Illuminations from the Heart - Joyce DiPastena

Okay, I'll admit, I'm a sucker for a well-written romance. Throw in the fact that it's a well-researched and historically accurate romance and it makes me even happier. But, give me a well-written, historically accurate romance that remains clean, yet maintains just the right balance of romantic tension between the characters, and I am thrilled. This is exactly how I felt with Illuminations of the Heart by Joyce DiPastena.

Siriol de Calendri has been brought from her studies in the art of illumination in Venice to the guardianship of her brother's friend, Sir Triston de Brielle in Poitou, France. Although the purpose of her being there is to protect her from men who would hope to take advantage of her, Siri soon finds that the one man she truly wants is Sir Triston himself. However, her uncanny physical resistance to Triston's late wife, Clothilde, clouds the feelings of them both. And Triston's past may get in the way of their finding love--together.

Illuminations of theHeart is not a book to race through. It requires time to soak in the story, bask in the richness of the prose, and allow yourself experience the emotions of the characters. The detail and tone made me feel though I were in France in 1179, and it was a place I longed to be.

Now that I've experienced this novel, I look forward to reading DiPastena's first novel, Loyalty's Web as well. I'm sure I will not be disappointed.