An Endless Exile

Torfida is thirty-two years old and confident in her wisdom and learning. She’s had a hard life and has become cynical and secretive. But even she is surprised when she learns her husband, Hereward “the Wake” has been brutally killed while entertaining his Norman guests. While traveling to the place of his death, seeing the body and then reluctantly questioning the murder, she remembers the past. Her first childhood meeting with the rebellious, active Hereward. Their stormy courtship and Hereward’s exploits and adventures, most of which she shared, up to his betrayal of their marriage vows that separated them. Hereward was the only Englishman to defeat William the Conqueror and had to spend a lot of time in exile. In seeking out the truth behind Hereward’s death she falls into a danger that could threaten her new found happiness right at its discovery.

Mary Lancaster has written an historical romance that is large and broad in its scope, deep and thought provoking, realistic and exciting. Written from the point of view of Torfida, the reader learns to admire and love this marvelous woman. Through her eyes, we experience life in this turbulent time and Ms. Lancaster doesn’t hold back and gives her reader all the dirt and blood. The interaction between Torfida and Hereward is humorous and witty. Ms. Lancaster portrays two soul mates who find each other and their love story is tender, romantic and at times bumpy. This reviewer found this historical absolutely stunning. It captivated and held her from the start to the finish. This reviewer must warn the reader before starting this story to be sure to have plenty of time because the reader will not want to put it down.

August 2007