Lady of the Lake

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Keeper Of The Ancient Secrets

Tala ap Griffin was both princess and priestess to the people of Arden Wood. And Lord Edon Halfdansson had succumbed to her mysterious charms. But was her power simple woodland sorcery, or the force of eternal love?

His liege had decreed that Edon, Wolf of Warwick, return to his lair and take to wife the bewitching Tala, uniting their warring fiefdoms in peace—though a marriage bed shared with the fiery princess could prove nothing more than a battlefield!

297 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1,1997

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About the author

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Marietta Kay(e?) Garcia is a native San Antonian, who knew by the age of eleven how to spin a good yarn according to every teacher she ever faced. She's spent the past twenty years making up fo r all her transgressions on the opposite side of the teacher's desk, and the last five working exclusively with troubled children. She particularly loves an ethnic hero and married one of her own eighteen years ago. But it wasn't until their youngest, a daughter, was two years old that life calmed down enough for this writer to fulfill the dream she'd always hadof becoming a novelist.

Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 9 votes)
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9 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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This was an extremely well-written romance novel.

The plot was robust and engaging, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

The emotions within the story ran high, tugging at the heartstrings and making the reader truly invested in the characters' relationships.

The characters themselves were carefully crafted and well thought out, making them highly believable and relatable.

Moreover, there was just the right amount of magic and fantasy elements added to the mix, which elevated the novel to a less trashy genre compared to most others of its kind.

It was a truly captivating read that combined the best of romance, drama, and a touch of the supernatural, resulting in a unique and enjoyable literary experience.

Overall, this romance novel was a shining example of how to create a story that not only entertains but also touches the reader's soul.

July 15,2025
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I've treasured this book for almost 15 years. As a teenager, I read it and instantly fell in love with its Celtic and Pagan imagery. My teenage years were more difficult than those of most. I struggled with the concept of religion, and this book was one of the first to introduce me to Paganism.

Although I eventually drifted away from Paganism, some things have remained with me over the past 15 years or so. I've held onto this book for such a long time, remembering it in a much better light than I found it today. The problem isn't the religion; it's the content. Unfortunately, older romance novels often followed a formula that we now recognize as manipulation, emotional abuse, and in some cases, romanticized rape. This book, unfortunately, combines these elements with unexplained insta-love and a man who preys on the weakness of the woman he is to marry.

Don't misunderstand me. I realize that things often happened this way, or even worse, hundreds of years ago, but that doesn't mean we should perpetuate it now because of how things were. The Pagan religious rites and aspects are still as interesting to me as they were 15 years ago, although now I know they aren't entirely accurate. After finishing this book this morning, I realized that, similar to Tala, I spent my teenage years searching for any sign that there was a true higher power, something I could look to for salvation that I ultimately could only obtain for myself.

I think, similar to my struggles then, it's best to leave this book in the past as well.
July 15,2025
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Uma história em que o herói fica confuso porque não pode bater na própria esposa.



This is a story that presents a complex situation. The hero finds himself in a state of confusion. He is faced with a dilemma where he is unable to hit his own wife.


The idea of hitting one's spouse is not only morally wrong but also goes against the principles of love and respect in a relationship. The hero's confusion might stem from his internal struggle between his emotions and what he knows to be right.


Perhaps there are underlying issues in their relationship that have led to this moment of turmoil. Maybe there has been an argument or a misunderstanding that has pushed the hero to the brink of taking such a drastic step.


However, in the end, his conscience prevails, and he realizes that violence is not the answer. This story serves as a reminder that in any relationship, communication and understanding are key.


Rather than resorting to physical aggression, it is important to work through problems and find peaceful solutions. The hero's moment of confusion becomes a turning point, leading him to a deeper understanding of the importance of treating his wife with kindness and respect.

July 15,2025
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I really don't like giving books bad reviews. It's not something I enjoy doing at all. I always try to approach different types of literature, especially period literature or romance, with an open mind and take the portrayal of submissive women with a grain of salt. However, when I read a particular line in this book that just made me lose all interest. The hero wonders how he's supposed to control a woman that he can't beat because lightning struck him when he tried to take a belt to her. Seriously? That's just unacceptable. And when she said she realized that she loved him right after that, I literally rolled my eyes. I should have shut the book after he nearly raped her in the beginning. For real. This kind of content is just not something I can stomach or recommend to others. It's a real disappointment.

July 15,2025
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I'm not usually interested in books about Vikings, but this one fell into my hands and, to be honest, it made me have a good time. It is quite diverse, ranging from being a historical book to including elements of magic and Christianity.


One criticism: The ending, which is what deducts points. Especially the last sentence, is something I completely disagree with. I would have liked a more hopeful message and in line with the personality of the protagonist.


This book has its strengths and weaknesses. The diverse content makes it engaging and interesting, taking the reader on a journey through different aspects of Viking life and beliefs. However, the ending could have been improved to provide a more satisfying conclusion.


Overall, despite the flaw in the ending, I still enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others who are interested in Vikings or historical fiction with a touch of magic.

July 15,2025
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A so-so read.

I think the book could have used a little more editing. For instance, at the end of chapter 8, an evil character stumbles upon a young boy, a prince, who she wants dead, and they scuffle. The last two lines read: \"...she made certain the gamely limping atheling of Leam was her captive forever...She saw to it that he broke his neck.\" So I'm gasping, thinking that she has just killed the young prince.

Then I turn the page, and lo and behold, the scuffle is interrupted and the prince is saved. And yet it said \"he broke his neck!\". This kind of inconsistency really threw me off and irritated me.

There were other times when a chapter or section would end, and the next one would start and I would feel like something got left out. It made the reading experience a bit disjointed.

Anyway, in the end of course I still enjoyed this light romance. The story had its charming moments and the characters were somewhat likable. However, it wasn't enough to bother seeking out anything else by this author. I'm left with a feeling of disappointment in the overall execution of the book.

Maybe with better editing and more attention to detail, this could have been a really great read. But as it stands, it's just an average one.
July 15,2025
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I really enjoyed this historical tale set in very old England.

It is filled with elements that make it truly captivating. There is sorcery, which adds an air of mystery and magic to the story.

There is also an arranged marriage, which brings in the complexity of social norms and expectations of that era.

And then there is the mystery of a missing husband from a different marriage, which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, wondering what happened to him.

The characters in this tale are interesting and well-developed. Each one has their own unique personality and motives, which makes them feel real and relatable.

The storyline runs smoothly, without any jarring transitions or plot holes. It flows naturally from one event to the next, keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Overall, this historical tale is a great read for anyone who enjoys stories set in the past, filled with mystery, magic, and romance.
July 15,2025
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The Witch and the Viking.


This is a rather charming tale, nothing overly special and lacking in intense emotions apart from a gentle plot. It has understandable plot twists and the inappropriate historical conversion by the last pagan remnants of the summer kingdom.


In short, it could have been better. However, this story was more about coexistence and the mutual respect of the parties involved rather than just love.


It seems that the author was aiming for a light-hearted and somewhat simplistic narrative. While it may not have had the depth and complexity to truly engage the reader on a profound level, it still manages to tell a story that is easy to follow and enjoy.


Perhaps with a bit more development of the characters and a more detailed exploration of the historical context, this story could have been elevated to a higher level. But as it stands, it is a pleasant enough read that offers a brief escape into a world of witches and Vikings.

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