The Valcourt Heiress (Medieval Song Quartet)

From Publishers Weekly This seventh installment in hardworking Coulter's (Knockout) Medieval ''Song'' series employs stock characters (including a wicked witch for a mother), loyal household retainers, a plucky, resourceful heiress named Merry, a villain called the ''Black Demon,'' a benevolent queen, a medley of wastrels, a conveniently separated-at-birth twin, and Garron, one of King Edward's strong-willed yet honorable guards. With a talent for saucy humor and a tumultuous 13th-century backdrop, the author ably turns such formulaic material into the winsome account of Merry's escape from an arranged marriage. Beginning when Merry flees her mother and joins Garron at Wareham castle, the novel details the woman's efforts in aiding his people, the lies she spins to conceal her identity, and the consequence of revealing the truth. Most chapters conclude at the cliff's edge, and there is little doubt that Merry will eventually achieve her desires, but Coulter's irresistibly escapist storytelling more than makes up for the predictable plot and one-dimensional villains. Fans of lighter historical romances and readers intrigued by an era when honor, power, land, and notions of duty were bound by the mandates of royalty will relish this tale. (Oct. 5) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved. From Booklist After his older brother Arthur unexpectedly dies, Garron of Kersey returns home to Wareham Castle to assume his duties as the new earl. But the castle is nearly deserted, with only a few of its retainers hiding within. It seems that a few days after Arthur’s death, the “Black Demon” arrived at the castle and demanded Arthur’s fortune in silver. When they discovered that the castle’s residents know nothing about a treasure, the Black Demon and his men wreaked havoc. As Garron attempts to restore order to his new home, he is aided by a young woman named Merry. While Merry is smart, with a mouth to match, there is something a bit off about her story, and Garron intends to ferret out the truth about Merry or die trying. Coulter returns to her historical roots with a fast-paced tale of medieval intrigue and high-stakes danger. It takes her a few chapters to truly settle into her story, but Coulter’s colorful characters and distinctive voice should carry readers through to the end. --John Charles

Set in medieval England, this lively historical romance delivers the trademark wit that fans have come to know and love from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author.

When Garron of Kersey returns home from the king's service to claim his title as Baron Wareham, he's shocked to find Wareham Castle very nearly destroyed by a man called the Black Demon.

According to the last starving servants still clinging to life inside the castle walls, the Black Demon was looking for gold belonging to Garron's brother Arthur. Among his remaining servants is the enigmatic Merry, the bastard child of the castle's priest. Garron quickly realizes that she is much more than a servant: She reads and writes and makes lists, just as he does. Together they bring Wareham back to its former splendor.

But this is only the beginning. Did Arthur have a cache of gold? Who is the Black Demon? And the biggest question of all: Who is Merry?

When 13th century knight Garron of Kersey returns home from the king's service to claim his title as Baron Wareham, he's shocked to find Wareham Castle very nearly destroyed by a man called the Black Demon. Together with the enigmatic Merry, the bastard child of the castle's priest, Garron brings Wareham back to its former splendor--and hunts for the Black Demon who sought his brother's cache of gold When the Earl of Wareham returns home from the king's service to find his castle nearly destroyed by the elusive Black Demon, he teams up with Merry, the illegitimate but educated daughter of a priest, to restore his home. Set in King Edward's medieval England, this exciting historical romance delivers the trademark wit and vivid characters that fans have come to know and love from #1 New York Times bestselling author Catherine Coulter.