Breath of Heaven Book

I reviewed this book for Romance Reader At Heart website.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:


I've never read Ms. Holby's books before, and I have to say that I'm pleasantly surprised by the way that she seamlessly blended romance and fantasy in BREATH OF HEAVEN. This was a fun, fast-paced, and entertaining medieval romantic fantasy.

Rhys DeRemy is a brave, honorable knight in King Henry's court, and a lady's man. His childhood was not an easy one, and after his parents died, it was even worse with his grandmother who was too eager to tame the 'devil' in him. Love was not something he received nor did he ever give it. Lust, on the other hand, he understood, and that is what gets him in the hot water with King Henry.

Caught between two women who want him, both wards of King Henry, he's made to choose either for a wife. His decision gets a temporary reprieve by the King, only because Lord Edward Chandler of Aubregate summons him to his home to repay a debt owed him by saving Rhys many years ago.

Eliane is a unique and beautiful woman who always knew love. She received it as a child and is still loved by her father, her vassals and forest people. She's a loving and obedient daughter, and now she will do her father's bidding and marry a man she never met and doesn't know. Her unconventional upbringing will come in handy in dealing with her husband, but will also put her in danger. This heroine will fight one and all to protect those she loves, and she'll never be ashamed of who and what she is.

It was so much fun reading this lighthearted story. Ms. Holby has created a delightful and fast-paced medieval fantasy full of characters that felt real and poignant. She's put forth a good storyline, and her character development, secondary as well primary, was extremely well done. It was fun reading the interaction between Rhys and his squire Mathias, Eliane and her dog Llyr, Madwyn and Han, Peter and his wife Lydia, and Lord Renauld and Rhys; they all came to life through these pages. Her hero and heroine were strong, and the villain was a sick and vicious man. If you love this time period, you'll want to read this story.

Melanie