If I Had You

September 15, 2000
Anne of Fenwyck has had only one wish: to live forever at Artane, her grand foster home, with Robin de Piaget, the heir. Her father wants her married, but she rejects all suitors, even though Robin has rejected her. Anne believes that he is appalled by her limp, the result of a crippling childhood accident, but Robin, who has always loved her, berates himself for not protecting her and avoids her out of shame, not repulsion. He has been away at war for a long time, hoping to prove himself worthy of Anne. When they meet again, however, both are unable to reveal their true feelings. Then castle life is thrown into upheaval as an unknown assailant tries to hurt Anne, which forces Robin to act on his love. Kurland brings history to life with her dramatization of the responsibilities of the lord of a keep to his large extended family in this tender medieval romance. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2000, American Library Association.)