When given the choice between love and honor, what are you willing to sacrifice? Destiny, longing and betrayal await you in this sweeping historical novel set in Elizabethan England and the Ottoman Empire of the late 16th century.

England, 1591. Eager to see the world and travel the seas before settling down with a wife, English Lord William Bateman sets out for adventure while leaving his secret admirer, a local young lady named Elizabeth, behind.

However, during his journey to the East, he is falsely imprisoned as a spy by the Ottoman governor of Rhodes. William is given two choices: endure torture in an Ottoman prison or convert and serve the Sultan, Murad III. Staying true to his family, faith and country, William refuses to give in.

By a twist of fate, William gains an unexpected ally in the form of the young governor's daughter Safiye who falls in love with the mysterious and handsome prisoner. Captivated by their immediate bond and attraction, both vow to remain faithful for seven years until they can be together again.

Meanwhile in England, William's family suffers tragedies and misfortune. The years of absence left their estate in jeopardy but turned Elizabeth - still hopelessly in love with him and awaiting his return - into a beautiful and spirited woman. Can William escape his fate in Turkey and save his legacy . . . and if he does will he keep his promise or betray his honor?

The Forenoon Bride is the second novel by Jeffrey Hantover, inspired by the centuries' old British ballad Lord Bateman. This book is a great read for everyone who enjoys historical fiction with a romantic twist!

Swans, sherbet, and sea salt in a romantic retelling

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