By King's Decree [Mass Market Paperback]

Ardith of Lenvil had loved Gerard of Wilmont since Gerard's father had asked for a betrothal between Ardith and Gerard. Ardith's father refused, however, declaring that Ardith had been left barren due to being gored by a wild boar. Crushed, Ardith lives her life as well as she can under her father's oppressive and critical thumb, knowing that she will never have the man she desires or a family of her own. Upon meeting Gerard again, however, Ardith begins to hope for the impossible when Gerard returns her interest. Could the midwife be wrong, could she bear the man she loves an heir?

Gerard is immediately attracted to Ardith, but has no idea that she is considered barren. He offers for her hand in marriage, and only then is told the horrible news. Gerard must have an heir, since he is a baron and has no lawful heir yet, although he does have an adorable three-year-old boy named Daymon who was born on the wrong side of the sheets. He thinks Ardith would be the perfect wife and mother to his young child, and he's not willing to give up on her yet. When King Henry gives Ardith and Gerard a year to conceive a child, can they accomplish the impossible so they can spend the rest of their lives with each other?

Shari Anton is a wonderful writer, and it's obvious whenever you read one of her stories. This book earned a solid five stars. Ardith was a wonderful woman, and a very realistic heroine. Gerard of Wilmont was also a great hero, full of passion for the woman he loves and fatherly love for his child. When Ardith and Gerard come together, sparks fly! The love scenes between the two were very passionate, and their love story was enough to make your heart melt. They faced so many obstacles when it came to their love - the king's decree, the possibility that Ardith might be barren, Gerard's enemy Basil of Northbrye who is intent on destroying Wilmont and all he holds dear, Gerard's overbearing shrew of a mother - but nothing stops them from loving one another.

I read this book because I started reading other books in the Wilmont series and wanted to see how Gerard and Ardith got together. I definitely wasn't disappointed in this book. The other titles in the series (in order) are: Lord of the Manor (Richard and Lucinda), By Queen's Grace (Corwin and Judith), and Knave of Hearts (Stephen and Marian). All of the books are great reads, and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading the series (although I read them out of order!).

I started reading this book becuase I read "Lord of the Manor", also by Anton, first. Oops! It pretty much gives away the climatic moments of this book, but nonetheless, a wonderful historic novel worthy of reading.

› Go to Amazon U.S. to see both reviews  5.0 out of 5 stars