From Library Journal
When Lady Eadyth, the legendary Silver Jewel of Northumbria, strides into Ravenshire Castle to propose marriage, Eirik, Lord of Ravenshire, is appalled; but her reasons are compelling and Eirik is intrigued. This infuriatingly independent beekeeper heroine and handsome, but unpolished, tenth-century nobleman provide plenty of sparks and conflict in a passionate story that, despite cliches and a lack of trust on the part of both hero and heroine, will keep readers involved to the end. The novel won the Georgia Romance Writers' Maggie award for the best unpublished historical romance in 1993. Hill (The Reluctant Viking, Love Spell, 1994) is the recipient of Virginia Romance Writers' award for the best first book. [Hill lives in State College, Pa.]Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Literary Times
Known as the Silver Jewel of Northumbria because of the unique color of her hair, Lady Eadyth of Hawk's Lair is young, beautiful and headstrong. When she succumbs to the overwhelming charms of the handsome Steven of Gravely, and gives herself to him, it is not a pleasant experience for her, and she does not care to repeat it. Steven refuses to marry her and later she bears his illegitimate son. She is now known as the Tarnished Jewel. Several years go by and despite her shame and reputation, Eadyth prospers on her own as an industrious beekeeper. Now Steven needs his son to gain his inheritance. Eadyth absolutely hates Steven and she will not allow him custody of her son, John. Eadyth needs a husband to protect John, but more importantly, she needs a man with dark hair and light blue eyes like John's so he can claim paternity. She needs Eirik of Ravenshire. Disguising herself as a hag, Eadyth goes, uninvited, to see Eirik at Ravenshire to present a marriage proposition that will benefit him, and allow her to retain her freedom. Eirik is not looking for a wife, and certainly not a hag, but when Eadyth explains her situation to him and tells him that Steven of Gravely is John's father, they strike a deal because Steven is his most hated enemy. Eirik agrees and they marry, he will protect them from Steven, but he is not able to protect himself from Eadyth as their attraction for each other grows. He is surprised at his desire for this shrewish woman and then suddenly he uncovers her dishonest disguise. He distrusts her because of her deceit in hiding her true appearance and because she has a problem following his orders. There is a confrontation with Steven, and Eadyth takes matters into her own hands, with serious results.I thoroughly enjoyed The Tarnished Lady! It is witty, and the banter between Eadyth and Eirik is so funny I laughed out loud! The Tarnished Lady shines! Wonderful, humorous, dialogue! The characters are fabulous and it is a totally delightful reading experience! Sandra Hill has style and flare! She writes with witty, flowing humor -- so real I can just see and hear her delightful characters! The Tarnished Lady is an absolutely terrific tale! Sandra Hill's writing is outstanding and so refreshingly funny! The Tarnished Lady is an intriguing story with a wonderful romance between two strong, feisty characters. You won't want to miss this one!Gloria Miller -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved

ANNOTATION

Banished for bearing a child out of wedlock, Lady Eadyth spends her days tending bees. But when her son's father threatens to reveal the boy's true paternity and seize her lands, Lady Eadyth turns to Eirik of Ravenshire--England's most virile bachelor--and offers him a chaste marriage in exchange for revenge on his most hated enemy. Eirik soon succumbs to the sweet sting of the tarnished lady's love. Original.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Banished for bearing a child out of wedlock, Lady Eadyth spends her days tending bees. But when her son's father threatens to reveal the boy's true paternity and seize her lands, Lady Eadyth turns to Eirik of Ravenshire--England's most virile bachelor--and offers him a chaste marriage in exchange for revenge on his most hated enemy. Eirik soon succumbs to the sweet sting of the tarnished lady's love.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal