Title: Defy Not the Heart
Author: Johanna Lindsey
First published January 1, 1989
432 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780062106476 (ISBN10: 0062106473)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
Join Johanna Lindsey’s Shefford series with the epic tale of Reina and Ranulf. Captured and taken by the golden giant of a knight, Reina is furious at her fate.
She refuses to be wed to the despised Lord Rothwell and instead offers herself to Ranulf, promising to make him a great lord if he agrees to marry her. But Ranulf desires more than a marriage of convenience from the headstrong lady who treats him with contempt yet ignites a passion within him that cannot be extinguished.
As their love grows, they must face grave danger and turbulent obstacles on the road to their destined love. Will Reina come to him of her own free will or will Ranulf take her?
Find out in this thrilling historical romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.
About the Author
Johanna Helen Howard was born on March 10, 1952 in Germany. Her father, Edwin Dennis Howard, was a soldier in the U.S. Army and the family traveled a lot during her childhood.
Her father always had a dream of retiring in Hawaii and after his passing in 1964, Johanna and her mother moved there to honor him.
While still in school, Johanna got married to Ralph Lindsey in 1970 and became a young housewife. They had three children together – Alfred, Joseph, and Garret, who have now made Johanna a proud grandmother.
After her husband passed away, Johanna moved to Maine, New England to be near her family.
Johanna Lindsey wrote her first book, Captive Bride, in 1977 on a whim and it turned out to be a hit. With over 58 million copies of her books sold worldwide and translations in 12 languages, Johanna Lindsey is one of the most popular authors of historical romance.
Her books cover various eras of history, including the Middle Ages, the American Old West, Regency England-Scotland, and even a few sci-fi romances. However, the most popular among them are the stories about the Malory-Anderson Family, a Regency England saga.
Johanna Lindsey passed away on October 27, 2019, in Nashua, New Hampshire at the age of 67.
Editoral Review
Defy Not the Heart by Johanna Lindsey is a historical romance novel first published on January 1, 1989. Lindsey is a bestselling author known for her historical romance novels that explore themes of love, passion, and adventure in different historical periods.
Defy Not the Heart is set in medieval England and it explores the story of a forbidden love between a noble woman and a common man during a time of political intrigue, betrayal, and war. The plot of Defy Not the Heart revolves around Lady Rowena Belleme, a beautiful and headstrong noblewoman who defies convention by refusing to marry for political convenience.
She instead aims to marry for love, which leads her to fall in love with a common man, Warrick deChaville, who is her fathers sworn enemy. The story unfolds as Rowena and Warrick struggle to overcome their social differences and resist the political forces that conspire to keep them apart.
One of the strengths of Defy Not the Heart is its vivid depiction of medieval England and the complex social and political dynamics of the time. Lindseys writing transports the reader to a world of knights, castles, and battles while also delving into the nuances of court politics and romance.
The characters of Lady Rowena and Warrick are well-developed and nuanced, with their own strengths and weaknesses that make them relatable and endearing. The pacing of the novel is also well-done, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged while still allowing for moments of quiet reflection.
Lindseys prose is clear and fluid, with plenty of description and dialogue that powerfully convey the emotions and thoughts of the characters. The themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice are explored in a compelling and nuanced way, allowing the reader to reflect on their own values and beliefs.
One of the weaknesses of Defy Not the Heart is its reliance on some overused tropes of the romance genre, such as the forbidden love between two characters from different social classes. While this trope is well-executed in the novel, some readers may find it predictable or clichd.
Additionally, the portrayal of Rowena as a strong and independent woman may feel anachronistic or unrealistic to some readers, given the historical context of the novel. Overall, Defy Not the Heart is a well-crafted and engaging historical romance novel that will appeal to fans of this genre.
While it has some flaws and limitations, it is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that explores complex themes and characters. Its vivid portrayal of medieval England and its focus on the power of love and loyalty make it a timeless story that will resonate with readers of all ages.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and romantic story set in a fascinating historical period. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
