In 1591 England, young Elizabeth Hilliard falls deeply in love with William Bateman, son of an aristocratic Norwich family, unbeknownst to him. She begins a diary of love, documenting her sightings and knowledge of him, and her enduring belief that she will eventually be his wife. Two years later, an adventurous William travels to Rhodes, where he is taken prisoner and tortured until he renounces his faith. This he cannot do. He relieves his pain in song, which is heard over the prison walls by the governor’s daughter, Safiye. Instantly in love, she rescues William and facilitates his passage back to England. Before he leaves, they both pledge that in seven years they will find each other and marry. Growing responsibilities in England prevent William from fulfilling his oath. Meanwhile, he meets Elizabeth and gradually declares his love for her. He agrees to marry many years hence. After a faithful seven years, Safiye must decide on a course of action.

Basing his novel on the British ballad ‘Lord Bateman,’ Hantover is a masterful storyteller with an enviable command of language. His dedication to every word and line, and the lyrical beauty of his prose, make this a measured and compelling read. Told alternately by Elizabeth, William and Safiye, dialogue is scarce, and the thoughts and experiences of the protagonists are internalised through the prose. It reads like an epic poem, or a fairy tale with a beautiful princess in a dashing reverse role. Elizabeth is the first-person voice and the strongest. Several phrases familiar to us determine the main themes: love at first sight; my word is my bond; I’m duty/honour-bound. Readers who enjoy romantic fairy tales full of emotional conflict will find this a deeply moving, poignant read.

Excerpt:
This novel by Jeffrey Hantover is full of culture clash. The handling of a wild-caught falcon on the Norwich estate is precedent for the ill-treatment of the captive. Sumptuous luxury interspersed with festering cells is all we see of Rhodes. Lord Bateman has to earn his life, not once or twice, but three times, as in all the traditional tales. Yet Safiye has to take a far greater step into the unknown, becoming the real hero of this account.

Another welcome character is Will Kemp, one of Shakespeare’s comrades on the stage, who is shown in the midst of a genuine feat of dancing every step of the way on a long journey over poor roads. Author Jeffrey Hantover is an American who lived in Hong Kong for some years and writes on Asian art and culture. THE FORENOON BRIDE is his second book. Anyone who wants an immersive story of intrigue, romance, and tension in this historical setting is in for a treat. One flavoured with pigeon breast, roast swan, sherbet drink, and the salt of the sea.

Two teenage girls in the middle ages one in Türkiye and one in England both are in love with William he knows of one and made a oath to her for his freedom after being arrested as a spy and she helped him get released. But when he returns to England he is not greeted by his loving family the only survivor this is uncle Simmons and he is so old even the servants are stealing from him and he doesn’t know. William is desperately needed to fix up the estate he never thought he would be the head of and what about Elizabeth? Elizabeth was in love with William his older brother married her cousin and this is all she knew of him only William never knew how Elizabeth felt this is where the story really starts and as the story goes along William will have a choice to make keep his oath or not. I can say with all confidence that this is my favorite historical romance ever I loved this book not only because Jeffrey Hanover not only gives humanity to the villains but write in the way that we understand where they’re coming from and so we don’t totally dislike the bad guys all that much. Not only that I love a romance when you don’t know how it’s going to end and although I do love those where you know the couple will wind up together but this one not only has the question of who will William wind up with but the great storyline to go with it. I love this book so much and highly recommend it it is such a great historical romance and it is historically accurate in every way intriguing and in the end gives you all the great feelings you read romances for. What a great book… Oh yes I said that. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

A compelling and well written story. I liked the characters and the well researched historical background.
The language is fascinating and the author is a good storyteller
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

This was a good book. I like the storyline and the writing was very well done.
I just reviewed The Forenoon Bride by Jeffrey Hantover. #TheForenoonBride #NetGalley
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The story moved quite slowly, more than expected but the language was colourful and on the whole it was a good read. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book