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The Champions of Saint Euphemia #5
The Crusader's Handfast
Duncan loved and lost—until Radegunde convinced him to surrender his heart again.
After the loss of his wife, Duncan has earned his way as a warrior-for-hire, certain he will never have a home of his own again. Merry Radegunde convinces him to celebrate the life he has and Duncan finds himself unexpectedly beguiled—though he knows the difference in their ages means any match is doomed…
Radegunde has never cared for the rules of others and sees no reason to deny true love. She vows to win Duncan’s reluctant heart and convince the honorable warrior to not only love again but hope for more than mere survival—and Duncan is seduced. He takes her hand in his, vowing a match for a year and a day, hoping he can build them a future in that time…
But possession of the Templar treasure imperils those they serve and love, compelling Radegunde and Duncan to choose between their own desires and the greater good. Duncan’s own legacy holds the key, but can he claim his birthright without sacrificing his dream of a future with Radegunde?
After the loss of his wife, Duncan has earned his way as a warrior-for-hire, certain he will never have a home of his own again. Merry Radegunde convinces him to celebrate the life he has and Duncan finds himself unexpectedly beguiled—though he knows the difference in their ages means any match is doomed…
Radegunde has never cared for the rules of others and sees no reason to deny true love. She vows to win Duncan’s reluctant heart and convince the honorable warrior to not only love again but hope for more than mere survival—and Duncan is seduced. He takes her hand in his, vowing a match for a year and a day, hoping he can build them a future in that time…
But possession of the Templar treasure imperils those they serve and love, compelling Radegunde and Duncan to choose between their own desires and the greater good. Duncan’s own legacy holds the key, but can he claim his birthright without sacrificing his dream of a future with Radegunde?
383 pages, ebook
First published October 18, 2016
44 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Claire Delacroix
112 books519 followersNew York Times bestselling author Claire Delacroix sold her first book in 1992, an historical romance called ROMANCE OF THE ROSE. Since then, she has published over sixty romance novels and novellas, and has also been published under the names Claire Cross and Deborah Cooke. She has an honours degree in history, with a focus on medieval studies. She is an avid reader of medieval vernacular literature, fairy tales and fantasy novels.
For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.
Visit her two websites here:
http://www.delacroix.net
http://www.deborahcooke.com
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For books written under the pseudonym, Claire Cross, see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
For books written under Claire's own name, Deborah Cooke, please see:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
In October and November 2009, she was the writer in residence for the Toronto Public Library, the first time that the library has hosted a residency focused on the romance genre.
Visit her two websites here:
http://www.delacroix.net
http://www.deborahcooke.com
Like her Facebook Fan Pages here:
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorClaireD...
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDebora...
Subscribe to her monthly newsletter to keep up to date and receive special offers:
http://eepurl.com/reIuD
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 28, 2017
One of the reasons I have enjoyed Claire Delacroix's Champions of Saint Euphemia series is that the author can certainly draw a picture of a far-away place in a long-ago time.
"Scavengers dogged his steps, wolves so close behind that his stallion was disquieted. Dark shadows circled overhead, birds of prey awaiting their opportunity. Wolves howled at close proximity. Duncan guessed they were at least four. Caledon nickered and flicked his ears, more than glad to run a little faster."
She can build the tension at lightening speed no matter the location: in a castle, the hold of a ship, the dark woods, a bordello in Venice, beside a casket in a chapel, etc. I started this series, and literally didn't put it down for days. This was the final book, the story of the commoners on the journey to protect the reliquary, man-at-arms Duncan and handmaid Radegunde. The narrative folds back upon itself as details are finally added about how Gaston and Ysmaine, from The Cruader's Bride, book one, took control of his holding in France. All along, it was clear there was a story there, and Delacroix very satisfactorily told it. All from the perspectives of the people who are supposedly invisible in a castle - the help. Fortunately, Radegunde and Duncan are as brave and dynamic and wonderful as all of the other Champions.
Duncan is quietly observant, nearly always anticipating what will happen and guessing the nature of the people who marched through the first four books. It was a thing to watch and see what Duncan would think. This is the reason I was anticipating this book so much. What he discovers is that Radegunde is principled and merry and practical and candid. The facets of her personality slowly come to fascinate him to the point he is nearly obsessed, and he knows he shouldn't be because they are nearly 20 years apart in age. I appreciated that the age difference was not a dwelling point, which I attribute completely to Radegunde and her ability to lift Duncan's mood, make him forget, and make him live again for a bright future. In fact, she is his purpose for putting to rest his past. As always, the backstories for the main characters come to life in a major way, but I won't spoil the stories of these two. Suffice it to say that Delacroix manages to tie up every single loose end in the series. And she does it in the most satisfactory of ways, totally embracing Radgunde's adventurous spirit.
I was incredibly sorry to leave the 12th century adventures of the Champions of Saint Euphemia.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited
"Scavengers dogged his steps, wolves so close behind that his stallion was disquieted. Dark shadows circled overhead, birds of prey awaiting their opportunity. Wolves howled at close proximity. Duncan guessed they were at least four. Caledon nickered and flicked his ears, more than glad to run a little faster."
She can build the tension at lightening speed no matter the location: in a castle, the hold of a ship, the dark woods, a bordello in Venice, beside a casket in a chapel, etc. I started this series, and literally didn't put it down for days. This was the final book, the story of the commoners on the journey to protect the reliquary, man-at-arms Duncan and handmaid Radegunde. The narrative folds back upon itself as details are finally added about how Gaston and Ysmaine, from The Cruader's Bride, book one, took control of his holding in France. All along, it was clear there was a story there, and Delacroix very satisfactorily told it. All from the perspectives of the people who are supposedly invisible in a castle - the help. Fortunately, Radegunde and Duncan are as brave and dynamic and wonderful as all of the other Champions.
Duncan is quietly observant, nearly always anticipating what will happen and guessing the nature of the people who marched through the first four books. It was a thing to watch and see what Duncan would think. This is the reason I was anticipating this book so much. What he discovers is that Radegunde is principled and merry and practical and candid. The facets of her personality slowly come to fascinate him to the point he is nearly obsessed, and he knows he shouldn't be because they are nearly 20 years apart in age. I appreciated that the age difference was not a dwelling point, which I attribute completely to Radegunde and her ability to lift Duncan's mood, make him forget, and make him live again for a bright future. In fact, she is his purpose for putting to rest his past. As always, the backstories for the main characters come to life in a major way, but I won't spoil the stories of these two. Suffice it to say that Delacroix manages to tie up every single loose end in the series. And she does it in the most satisfactory of ways, totally embracing Radgunde's adventurous spirit.
I was incredibly sorry to leave the 12th century adventures of the Champions of Saint Euphemia.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited
November 11, 2016
The Crusader’s Handfast
Claire Delacroix
Like all the previous in her fabulous Champions of St. Euphemia tales, Claire Delacroix’s 5th in the series, The Crusader’s Handfast is like stepping through time back to the era of the Knights Templar. Her masterful storytelling is informative and insightful and the magnificent pageantry and the infusion of interesting historical facts with her incredible fiction gives the read an honesty not readily found in the genre. Her suspenseful side stories and co-stars add depth but it's the May September romance between her feisty heroine and principled hero that really rock this medieval read. Stands well on its own but better read in order.
After two years of adventure with her lady Ysmaine and now her part in saving the sacred reliquary of St. Euphemia Radegunde knows her future will pale in comparison. So before she’s married off by either her lady or lord she decides to celebrate with a night of passion and she has the perfect warrior candidate in mind.
Duncan MacDonald longed to give this fiery, feisty lady’s maid her heart’s desire of a life filled with passion and adventure, but not only is he too old for her he also has other obligations and no right to take what can never be his. But resisting her may be impossible because her spirited soul speaks to his.
Claire Delacroix
Like all the previous in her fabulous Champions of St. Euphemia tales, Claire Delacroix’s 5th in the series, The Crusader’s Handfast is like stepping through time back to the era of the Knights Templar. Her masterful storytelling is informative and insightful and the magnificent pageantry and the infusion of interesting historical facts with her incredible fiction gives the read an honesty not readily found in the genre. Her suspenseful side stories and co-stars add depth but it's the May September romance between her feisty heroine and principled hero that really rock this medieval read. Stands well on its own but better read in order.
After two years of adventure with her lady Ysmaine and now her part in saving the sacred reliquary of St. Euphemia Radegunde knows her future will pale in comparison. So before she’s married off by either her lady or lord she decides to celebrate with a night of passion and she has the perfect warrior candidate in mind.
Duncan MacDonald longed to give this fiery, feisty lady’s maid her heart’s desire of a life filled with passion and adventure, but not only is he too old for her he also has other obligations and no right to take what can never be his. But resisting her may be impossible because her spirited soul speaks to his.
January 25, 2020
Not the strongest of the series since the romance couldn't sit center stage but the threads of the series did wrap up nicely.
April 18, 2018
Duncan & Radegunde
An end to The Champions of Saint Euphemia and what a great ending. Again we are swept up into the lives of our characters of Duncan & Radegunde as we have followed them as minor characters in the previous books and what a wonderful story it is. Claire Delacroix has so much substance to her books and I love them. You will never leave dissatisfied with any of them.
An end to The Champions of Saint Euphemia and what a great ending. Again we are swept up into the lives of our characters of Duncan & Radegunde as we have followed them as minor characters in the previous books and what a wonderful story it is. Claire Delacroix has so much substance to her books and I love them. You will never leave dissatisfied with any of them.
September 20, 2017
Fun story with plenty of period details
Very enjoyable romp through the Middle Ages with a continuation of the Champions of St Euphemia series. Definitely read this in series order to make sense of the continuing plot. Story 5 and 4 are so intertwined that both have to be read to make the final plan completely successful.
Very enjoyable romp through the Middle Ages with a continuation of the Champions of St Euphemia series. Definitely read this in series order to make sense of the continuing plot. Story 5 and 4 are so intertwined that both have to be read to make the final plan completely successful.
January 19, 2018
I live the way this entire series came together.
October 20, 2018
3.5 Stars
January 28, 2022
the finale book
This finishes this series and the relic is being brought to rest. Meanwhile Duncan finds his happy ending with the maid he hand fasted to one year and one day ago
This finishes this series and the relic is being brought to rest. Meanwhile Duncan finds his happy ending with the maid he hand fasted to one year and one day ago
October 24, 2016
The Crusader’s Handfast: (The Champions of Saint Euphemia Book 5)
This picks up where The Crusader’s Kiss leaves off, following Ysmaine’s faithful lady’s maid, Radegunde as she tries to come to terms with her life as she perceives it to be laid out before her. The reliquary has been safely delivered to Paris, the great adventure is over, and Radegunde faces a future with a husband to be chosen for her by Gaston. She wants more out of life and begs Duncan, the faithful knight who accompanied them on the flight from Jerusalem, to give her at least one passionate night to remember all her life. Duncan, being the honorable knight, though inflamed by Radegunde’s kisses and joie de vivre, refuses to take what she is offering and concedes to take her out dancing, merely to protect her, after she threatens to go alone. Duncan eventually reveals more of his past to Radegunde as she challenges him to change the choices he has made in his life. He offers her a compromise as they embark on a mission for Gaston. When Gaston finally reveals himself to the man who had stolen his legacy, Radegunde and Duncan are suspicious of the interloper’s cooperation. As the romance of Radegunde and Duncan is finally revealed to the residents of Gaston’s holding, Gaston and Ysmaine set a trap to expose the spy in their midst. Eventually we find out why attempts are being made on Duncan's life and he comes to a decision regarding his and Radegunde's immediate future, a decision that Radegunde vehemently and vocally disputes. Finally the trap laid for the traitor who lurks at Châmont-sur-Maine is snapped shut. Villains are revealed, promises are made and kept, alliances are formed. All in all a satisfying resolution, with myriad sub-stories wrapped up satisfactorily. Can’t wait to see what more is to come in the awaited Crusader’s Vow. Excellent series! As always, this is beautifully written, the heroes are always honorable, the women always strong (even in an era when women had few rights)—everything you could want from a historical romance. Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This picks up where The Crusader’s Kiss leaves off, following Ysmaine’s faithful lady’s maid, Radegunde as she tries to come to terms with her life as she perceives it to be laid out before her. The reliquary has been safely delivered to Paris, the great adventure is over, and Radegunde faces a future with a husband to be chosen for her by Gaston. She wants more out of life and begs Duncan, the faithful knight who accompanied them on the flight from Jerusalem, to give her at least one passionate night to remember all her life. Duncan, being the honorable knight, though inflamed by Radegunde’s kisses and joie de vivre, refuses to take what she is offering and concedes to take her out dancing, merely to protect her, after she threatens to go alone. Duncan eventually reveals more of his past to Radegunde as she challenges him to change the choices he has made in his life. He offers her a compromise as they embark on a mission for Gaston. When Gaston finally reveals himself to the man who had stolen his legacy, Radegunde and Duncan are suspicious of the interloper’s cooperation. As the romance of Radegunde and Duncan is finally revealed to the residents of Gaston’s holding, Gaston and Ysmaine set a trap to expose the spy in their midst. Eventually we find out why attempts are being made on Duncan's life and he comes to a decision regarding his and Radegunde's immediate future, a decision that Radegunde vehemently and vocally disputes. Finally the trap laid for the traitor who lurks at Châmont-sur-Maine is snapped shut. Villains are revealed, promises are made and kept, alliances are formed. All in all a satisfying resolution, with myriad sub-stories wrapped up satisfactorily. Can’t wait to see what more is to come in the awaited Crusader’s Vow. Excellent series! As always, this is beautifully written, the heroes are always honorable, the women always strong (even in an era when women had few rights)—everything you could want from a historical romance. Copy gifted by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2016
This was a very well-written, wonderful book. Set in the time of the Crusades, Radegunde accompanied her mistress on a Pilgrimage and now that they are returning home she dreads the return to boring routine. She wants adventure. She speaks to the warrior Duncan about taking her dancing, and she hopes for more with him. Duncan finds her irresistible, though he knows he is not free to promise her all she deserves. I loved reading about Radegunde and Duncan, as well as the rest of the characters in the book. I couldn't put it down and finished it much too quickly! This book can be read as a standalone, though it is part of a series with related characters. Copy gifted by the Publisher. I am voluntarily leaving a review expressing my honest opinion.
July 18, 2020
This was a great ending to this series. We had spent a long time in the company of St. Euphemia so it was nice to know where she would have her final resting place. I didn’t think there would be enough time left in this book to fully explore the story of Duncan and Radegund as much of the story still surrounds Gaston and Ysmaine. This instalment brings all the loose ends together. Although I would have preferred a bit more time spent on Duncan and Radegunde’s story, I can see why it was written the way it is because of the ending had to be that way. Brilliant!
January 7, 2017
The Crusaders Handfast...
An excellent story about a man bound in service to another and the maid of a Lady...They are mentioned in the Euphemia books and now have their own tale told...excellent author...who realised these two people should be more than just mentioned and thus gave them a book of their own...enjoyed it very much...anyone who enjoys historical romance would enjoy this book...
An excellent story about a man bound in service to another and the maid of a Lady...They are mentioned in the Euphemia books and now have their own tale told...excellent author...who realised these two people should be more than just mentioned and thus gave them a book of their own...enjoyed it very much...anyone who enjoys historical romance would enjoy this book...
November 2, 2016
This book was gifted to me. The story of Duncan and Radegunde is an epic tale of love and life and justice. Not only for them, but for other characters also. It's well written, romantic, suspenseful, intense and engrossing. The characters are intriguing and the storyline fascinating. This whole series is captivating, it is a must add to your TBR list.
November 14, 2016
This book is set in the Crusades and is a fast paced story! The storyline and characters are very believable. I found this to be a compelling book and will be catching up on previous books in this series.
June 13, 2020
A good ending
The last book in the series and my favourite tied with the one previous to it. All historically sourced with a great dollop of romance
The last book in the series and my favourite tied with the one previous to it. All historically sourced with a great dollop of romance
March 5, 2021
Saint Euphemia
This book was as delightful as the other books in this series. I truly enjoyed the adventures of Duncan and Radigande !
This book was as delightful as the other books in this series. I truly enjoyed the adventures of Duncan and Radigande !
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews