So far this is my favorite read of the year!!

During the time of King Richard The Lionheart, Eleanor, a young noble, must marry Rolf. Though she had never met the man and was quite in love with another, Hugh, her father harshly insisted she would marry Sir Rolf. Upon meeting the man who would be her husband she found him cold and shallow, and, upon her wedding night, she found out is true nature. An abusive brute. As time passed the abuse grew worse and when Eleanor found herself with child she realized she must find her escape to save the unborn baby. She would seek solace with the nearby nuns and beg them for mercy. Unfortunately she was just trading one abusive master for another. While with the nuns in essentially a section for unwed mothers, Eleanor would find out very quickly that few women survived childbirth. If they survived they would have to give up their child in order to stay in the shelter or be turned out upon recovery from childbed. Would she be able to give up her baby? Where would she go if she could not? Was Rolf looking for her still? And whatever happened to her true love, Hugh?

A harrowing adventure showcasing the love of a mother and the determination of women during a time when they were little more than property to be had.

Take a step into a medieval tale where a pampered beautiful young woman is being transported to the home of her betrothed and her upcoming marriage. Follow her tale as she enters a marriage arranged by her father to a man she doesn't know much less love. When she enters her new home she soon realizes she is alone and in danger. Learn with her how resourceful she really is and what she can endure to stay safe.

At the same time, follow the young man she loved as he goes with relatives to join the Crusades and hopes to become a knight. His love and suit for the hand of the young woman was refused by her family and his father. The author helps us see the Holy Land and the Crusaders war on the "infidels" from the experiences of the younger son who is without title or lands and must count on his military expertise to gain recognition and a knighthood.

Watch as these two star-crossed lovers endure and overcome the hardships of life in the medieval period. Enjoy the serendipity of chance meetings and lucky coincidences that move both towards their destinies.

The conclusion of the story leaves this reviewer wondering if there may be a sequel planned for this tale!

Nice story set in King Richard Plantagenet era
Told in dual POV and nicely development of the trope
Liked that the dialogues and what append is coherent with medieval setting
A little bit rushed at the end
Nice overall
Good read
3,5 stars

I really enjoyed this story about Eleanor and Hugh told around the times of King Richard the Lionheart. The chapters switch between Eleanor and Hugh so you get their stories told from both their points of view. The book was fast paced and never dry - in fact, I enjoyed it so much I finished it in one sitting! I would have rated it 5 stars but did feel that at the very end of the book (and I won't give away any spoilers) - it was unnecessarily rushed. Like the moment is building all through the book and then BAM - it's over in a second. It seems the way it ended leads way to a sequel that I will definitely be reading.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.