There is perhaps no excitement quite like the news that one of your favourite writers is bringing out a new book. I let out an involuntary yelp of delight when I learned that the lovely Joy Margetts was soon to publish the latest in her series of novels set in medieval Wales.
Joy and I began our published writing career at the same time with the same publisher and there has always been a special bond between us. We write in completely different genres, but I have learned so much from her.
‘The Bride’ follows on from ‘The Healing’ and ‘The Pilgrim’ and all three novels share some of the characters and are set largely in thirteenth century Wales. Opening up my beautiful new book, sniffing it appreciatively (yes, dear reader, book sniffing is a thing), I was transported to Swansea Castle in the winter of 1222. The protagonist is a young woman named Efa. When we first meet her, she has just become betrothed. However, this is no love match. As was often the case, Efa is part of a business deal and as the first chapters unfold, we begin to learn what is going on in the background.
‘She was just a fortuitous asset, a nameless pawn …’
Joy is able to transport her readers back to an unfamiliar time without them even realising that they have left the twenty-first century. As Efa steps over the threshold of her new home, I could smell the fragrant rushes on the floor and the enticing aromas of cooking meat. Not only must the new bride adjust to married life with a man she doesn’t know, but she is also now a stepmother and the mistress of a fine house. What sets this novel apart is Joy’s lyrical and flowing writing style, her superb plotting and characterisation and her rare ability to weave a thread of authentic faith and spirituality through her tale. Many try and fail to achieve this, but Efa’s gradual progression from scared teenager to mature woman of faith is beautifully and believably told.
‘The Bride’ is the third in a series and as the author of a trilogy myself, I know how difficult it is to keep weaving your story, bringing in new characters and making reference to former ones. Efa is mentioned in Joy’s other books, but here she is front and centre and the tapestry of narrative creativity begun in the first two novels is added to very greatly here.
The challenges and sore points and difficult dynamics of blended family life are all expertly written. Sulky, angry teenagers, violent men with a point to prove, patient and compassionate women who hardly anyone notices – they’re all here, all part of this gripping tale and all part of the bigger picture. It’s clever stuff and the really remarkable part is how easy the author makes it look. Even if you gave me a stack of reference books on medieval Wales and took me to some ruined abbeys, I would be no more able to write an engaging and believable book about them than I would be able to fly to the moon.
I was not expecting the denouement which took me completely by surprise. I will only say that a huge beam spread over my face as I reached the final chapters. To find out why, you’ll have to buy a copy for yourself and I would heartily advise that you do so. Joy’s writing is always a delight, she handles the twin themes of faith and spirituality with grace and warmth and this book is a beautiful thing. As always, the cover design is immaculate, and each chapter is bookended with extracts from the Song of Solomon.
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You can buy your very own copy from Joy’s website, joymargetts.com, Christian bookshops, and Amazon. You can read my previous review of Joy’s book The Pilgrim and my Chat with Joy Margetts from March 2021.
I received an advanced reader copy but was not obligated to provide a favourable review.