Five Gold Rings

These charming stories are all set at Menton Castle during Christmastime 1155 and feature tales from the perspectives of the minstrels, hosts, guests, and servants. I recommend reading them in order. The first, "Two Turtledoves," is the minstrels' story and was my second favorite. Pippa and Damien are not what they seem. Great ending. There is some confusion about the author; the title page says Flora Speers, but the story lists Stobie Piel at the top. The second story, by Stobie Piel or Flora Speers, "A Partridge in a Pear Tree," features the hosts, Lord Robert and Lady Elisa. Lord Robert takes his wife for granted. Great character development. Constance O'Banyon's "Eleven Pipers Piping" highlights two guests whose marriage had been arranged, Lady Eleanor, and James, a Scotsman. Neither desires the marriage. The last story, "Three French Hens" by Lynsay Sands, was my favorite. Lady Joan also has an arranged marriage, so in order to avoid her betrothed (Royce of Thurleah) at the gathering, she contracts a look-alike servant girl, Brinna, into changing places with her. There isn't much time to train Brinna and the resulting missteps are very funny. There is quite a surprising and satisfying ending. This is my favorite Christmas anthology so far.

Twelve Days. In the year of our Lord, 1155, Menton Castle was the same as any other: It had nobles and minstrels, knights and servants. Yet from the great hall to the scullery there were signs that the house was in an uproar. This Yuletide season was to be the one of passion and merriment. The master of the keep had returned. Four loves. With him had come several travelers, some weary with laughter, some tired of tears. But in all of their stories--whether lords a leapin' or maids a milkin'--there was one gift that their true loves gave to them. And in the winter moonlight, each of the castle's inhabitants would soon see the magic of the season and the joy that could come from Five Gold Rings.

I ordered this book because it featured two authors i love very much, Constance O'banyon and Lynsay Sands. Though this is the first book i've read with a collection of stories. I loved this book! each story anticipates the other. my favorite, however was the last story, only lyndsay Sands could come up with the unanticipated ending twist. i recomend it as i would recommend any book by these two authors