What does it take... To Win a Lady's Heart by Sian Ann Bessey (Blog Tour Review)


I loved this author's last release from last year and was excited to read her
newest. Find out what I though in my review and enter the giveaway below...

To Win a Lady's HeartTo Win a Lady's Heart
by Sian Ann Bessey
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 248 Pages
November 1st 2016 by Covenant Communications

Summary

For eighteen years, Lord Gilbert has been tortured over a grievous lapse in judgment. Bitterness has tainted his interactions with the people of Moreland and his relationship with his only daughter, Lady Joanna. With a wolfhound guarding her around the clock and no freedom to leave the castle grounds unattended, the only time Lady Joanna can be alone is when she sneaks out through an old castle tunnel to visit the healer Agnes in her cottage by the sea. One morning as Lady Joanna approaches the cliffs, she discovers an injured man. She immediately goes to Agnes for help. The wounded stranger is Sir Lukas, and while he recovers, he makes plans to identify his attackers and their motive. Upon learning that Moreland's wool has been stolen, Sir Lukas comes to believe that the crimes are related and point to a much more sinister plot. When Lord Gilbert announces an archery tournament, the prize being Lady Joanna's hand in marriage, it attracts noblemen from across the land, and suddenly Sir Lukas's pursuit of the villains takes a different turn. As Lady Joanna and Sir Lukas's feelings for each other grow, the stakes soar, and only Sir Lukas's skill with a longbow can save them.

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My Review

TO WIN A LADY'S HEART was a light romance with a little danger and mystery. Based on an historical figure mixed with a fictional Robin Hood and a damsel in distress kept the story interesting. An overall endearing and sweet read.

I really liked the characters. Joanna is sweet and naive after being sheltered for so long, but she also has a deep compassion for others and a strong will to protect and do what is right. Lucas is also honorable, caring, and skilled. They were a good match. There were some other characters that livened up the story that I also enjoyed.

I had such high expectations for this story after loving the author's last book and it didn't quite reach those expectations. I felt like the romance was really rushed. The characters were falling in love after meeting a few times and talking once over a very short period. Then there were a few other things during the adventure portion of the story that didn't come across as authentic. Regardless of all that, I did enjoy quite a few aspects of the story and if I could forget the very short introduction period between the characters, then the romance was quite sweet.

I also enjoyed the light banter and humor mixed with the romance, as in this scene:
"Why is bewitching my dog 'only fair'?" she said. She thought she saw the corners of his lips quirk upward, and she had the distinct impression that he'd been anticipating this question.
     "Because," he said quietly enough that Eva would not hear, "I'm beginning to think you've bewitched me too."

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a light, sweet romance that I enjoyed, but also wanted more from.

Content: Some violence and mild innuendo, but clean.

Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.

Other Books by the Author

One Last Spring
Check out my 5-star review here.

About the Author


Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.

She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books.

Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.


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