The Harlot's Daughter

Lady Joan ‘Solay’ of Weston, the bastard child of the late King, must convince her half brother King Richard to grant her a boon. She has been trained to read and please men, now she must please the King in order to ensure her family’s survival.

Lord Justin Lamont is firmly convinced that Solay, the harlot’s daughter, has not a honest bone in her body and that he will have to block her from the King’s purse. Yet when circumstances throw them together, Justin can’t help but come to her aid.

Blythe Gifford’s second novel THE HARLOT’S DAUGHTER is a true treat to devour. It has to be one of more unique historicals that this reviewer has ever had the pleasure of reading. This uniqueness is what originally drew this reviewer to the story and the richness of the storytelling kept me enraptured. Using the framework of real events and people, Ms. Gifford then allows her imagination take flight presenting us with a truly compelling look at England and King Richard’s court in the 1380’s. Kudos to this author for bringing history to life in THE HARLOT’S DAUGHTER.

The characters themselves also deserve mentioning as they are all so engaging. Justin and Solay are wonderful leading characters with strong convictions and human weaknesses. Both products of their times, some of their battles are amusing and some heartbreaking. And there were times when this reader wanted to slap them both upside the head and force them to sit down and communicate with each other. The supporting characters are also just as well written and do a grand job of carrying the plot forward.

THE HARLOT’S DAUGHTER is one historical that this reviewer recommends that any lover of the genre’ not miss. Grab your copy today and prepare to be amazed.

October 2007