An Uncertain Choice

Gr 8 Up—Lady Rosemarie Montfort was orphaned at age 14. Since that day, she has ruled her family's lands with the help of the abbot and has mentally prepared herself to enter the convent on her upcoming 18th birthday, in accordance with her parents' wishes and the Ancient Vow. The arrival of the Duke of Rivenshire, a family friend, throws all of Rosemarie's plans into disarray when he announces that there may be an exception to the Vow. If Rosemarie can fall in love and marry before her birthday—just four weeks away—she could continue to live among her people and be an active ruler rather than cloistered behind walls. In order to help Rosemarie make her choice, the duke has brought along three young knights to woo her and help her find true love. Although Rosemarie hesitates to deviate from her plan, she goes against the abbot's wishes and decides to give love a chance. But when potentially deadly accidents befall the knights competing for her affections, Rosemarie has to decide if love is worth the risk. There are few surprises in this historical fiction for teens. Savvy readers will know from the get-go who the villain is and which knight will win Rosemarie's hand. This book doesn't shy away from the less pretty parts of medieval times, such as illness, disease, poverty, and criminal torture.