Jevon is a mercenary archer in Poitou, northern France, in this historical romance. His sharp sight and accuracy earn him the nickname of “le Falquet” or the Falcon, as his skills prove useful to warring lords. THE FALCON’S HEART has been cold for years. That’s about to change.

The 1170s were troubled times, when the Norman kings ruling Britain since the Conquest still held part of France, parcelled out among sons who wanted to be kings in their holdings. Rivalries were strong. Men who defended royalty were granted the title of baron, with land, and they trained up squires and granted them smaller holdings when they were knighted. Jevon was squire to Baron Laurant, and he fell in love with pretty young Constantia, an impoverished fifth daughter of a good family. The squire was accused over a missing brooch, which the baron’s wife thought he stole. Lady Gwenllian turns out to have misplaced more jewellery and given some as gifts, but at the time, Jevon had an unexpected amount of silver coins, and that was considered proof. He was outlawed.

Constantia now sees her castle besieged as we gain excellent descriptions of siege efforts and defences. Loyalty to one king or prince meant having to follow orders, but we are shown that generally, the soldiers weren’t trying to kill or maim, just to gain a surrender. During an escape, the young woman rushes into the woodland and is followed by none other than Jevon, who’s hoping she might be worth ransom. When he realises who he’s caught, that’s when their tale ignites.

Joyce DiPastena is an American author living in Arizona, who researches the Middle Ages and creates incredibly detailed romances and thrillers. Her chosen setting is full of powerful characters, laws, horses and stout buildings. Woodland and muddy roads have to be crossed, and the weather endured. Some people live on their skills – archers, minstrels, pedlars – while others are duty-bound. English, French and Welsh names mingle as the Normans marry into their new lands.

I greatly enjoyed reading the exciting and informative adventure THE FALCON’S HEART, which is part of the series Poitevin Hearts. If you have read any Jean Plaidy books about the period, this is a perfect way to continue your exploration. The romance can be read without blushing and surprisingly few people end up skewered.