Loving Lucianna by Joyce DiPastenaMy rating: 3.5 stars
Source: Received eBook for review
Genre: Historical Romance
Book Description: Sir Balduin de Soler gave up long ago on love. He never had the means to support a wife until an unexpected advancement in his fifties allows him to reassess his future just as the lovely Lucianna enters his life.
Lucianna Fabio harbors a secret, painful memory from her past that has kept her unwed, as well. Now in her forties, she thought herself too old to marry until she meets Sir Balduin. Now suddenly their lonely autumn lives feel very much like spring again . . . until Lucianna’s brother appears without warning and threatens to revive the secret that will destroy Lucianna’s second chance at love.
"Loving Lucianna" is the first in Joyce DiPastena’s new "Hearts in Autumn" romance series, medieval romances revolving around heroes and heroines “in the autumn of their years.” Because you’re never too old to fall in love!
My thoughts: This book is set in France during the 12th Century. The medieval period has always fascinated me.
I had a hard time getting into the story during the first part of the book. This book is related to another of Joyce DiPastena's books, Illuminations of the Heart. While Joyce tries to introduce characters and plot summary, it took a little bit to catch on and come up to speed with this story.
Once I got past the first part of the book, my attention was captures. I enjoyed reading the story of Lucianna and Sir Balduin. It is wonderful to see the romance settled on two characters who are older.
Luciana has harbored a secret that has been used as blackmail for many years. It is hard for her to let her secret go and see if those she loves will accept and love her in spite of circumstances beyond her control. It also says quite a bit about the medieval time period.
I enjoy the research put into the book. Joyce knows the time period and makes the reader feel at home in the story. Life is described well as well as the social structure and lifestyle.
Purchase a copy for Kindle or Nook for 99 cents!
* 
It is so hard for me to get into books if they don't grab me from the very moment. I love that cover! Love it.
ReplyDelete