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Medieval Herb Garden #3
A Whisper of Rosemary
In the Age of Chivalry...
A time when kings and queens vie for power amid treachery and betrayal...a time when brave knights live and die by a code of honor...And a time when women are nothing more than political game pieces, moved at will by the men in their lives.
One woman dares to be different.
Maris of Langumont manages her father’s vast estate, rides as well as any man, treats the sick and injured with herbs from her garden, and boldly argues politics with her father’s peers. But everything changes the day her beloved father pledges her hand in marriage to a man she’s never met.
Mistaken Identity
Dirick of Derkland cares about nothing but seeking vengeance for his father's brutal death. When the beautiful and spirited Maris mistakes him for her betrothed, sparks ignite, and he suddenly finds himself torn between honor and the only woman who may be able to heal his soul.
A Whisper of Rosemary
Maris is a gifted healer who can cure many ills with the herbs in her garden. But can she find a remedy for the danger and deception that threaten to keep her from the man she loves?
A time when kings and queens vie for power amid treachery and betrayal...a time when brave knights live and die by a code of honor...And a time when women are nothing more than political game pieces, moved at will by the men in their lives.
One woman dares to be different.
Maris of Langumont manages her father’s vast estate, rides as well as any man, treats the sick and injured with herbs from her garden, and boldly argues politics with her father’s peers. But everything changes the day her beloved father pledges her hand in marriage to a man she’s never met.
Mistaken Identity
Dirick of Derkland cares about nothing but seeking vengeance for his father's brutal death. When the beautiful and spirited Maris mistakes him for her betrothed, sparks ignite, and he suddenly finds himself torn between honor and the only woman who may be able to heal his soul.
A Whisper of Rosemary
Maris is a gifted healer who can cure many ills with the herbs in her garden. But can she find a remedy for the danger and deception that threaten to keep her from the man she loves?
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
About the author
Colleen Gleason
105 books1,700 followersAward-winning, NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason (who also writes as Colleen Cambridge) has written more than fifty novels in a variety of genres…but always feature smart, strong women determined to right wrongs and get shit done.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 26, 2017
Sir Dirick of Derkland is on king's business. He is also hunting down a murderer. Lady Maris is a healer and the Lady of Langumont (spelling?). Merle, her father, betroths Maris to Victor D'Arcy. It is a match she does not want because it is Dirick's kisses which stir her blood. When her father dies she is summoned to King Henry. Maris becomes the king's ward. Will King Henry give Maris and the rich lands of Langumont to Victor D'Arcy, or will they go to a stranger? Can Dirick stand by and watch Maris be given to another man?
Maris is a strong-minded, independent woman. She can administer, ride and hunt like a man. If it was up to her, she would not marry. But since she has no choice will she get her heart's desire?
A well written novel with a mystery to solve. The characters are well-rounded and feel like real persons. The subplots kept the reader twisting till the end. The plot is finely tuned and held this reader's attention. Matter a fact, the ending was a complete surprise. I would gladly read another book by Colleen Gleason. Steamy sex is in one scene.
Maris is a strong-minded, independent woman. She can administer, ride and hunt like a man. If it was up to her, she would not marry. But since she has no choice will she get her heart's desire?
A well written novel with a mystery to solve. The characters are well-rounded and feel like real persons. The subplots kept the reader twisting till the end. The plot is finely tuned and held this reader's attention. Matter a fact, the ending was a complete surprise. I would gladly read another book by Colleen Gleason. Steamy sex is in one scene.
October 25, 2018
I really like Gleason's style when it comes to medieval romance. I find the characters to be appropriate for the time period and I enjoy all of the drama, chivalry, pageantry, and secrets that dot every page. There is always something interesting going on.
This story also started out quite promising with some skeevy blackmailers, a super scary serial killer, a knight on a mission for the king, and a spitfire heroine who was stubborn and vocal without being ridiculous. However, the reason this story ended up not getting a higher rating was because the romance was stagnant. The hero and heroine would have tons of chemistry, grow closer, and then one of them would betray the other's trust and they'd be back at square one. Rinse and repeat. This happened time and again, culminating into a dramatic scene with the king where the heroine accused the hero of treason. And then they were suddenly engaged and in love with each other. It made no sense.
If the story had progressed differently, perhaps I could have seen the development of the feelings and the blossom of love, but due to constant misunderstandings and their separations, everything felt stunted and the HEA came a bit out of nowhere. I knew that's where it was heading, but it didn't feel satisfying when I got there. Other things I didn't much care for: there were more sex scenes for other secondary characters who didn't need full-on sex scenes (some were skeevy) than the main couple, the epilogue was pretty tragic, and a pretty horrible guy got a swansong of sorts because he was the lesser of two evils.
In a nutshell, there was a lot of moral ambiguity and a romance that felt half-baked. Therefore, despite a good mystery, plenty of drama with a killer and the king's court, a promising initial spark between the leads, and fun-to-read writing, I just couldn't love it or feel satisfied at the end.
This story also started out quite promising with some skeevy blackmailers, a super scary serial killer, a knight on a mission for the king, and a spitfire heroine who was stubborn and vocal without being ridiculous. However, the reason this story ended up not getting a higher rating was because the romance was stagnant. The hero and heroine would have tons of chemistry, grow closer, and then one of them would betray the other's trust and they'd be back at square one. Rinse and repeat. This happened time and again, culminating into a dramatic scene with the king where the heroine accused the hero of treason. And then they were suddenly engaged and in love with each other. It made no sense.
If the story had progressed differently, perhaps I could have seen the development of the feelings and the blossom of love, but due to constant misunderstandings and their separations, everything felt stunted and the HEA came a bit out of nowhere. I knew that's where it was heading, but it didn't feel satisfying when I got there. Other things I didn't much care for: there were more sex scenes for other secondary characters who didn't need full-on sex scenes (some were skeevy) than the main couple, the epilogue was pretty tragic, and a pretty horrible guy got a swansong of sorts because he was the lesser of two evils.
In a nutshell, there was a lot of moral ambiguity and a romance that felt half-baked. Therefore, despite a good mystery, plenty of drama with a killer and the king's court, a promising initial spark between the leads, and fun-to-read writing, I just couldn't love it or feel satisfied at the end.
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May 17, 2015
This was a very good book. I truly enjoyed it. It concerns Maris, and Dirick. She is the daughter of a titled lord, and runs her fathers estates. He is a friend of King Henry, and the queen. He has been brought to court to locate a serial killer, who has a twisted soul. His father has been killed by the same man, and the king trusts him. He meets Maris, as he is traveling from estate to estate, looking for clues. The connection between them is surprising because neither is looking for love, and she is far above him in society ,and station. Tired of having his daughter turn down every suitor, her father starts a betroval process to a man that Maris hates, and is a brute. There are many twists, and turns in the story. The murders continue, kidnappings take place, and deceit runs through the story. Maris refuses the advances of the latest suitor, and learns his true nature. Her heart has already been taken. The best part is how an untitled young man, can help Maris survive long enough to wed anyone, especially him. He also has to find the killer of so many others in the process. I will read others by Ms. Gleason. Mid-evil romance is hard to find, and yet harder to find one of quality. This book appealed to me on many levels. It was a 5 to be sure. The story takes you in, and you love Maris for her strength, and goodness. You also find Dirik appealing, and he has many fine qualities as well. I loved the ending for them, but felt a sadness at the weakness of her mother.
March 6, 2013
I was prepared to give this book an okay rating, until the last part of the book. The ending was terrible! I would never recommend this book. It was a complete waste of my time. I am not going to be reading another book by this author. This is the second book of hers that I thought was a waste.
November 18, 2017
j'ai bien aimé cette histoire. je ne ďonne que 4 étoiles à cause de quelques details. J'ai été déçue par la fin choisie par l'auteure et aussi par le manque d'interactions de l'héroïne avec sa mère . Sinon, l'ambiance , l'intrigue, les personnages , tout y est pour vivre un bon moment de détente.
September 24, 2021
I really liked this one. Decent. Lots of bodies, but the right ones. Both characters are well drawn if not finely drawn. The plotting was excellent.
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May 24, 2024It usually takes me a bit longer to get into a story when it's set in medieval times, but I just couldn't get into A Whisper of Rosemary, as much as I tried. I thought the writing was okay, but my mind would constantly wander off and I would very frequently reach the bottom of a page and realize I had no idea what had just happened. I didn't really relate to any of the characters and also found them all a bit confusing and struggled to keep up with who was who. I guess the fact that I wasn't really that into the story, and actually found it rather boring, had a lot to do with that fact.
I do understand, though, why someone who enjoys romances set in medieval times would definitely enjoy this one. It had some good qualities. So, if you do, do give it a try! I could tell that, had I been a bit more into this sort of setting, I would've liked it a lot more.
I do understand, though, why someone who enjoys romances set in medieval times would definitely enjoy this one. It had some good qualities. So, if you do, do give it a try! I could tell that, had I been a bit more into this sort of setting, I would've liked it a lot more.
November 3, 2016
A Whisper of Rosemary
What can I say except that this is a wonderful story. The end was beautiful and and very sad but it is a wonderful read. Colleen Gleason is wonderful writer that she makes me feel like I am there watching everything that is happening. This the third story I read but I read them out of sequence. You must read Lavender Vow and this one then the Sanctuary of Roses and then A Lily on the Heath. Colleen Gleason says to read them in that order but I read them in the order which she wrote them. I hope you will enjoy reading this story and the others in this series as much as I did.
What can I say except that this is a wonderful story. The end was beautiful and and very sad but it is a wonderful read. Colleen Gleason is wonderful writer that she makes me feel like I am there watching everything that is happening. This the third story I read but I read them out of sequence. You must read Lavender Vow and this one then the Sanctuary of Roses and then A Lily on the Heath. Colleen Gleason says to read them in that order but I read them in the order which she wrote them. I hope you will enjoy reading this story and the others in this series as much as I did.
April 18, 2017
Don't know why, but this had my heart pounding in anxiety at one point. I couldn't put it down. Really good!
May 5, 2017
Not your typical historical romance. Well written and engaging, I found A Whisper of Rosemary hard to put down. It includes a mystery with enough plot twists to keep you guessing. I enjoyed this book immensely.
December 17, 2020
The series is getting better with every book..
The meaness of people, the treachery, the deceit, put everyone at doubts to have confidence in others..
Very well presented...
Looking forward for next book..
The meaness of people, the treachery, the deceit, put everyone at doubts to have confidence in others..
Very well presented...
Looking forward for next book..
December 14, 2021
Felt incomplete
I am not sure if Ms. Gleason wrote it like this, or if parts are missing on the Kindle version, but this book felt incomplete like if parts were missing. Loved the plot, but the end felt rushed.
I am not sure if Ms. Gleason wrote it like this, or if parts are missing on the Kindle version, but this book felt incomplete like if parts were missing. Loved the plot, but the end felt rushed.
January 23, 2022
A swoon-worthy story. A gallant, determined hero and a feisty, independent heroine suffer through tragic heart-rending loss, various heartbreaking misunderstandings, and several heart-thumping attempts on their lives in order to be together.
February 4, 2024
A Whisper of Rosemary
This is my favorite book of the series! It had a great story as well as action from beginning to end. It is also good historical fiction of a time period I enjoy. Looking forward to the next.
This is my favorite book of the series! It had a great story as well as action from beginning to end. It is also good historical fiction of a time period I enjoy. Looking forward to the next.
May 8, 2017
A good book, not a great one, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.
May 8, 2017
I don't tend to read much romance, let alone historical. But, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main female character was strong and I will read the others that are in the series.
July 21, 2017
A lot is suspense, twists and turns. Good guys, bad guys and in-between. Culture, love, fondness and brutality.
November 8, 2017
Odd ending
Many twists and turns in this medieval romance. The hero and heroine are quite believable. There are a few typos in the book that need fixing.
Many twists and turns in this medieval romance. The hero and heroine are quite believable. There are a few typos in the book that need fixing.
July 29, 2021
Excellent
I love this second story in the series. This had more twists and turns...but I wish Michael had come to a much bloodied end
I love this second story in the series. This had more twists and turns...but I wish Michael had come to a much bloodied end
August 13, 2023
romance
Romantic story written in the time of castles and knights. Only disappointment unnecessary to have such cruelty to the horses.
Romantic story written in the time of castles and knights. Only disappointment unnecessary to have such cruelty to the horses.
February 13, 2024
Stopped at chapter 12
November 7, 2023
Medieval deliciousness
This book really ignited my interest in this author and this book was historically interesting and restrained in a good way . I loved this story!!!
This book really ignited my interest in this author and this book was historically interesting and restrained in a good way . I loved this story!!!
September 10, 2016
Rosemary is not the name of anyone in the book. It's a scent in soap that Maris uses that the Knight Dirick is attracted to. (These are the two main characters).
Maris' "healer" aspect is an important one in this book and is the reason for a number of story twists.
Dirick does not feel worthy of Maris because he is not a land owner so he has nothing to offer her; Maris only wants to marry for love. Her father decides on a man who is totally wrong for her. A few men who want to marry (own) her bring about plot twists.
The mystery around who killed Dirick's father brings evil and intrigue into the book.
My main problem with the book was the relationship between Maris' mother and the man she always loved and who sired Maris. "Michael" (in Maris' presence) calls her mother a whore and on the same page refers to her as "your stupid mother", which sounds like he hates her, but then he claims he always loved her and shows his love through a rather bizarre permanent decision they both make at the end of the book. That was confusing.
Ah well...I read this book in an afternoon, and enjoyed it enough to not want to put it down. Easy read and interesting.
Maris' "healer" aspect is an important one in this book and is the reason for a number of story twists.
Dirick does not feel worthy of Maris because he is not a land owner so he has nothing to offer her; Maris only wants to marry for love. Her father decides on a man who is totally wrong for her. A few men who want to marry (own) her bring about plot twists.
The mystery around who killed Dirick's father brings evil and intrigue into the book.
My main problem with the book was the relationship between Maris' mother and the man she always loved and who sired Maris. "Michael" (in Maris' presence) calls her mother a whore and on the same page refers to her as "your stupid mother", which sounds like he hates her, but then he claims he always loved her and shows his love through a rather bizarre permanent decision they both make at the end of the book. That was confusing.
Ah well...I read this book in an afternoon, and enjoyed it enough to not want to put it down. Easy read and interesting.
June 19, 2016
Ok this book was so good I was engrossed in it from sitting in the car, booking stirring while holing the book in the other hand I loved it Maris is a strong young main character with just enough vulnerability and a young minded ( instead of thinking like a 30ish life experienced women) which I think this author has nailed it now let's see about dirick I loved him so much he's strong and smexty but also not so macho he can win easily when he's in a fight and can admit his feeling weather his annoyance or respect or even love all in a very manly way of course I enjoyed the plot twists and action, I really felt for Maris he was a good father and a lovely husband and I also really enjoyed Bon he grew on me lol now I can only say that the mother Allegra was about as useful and as bright as a bucket of rocks I didn't have an opinion either way until Michelle came into it to be fair .and the sister brother omg that's a twister but that is the amazing thing about this author she's done a brilliant story will I be buying more books heck yes lol
January 28, 2014
The story kept me captivated from beginning to end. It made me run the tumult of emotions, one minute I would be laughing, the next I could be angry, or crying. A book that can make me feel all that is a great one. I see in a couple of reviews that some people weren't happy about the ending. Yes it was very sudden, but it 'fit', there were no loose ends, and all that happened made sense. I for one also would never give a one star review based on an ending rather than give a review based on the book in it's entirety. I recommend this book 100% hence the 5 stars.
September 23, 2021
This book takes place in England during the time of lords and ladies, and kings courts. It is about
Makris and Derek, Makris was the daughter of a Lord, spoiled somewhat but a good herbal healer. She loved the people of her kingdom. Her father tried to make her marry a young Lord, she did not love him and leaned on Derek a stranger in her kingdom undercover looking for the murderer of his father and others. They became close friends in the end and fell deeply in love. He was her knight in shining armor. this was a good read.
Makris and Derek, Makris was the daughter of a Lord, spoiled somewhat but a good herbal healer. She loved the people of her kingdom. Her father tried to make her marry a young Lord, she did not love him and leaned on Derek a stranger in her kingdom undercover looking for the murderer of his father and others. They became close friends in the end and fell deeply in love. He was her knight in shining armor. this was a good read.
August 30, 2014
This was an unforgettable story from one of my favorite time periods to read about. I don't recall reading anything else by the author, but I will certainly continue this series. The story and characters were outstanding.
The plot had unusual twists and turns, intrigue, romance, suspense and of course, the evil knight who is looking out for his own gains. Great story. It was included in the Five Unforgettable Knights set and it was nice to give different authors a try for a great price.
The plot had unusual twists and turns, intrigue, romance, suspense and of course, the evil knight who is looking out for his own gains. Great story. It was included in the Five Unforgettable Knights set and it was nice to give different authors a try for a great price.
January 10, 2016
Wow. Though at times the old language is hard to understand, this book had me glued to it. SO MUCH happened in this book and although at least half of it you could have guessed beforehand, I thought it was still a really full enjoyable experience. I don't give 4 stars that often but I'd say this one earned it.
May 17, 2012
I really enjoyed this series. The only thing that bugged me a little was that the stories were a bit similar in places but there was enough difference between the characters and circumstances to allow one to skip over that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews