The Queen's Fencer — Caitlin Scott-Turner

In this swashbuckling historical romance, Ardys Trevallon is the strong-willed daughter of Queen Elizabeth's fencing master, and a master fencer herself. She is taken prisoner by Desmond Kirkconnell, a scoundrel and rogue who eventually wins her heart. The Queen's Fencer is their love story, moving from the glittering court of the Queen to the dense forests of northern Ireland, to the lush tropical islands of the Caribbean, and back to the beaches of Cornwall. Desmond and Ardys are separated by treachery, misfortune and mischance, and by the deceit of Desmond's rival pirate, the suave but villainous Frenchman Francois de la Roche, who kidnaps Ardys. Kirkconnell searches the seas for his lost love and for revenge against his enemy. Filled with court intrigue, heartfelt love, swordfights, sea battles and vivid characters, The Queen's Fencer is a thrilling tale of passion set in a fascinating era of history.

Caitlin Scott-Turner has traveled extensively throughout the United Kingdom with her husband (who is, of course, British). They live in the Boston area. The Queen's Fencer is Caitlin's first novel. (20050315)