Flanders - 1337

Katrine de Gravere is a woman with the world on her shoulders. Her father is being held prisoner in England, leaving her to run the family weaving business alone -- something frowned upon by society. There is no wool coming into the country with England and France on the verge of war, and Katrine is desperate to have something to work with. When a mysterious stranger appears at her door and offers to get her English fleece, she thinks about making the agreement despite her misgivings. The man informs her that he will stay in her place of business until she decides. Confused and wondering what the man's real motives are, Katrine hesitantly agrees to the bargain. With the man living upstairs, this will make things even more difficult for Katrine to run her business, but run it she will until her father comes home.

Renard had no intention of delivering wool to Katrine. He is in Flanders because he has just helped smuggle King Edward into the area, and Renard is finding the lay of the land. The fascinating young woman he "contracted" with stirs his blood, but his future does not lie with marriage. Being a bastard son of a royal princess and an unknown father has taught Renard that lust has no place in his life. His hope is that Edward will award him with some land or a title.

Despite the fact that Katrine and Renard do not want to have any kind of relationship, it is difficult for them both to isolate themselves from their mutual attraction. Katrine, whose uncle, the local count, has threatened her with imprisonment in his house because of her daily dealings with her father's business, wants to protect herself from any distractions. Renard, determined to clear the way for Edward and his army to enter Flanders and put a stop to the French king's invasion, is equally determined not to let his feelings grow for the lovely Katrine. But they are increasingly thrown together, and it's just possible that both have the same goal. Will the secrets they keep from one another prevent anything further between them?

INNOCENCE UNVEILED is a riveting tale of medieval Flanders where the people want Edward's help, but their rulers are pro-France. And caught in the middle are Renard and Katrine, who find themselves working for a similar end, but having to face society's perceptions. Secondary characters weave in and out of this fascinating book, but it's really Renard and Katrine's story that prevails. There is plenty of drama and mystery surrounding the duo, as well as the growing romantic attraction. Will Renard give up his celibate future? And will Katrine let down her guard for the man she loves? Readers won't want to miss this exceptional novel.

Jani Brooks