also loved how Rob and Mae are very similar to them even though they are also very different.
July 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this story! I loved all the twists and turns and unpredictable events. I adored the lovely romances and friendships throughout. There was exciting adventures and intrigue too and it was all wrapped up in a wonderful medieval setting. She also wrote about slavery and people class subject matter that I appreciated. I can't wait to read more of this author's work!
June 21, 2021
Joyce di Pastena does an excellent job of bringing the medieval time period come to life with excellent plots and intrigue. Highly recommend all of her books.
April 2, 2015
Author Joyce DiPastena has done it again!
The Lady and the Minstrel, set in medieval England, happily reminds me of the Robin Hood stories, and tales of King Arthur with his knights of the round table that I enjoyed as a child.
Although the tale is fiction, DiPastena has researched the time period well and is able to augment and enrich the story with even the tiniest little facts that make them come alive (as she does with all of her stories).
Readers of romance will sigh at the sweetness of budding love. Those more adventurous at heart will find themselves biting their nails and quickly turning the page to see what happens next.
DiPastena’s characters are spot on with real-life drama that, despite the gap in generations, is easily relatable. Family expectations and loyalties, society’s expectations, the consequences of war, insecurity, self-doubt, and the desire to be heard all come to play in The Lady and the Minstrel.
Robert Marcel, born a lowly villein, feels he has as much right to freedom as any nobleman. After the death of his parents, and suffering through years of an abusive master, he takes his mother’s lute, a treasured heirloom, and runs away determined to live his life as a travelling minstrel.
Before he is able to make a complete escape, he comes to a crossroads of sorts in the form of a river. If he crosses it, the water will ruin his mother’s lute. If he stays on the same side of river as the hounds, his master will catch him and offer a punishment he may not survive.
As he debates what to do, his savior comes in the form of a ten-year-old girl who holds the precious cargo for him as he crosses the river.
The story begins years later when Robert and Lady Marguerite of Windbourne meet again just prior to her betrothal dinner to the Earl of Saxton, a man who promises to be even more abusive than her father.
Robert and Lady Marguerite fall in love despite all odds against them, and even while her father and the earl conspire for the earl to marry Marguerite without her approval. No one dares go against the wishes of the powerful Earl of Saxton. Not even the priest.
It’s now Robert’s turn to rescue her. But can Robert rescue a Lady without giving up the freedom he’s fought so long to maintain? Will the two of them be able to overcome strict societal laws, set by the king himself, in order to marry?
The answer is expertly crafted within the pages of The Lady and the Minstrel.
The Lady and the Minstrel, set in medieval England, happily reminds me of the Robin Hood stories, and tales of King Arthur with his knights of the round table that I enjoyed as a child.
Although the tale is fiction, DiPastena has researched the time period well and is able to augment and enrich the story with even the tiniest little facts that make them come alive (as she does with all of her stories).
Readers of romance will sigh at the sweetness of budding love. Those more adventurous at heart will find themselves biting their nails and quickly turning the page to see what happens next.
DiPastena’s characters are spot on with real-life drama that, despite the gap in generations, is easily relatable. Family expectations and loyalties, society’s expectations, the consequences of war, insecurity, self-doubt, and the desire to be heard all come to play in The Lady and the Minstrel.
Robert Marcel, born a lowly villein, feels he has as much right to freedom as any nobleman. After the death of his parents, and suffering through years of an abusive master, he takes his mother’s lute, a treasured heirloom, and runs away determined to live his life as a travelling minstrel.
Before he is able to make a complete escape, he comes to a crossroads of sorts in the form of a river. If he crosses it, the water will ruin his mother’s lute. If he stays on the same side of river as the hounds, his master will catch him and offer a punishment he may not survive.
As he debates what to do, his savior comes in the form of a ten-year-old girl who holds the precious cargo for him as he crosses the river.
The story begins years later when Robert and Lady Marguerite of Windbourne meet again just prior to her betrothal dinner to the Earl of Saxton, a man who promises to be even more abusive than her father.
Robert and Lady Marguerite fall in love despite all odds against them, and even while her father and the earl conspire for the earl to marry Marguerite without her approval. No one dares go against the wishes of the powerful Earl of Saxton. Not even the priest.
It’s now Robert’s turn to rescue her. But can Robert rescue a Lady without giving up the freedom he’s fought so long to maintain? Will the two of them be able to overcome strict societal laws, set by the king himself, in order to marry?
The answer is expertly crafted within the pages of The Lady and the Minstrel.
May 5, 2015
The Lady and the Minstrel by Joyce DiPastena is a middle-ages clean romance novel. I was surprised by many things in this novel, which is usually a good thing. The main characters, Rob and Marguerite come from two separate worlds and were brought together seven years before when she helped him escape his Lord (Rob was a villein). She has since grown up and inherited her grandfather's vast wealth and her dad is marrying her off to a power hungry beast of a man who happens to be good friends with the current King. Rob and Marguerite reconnect and fall in love, only to be separated again and again by a variety of circumstances. DiPastena does a great job developing the characters and I think the actions and motivations of the characters are all believable. I felt the book was a lot longer than it needed to be and it took me a while to get into it (I was surprised it has 52 chapters). It is the type of book you can pick up and read for a while, put down, and come back to it a few days later and keep going. It didn't compel me enough to read it straight through, but I found myself wanting to find out the fate of the characters and was pleased with the flow of the story throughout. I was given a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2018
Ms. DiPastena has done it again: another masterpiece of mediaeval fiction, with so much reality that it is like being transported through time. I loved the details of life from all stations of society, and how beautifully she painted the picture of the hierarchy of the day. It was incredible to see the struggles of each class and how difficult it was to leave their niche.
Although the ending is a predictable HEA, the story is so full of twists and action that you wonder how it will come about. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, Wham! You were wrong... This is not just a romance, or a historical commentary; the plots, conspiracies and intrigues throughout keep you anticipating what will occur next. I felt the story slowed a little in the middle, but I was up late last night to finish it before I could go to sleep.
Very different to her other novels, it gave a more balanced view of the times. Not just knights and lords, it truly depicted life in all classes, and the despair of trying cross those boundaries. Fascinating story; can't wait for another glimpse into this period of history.
Although the ending is a predictable HEA, the story is so full of twists and action that you wonder how it will come about. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, Wham! You were wrong... This is not just a romance, or a historical commentary; the plots, conspiracies and intrigues throughout keep you anticipating what will occur next. I felt the story slowed a little in the middle, but I was up late last night to finish it before I could go to sleep.
Very different to her other novels, it gave a more balanced view of the times. Not just knights and lords, it truly depicted life in all classes, and the despair of trying cross those boundaries. Fascinating story; can't wait for another glimpse into this period of history.
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