Monday, September 15, 2008

A Constant Heart- Siri Mitchell

A Constant Heart
Siri Mitchell
Bethany House, Oct 2008, $13.99
ISBN: 9780764204319

In the last decade of the sixteenth century, the Earl of Lytham trusts no woman especially a beautiful aristocrat. His heart was burned to an ashy crisp by the betrayal of his first wife. He obtained an annulment that ended the sham called marriage. He will remarry only to gain favor with the Queen who prefers her lords married.

Lytham’s second wife Marget Barnardsen has been told she is a beauty, but to her chagrin her husband loathes her because of her looks. He coldly informs his wife her only role is to assist him in gaining her Highness’ support. Marget in turn wants him to return her love, but her efforts to warm his heart fail as Queen Elizabeth is irate at her; seemingly because of her looks that she tried to somewhat disguise. Now a desperate Marget fears the man she loves will annul their marriage as she only obtained the wrath of the Queen.

This is a terific Elizabethan romance with a deep message of “to thine own self be true” as everyone is in God’s image. The story line shines a deep light on the aristocracy’s efforts to gain favor with the somewhat fickle but powerful aging ruler; some go so far as changing their essence as Marget does. Known for her exciting contemporary Christian Lit, Siri Mitchell goes historical Christian Lit showing she is a writer for all seasons.

Harriet Klausner

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