Penelope Beatty made up her mind long ago she would live and die a Scottish warrior not a wife. But when nearly all her clan is killed and she is betrayed, she loathes doing the unthinkable, but must seek the help of an Englishman who owed her father his life.
Thomas Godfrey never married, but when a Scottish warrior lass shows up needing his aid, he finds her both annoying and irresistible. But the last thing he wants is to marry a woman who fights alongside him. If he was going to marry—which he isn’t—it would be to a soft, submissive woman. But when the Lady Brithwin meets the Scottish lass, she’s sure she’s found the perfect match for Thomas and nothing is going to stop her from seeing a summer wedding.
Sword of Forgiveness blurb:
After the death of her cruel father, Brithwin is determined never again to live under the harsh rule of any man. Independent and resourceful, she longs to be left alone to manage her father’s estate. But she soon discovers a woman has few choices when the king decrees she is to marry Royce, the Lord of Rosencraig. As if the unwelcome marriage isn’t enough, her new husband accuses her of murdering his family, and she is faced with a challenge of either proving her innocence or facing possible execution.
Royce of Hawkwood returns home after setting down a rebellion to find his family brutally murdered. When all fingers point to his betrothed and attempts are made on his life, Royce must wade through murky waters to uncover the truth. Yet Brithwin’s wise and kind nature begin to break down the walls of his heart, and he soon finds himself in a race to discover who is behind the evil plot before Brithwin is the next victim.
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Bio:
Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children's Director. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.
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Excerpt:
Good morning, Brithwin. It’s good to have you with us today. Since you played a large part in Thomas and Penelope’s relationship I thought it might be fun to get your insight on the new couple. So I’m just going to jump in and ask you some questions.
After all these years what made you decide that Thomas needed a wife now?
I am just returning the favor he did for me and Royce. (She grins) You do remember that he decided who I should marry and not only that but sent a message to the king informing him the marriage was welcome. That was not really true, although Thomas argues that it was very welcome in his eyes and did nothing wrong. And though I did have a choice as to whether I married Royce or not, Thomas was a father figure to me, always looking out for me when my ‘father’ was alive, so his influence was great on me. Yes, I did have a choice in the marriage in lots of ways, but it dinna feel that way because Thomas reminded me I had my people to think about as well as other things. But in all seriousness, the reason I decided I’d like to see Thomas find a wife is that after marrying Royce (and once we got through those early rough months) I saw how he completed me. I thought I was happy being under no man, but
Royce’s love makes me happy and Thomas sacrificed his early years looking out for me, I want him to have someone to love and that loves him. He deserves to be happy.
What made you think Penelope was the one?
I dinna know that in the beginning. What I did see was Thomas’s reaction to her. I’d never seen his eyes light up like they did when Penelope was around. He might have pretended there was no interest in her but I saw beyond his denial.
Knowing that she was a female warrior for a Scottish clan, and knowing how much strife has been between your country and hers, what made you think the two could overcome those obstacles?
I will admit that the warrior part was a concern. I ken my Master-at- Arms and he is no’ in favor of women fighting on the battlefield. He would never have allowed a woman here at Hawkwood to fight beside the men. And Penelope was no’ too fond of us English to be sure, but in my heart I ken if Royce and I could overcome all the things we faced—me being accused of murdering his family, him believing I was behind his family’s murders, and not liking each other—that Thomas and Penelope could somehow see past their differences.
You seemed to trust Penelope from the moment you met her. Why is that?
There were several reasons I felt I could. But more than anything it was the pain I saw in her when she spoke of losing her clan. No one could feign the hurt I saw in her. And then there was also the desire to help the few that were left. I understand that need to care for those we are responsible for. That need to help goes vera deep and one who understands it can see it in others.
Why do you think Thomas will make a good husband for Penelope?
Thomas is a good man. No’ too many men would give up so much of their life and risk the wrath of their lord to look after a child—be her protector. But Thomas did. He kept me safe and alive. The man has a vera large heart. He’s also a strong leader and will take care of Penelope. She will need a man who
is strong because she will not be easily intimidated.
Why do you think Penelope would be a good wife for Thomas?
Weel, Penelope was devoted to her father. She gave up her hopes of marriage to fulfill what he desired. That, my friend, is a woman who loves with her whole heart. I ken if she could love my Thomas like she loved her father, he could no’ find a better woman to marry. She would stand beside him always. (Brithwin giggles) Although I dinna think he will be any too happy when it is on the battlefield!
Thank you for coming on and visiting with us today, Brithwin. It’s good to see you again.
’Tis truly my pleasure. As many of you ken I love to talk so if you have any questions for me, Please feel free to ask me.
MY REVIEW:
Sword of the Matchmaker is a wonderful short Medieval Era story. Penelope Beatty's desire is to be a fighter for her beautiful Scottish homeland and intends to never marry to do so. Tragedy strikes and she has no choice but to turn to an Englishman, Thomas Godfrey, for help. Thomas is the Master at Arms at Hawkwood Castle. Thomas is not sure what to think of this Scottish warrior, but Lady Brithwin, the lady of the castle, has decided Penelope and Thomas are a perfect match. How will these two deal with the lady playing matchmaker?
I have to say that I love Sword of the Matchmaker. I was hooked from the start, seeing the strength and the determination of Penelope My heart just ached for her when she did not know where to turn. That is, until she meets Thomas. I just love catching up with Lady Brithwin - the main character from Debbie Lynn Costello's Sword of Forgiveness. She is still that lovable character and it was fun to see her try to get Penelope and Thomas together. I hope to see these characters in another book in the near future.
5+ stars.
GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
On top of the rafflecopter giveaway I’ll give away a copy of Sword of the Matchmaker (if you have purchased the book you can choose one of my other books) if we have 10 different commenters. Leave a comment or ask me or Brithwin a question to be entered.
PLUS:
Don’t forget to enter in the RAFFLECOPTER, too! There will be lots of ways to earn points. I’ll be giving away a kindle fire with Sword of the Matchmaker, $15 Amazon gift card and much more!
