The Triumphs of Justine

The Four Knights, Book 4

By: Kenneth V. Bloom

Narrated by: Ann Osmond

Justine de Montclaire has always idolized her father, decrying the fact that she is a female, wishing she could be a strong, noble knight. She is well past the age when she should be married, has entertained numerous suitors, and found all of them unacceptable.

Her mother and father are desperate. But the de Montclaire family has one big advantage: They are among the handful of most powerful Norman leaders. When an opportunity to arrange a marriage between Justine and Lionel d'Auberge arises - an alliance between two families that would be highly advantageous - her parents jump at the chance.

And so it is that Lionel journeys to meet and woo Justine. He arrives and is led to the training fields where de Montclaire’s army is sharpening their swordsmanship skills. Imagine his surprise when a soldier is summoned, and he discovers it is Justine.

She is in full armor, covered with sweat and grime. Justine is mortified, sure that he will reject her...the first man she would entertain marrying. For the first time in her life, she wants a man and feels the stirrings of her gender. Yet, she is too naïve and unschooled in the art of a woman’s wiles to know what to do.

Ironically, Lionel is drawn to this strange woman, drawn by the prospect of discovering her, and encouraged by the power of an alliance with de Montclaire. So begins Justine's transformation from knight to lady.

Ah, but the process is not quickly and easily accomplished. Justine must fight a number of obstacles and triumph in order to find peace, love, and happiness.

©2019 Kenneth V. Bloom (P)2019 Kenneth V. Bloom

Great and interesting story

I really enjoyed this sweet romance. It's filled with rich historical detail about the Middle Ages and Justine and Lionel's relationship is one of mutual caring and respect in addition to attraction. Thanks go to the author for creating a smart, strong, capable (and beautiful) female character and a man who loves her for all that she is. The spiritual element was intriguing as well. The narration really drew me in.

We both loved it!

My daughter and I listened together - which made the adventure even more fun! We loved the romance, and all the elements of story and the historical backdrop made for a great journey. Great cover illustration.

The narration was fantastic and a perfect fit - really brought us into the world!

great summer listen!

love the narration voice and how the world and characters keep coming alive!! keep wanting to know... what happens next!

Not for me!

The story is tedious and boring with little action and lukewarm romance .. it is my first and last read for the author .. the narrator male and female voice are the same .. perhaps she found the story as boring hence the monotonous performance