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Since I read Diana Gabaldon’s fabulous novel, Outlander, a couple of years ago, I have always been on the lookout for intriguing time travel romances. So, when I happened upon a review of this book, my interest was instantly piqued. Because it is out of print–which is very odd for such a wonderful novel–I immediately purchased a copy online.

I cannot think of a better way I could have spent $7, shipping and all.

Celine Fontaine finds herself at her family’s French chateau on New Year’s Eve, 1993. Early into the story we learn that she has suffered some traumatic event; and, as a result, she will die in only a few months if she does not undergo a risky surgical procedure. Unable to sustain a facade of false cheerfulness for the remainder of the evening, Celine slips away from the party before the clock strikes midnight. And she trails through the halls of the chateau, glancing at the letters craved above every door way: an entwined G and R. She assumes the letters stand for Sir Gaston de Varennes, the original owner of the chateau, and his wife, Lady Rosalind or “Lady R.” Once in her room, she changes into a scanty bit of French lingerie called a teddy and begins rummaging in her pink purse for an aspirin. But at that moment the clock strikes midnight and a shaft of moonlight streaks into her window. It falls upon Celine and suddenly she feels herself collapsing toward the floor. Then–darkness.
She awakes in a pitch-black room which she believes is her own until she feels a strong male arm wrapped around her waist. She squeaks and scrambles out of the bed, convinced that this man beside her is some sort of intruder. The man is, of course, Sir Gaston de Varennes; and the year? 1300. The ensuing scene is wonderful and tense, and the tension only mounts once Gaston mistakenly identifies Celine as Christiane: the ward of his arch rival. And his intended bride-to-be.
Gaston has already vowed not to consummate the marriage since he was against it from the first. Indeed, his original plan was to marry Lady Rosalind so that he might regain a portion of the lands he lost when his father and brother were slain in a tourney. Gaston suspects Tourelle planned their deaths.
That is, essentially, the crux of the plot. I see that a previous reviewer referred to Gaston as “overbearing, rude, and self-centered.” Well, in truth–he is all of the three and neither of the three. When we first met Gaston, he is an arrogant, overconfident young man who has the world at his feet. Yet, he has lost his father and brother and lands, something he blames himself for because he was not present at the tourney. He is also, like a typical French man, a great lover of women; he apologies to Celine before he discovers her “true” identity because he fears he may have hurt her when they were in bed together. So our initial glimpse of Gaston is a positive one in which he is portrayed as suave and charming. That is, until he believes Celine to be Christiane.
At once, we see a different side. He does cool considerably toward her, and he is downright rude at first, but we soon learn it is merely a means to shield himself from the intense longing he feels for Celine. A woman has never affected him as has she.
In time we see the true Gaston: a man prone to authoritativeness and pride, yet also tenderness, fierce loyalty, and honor.

Now, there is one other point I should note–Gaston NEVER cheated on Celine–he only led her to believe he did (and the reason for this is eventually revealed).

In short, I loved, loved, loved, every minute of this tale, even the rather outlandish ending. When you begin praying for the characters, you know the novel is a keeper. Celine and Gaston embark on a series of medieval adventures, and Celine finds herself encountering what can only be described as a “hands-on” experience of the middle ages. I cannot believe I had not heard of this title sooner! It is a gem of a novel, and I do not understand why it is out of print. Snatch a copy of it while you still can–I assure you you will not be disappointed.

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LOVED THIS BOOK. Good ol Rick Steve did not disappoint us. Used this on a trip to Paris with my husband and were so glad we had it with us. Used it for food choices, our itinerary, ways to avoid lines (saved us SO much time), etc. BUY IT! You’ll be glad you did!

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