Pink Heart Reviews
The Countess Bride
By Terri Brisbin
ISBN-10: 0373293070
Harlequin Historical, 2004, 297 pages
Medieval
$5.25 US, $6.25 CAN
Reviewed by Amanda
March 2005
Catherine de Severin has had a hard life. She has no memory of part of her past, and is an orphan with no money to her name. The Earl of Harbridge and his wife have been kind enough to take her in and care for her, and Catherine has made a friend of the Earl's brother, Geoffrey. But Catherine has decided that the time has come for her to make some changes in her life, and as such, has decided to join the convent. The only man she has ever cared for enough to consider marrying is Geoffrey, and as she has nothing to offer a man of his position, she has decided to dedicate her life to the Lord.
Geoffrey has returned home once again, and is prepared to receive his title and properties, and in accordance with his brother's wishes, a wife. He is glad to be home again, and looks forward to visiting his family, and seeing Catherine again. He has always enjoyed spending time with his dear friend, and somehow the prospect of marrying and not spending time with her anymore seems terribly lonely. As Geoffrey goes through the process of trying to select a bride, he finds that they all pale in comparison to his Cate.
Then he learns some startling news from his brother about Catherine's identity, something that places her in great danger. The Earl hopes that this revelation will keep Geoffrey away from Catherine, but Geoffrey takes the biggest chance of all, not only to save Catherine from the danger she is in, but to take a chance on their future·.together. He deceives his brother and goes on the run with Catherine, determined to help her recapture the past that she can't remember.
THE COUNTESS BRIDE was a sweet tale of a man torn between love and duty, and a woman who loved enough to sacrifice all. It was filled with nerve-racking tension and suspense, but no over-the-top drama or theatrics, making it enjoyable and heartfelt. If you are looking for a good relationship-focused medieval, this is a wonderful choice.
