The Truest Heart [Mass Market Paperback]

Prose style: The language is overly flowery and James writes this book as if she's being paid by the adjective.

The Heroine: The heroine is a bit of a ninny. She knows that not only her own life but the life of her young brother depend upon her keeping her identity a secret and yet she can't even lie about her name to a man made delerious by fever.

The Hero: He posesses all the stock romance hero characteristics---good looking, tall, arrogant but tender, passionate to the point of near-madness etc. ----but he never really comes to life.

The Plot: A very good premise but the action of this novel is too dependant on the main characters doing totally inexplicable things just to move the story along.

While walking along the beach one day with her trusted friend Brother Baldric, Gillian discovers the bodies of men washed along the shore after a shipwreck. One man is miraculously alive, and she takes him back to her cottage to nurse him back to health.

Though he is finally able to recall his name, Gareth is unable to remember anything of his past life when at first rescued by Gillian. She cares for him with utmost tenderness and kindness, as bits and pieces of his memory return. Sensing that Gillian is in danger from King John, Gareth, Lord Sommerfield, takes her back to Sommerfield to protect her. Can Gillian really trust this man to save her from the wrath of the King, and will she lose her heart in the process?

Samantha James has written a poignant love story that leaves the reader questing for more. The tension between hero and heroine is apparent as it is clear that neither truly trusts the other. Murder and mystery add substance to this plot as Gareth and Gillian discover the meaning of unconditional love.

Gilbert's daughter Lady Gillian hides in a poor cottage on the Cornwall coast where she rescues a shipwrecked stranger claiming amnesia. Gillian helps the stranger recover and as his memory begins to return, Gareth knows that his hostess is in danger, but soon realizes the danger comes from him. The Widower Gareth marries Gillian and claims she carries his child to keep her from John's wrath. However, besides the intrigue of the King, their relationship lacks trust leaving their love standing on a shaky base.

THE TRUEST HEART is an enjoyable medieval romance that focuses on the intrigue and machinations of the times. King John comes across as a vengeful manipulator who uses anyone as a pawn to achieve his desires. Gareth is an honorable person while Gillian has good reason for her shrewish behavior, which leaves the audience to wonder how love can survive. Samantha James provides readers with a wonderful historical romance that shows why she is a fan favorite.

Harriet Klausner