Exmoor, England - 1458

Richard Lanyon despises the fact that he is a tenant farmer to the Sweetwater family. He and his family have toiled on the same land for generations, yet he doesn't own it and must tolerate the Sweetwaters' rude and inconsiderate treatment. It all comes to a festering head when the landlord and his sons ride through Richard's father's funeral procession as they chase a stag. People are knocked down, the coffin is dumped in the water, and the nobles gleefully disappear after their prey. It is then and there that Richard vows to someday destroy the Sweetwater hold on him.

Richard's son, Peter, has been seeing a comely young wench in the nearby community and wants to marry her. His father has other ideas. Meeting with the Weaver family, who live on the coast, Richard arranges a betrothal between their daughter, Liza, and Peter -- at the same time working out a business agreement that will benefit both families. Angry and rebellious, Peter refuses until he hears that Marion, the girl he loves, has disappeared, rumored to have taken up with a Norwegian sailor. Sullen, but knowing he must continue the family line, Peter marries Liza, unaware that Liza is in love with a young priest and has just been found running off with him.

Liza fits into the farming life slowly, all the while pining for her lost love. When she doesn't quicken with child right away, she must listen to Richard's critical comments, and after two miscarriages, he grows disgusted with her. Peter is more understanding, but is unable to stop his father from bullying either Liza or the rest of the household. Richard sees Liza's failure as a slap in the face to him as he tries to better the Lanyons and destroy the Sweetwaters. Every bit of money that the Lanyons earn is put towards building a bigger, more impressive house. But Richard hides an awful secret, and occasionally he has dreams about it, making him even more bitter and resentful towards the landlord and everyone else.

THE HOUSE OF LANYON is set during the end of the reign of Henry V, and the times are turbulent as the Yorks and Lancasters fight their bitter feud for control of England. The inhabitants of Exmoor are called to arms more than once to fight and, during one battle, Peter wins the admiration of the Duke of Gloucester, the future Richard III, who rewards him with land. Richard immediately takes control and sets about showing the Sweetwaters that the Lanyons are every bit as good as they are.

This book reminds me very much of R.F. Delderfield's wonderful sagas of England and the everyday people who live there. It's a sweeping account of one man's need to better himself, no matter whom he hurts or what deeds he does to get there. Richard is a cold, calculating man whose hatred for those "better" than him consumes his entire life. Honorable, and downtrodden by his father, Peter struggles to cope with Richard's obsession, and just wants to be a good husband, father, and farmer. It is Liza who must use her innate good sense and instincts to deal with these two men, all the while hiding a dangerous secret that could turn everything upside down.

Exquisite details of daily life, a cast of amazing characters -- many of whom would fit well in today's world -- and a story that is riveting, heart wrenching, and beautifully told. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. For readers who enjoy immersing themselves in a really good, well-written tale, THE HOUSE OF LANYON can't be beat.

Jani Brooks