Severn House
Featuring: Elizabeth Hilliard; Lord William Bateman; Safiye
230 pages ISBN: 144831027X EAN: 9781448310272 Kindle: B0BPT3SVBF Hardcover / e-Book Add to Wish List
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.
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!
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