Veena’s review of Releasing Henry (Sir Arthur’s Legacy, Book 5) by Sarah Hegger
Historical Romance published by Lyrical Press 29 Aug 17
I first discovered Ms. Hegger with her book Conquering William. The story and her writing restored some of my flagging interest in historical romance as I stayed true to the series. Releasing Henry came as a surprise because, I, like the rest of Sir Arthur’s family, had given up Henry for dead. I felt the same sense of excitement as the family when news came of Henry’s possible survival and rejoiced when he sails back into the family harbor laden with treasure and a Muslim wife. How will Sir Arthur’s enlightened family welcome a foreigner into their ranks?
The author’s skillful writing brings alive the treachery of men who lust for wealth, as well the as the fate of any noble prisoners captured by the Saracens. Henry’s release from captivity, his acquisition of a wealthy wife, and his arrival home into the midst of his family are a compelling tale in itself, but the author does a masterful job of bringing alive the suspicions of the English yeomen who serve the noble family.
Alya has gone from the pampered daughter of a wealthy merchant to the bride of an English nobleman. However, she’s not used to being refused service or looked upon with suspicion by the people in her new home, even as her new husband’s siblings welcome her into their midst. Her husband, who had once lusted after her and taken delight in secretly looking at her uncovered face, now seems to crave a distance from her as he battles his own test of faith. Will Alya be able to find peace and welcome or will she decide to journey back to the country of her birth and upbringing, leaving behind Henry and his delightful family? Will Henry and Alya be able to find a measure of happiness amongst all those who want to do her harm simply for the color of her skin and her faith? A familiar topic dealt with really well by the author.
Grade: B
Summary:
A light in the darkness . . .
The youngest son of Anglesea, the once idealistic Henry has survived the Holy Pilgrimage, but lost all his deeply held beliefs in honor and nobility. Captured in battle, he is sold as a slave into the home of Alif Al-Rasheed, a wealthy Genovese merchant who has converted to Islam. Bereft of faith, imprisoned in a foreign land, Henry has lost hope in his ability to love again—until he lays eyes on his captor’s beguiling daughter.
A marriage of opposites . . .
To Henry, Alya is a beacon of beauty he cannot ignore. But the heart of this proud daughter of Cairo will not be won so easily. Divided by religion, language, and culture, Ayla has little in common with the disillusioned Englishman—and yet he has vowed to protect her life in exchange for his freedom. As they embark on a perilous journey to safety, their bond will grow—and be tested—in ways neither can anticipate. For their greatest challenges will arise where Henry least expects. With threats conspiring to divide them, will he find the strength to stand by Ayla—and together will they find a common ground on which to build a future?
