Gisela Anne Balewyne and Dominic de Terre love each other with a passion that cannot be denied. But Dominic, angry with his parents for trying to force him into marriage with a more "suitable" bride than Gisela, flees his home to follow the king on Crusade. Neither think to see the other again, but several years later, Dominic discovers Gisela working as a tailor in a small town. She's with her son, and although reluctant, she finally shares with Dominic that she's hiding from her abusive husband, Ryle.

Dominic is also keeping a low profile as he tries to find who is responsible for the theft of a fortune in silk cloth belonging to his lord, de Lanceau. Dominic, eager to once again be a part of Gisela's life in whatever way he can, trusts her with the secrets of his mission. But Gisela is fearful to be as honest as Dominic once she realizes she's unwittingly become involved with the stolen silk. She also holds the secret that her little boy, Ewan, is Dominic's son. Fear, instead of courage, directs Gisela until Dominic is captured by the thieves and Ryle comes back into her life. Gisela realizes then that she will do anything to save Dominic and her son from the evil that surrounds them, including giving up her own life. But has she waited too long?

Ms. Kean has done it again with her talent to capture the reader's attention with all the elements of a must-read. The opening pages are filled with a wonderful tension that sets the stage for a great story. The heroine's fear of her abusive husband is a key emotional element, but the fact that she's married keeps the hero at a respectful distance and prevents their relationship from advancing earlier the way some readers may like. Even having said that, it should be noted the author has used that distance and tension to show the genuine love and respect between the hero and heroine and the strength of character that will ultimately give them their happily-ever-after. Historical romance is this author's forte and faithful followers, as well as first-time readers, will look forward to her next book.