Looking for a wonderful Medieval -- or just a real keeper !

francescafromitaly · Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Italy

Hi!

It's me again trying to fill my summer reading list with not just good books but unforgettable books! Am I asking too much?

It's just that I'm pretty fed up with books that are not that good but not that bad either. You know, books which I'd rate 4 /5 . I've read a pile of them this year! So far 'Private Arrangements' by Sherry Thomas is the best I've read ( It's a 5/5, no doubt about it!) but I haven't read the latest Loretta Chase's and Elizabeth Hoyt's yet, so I'll suspend judgment for now, but all the same I'm looking for very good books to read on the beach.

As I'm a bit tired of the general mediocrity, I'm asking you for help.

I haven't read a great story set in the Middle Ages for years,so now I'd like to get back to that sub-genre for a change...any recs? I'd rather read something new -- say written in the last five/eight years. Is there any chance I can finally read something different instead of the same regencies, romantic suspense and contemporaries I have been reading these days?

And if don't have any good recs for a Medieval to give me -- any recs for real keepers would do ! I'm not much into erotica, vampires & supernatural but suggestions on everything else will be heartly welcome!

Thanks a lot.

Saluti.

Francesca Confused

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Sandlynn · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 1613 Location: Washington, D.C.

The problem is your "date published" timeframe. Most of the books I can recommend were not published in the last five to eight years.

For My Lady's Heart by Laura Kinsale
Uncommon Vows by Mary Jo Putney
Madeline Hunter's three books, By Arrangement, By Possession, and By Design
Katherineby Anya Seton
Keeper of the Dream by Penelope Williamson
The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss
Through a Dark Mist by Marsha Canham (which I think is the first in a series).
A Bed of Spices by Barbara Samuel
If you can look past the paranormal: Son of the Morning by Linda Howard

LisaW · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 173

Almost any of Jo Beverly's Medievals should suit you ... they tend to be a bit darker than a lot, but, more true to the period. However, they're more in the 10-20 year range.

Also, another one, Bride of the Lion by Elizabeth Stuart ... but it's older and very hard to find.

McNaught and Garwood have some good medievals.

Retrograde · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 458

Wicked by Jill Barnett is my favourite medieval romance of all time. It's simply perfect.

Elaine S · Joined: 02 Apr 2007 Posts: 660 Location: Rural England

I'm not really a great lover of medievals but rate Roberta Gellis very high indeed. Her Bond of Blood is one of my keepers.

Tinabelle · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 853 Location: SE Wisconsin

If you are looking for excellent writing, good stories, and interesting and complex characters, you might try these contemporary reads:

Deborah Smith:
The Crossroads Cafe
A Gentle Rain

Robyn Carr:
Virgin River
Shelter Mountain
Whispering Rock

I know you asked about more recent Medievals, but these are some that I have enjoyed by Lynn Kurland, who is highly underrated, IMHO:
This Is All I Ask (1997)
Another Chance to Dream (1998)
From This Moment On (2002)
Dreams of Stardust (2005)
When I Fall in Love (2007)
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Susan/DC · Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 1602

Almost any book by the British Elizabeth Chadwick is wonderful. There was also an American by the same name, but she wrote Regencies while the British author writes medievals. The books are easily available on Amazon, and some have lovely covers -- not the most important thing to be sure, but it's still nice when a book is pretty to look at as well as good to read.

Jane A · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 722 Location: So Cal

francescafromitaly · Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Italy

Allyson · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 567

I'm not usually a medieval person, but I really liked "My Forever Love" by Marsha Canham.

LeeB. · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1226 Location: Seattle, WA

I second the recommendation for Lynn Kurland's medieval books.

I also second the recommendation for Madeline Hunter's "By" series.

Betina Krahn has written some excellent medievals, including The Wife Test.

Others I've really enjoyed:

Tina St. John's "Lady of Valor"
Jayel Wylie's "A Falcon's Heart"
Tamara Leigh's "Blackheart"
Candice Proctor's "The Last Knight"
Patricia Ryan's "Silken Threads"
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Yulie · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1053 Location: Elsewhere

I'll second Katherine by Anya Seton, which is great. Would Tudor/Elizabethan set books interest you too? That should allow for a broader range of options.

Schola · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1867

dick · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 2263

Elizabeth Elliott's "The Warlord."

xina · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 6630 Location: minneapolis

I love medieval settings...therefore, I have a lonnnnng list of books I have read and enjoyed. Probably my favorites are...
The Love Knot by Elizabeth Chadwick (really, you can't lose with any of her titles)
Katherine by Anya Seton
A Dove At Midnight by Rexanne Becnel (she has a few more titles that are good too..medieval settings)
Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
The Secret Swan by Shana Abe
Keeper Of THe Dream by Penelope Williamson
Candle In The Window by Christina Dodd

I do wish authors would write more medievals. Lately, they are few and far between. Maybe when the saturation of paranormal is over, they will return. here's hoping...