cover image The Knight's Bride

The Knight's Bride

Lyn Stone. Harlequin Books, $4.99 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-373-29045-1

Highland warrior Sir Alan of Strode is aptly called Alan the True, because he refuses to lie. The one time he stretches the truth, he soon learns to regret it. At the deathbed of a friend, he is asked to read, and hopefully agree to, this friend's wishes as written in his will. Sir Alan--illiterate though proud--pretends to read the will and agrees to what he says he has just read. Too late, he realizes he is obligated to marry his friend's pregnant wife, Lady Honor. The mischievous lady needs a protector against her irate father and a rejected suitor, who threatens to appear and cause trouble at any moment. Like Sir Alan, Lady Honor hasn't always been honest (she secretly changed the wording of the will), and she too will soon suffer the consequences--possibly with the loss of all their lives. Stone has done herself proud with this delightful story that incorporates a cast of endearing characters and a fresh, innovative plot. (Jan.)