Historical Romance Book Club discussion

A pilgrimage to Jerusalem with her mistress has left the maid Radegunde determined to live every moment to the fullest. She dreads the return to routine and her inevitable marriage to a reliable man, so convinces the warrior Duncan to make merry with her while their respective masters linger in Paris. Dancing and singing are not the sole revels in Radegunde’s plans, for she means to taste passion with this man who snared her attention in Venice. Duncan is convinced his own heart is lost forever, but Radegunde’s allure cannot be denied. When he surrenders to her seduction, Duncan suggests a handfast, knowing that even this honor is far less than she deserves. Radegunde, however, is not interested in half-measures, and resolves to win Duncan’s love, no matter what the cost. Will she succeed in her quest? Or will their paths part forever, and do as much too soon?


The Crusader's Handfast

All Welcome! Starting now at your own pace.

I read the first two chapters. It feels more like a prologue because we know they will be separated for some time. I do, as expected, really like these two. I wonder how wide the age gap is.

I’ve read chapter 1. I agree it reads a bit like a Prologue though I do like seeing the time in Venice from their perspective since we also got it from all the others. I have the same question on the age gap. I get the vibe that Radegunde is in her early to mid twenties and Duncan is in his early 40s. There is an age gap but Radegunde isn’t a young girl and Duncan is still a man in his prime. I’ve always liked Duncan and his even keeled nature. As for Radegunde, I’ve liked her loyalty and bravery but haven’t gotten to see too much of her personality beyond that. I will say I like that she is the one in pursuit ;)

Becca wrote: "I’ve read chapter 1. I agree it reads a bit like a Prologue though I do like seeing the time in Venice from their perspective since we also got it from all the others. I have the same question on t..."

Yes, I am enjoying her personality, not knowing what to expect prior to. I don’t have a problem with age gaps typically, and don’t expect to here. I read chapter 3, and they are still in the pre time, which I suspect will go on a few more chapters. I am curious how she will handle their time apart. I hope it doesn’t last too long because separation tends to affect my enjoyment.

In chapter 3, (view spoiler)[we get a little insight into Duncan’s troubles at home. Seems he may have lost a wife to child birth. (hide spoiler)]

I’m about to start chapter 3 today! I’ll read your spoilers after :). I finished the other book I was reading and my company left yesterday so I should be able to pick up the pace. While I liked the flashback in chapter 1, chapter 2 has felt slower. I’m ready for some action and intrigue ;). I’ll post my thoughts on chapter three when I get there!!

I read through Chapter 5. The plot begins to thicken with some intrigue. Will post more when you catch up :).

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I read through Chapter 5. The plot begins to thicken with some intrigue. Will post more when you catch up :)."

Hey there! I am in the thick of Chapter 5 and I had to take a break. All of the name dropping of kings and sons and barons and regions and who is fighting who and who died where was overwhelming. Are you following it? This story is reading differently than the others (more historical fiction than romance to this point) and with all the detail, I'm having trouble remembering.

In particular, this story picks up a lot of threads from Christina and Wulfe's story which I read long ago. Are you having the same difficulty? Based on where you're at, do you think I'll catch on or do I need to revisit Christina and Wulfe's end story to remember?

As for the leads themselves, I'm interested. It's quite intriguing to get a view from two people who are in service of sorts. How they grapple with the daily grind and all their extra responsibilities, how they look at their futures, and how they cope with loss. I found Radegunde's story (view spoiler)[ about the daughters and only son lost in childbirth (hide spoiler)] was sad but engrossing and it did shed some light on Duncan's character. I just hope (view spoiler)[that Duncan doesn't have the same "I can never love again because I'll only love my dead wife" trope I so often see. I hope Delacroix dives deeper into the fear and survivor's guilt and their age difference to make it a richer story (hide spoiler)].

I have yet to read today. I am having some difficulty remembering what happened in the other books. Why did Wulfe leave without leaving word? I don’t remember. Maybe we didn’t know? I have not went and looked back, so far it just seems to be details and not relevant to this story.

I have not found the historical fiction part overwhelming yet, but I do think it’s taking some time for this book to find its legs. It felt like it started to in chapter 5, maybe the latter half of it. (view spoiler)[The assassin plot has me thinking there is much more to Duncan’s story and perked my interest. (hide spoiler)]

I did think Radegunde’s story sad and she already feels like a multi-dimensional character to me. I don’t think Duncan’s hesitation (view spoiler)[is due to loving a dead wife. I wonder if he loved her truly. I suspect she may have been part of the reason for his estrangement with his family. She may have been of Isobel’s stock and unworthy. Although it could be love of a dead wife trope, which I agree is overdone, but I do think part of his hesitation is not having the means to provide for a wife. (hide spoiler)]

I'm almost done with Chapter 6--it is quite a long chapter!

I don't remember much of Wulfe and Christina's story either. I may read the end again ;)

I agree the historical detail overload stopped after that point and the twist (view spoiler)[ the mysterious Murdoch and hints of a legacy of Duncan...INTRIGUING! (hide spoiler)] and then I found the story flowed better.

Now that we are venturing to a new place, I feel like the story is finding it's legs. I think there were so many threads at this point that it was hard to get it moving at first.

As for Radegunde, I was liking her a lot until (view spoiler)[ she assumes Duncan was sleeping with a whore because he smelled like a pub and she punched him (hide spoiler)]. Knowing all she does of Duncan's character, I felt like it was super judgmental and unfair she jumped to that conclusion and I didn't like that fly off the handle show of temper at all.

I think this story will be dual in nature with both Ysmaine and Gaston and Radegunde and Duncan. It is quite interesting to see Ysmaine and Gaston in such a different light. It really does highlight how much detail is missed by those in upper classes during this time. Quite an interesting study that I think Delacroix is capturing well.

Through Chapter 8

More of Duncan’s tale has unfolded. (view spoiler)[ So, yes, it seems survivor’s guilt and love for a dead wife is at play, but it seems that may not last long. And his age must be about 37 or 38. He mentioned his wife’s betrothed was a friend, but I am guessing brother? If he stole his eldest brother’s fiancée and then killed him in defending her honor, that would likely cause a rift in the family! (hide spoiler)]

Radegunde is still persisting on this whore business as if it was a certainty. I do find that off putting. (view spoiler)[I missed her hitting him but realized I missed it when they were discussing how tender he was. I don’t approve of that either, but it is still early in the book so I think it can be overcome. (hide spoiler)] I am interested in Radegunde’s father. It is a bit of a peculiar situation. I enjoyed meeting and seeing her with her family.

I am enjoying the different class perspective also.

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Through Chapter 8

More of Duncan’s tale has unfolded. [spoilers removed]

Radegunde is still persisting on this whore business as if it was a certainty. I do find that off putting. [spoilers remov..."

I'm starting Chapter 8 tonight. I'm definitely more into the story now. I like seeing Radegunde's family and I'm intrigued by the whisperings of Gaston's holding and (view spoiler)[ why Duncan was stabbed! (hide spoiler)].

I look forward to reading more tomorrow :) I will comment on your observations of Duncan and also Radegunde's father when I get there!

I have not read any today. I think I am going to start in on chapter 9 now.

I agree the whispers of Gaston’s holding are interesting. I remember a bit of it in their book, but I think that it was in the final stretch at that point so maybe did not seem as a big of a deal?

I just stopped reading at the start of Chapter 11 (sadly, work calls!). I'm into the story now. There is less info-dumping and more world and character building.

As for Radegunde and Duncan (view spoiler)[ despite his initial survivor's guilt, his inner conflict and challenges from Radegunde and her mother absolve him of some of it and he whole-heartedly embraces living again--yay! I'm glad he wasn't torturing himself the entire novel. (hide spoiler)]

I'm particularly intrigued by what's going on with Duncan. I think there is waaaayyy more to his character than we thought (view spoiler)[ 1) someone is trying to kill him, 2) I think he may have been higher class than he is now, and 3) where is he from and why did he leave his family behind? (hide spoiler)]

Also, I loved the character of Lady Eudaline. Haha, she was so imperious and sneaky and shrewd. Reminded me of Violet from Downton Abbey. That storyline is heating up too. There is something rotten at Gaston's holding 'to be sure' ;)

I'll probably only read a chapter or two today but let me know if I need to slow down at all for you to catch up!

Through Chapter 10 also

That’s where I left off last night too, and I wanted to keep going, but it was late. Certainly getting exciting!

Lady Eudaline is a fantastic character. She is Gaston’s mother? I wonder if we’ll see more of her.

I am very intrigued by Radegunde’s father. I wonder what he did to be an outcast. And it is interesting that he knows Radegunde. I wonder how.

Radegunde and Duncan — I like how they have gotten over that hurdle and how Duncan credits Radegunde in waking him up. I am not sure that I am feeling the love yet, but I think that will come as it is still early.

I will plan on reading 2 chapters today, I think.

I'm glad you liked Lady Eudaline too. Yes, I believe she is Gaston's mother. I certainly hope we see more of her :)

As for Radegunde's father, I'm curious about his circumstances too. (view spoiler)[ it has to be something that Radegunde's mother knew about too since she vaguely alluded to it before Duncan left. Also, I'm thinking with the family resemblance and the fact that her father helped her with her walking impediment, he remembers Radegunde. I will be interested to see if they reconnect. (hide spoiler)]

I agree that I'm not feeling the deep connection yet, but often Delacroix's romances seem to grow slowly over time so perhaps that will be case here.

I'll read a couple more chapters too :)

Ok, I'm through Chapter 12 now. These chapters were a little slower but it looks like Chapter 13 starts out with the party's arrival at Gaston's holding so I'm sure the intrigue will ratchet up from there.

While I think Ysmaine's behavior is typical for her class, her opinionated/overbearing stance was a bit off-putting in this chapter (view spoiler)[ with all she and Radegunde have been through together, I think it is a little crappy that Ysmaine thinks she knows more what Radegunde wants regarding men, handfasts, and marriage--again, I think it is par for the times, but my modern soul rebels a little bit, especially with how self-aware Radegunde is (hide spoiler)].

My one question is with regards to the small book Radegunde got from Lady Eudaline (view spoiler)[ she said to give the book to Lady Richidilis when she handed it to Radegunde, but then we find out the book is poisoned! I think she is setting a trap for some villain, but is this supposed to be automatically known by Radegunde and Gaston? I wasn't sure what was happening here (hide spoiler)]

I think the two chapters a day thing has been working for me. These chapters are pretty long and I feel like this story has been dense compared to the others. What do you think? Has the pace been okay for you?

Through Chapter 12 also

Regarding Ysmaine: I think it was a pretty quick moment and gut reaction, but I agree it was heavy handed. I think she will come around, but yeah it was a bit off putting.

The book: I was confused about that too. Who is it meant for? And is there more to it?

I wish that they had spent more time with Radegunde’s father.

Sorry so brief today. It’s been taking me forever to write my thoughts.

No worries. I only am through Chapter 13 this morning and I won't read more until tonight.

As for the book: I think it is meant to poison whoever is incriminated inside or something like that--but I agree, it wasn't well explained.

Yes, I wish we knew more of Radegunde's father too--though I don't think we have seen the last of him!

Let me know if you need more time before picking this book back up again!

I am through 13 and will start 14 now.

I enjoyed the pomp and circumstance of them arriving at Gaston’ Holding. It’s very formal and very much an event, even if mostly unexpected, besides rumors and word of mouth. While somewhat similar to the pomp and circumstance of a later era. It is quite different, and CD always does a great job of evoking a feeling of the time.

Oh man! The gloves. How exciting. Of course, we know all will be well but it still got me nervous.

I read through Chapter 17 early this morning. Chapter 17 was only about a page long, FYI. Will probably read some more tonight and finish tomorrow or Saturday.

The glove: (view spoiler)[ that was an exciting chase. And just in the nick of time. I am not sure what I think of the boar hunt. I thought it was interesting but maybe too descriptive. (hide spoiler)]

The book: (view spoiler)[I wonder who took it, though most likely it was the maid of the niece or the niece. (hide spoiler)]

Duncan: (view spoiler)[He is even higher born than expected. Wow. Potential claimant to king of Scotland. I am enjoying the folk tales, which are rooted in truth. (hide spoiler)]

Duncan & Radegunde: (view spoiler)[ I thought they were not going to try for a child and now she says they will. (hide spoiler)]

Ok, I'm through Chapter 17 as well. I'll probably be able to finish it in a few days...I need to get some Halloween ghost romances in ;)

Yes, I like the intrigue with both the book and the gloves. I'm also enjoying the storytelling Delacroix always embeds in her stories. Duncan definitely has quite a history! And the plot thickens!

That leads me to my last point. I feel like the romance is really lacking in this one. I think there are so many characters, so many plot threads, and so much history that the romance just is underdeveloped. I know why their together, but the swoony factor or the tension while I await words of love or a sex scene are absent in this one. I keep reading because I feel immersed in the goings on of Gaston's new holding and Duncan's mysterious past, but I'm not invested in Radegunde and Duncan's romance at all.

That brings me back to Gaston. He has really grown on me this book. I like seeing the perspective of his careful nature as a diplomat really shine here and how he trusts Fergus, Duncan, Radegunde, and Ysmaine's family and values their insights. It's cool to see how all of that gets utilized in the careful takeover of his holding.

Ysmaine is a bit flat this round. She doesn't do much but needs assistance.

I'm hoping that Radegunde's parents make a reappearance before the end. And Lady Eudaline! Anyway, I as you can tell, I care about everyone else more than the central romance. Not bad per se, since the story is so interesting, but not good if you want a strong central romance.

Also, your point about the details in the caravan were spot on! I forgot to mention that, but you were so right. The color, sounds, smells, sights. It was so cool to envision how that must have looked :)

Ok, I have finished. I think this story would have been better served as the second or third in the series. It definitely felt more like a continuation of Gaston and Ysmaine’s story that of Radegunde and Duncan’s. Honestly, just about every part of the subplot was more interesting to me than the MCs romance.

Radegunde’s father: (view spoiler)[the way his story was told and unfolded was entertaining and interesting. I enjoyed the snippets of his and Mathilde’s tale quite s bit and thought it was a more compelling story than the MC’s. (hide spoiler)]

Duncan’s story: (view spoiler)[that was quick and glossed over! Not sure if I am disappointed or not. It seems like it would have been bloody! But, I think seeing the confrontation with his brother would have been better. (hide spoiler)]

In the end, I enjoyed the details of the story, and with my funk in HRs lately, I was OK with the lack here and enjoyed the details.

I finished it this morning.

This was definitely NOT what I would consider a romance. There were a few token, glossed over sex scenes, but this was more of a continuation of several storylines. This was historical fiction and I'd only recommend it to those who have read and enjoyed the other books in the series and want to see where the relic ends up and how the other characters are doing.

Radegunde's father: (view spoiler)[ I agree, that was cool how that was introduced via a tale. I feel like this could have been a story told in a novella all on its own! (hide spoiler)]

Duncan's story: (view spoiler)[ this was the meat of the problem of the hero and it was completely glossed over! I guess it was because it was the time Radegunde and Duncan were apart but really, even when they were together at Chamont dur Maine they weren't really together showing character development. It was all about Radegunde's family, Ysmaine's family, Gaston regaining power over his holding, and the history of Gaston that led to the treachery. How Duncan rebuilt his legacy (and continued to do so) would have been a story all on it's own! Oh well. I guess then it would not have really been about the relic. (hide spoiler)]

And a side note: (view spoiler)[ Since we spent so much time with Gaston, I was super bummed Lady Eudaline never made any sort of reappearance! (hide spoiler)]

Overall, I enjoyed elements of this but felt a little let down. I'd say Books 2 and 3 were the best and Book 1 was great for introducing the series, but Books 4 and 5 were too chock full of plot for me to enjoy them as romances. They were interesting, but not really what I'd classify as stories with core romances.

Thanks for reading with me! It was fun to have someone who kept me going on this book and to bounce ideas with all the story's detail. I don't think I would have finished or enjoyed this one as much if I'd read it alone!

I agree Becca on all your points. It was an odd place for this story to start and stay and just about every aspect of the story that was interesting did not include the central romance, which is not what I expect from CD.

IDK, I think I am down on love so I was more OK with that lack of romance since the historical aspect was good.

Thanks for buddy reading with me too! Definitely made it a better experience overall.