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Courting Cassandry (A Hearts in Autumn Romance, #2)
by
Is it too late for second chances when the girl you loved in your youth comes back into your life?
Gerolt de Warenne became guardian to a child-heiress named Cassandry when he was only nineteen-years old. As he watched her grow into a lovely young woman, he found himself falling in love with her, but Cassandry viewed him as an older brother. So, burying his feelings, he ga ...more
Gerolt de Warenne became guardian to a child-heiress named Cassandry when he was only nineteen-years old. As he watched her grow into a lovely young woman, he found himself falling in love with her, but Cassandry viewed him as an older brother. So, burying his feelings, he ga ...more
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Kindle Edition
Published
February 17th 2016
by Sable Tyger Books
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Start your review of Courting Cassandry (A Hearts in Autumn Romance, #2)

Joyce DiPastena really knows how to transport her readers back through time to another place. She creates worlds and people that are so vivid in my mind. It's one of the things I love about reading Joyce's books. This happens because Joyce knows her time period and she does her homework. It really shows in her writing.
In this Hearts in Autumn series, the focus is on couples who are a bit older- not old, just older than, well, younger. :) In this story, Cassandry and Gerolt are both parents of te ...more
In this Hearts in Autumn series, the focus is on couples who are a bit older- not old, just older than, well, younger. :) In this story, Cassandry and Gerolt are both parents of te ...more

Joyce DiPastena is a fantastic author of the medieval era. I am always amazed at how she is able to write a wonderful story while she is paying attention to historical detail. She is able to capture the time period and bring it to life for me.
Courting Cassandry is a romance between to characters who are older in years. Both have been married before and have children. Both have lost their spouse. For Gerald, the romantic interest happened when she was young and wanting to marry her husband. Now t ...more
Courting Cassandry is a romance between to characters who are older in years. Both have been married before and have children. Both have lost their spouse. For Gerald, the romantic interest happened when she was young and wanting to marry her husband. Now t ...more

Courting Cassandry is another wonderful addition to the "Hearts in Autumn" medieval romance series. Joyce describes it this way,
- "Hearts in Autumn” romance series, medieval romances revolving around heroes and heroines “in the autumn of their years.” Because you’re never too old to fall in love!”
I have truly loved reading a romance where the main characters are between the ages of 40-50+! There is something about more mature characters that bring their life stories into play as they contempla ...more
- "Hearts in Autumn” romance series, medieval romances revolving around heroes and heroines “in the autumn of their years.” Because you’re never too old to fall in love!”
I have truly loved reading a romance where the main characters are between the ages of 40-50+! There is something about more mature characters that bring their life stories into play as they contempla ...more

This is the first book I've read by Joyce DiPastena, and I enjoyed it immensely. First, let me say that I received a review copy of this work in exchange for an honest review. I accepted with some trepidation because I am never anything less than honest in my reviews, and I don't like to write a review if I can't give a work at least 4 stars. (3 stars is my threshold for historical non-fiction.) I could tell by the first few chapters this was not going to be an issue.
Hero - Probably one of the s ...more
Hero - Probably one of the s ...more

I was provided a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Romance, clean. Violence was minimal.
I have enjoyed J. D.P. writing and this novel was no exception. She beautifully describes the time period, and also the feelings of the characters in her novels. I almost wrote 'people' and I have to say, it is very easy to get caught up in the novel and feel that the people are real. We can see the frustrations, emotions, worries, concerns, and of course the sorrows along with the joys and happin ...more
Romance, clean. Violence was minimal.
I have enjoyed J. D.P. writing and this novel was no exception. She beautifully describes the time period, and also the feelings of the characters in her novels. I almost wrote 'people' and I have to say, it is very easy to get caught up in the novel and feel that the people are real. We can see the frustrations, emotions, worries, concerns, and of course the sorrows along with the joys and happin ...more

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect, in any way, my opinion of the book.
The book starts with Gerolt arriving at Cassandry's to propose to her. This is one of the very few things that didn't sit well with me. Gerolt last saw her at her husband's funeral three years back and the next time he sees her, he's there to propose. I think there should have been a prologue or something where they meet at the funeral and then a fe ...more
The book starts with Gerolt arriving at Cassandry's to propose to her. This is one of the very few things that didn't sit well with me. Gerolt last saw her at her husband's funeral three years back and the next time he sees her, he's there to propose. I think there should have been a prologue or something where they meet at the funeral and then a fe ...more

Acclaimed author Joyce DiPastena has once again written a medieval romance novel that does not disappoint. The second book in the A Hearts in Autumn Romance series is a simple delight. This series is intriguing in that it tells romance stories of women and men later in life. Courting Cassandry depicts the complicated relationship of a man and woman with a struggling, developing, and budding friendship and romance. Gerolt is Cassanddry’s previous guardian, so how can they possibly fall in love, e
...more

I received a free copy in return for an honest review. (This is also my first book review)
A very engaging page turner!
I didn't know what to expect starting this book. (I haven't read the first in the series) I have read many of the author's precious novels and loved them!
This story was different being set in the 'autumn of the character's lives'. It was a very refreshing change.
The characters were very relatable and the author presents it in a way that you feel for them as they face their tr ...more
A very engaging page turner!
I didn't know what to expect starting this book. (I haven't read the first in the series) I have read many of the author's precious novels and loved them!
This story was different being set in the 'autumn of the character's lives'. It was a very refreshing change.
The characters were very relatable and the author presents it in a way that you feel for them as they face their tr ...more

This is a well written medieval romance. Gerault has loved Cassandry from the time she was old enough to marry. He loved her enough to let her marry who she wanted to. She only saw him as an older brother figure. Unfornately, Cassandry's husband was not all what he first seemed to be and she suffered through a bad marriage. After losing both of their spouses, Gerault hopes to convince Cassandry to marry him but she is determined never to marry again. Gerault in a desperate attempt to keep in con
...more

4.5/5.0
Readers who’ve never become acquainted with 13th century England may find it a shocking place, ruled by religion and stringent proprietary bounds. Those familiar will find a true-to-the-time second-chance romance and will be cheering throughout for a happy ending.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine. ...more
Readers who’ve never become acquainted with 13th century England may find it a shocking place, ruled by religion and stringent proprietary bounds. Those familiar will find a true-to-the-time second-chance romance and will be cheering throughout for a happy ending.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine. ...more

Courting Cassandry is the second installment of a Hearts and Autumn Romance series and the first book I have read by Joyce DiPasterna. I really enjoyed this book! I love the historical details. I love the young love and later in life love. Such a beautiful story of second chances.
5+ stars
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.
5+ stars
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.

What a wonderful story! The setting is in the time of lords and ladies, and pages and squires. There is lots of adventure and intrigue as well as delicious romance. There is also the thread of forgiveness that I appreciated throughout the book! This is the first book I've read by this author and I will be reading more for sure.
...more

“Courting Cassandry” is part of Joyce DiPastena’s “Hearts in Autumn” series. Autumn doesn’t refer to the season, but to heroes and heroines in the autumn years of life.
If was nice to read about characters that had experienced life and learned from it, characters that were more mature. Yet Geralt and Cassandry still had their faults and insecurities. Geralt was a good, honorable man and a strong leader. He cared about others, and was very thoughtful when making decisions that would affect those a ...more
If was nice to read about characters that had experienced life and learned from it, characters that were more mature. Yet Geralt and Cassandry still had their faults and insecurities. Geralt was a good, honorable man and a strong leader. He cared about others, and was very thoughtful when making decisions that would affect those a ...more

Cassandry is a widow and Gerolt, her guardian growing up, comes to visit her and suggests for her to marry again. She turns down the idea instantly claiming she's to old. He suggests an arranged marriage between his son Rauffe and her 15 year old daughter Egelina (Gelli). Cassandry couldn't have trusted anybody better than Gerolt with the safekeeping of her daughter.
She brings Gelli to the engagement ceremony and plans to only stay long enough to make sure her daughter is settled in. Gelli is a ...more
She brings Gelli to the engagement ceremony and plans to only stay long enough to make sure her daughter is settled in. Gelli is a ...more

COURTING CASSANDRY
Courting Cassandry is a historical romance/romance love genre book. I don't usually like this genre, because I have a BA in History and I tend to over analyze the historical aspects of the setting of these kinds of books. So with that being said, I can honestly say I really enjoyed the vivid 3 dimensional characters of this book. I believe Joyce laid out a great plot twist with Samson and his daughter Marion and she made her main characters, Gerolt and Cassandry, lovable and en ...more
Courting Cassandry is a historical romance/romance love genre book. I don't usually like this genre, because I have a BA in History and I tend to over analyze the historical aspects of the setting of these kinds of books. So with that being said, I can honestly say I really enjoyed the vivid 3 dimensional characters of this book. I believe Joyce laid out a great plot twist with Samson and his daughter Marion and she made her main characters, Gerolt and Cassandry, lovable and en ...more

An emotional and sweet medieval romance.
Cassandry de Reymes is a little concerned when her former guardian, and liege lord comes to visit. She knows her daughter is coming up to an age where she should be looking for a husband. With her own unhappy marriage behind her she is desperate to protect her daughter from a husband who might not care for her.
Gerolt de Warrenne took guardianship of Cassandry when she was still a child. He has always loved her, maybe more than he should have. When she fe ...more
Cassandry de Reymes is a little concerned when her former guardian, and liege lord comes to visit. She knows her daughter is coming up to an age where she should be looking for a husband. With her own unhappy marriage behind her she is desperate to protect her daughter from a husband who might not care for her.
Gerolt de Warrenne took guardianship of Cassandry when she was still a child. He has always loved her, maybe more than he should have. When she fe ...more

There’s nothing quite like reading a medieval England romance. There’s just something about that time period that really speaks to my heart. If you are like me and love that time period, you won’t want to miss Courting Cassandry. I also appreciate that the two main characters are middle aged.
Gerolt is the liege lord of Cassandry and her daughter Egelina. Gerolt had also been Cassandry’s guardian at the tender age of 19 when his father died. He has been in love with Cassandry for many years, but ...more
Gerolt is the liege lord of Cassandry and her daughter Egelina. Gerolt had also been Cassandry’s guardian at the tender age of 19 when his father died. He has been in love with Cassandry for many years, but ...more

What a hard life Cassandry had after she left the castle of Gerolt de Warenne her guardian. He let her marry the man she fell in love with and then she blamed him when her husband became abusive. There was such heartache, betrayal and misunderstanding between Cassandry and Gerolt that when she asked for her teenage daughter to marry his son, he felt he still couldn't refuse her anything. This story became one of his love for her and with her determination of never marrying again, she was puttin
...more

After 24 years, Gerolt finally thinks he has the chance to be with the woman he has loved for many years. However, he accepts Cassandry's desire to remain a widow and these two arrange for their children to be betrothed. From there, matters become more and more complicated.
Reading a love story about two people who are not young, who have experience, was a refreshing change from virgin maidens and dashing knights. I especially liked these two characters. The things they went through in their live ...more
Reading a love story about two people who are not young, who have experience, was a refreshing change from virgin maidens and dashing knights. I especially liked these two characters. The things they went through in their live ...more

4.5 stars. What a wonderful medieval romance! I have read several of this author's books and I'm always amazed by the quality of the research and the amount of historical detail that goes into each one. So many little details that really bring this time period to life! Not only details regarding titles and land and politics and such, but also small elements like food preparation and dining.
I also enjoyed reading a story where the hero and heroine are both a little bit older. Of course, this made ...more
I also enjoyed reading a story where the hero and heroine are both a little bit older. Of course, this made ...more

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by this author and also the first of the Hearts in Autumn series. A medieval romance that did not disappoint. Well written to keep the reader engaged. The main characters in this story are Gerolt and Cassandry, two people who both know deep down that they love one another, although neither, especially Cassandry is willing to admit it and marry, as they instead wish for their children to marry. The ...more
This is the first book I have read by this author and also the first of the Hearts in Autumn series. A medieval romance that did not disappoint. Well written to keep the reader engaged. The main characters in this story are Gerolt and Cassandry, two people who both know deep down that they love one another, although neither, especially Cassandry is willing to admit it and marry, as they instead wish for their children to marry. The ...more

Allow Joyce DiPastena to transport you back to the Medieval days in which noble lords courted their ladies with poems and tokens of favor. Taste the dishes they ate, see the tapestries, know the limitations of Medieval medicine, and feel the despair of duty over love.
COURTING CASSANDRY is a second chance at love story. Or is it? Do Gerolt and Cassandry have any chance? Now that they have reunited after losing their respective spouses, they have fallen in love. But their children are betrothed, w ...more
COURTING CASSANDRY is a second chance at love story. Or is it? Do Gerolt and Cassandry have any chance? Now that they have reunited after losing their respective spouses, they have fallen in love. But their children are betrothed, w ...more

This book was different than I expected, but I really enjoyed it. I like books from this time period. I liked Gerolt and cassandry's friendship. The author was able to describe enjoyable memories from their time together years before that made me smile and gave me a real feel for the characters personalities and priorities. I was relieved that he didn't back down in the end. I liked that their children became friends. Sam was a great bad guy. He was highly suspect all along. I wanted to smack hi
...more

I liked the fact that this book was written about an older couple because love isn't only for the young. :) However, because of the preconceived limitations of their age, along with other factors, it plays into the frustration that they don't connect and are constantly misunderstanding one another. It took me a while to get into the book. But once I did, I was desperate to find out if they get their second chance at love. I was also on the edge of my seat to know if Gerolt’s poor, sickly son was
...more

Courting Cassandry held me captive from the first page to the last. It delivers a passionate but tender romance as well as an edge-of-your-seat mystery. Ms. DiPastena brilliantly entrances the reader with multilayered conflicts and interwoven high-stakes relationships. This beautifully crafted novel kept me up too late at night; I just had to know what would happen next. Utterly addictive! All of her books are exceptional and very hard to put down! This is a truly wonderful read that I recommend
...more

Another gem by Ms. DiPastena. I'm enjoying this series where the main couples are not in their teens or even early twenties. The ages and maturity of the couples give added depth and reality, without being too prosaic. As always, the attention to details of the customs and terms of the time period made it a joy to devour this book. Can't wait for the next one!
...more

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. From the moment I began reading, I had a hard time putting this book down! The characters were described well and the story line kept me entranced. I can't wait to explore more works by this author. If you like historical romance, especially set during medieval times, I highly recommend this book.
...more

I think this book may be my favorite of DiPastena's books. I could not put it down. So sweet.
...more

I enjoyed the period setting of this book. This is the first book I've read by this author, and I found it a very easy and enjoyable story.
...more
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Joyce DiPastena dreamed of green medieval forests while growing up in the dusty copper mining town of Kearny, Arizona. She filled her medieval hunger by reading the books of Thomas B. Costain (where she fell in love with King Henry II of England), and later by attending the University of Arizona where she graduated with a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages. The university was also
...more
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“Fleur told Rauffe when they were all growing up that there was something ‘aslant’ in Marion. Perhaps there was something aslant in Antony too, something he did not know how to control.” Gerolt brushed a stray strand of hair away from Cassandry's temple with his thumb, then gave her a crooked smile. “It may be there is something a little aslant in all of us if we had courage to look deeply enough into our souls.”
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