Hope and Glory is the first I’ve read by Katherine Sutcliffe. The story’s prologue begins in England in the year 1164 with the birth of the hero, and then moves to France in the year 1189. This time period appeals to me, as I love a “knight in shining armor” rescuing damsels in distress.

Roland de Gallienne is a knight loyal to England’s King Henry II. England is at war with France and Roland has been fighting for several years. He is weary of battle. Roland and his troops seek rest and some time to heal at the Abbey of the Miracles, which is rumored to have been the site of a miracle. While sleeping in his room, Roland is attacked and stabbed by an intruder.

Eventually, Roland discovers his attacker is Hope, a young girl living at the abbey with her brother. She believes Roland to be a murderer, as her village was pillaged and the her mother among the many villagers. Hope holds Roland responsible for all of it. Hope also has the ability to foresee the future, which the abbot is taking advantage of.

When Roland discovers Hope’s identity, and the extent of the cruelties Hope and her brother have been subjected to at the hands of the abbot, Roland decides to take them with him and his army, much to the resentment of others. Roland is very angry with Hope for her attempts on his life, and is unsure of the wisdom of bringing her with him. Hope hates Roland with every fiber of her being, and would relish the opportunity to kill him.

Though Roland and Hope start out as enemies, they begin to fall in love. The attraction is clear and felt highly throughout the book, though they do not become intimate for quite a while. This story is well written and exciting. There are twists and turns throughout the story, and a lot of surprises were absolutely stunning.

I really loved these characters. Roland is a strong warrior who has a big heart and is learning who to trust. Hope has inherited a gift she doesn’t want, and that brings her nothing but pain. She also has to learn who to trust. She doesn’t want to, but she realizes Roland is the only one she can trust and eventually love. And in finding love, Hope can be released from her torment.

I recommend Hope and Glory and look forward to reading more from this talented author.