Estelle Percy’s mother, Emmanuelle was the King’s mistress until she disobeyed an order and was sentenced as an outcast in the convent to serve under the vigilant shadow of the King for the rest of her life. It was a punishment far worse than any torture or death. There she lived, gave birth to Estelle, and then died. Now, years later, King Magnus is dead and his son, Alban, is ruler as the King of Ellan Vannin. Alban may have been young, but he still remembers his father’s banishment of Emmanuelle. Alban never forgot the way Emmanuelle had been dragged out in shame for denying the King’s whim of sleeping with another man. When he learns about the child, Estelle, he feels he has a half-sister until he is told that Emmanuelle had been in love with someone else who sired her daughter.

Estelle is known as the sweet songbird with her lovely voice. Once Alban gazes upon her beauty, he is smitten with the lass. After Estelle begins spending more time at the castle, Alban falls in love with her. Estelle has a way of enchanting him with some silent power. Her singing voice has a way of calming the orphaned children in the church. Alban knows he cannot marry Estelle and gives her to the English Baron, William Percy, to wed. Estelle would much rather marry Alban but she knows even though her heart adores him, she can never have him. With the political issues, he must do what is right and let Estelle go, even though she reigns in his heart. As war ensues with England, lives are torn apart and the love that Alban and Estelle share for the other comes as a crossroads with the Baron in the middle.

The Songbird of Rushen Abbey is a lovely story that had this reader relating to the characters immediately. I like the way the story introduces Emmanuelle and her relationship with King Magnus. He is a king that I could easily grow to dislike. Emmanuelle and Estelle have in-depth ranges of emotions that tug at the heart and allowed this reader to feel their trepidation. Ms. Wiederhold takes a piece in history, blends interesting dialogue and intriguing characters and designs a magnificent tale that absorbs the reader. A strong plot, romance, intense heartfelt love and revenge speak boldly in this attention-grabbing read that transports the reader into a time that truly captivates.

Reviewed by: Linda L.