What do you think?
Rate this book
The Knight and the Witch
A Summer Bewitchment
When a shadowy piper kidnaps seven beautiful girls, can a wounded knight and his witch-wife save them? Will Sir Magnus and Elfrida find them in time—and at what cost?
Magnus, the fearless, battered crusader knight, and his fey wife, Elfrida, are happily married, but each of them carries a secret. Elfrida believes that being peasant-born will one day undermine her husband’s love for her. Wounded and scarred, Magnus fears nothing—except, perhaps, that he will not be able to give Elfrida her greatest wish—children.
Their fears are sharpened when high-born Lady Astrid appears at their manor and demands their help to find the seven missing girls. Though the lady clearly regards low-born Elfrida beneath her, why has she truly sought out Magnus, a ruthless knight? Which one of the kidnapped girls does she really want to recover so badly—and to what hidden purpose?
In the scorching summer heat, Magnus and Elfrida search together for the missing girls. Will they be able to rescue them in time? And can their own marriage survive?
Magnus, the fearless, battered crusader knight, and his fey wife, Elfrida, are happily married, but each of them carries a secret. Elfrida believes that being peasant-born will one day undermine her husband’s love for her. Wounded and scarred, Magnus fears nothing—except, perhaps, that he will not be able to give Elfrida her greatest wish—children.
Their fears are sharpened when high-born Lady Astrid appears at their manor and demands their help to find the seven missing girls. Though the lady clearly regards low-born Elfrida beneath her, why has she truly sought out Magnus, a ruthless knight? Which one of the kidnapped girls does she really want to recover so badly—and to what hidden purpose?
In the scorching summer heat, Magnus and Elfrida search together for the missing girls. Will they be able to rescue them in time? And can their own marriage survive?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2013
17 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Townsend
81 books61 followersLindsay Townsend is an English novelist with a passion for writing historical romance. Her books are published by Kensington Books, Bookstrand, Prairie Rose Publications, Audible, Ulverscroft Large Print and MuseItUp. Her earlier historical romances and romantic suspense novels are reissued through Kindle Direct.
Lindsay lives in Yorkshire, in the north of England, with her husband, Alan, and also has family in Devon. She loves singing, music, walking, reading and cooking - especially trying out old recipes.
She has been writing stories since the age of six, and has been a professional novelist for many years. Her previous books are romantic thrillers.
Lindsay lives in Yorkshire, in the north of England, with her husband, Alan, and also has family in Devon. She loves singing, music, walking, reading and cooking - especially trying out old recipes.
She has been writing stories since the age of six, and has been a professional novelist for many years. Her previous books are romantic thrillers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 21, 2022
A Summer Bewitchment continues where The Snow Bride left off. Magnus, the scarred knight and Elfrida, the peasant girl and witch are happily married . A new challenge comes their way in the form of missing girls and a Lady with a particular interest in one of the girls. Together, again husband and wife pair up to fight all odds and bring the girls home. An adventure in itself. But what really struck me about A Summer Bewitchment is the way the author Lindsay Townsend has dwelt on those dark thoughts and self doubts that are bound to creep up on a person even when they give the appearance that everything is all right. Elfrida, fears she is just a peasant girl and not of noble blood, not worthy of Magnus. She begins to believe herself unworthy of him. At the same time Magnus fears that if he is unable to give Elfrida a child she will be tempted to desert him and he is bereft at the thought of life without her. On the face everything is hunky dory but the threads between the couple are slowly being pulled apart. Will they be able to salvage their marriage in time to savour a happily ever after? Lindsay Townsend has displayed her brilliance in her understanding of romantic love in the way she has taken this historical romance forward and I commend her for that. Worthy of five stars and a wonderful continuation to the series.
February 21, 2021
Why do I recommend "A Summer Bewitchment [The Knight and the Witch 2]", by Lindsay Townsend?
1. The medieval portions are interesting - so many different worries in that time but in so many ways the same - self doubt doesn't change no matter which century.
2. The writing is excellent. Lindsay brings her characters to life in the narrative, along with the country side, the horses and the villages.
3. Lindsay tackles prejudices in this tale of class and being different whether it be in how you act or what you look like. I like that those with differences triumph over those that are closed minded.
4. The mystery never fails in engaging my attention. How will the Knight and Witch find the lost girls, will they be safe? All questions are answered as the story unfolds.
5. A secret is disclosed that changes the Knight and Witches relationship.
I so hope that Lindsay will continue the Knight and Witch's story with a book 3. These characters deserve to have many more adventures. Thank you, Lindsay Townsend for creating a world of adventure and acceptance. I appreciate you share your world of imagination with me. Keep on writing.
1. The medieval portions are interesting - so many different worries in that time but in so many ways the same - self doubt doesn't change no matter which century.
2. The writing is excellent. Lindsay brings her characters to life in the narrative, along with the country side, the horses and the villages.
3. Lindsay tackles prejudices in this tale of class and being different whether it be in how you act or what you look like. I like that those with differences triumph over those that are closed minded.
4. The mystery never fails in engaging my attention. How will the Knight and Witch find the lost girls, will they be safe? All questions are answered as the story unfolds.
5. A secret is disclosed that changes the Knight and Witches relationship.
I so hope that Lindsay will continue the Knight and Witch's story with a book 3. These characters deserve to have many more adventures. Thank you, Lindsay Townsend for creating a world of adventure and acceptance. I appreciate you share your world of imagination with me. Keep on writing.
July 26, 2013
This is a quick, easy read. It was different in that it showed romance and drama within a marriage and that eroticism doesn't end once the vows are made. I'm not a fan of erotic fiction normally but, in this instance, it didn't slow the story down for me. The author paints characters you can care about. The plot centred on the grooming of young girls, while set deep in the past, is still all too relevant today.
April 26, 2020
I utterly adore that we got another The Knight and the Witch story! Magnus and his Elfrida are some of my favorite characters in this time frame, and I'm pretty sure I love them more now than I did with their first book (and I really adored that one!).
One of my favorite tropes that seems to be a rare find for me (and well done), is when our hero and heroine are already married and for the most part, secure and solid. Sure, there'll be bumps and tumbles along the way, but when they're already bound to each other, the emotions and (healthy!) possessiveness (you're mine!) seems deeper, stronger, infinate. So getting to be with Magnus and Elfrida after they've been married a year-ish and seeing their bond, and how they face their struggles together was a delight.
The affection and desire between Magnus and Elfrida is still intensely burning bright, which is what helps to carry them through their next adventure saving seven girls. So not only are they united on a mission, but as a consequence from that same mission (and other things), some insecurities rise to grip each of them tightly, adding another layer to the story. I appreciated that we got to spend time in both their heads, hearing their thoughts, because even though they struggled with fully understanding and communicating their worries to each other, I as the reader knew exactly what those worries were and how each felt and responded and that made me empathize and ache with them all the more, and also rejoice when revelations broke free.
There was also quite the adventure in rescuing the girls, gifting readers with some unexpected surprises, interesting twists, and definitely several moments of nail-biting anxiety - oh and some eye rolls to with certain characters. haha!
I love how even though it's addressed and we know Magnus has his physical scars/wounds and Elfrida has her magic, we view one through the other's eyes so much that we forget all about that and just see them through love filled eyes. Definitely a testament to it's what's inside that shines brightly to make the entire package a breathtakingly beautiful package. They genuinely love each other and fulfill a need in the other so perfectly, that even when they are at odds, they still are together (and that's another kudos to the author!).
So that's alot of words to say, this is an amazing follow-up story to The Snow Bride, complete with all the heat and adventure and beauty you'd expect. And I really do hope that we get more of their story soon!
One of my favorite tropes that seems to be a rare find for me (and well done), is when our hero and heroine are already married and for the most part, secure and solid. Sure, there'll be bumps and tumbles along the way, but when they're already bound to each other, the emotions and (healthy!) possessiveness (you're mine!) seems deeper, stronger, infinate. So getting to be with Magnus and Elfrida after they've been married a year-ish and seeing their bond, and how they face their struggles together was a delight.
The affection and desire between Magnus and Elfrida is still intensely burning bright, which is what helps to carry them through their next adventure saving seven girls. So not only are they united on a mission, but as a consequence from that same mission (and other things), some insecurities rise to grip each of them tightly, adding another layer to the story. I appreciated that we got to spend time in both their heads, hearing their thoughts, because even though they struggled with fully understanding and communicating their worries to each other, I as the reader knew exactly what those worries were and how each felt and responded and that made me empathize and ache with them all the more, and also rejoice when revelations broke free.
There was also quite the adventure in rescuing the girls, gifting readers with some unexpected surprises, interesting twists, and definitely several moments of nail-biting anxiety - oh and some eye rolls to with certain characters. haha!
I love how even though it's addressed and we know Magnus has his physical scars/wounds and Elfrida has her magic, we view one through the other's eyes so much that we forget all about that and just see them through love filled eyes. Definitely a testament to it's what's inside that shines brightly to make the entire package a breathtakingly beautiful package. They genuinely love each other and fulfill a need in the other so perfectly, that even when they are at odds, they still are together (and that's another kudos to the author!).
So that's alot of words to say, this is an amazing follow-up story to The Snow Bride, complete with all the heat and adventure and beauty you'd expect. And I really do hope that we get more of their story soon!
April 23, 2025
THE SNOW BRIDE: A SUMMER BEWITCHMENT BY LINDSAY TOWNSEND
A Book Review by AZP
April 2025
‘...wonderfully structured adding all the elements of magic, wit, mystery and romance in the story.’
Newly married, the couple - Elfrida and Magnus embark on a mission to rescue missing young girls who are beguiled by a very charismatic gentleman. The girls ran away from their families and households for various reasons. But one of them did so because of the strong feeling of being unwanted and unloved.
Interlacing the main plot of rescuing the missing girls - is the marital contradiction of Magnus and Elfrida, as a newly married couple. The marital conflict is depicted as realistic, natural, sweet and sometimes nonsensical. In real-life it happens and it resonates with everyone.
This is why I appreciate the stories of Lindsay Townsend, the author, because no matter how extraordinary and magical her characters are, they still bear human flaws and psyche. The feeling of ‘Am I not enough?’’ by Elfrida is highlighted here which is a stark manifestation of insecurity of her individual status and an expression of her mental health; and also, a critique to social, blood descent status, and economic division. A universal human condition and a social reality that are still existing today.
Despite their dynamic relationship as husband and wife and the issue of social and noble-bloodline status; the couple, however, must work together as a team to carry out their mission. They set aside one’s quandary and proceed to successfully rescuing the girls.
This tale is wonderfully structured adding all the elements of magic, wit, mystery and romance in the story.
The concluding part of the mission is surprising! The malefactor is not what Magnus and Elfrida had anticipated! Eventually, the couple are able to clarify the issues behind the missing girls, and root out as well the reason for the ‘running away’ of one special, very young girl.
And it ends on a lovely gift of Magnus and Elfrida to each other!
I cannot wait to read the next instalment of the series. A heartwarming and pleasurable read!
A Book Review by AZP
April 2025
‘...wonderfully structured adding all the elements of magic, wit, mystery and romance in the story.’
Newly married, the couple - Elfrida and Magnus embark on a mission to rescue missing young girls who are beguiled by a very charismatic gentleman. The girls ran away from their families and households for various reasons. But one of them did so because of the strong feeling of being unwanted and unloved.
Interlacing the main plot of rescuing the missing girls - is the marital contradiction of Magnus and Elfrida, as a newly married couple. The marital conflict is depicted as realistic, natural, sweet and sometimes nonsensical. In real-life it happens and it resonates with everyone.
This is why I appreciate the stories of Lindsay Townsend, the author, because no matter how extraordinary and magical her characters are, they still bear human flaws and psyche. The feeling of ‘Am I not enough?’’ by Elfrida is highlighted here which is a stark manifestation of insecurity of her individual status and an expression of her mental health; and also, a critique to social, blood descent status, and economic division. A universal human condition and a social reality that are still existing today.
Despite their dynamic relationship as husband and wife and the issue of social and noble-bloodline status; the couple, however, must work together as a team to carry out their mission. They set aside one’s quandary and proceed to successfully rescuing the girls.
This tale is wonderfully structured adding all the elements of magic, wit, mystery and romance in the story.
The concluding part of the mission is surprising! The malefactor is not what Magnus and Elfrida had anticipated! Eventually, the couple are able to clarify the issues behind the missing girls, and root out as well the reason for the ‘running away’ of one special, very young girl.
And it ends on a lovely gift of Magnus and Elfrida to each other!
I cannot wait to read the next instalment of the series. A heartwarming and pleasurable read!
July 31, 2013
In medieval England, a knight and his wife are surprised by a visit from neighboring nobles. Six young maidens have gone missing from the nobles’ lands. Well-versed in rescuing others, Sir Magnus agrees to search for them. His lady, Elfrida, also a witch, knows the nobles are lying. Seven young girls are missing, the last being an heiress.
Longing to have children of his own, Magnus plans to undertake the quest alone, but Elfrida won’t be left behind. She’s nursing class wounds as the nobles treat her as less than their equal.
The road to rescue is fraught with noble plots. But Crusade-hardened Magnus isn’t easily tricked or discouraged. The trail leads to a powerful noble who wishes to wed all of the maidens in the “old” way. He’s hiding in plain sight in a town where his previous “wives” and townspeople protect him.
Elfrida has to use more than her magic to solve this puzzle. Her feelings of unworthiness and Magnus’ worry that he isn’t man enough to father a child push them apart even as the quest pushes them together. Together, they find the lost girls and bring them home.
Elfrida learns that while nobility may be a birthright, true character and resolve mean more at the end of the day. Sorry for adding any distress to his wife, Magnus resolves to court her again, cementing their present and their future – as parents of the baby Elfrida now carries.
This title follows Townsend’s The Snow Bride and can be read as either a standalone or a sequel.
A Summer Bewitchment is brilliantly written in a delightful, flowing prose.
Longing to have children of his own, Magnus plans to undertake the quest alone, but Elfrida won’t be left behind. She’s nursing class wounds as the nobles treat her as less than their equal.
The road to rescue is fraught with noble plots. But Crusade-hardened Magnus isn’t easily tricked or discouraged. The trail leads to a powerful noble who wishes to wed all of the maidens in the “old” way. He’s hiding in plain sight in a town where his previous “wives” and townspeople protect him.
Elfrida has to use more than her magic to solve this puzzle. Her feelings of unworthiness and Magnus’ worry that he isn’t man enough to father a child push them apart even as the quest pushes them together. Together, they find the lost girls and bring them home.
Elfrida learns that while nobility may be a birthright, true character and resolve mean more at the end of the day. Sorry for adding any distress to his wife, Magnus resolves to court her again, cementing their present and their future – as parents of the baby Elfrida now carries.
This title follows Townsend’s The Snow Bride and can be read as either a standalone or a sequel.
A Summer Bewitchment is brilliantly written in a delightful, flowing prose.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews