This short novel is a retelling of the ballad of Lord Bateman, made into a well-described historical romance. THE FORENOON BRIDE returns to the late 16th century when the wealthy young men of England were expected to travel the Continent and further on the high seas. Young Lord William Bateman is a handsome, thoughtful, and confident young man, more interested in hawks and hounds than balls and manners. He makes an impression on the equally young neighbour, Elizabeth Hilliard.

While Elizabeth hardly spends any time in William’s company, she develops a strong fancy for him – as in a later generation, many girls were madly in love with Elvis. William heads off to see the world – he’s a second son and can be spared. Elizabeth decides to wait for him. But his ship is caught in a web of treason and bribes, off Rhodes in an area disputed by Greece and Turkey. The sole Englishman aboard is thought to be a spy.

The Ottoman jail is cruel to foreign prisoners. The governor of Rhodes thinks William can be persuaded to turn coat and swear to live as an Ottoman, which many younger boys had done. But his beautiful daughter Safiye understands that this will never happen. She begins to plot to change the Englishman’s fortune, and with it the course of her life.

This novel by Jeffrey Hantover is full of culture clash. The handling of a wild-caught falcon on the Norwich estate is precedent for the ill-treatment of the captive. Sumptuous luxury interspersed with festering cells is all we see of Rhodes. Lord Bateman has to earn his life, not once or twice, but three times, as in all the traditional tales. Yet Safiye has to take a far greater step into the unknown, becoming the real hero of this account.

Another welcome character is Will Kemp, one of Shakespeare’s comrades on the stage, who is shown in the midst of a genuine feat of dancing every step of the way on a long journey over poor roads. Author Jeffrey Hantover is an American who lived in Hong Kong for some years and writes on Asian art and culture. THE FORENOON BRIDE is his second book. Anyone who wants an immersive story of intrigue, romance, and tension in this historical setting is in for a treat. One flavoured with pigeon breast, roast swan, sherbet drink, and the salt of the sea.