The Valcourt Heiress

by Catherine Coulter Narrated by Anne Flosnik

Overview

When Garron of Kersey returns home from the king's service to claim his title as Baron Wareham, he's shocked to find Wareham Castle very nearly destroyed by a man called the Black Demon.

According to the last starving servants inside the castle walls, the Black Demon was looking for silver belonging to Garron's brother Arthur. Among his remaining servants is the enigmatic Merry, the bastard child of the castle's priest. Garron quickly suspects that she is much more than a servant: She reads and writes and makes lists, just as he does. They work together to bring Wareham back to its former splendor.

But this is only the beginning. Did Arthur have a cache of silver? Who is the Black Demon? And the biggest question of all: Who is Merry?

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

This seventh installment in hardworking Coulter's (Knockout) Medieval "Song" series employs stock characters (including a wicked witch for a mother), loyal household retainers, a plucky, resourceful heiress named Merry, a villain called the "Black Demon," a benevolent queen, a medley of wastrels, a conveniently separated-at-birth twin, and Garron, one of King Edward's strong-willed yet honorable guards. With a talent for saucy humor and a tumultuous 13th-century backdrop, the author ably turns such formulaic material into the winsome account of Merry's escape from an arranged marriage. Beginning when Merry flees her mother and joins Garron at Wareham castle, the novel details the woman's efforts in aiding his people, the lies she spins to conceal her identity, and the consequence of revealing the truth. Most chapters conclude at the cliff's edge, and there is little doubt that Merry will eventually achieve her desires, but Coulter's irresistibly escapist storytelling more than makes up for the predictable plot and one-dimensional villains. Fans of lighter historical romances and readers intrigued by an era when honor, power, land, and notions of duty were bound by the mandates of royalty will relish this tale. (Oct. 5)

From the Publisher

"Coulter is a multitalented author who moves from traditional Regency romance to modern-day thrillers with ease. After decades she returns to the Middle Ages with a sprightly tale that showcases her hallmark sense of humor, skill for crafting a clever mystery, and ability to create "witchy" characters who draw on the atmosphere of the era. Readers will be enthralled through the surprising, smart climax of this enchanting romance."
Romantic Times

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172667381
Publisher:	Brilliance Audio
Publication date:	10/05/2010
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos