Hana Samek Norton

Hana Samek Norton joins the popular historical fiction scene with The Sixth Surrender, a spellbinding, lovely debut for historical fiction/historical romance readers.

Set in the thirteen century, young Juliana (also known as Sister Eustace) lives a content life as a humble nun, but as the only heir to Tillieres, she desires to protect and keep her home which, of course, requires that she marry. Not only must she marry, but Juliana must pledge herself to the powerful French queen, Alienor (also known as Eleanor) of Aquitaine. It's not long until Juliana is swept into Alienor's complex court plots and intrigues while having to juggle an unloving and abusive husband who only wants to be rid of her.

Norton paints a fascinating and detailed portrait of thirteenth century life, as well as three-dimensional characters that grow with the turn of each page. Juliana, for example, begins as a meek, timid and frankly uninteresting character who doesn't fight back. But as the story unfolds, she asserts her wants and grows stronger. I was particularly happy to see this, especially since her growth felt natural on the page. Juliana's husband, Guerin, is despicable for the majority of the novel, but ends up in a much better place by the end.

Speaking of the end, while I enjoyed the novel, I actually had mixed feelings about the ending. On one level is was unsatisfying, but on further reflection it was a sweet, almost soap opera-like that romance fans should enjoy.… (mehr)