The blurb and the cover gave me sort of high hopes, but i was left bored? The start was sort of interested, but after a while i was just bored and didn`t feel interested or invested in the characters.

Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In this first book of the Medieval Runaway Wives series the abused wife of a Frenchman and an abandoned, rather prickly nobleman find each other and, eventually, love. This topic is a difficult one to treat with sensitivity and I believe the author did set the right tone in terms of character.

Madeleine uses the options open to her and sometimes her decisions seem strange but they do fit the profile of an abused spouse.

The character of Garrett seemed more two dimensional to me and I didn't quite connect with that character or his attraction to Madeleine, which seemed too fast. In addition to the lack of real chemistry I found that some of the language and conversation too contemporary in parts. I could almost hear some of the dialogue in an American accent, which was a bit distracting.

Having said that the plot did engage me and I was interested to see how the protagonists would finally overcome their obstacles.

Unfortunately, I do not feel compelled to finish the series.

Medeleine escaped from her abusive husband. Joining a group of mummers, she entertains playing her lute singing and telling stories. Garrett
Stanbridge hasn't forgotten the young lady he met on his way to London. When he sees her again at a Faire he pays the group to entertain at his estate. Falling in love wasn't part of the plan.
His wife disappeared four years ago and Medeleine is still married. A dilemma for them to be husband and wife. A very gripping love story that seems hopeless. May have triggers from physical abuse. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Can Their Love Survive Her Secrets?

She escaped from an abusive husband. His wife abandoned him and his daughter. A chance meeting changes their lives forever. Madeleine is keeping secrets. She left her husband and keeps telling tall tales. His wife left him for parts unknown. Will that influence how he feels about her? I enjoyed this romance and would recommend it to those who like medieval romance with secrets and mystery.

Third wife of an abusive husband Madeleine Bouchard fears for her life she’s been married three years and has yet to produce an heir. She decides to escape before he decides to murder her. She joins up with a traveling group captivating audiences with her song. Garrett Montayne’s fascination with Madeleine causes him to pay the troupe to journey to stop at his estate. He’s intrigued by Madeline he feels she has a few dark secrets and as they spend time together fall in love, until disaster comes in the shape of her husband to do business with Garrett. A captivating story of love and protection at its best!!! This is a captivating story of two people falling in love and finding a love worth fighting for. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.

Two souls, each with their own problem. Garrett's wife had left him and his daughter without a word. Madeline ran from her husband for his cruelty. He already had two dead wives who had not given him sons and now after three years, neither had she. She was set to get back home to France and then join a convent.
Madeline was on the run and she joined a troop of mummers, while Garrett was actually meeting with her husband about business.. Then they unexpectedly run into each other!
Loved these two and this story! Here story changes many times with her own the run and she has a beautiful voice. Garrett cannot get her out of his mind and he is smitten.
What will happen when he finds out who she is and can he smile and be happy again? But we cannot forget about her terrible husband who is looking for her.
A great page turner and start to a new series!

Setting medieval times in England.
Madeline kind, brave, but scared.
Garrett strong, angry, warrior for those he loves.
Likeable secondary characters lyssa, and Evan
Romance and suspense.

Earl Garrett Montayne could not understand why his wife had left him and their young daughter. When he was told that she was seen riding away with an unknown man, he turned into a bitter man. Their marriage was arranged, but they got along quite well, and he did not believe that their lives were that unbearable. Years went by and he still could not understand why she left. Madeleine Bouchard was desperate to leave her abusive husband, as she feared she would not live much longer. It was common knowledge that his previous wives had all met strange deaths. So, Madeleine set out one dark night to make a clean break from his abuse and hopefully find a new life without fear. Alexa Aston has written his book with plenty of action, passion and hopefully a romance for two love starved individuals.
I enjoyed reading this adventure and found that I could not put down.

Song of the Heart by Alexa Aston is the first in a new series: Medieval Runaway Wives. You would think it would be easier to disappear back then, but it turns out it is not. The world is smaller and it is more difficult to run far enough. Garrett Stanbridge, the Earl of Montayne, has a marriage, although arranged, that has proven to be acceptable. He has a lively daughter, Lyssa, and had lost a son, somwhat recently. His wife, Lynnette was not the love of his life, but life with her was good. . . until she disappeared. His head groom reported she had gone riding, and his steward reported seeing her with a strange knight-several times. He could not believe it, but no matter how long he looked he never found her. Her disappearance turned her into a cold, cruel man...to everyone but Lyssa. Madeleine Bouchard had finally decided to run from her husband. She was afraid that if her attacked her one more time, he would kill her. She sewed all her jewels into the hem of her skirt and snuck away in the middle of the night. Garrett and his friend, Ashby came upon her as she walked and, despite knowing she was lying, helped her make her way to London, where she planned to hire passage on a ship to France, return to her parents, and live the rest of her life in a convent. Her husband was looking for her, knowing what she might do, and had agents at the docks. What happened next, happened for the best and changed her life completely.

Song of the Heart is a touching and heart-breaking story. In medieval times, husband had complete power of their wives: they could beat them and even kill them with impunity. Such was the case with Madeleine, who was a well-written and likable character. He almost succeeded. Luck saved her. Luck and Garrett Stanbridge, who was beyond stubborn. Often the evil characters are better written (or acted) than the good ones. This was not so in this novel. Garrett was good, but Madeleine was multi-dimensional and seemed to live several lives. Twists and turns abound in this intriguing novel of wife abuse in 14th century England. I loved it. I highly recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Song of the Heart by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #songoftheheart

“Song of the Heart” was both an easy and an interesting read. It was certainly a different sort of story and touched on a difficult topic of neglect and abuse. However, despite all the hardship Madeline Bouchard experienced, she was still able to get away from her situation and live.

Although Nobleman Garrett Montaigne was filled with anger and sadness at his wife’s deception, Madeline was able to show him how to be happy and love again.

Book Rating: 3

[** I received a copy of “Song of the Heart” (Runaway Medieval Wives #1) by Alexa Aston via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Thank you to publishers and Netgallery for the opportunity to review this book.]

#SongOfTheHeart #NetGalley

Escaping her brutal husband is Madeleine's first priority, and she makes her escape late at night, only to run into her first obstacle. When she is discovered by Garrett Montayne and his friend, a white lie sets in motion a series of events that she could not have foreseen. Madelaine finally reaches a point where her goal is in sight but has to take cover when her last chance of returning to her parents' home is cut off. Salvation comes in the form of a cheeky tyke and his mother and Madeleine's career as a mummer begins. By chance Garrett comes across Madeleine at a fair and vows not to let her out of his sight again. Despite the underlying brutality of the plot, this is a well written and gentle romance that warms the heart. Garrett makes a wonderful hero as in spite of his own anguish and grief, he determines a way to improve the situation for Madelaine and her troupe of mummers. His friend Ashby brought humour to the story, whilst Madelaine herself wins the reader's respect for overcoming the difficulties and obstacles in her way. I enjoyed this novel and found the characters entertaining. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

3.5 Stars
An earl whose wife abandoned him. A woman fleeing an abusive husband. As the third wife of an abusive French vineyard owner, Madeleine Bouchard hasn’t produced the expected heir after three years of marriage. Fearing he plans to kill her, she flees during a trip to England. Unable to make her way home, she joins a troupe of travelling mummers and reinvents herself as the only woman troubadour in the land, captivating audiences with both song and story. Nobleman Garrett Montayne’s fascination with Madeleine causes him to pay the troupe to bypass their next stop in order to journey to his estate. Though he suspects Madeleine of being a thief with dark secrets, love blossoms between them under the magical moon of summer solstice.
This is a re release book that has been updated & more material added. I found it to be a well written slow burn romance. The characters were well portrayed & had depth, I liked both Madeleine & Garrett but I didn't love them. I found the first half of the book was slow & I found myself skipping through pages but the pace did increase in the second half & truly grabbed me. I was taken on a range of emotions & found some parts to be sad. An enjoyable book & I look forward to the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Song of the Heart ( Medieval Runaway Wives Book1) by Alexa Aston. WOW! What an amazing read! I absolutely loved everything about this book.

Note: Song of the Heart was previously published as Music For My Soul. This second edition contains new material for readers to enjoy."

Meet, Nobleman Garrett Montayne and Madeleine Bouchard. Fast paced, exciting, and unpredictable story. Set mostly in England.
Well written and well excuted story with charming and realistic characters. Filled with awesomeness and suspense. An abusive husband, a runaway wife, and two wounded souls. Will they find their HEA?
Ms. Alston has done an exceptional job of writing a story with spousal abuse and finding love. An absolute delight to read!
#Songoftheheart, "AlexaAston,
#DragonbladePublishing

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet with spousal abuse
Reviewer: AprilR

Will their present circumstances put a stop to their attraction ...

Mrs Aston has set her sight to make me travel in various place but also time. After the regency period, then a trip to Hollywood, today I landed in the middle age.
Madeleine and Garrett are both damaged persons due to their failed marriage.
Garrett lost all trust in women when Madeleine fears the marriage bed and has every right to be quite wary of men.
I really admired Madeleine, after what she went through, she left everything behind and ran away alone in very insecure times.
She is caring soul but also a fighter and a survivor in the heart. She does not let her fears and wounds impede her course.
Garrett let bitterness embed his heart, yet as years went by, he realizes it poisoned his relationship with his daughter and his mother when they have done nothing. Until his encounter with Madeleine shows him how little he knows about his daughter.
Their chemistry reaches the chart but is slow-burn journey as both need first to put aside their past hurt and trust one another.

5 stars for this second chance at love tale.

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This is a tale.of a woman who has to fight and run in fear from an extremely abusive husband who thinks he has been told by God to kill his 'wanton whore' wives and innumerable servants of both sexes. The heroine is his third wife who has not been able to get pregnant. The man is a vintner, he grows grapes and makes wine. He has brought his household into England from France to broker a sale of some if his grapes. He brought his wife because she can't be left alone for any reason. And when she is finely alone, she takes her lute and runs as far as she can. She meets two men and tells them she is Lady Montanyne. Unfortunately, one of those men is Lord Montayne and he has no idea who she is. This is a story of living by one's wits, alone, female in Medieval England and she is French. This story contains romance, family values, action and danger. It gives the reader slices of daily life in Medieval England. One of the ways the heroine is able to survive is to play her lute and sing with a troupe of traveling mummers. The title of the book comes from her and her music abilities. The characters in this story are multi dimensional and are believable. The story incites feeling into the reader. It is a smooth read, a little slow at times, but nothing to cause the reader to put it down. There is a defined beginning and end. I enjoyed this story very much. I recommend reading it and give it 5 stars.

I totally loved this story. Our heroine is so strong! After being brutalized constantly by an insane husband, she escapes...and this is where the story gets so wonderful because Madeleine is a fabulous woman! Then we meet Garrett, a good man, but the son of an abuser. He would never hit a woman, but hasn't much joy from life. I don't want to spoil the story, but I found myself hoping that somehow Madeleine and Garrett could overcome all the obstacles facing them to find their HEA. The secondary characters were very well written and involved and when I saw The End, I felt like part of a big family. Well Done Ms. Aston!

Song of the Heart ( Medieval Runaway Wives Book1) by Alexa Aston

This book will SING to YOUR ❤️! Spousal abuse is never an easy subject! Author Alexa Aston handles it with immense grace and empathy! Spousal abuse has been tolerated over the ages. As a child victim myself, I identified where the author was directing the character in maintaining her self of strength and not giving into the pain. The author was key that issues were contained between husband and wife and others even if they knew were not allowed to help or if in doing so faced retribution themselves.
Madelines life was that of isolation and as the author opened her eyes and life to pursue new things it was amazing. When she fell in love with Garrett it was as though all the physical pain and emotional pain left her. The Author conveyed this so exquisitely!

However, abusers don’t let you go! Hopefully Madeline and Garrett have a happy ending read the book to discover and find out how Madeline discovered her VOICE to tolerate no more abuse! The author does an artful journey!

Abuse is always in the corner of your mind! Even going on 60, I still have remnants of the pain of what my mother suffered and us children! Please contact someone for help even emotional abuse is damaging!
I recently read a book written by Ammar Habib on the life of a Great woman who helped change history! She was a Medal of Honor Recipient. A Doctor, women’s Rights Activist, helped get Women’s Vote Amendment Passed, and changed fashion so we could wear pants is all up to her! This woman is Mary Edwards Walker and she made this profound statement that has stayed with me: somehow
“ Women do not lose your identity in being a wife or mother- keep your INDIVIDUALITY BE SOMEBODY “ in other words do not let someone tell you that you have NO VOICE or VALUE!
That is what I gained from this book. Alexa Aston is a Masterstory teller and she took a subject that is very delicate because everyone doesn’t like to talk about it, but she has weaved characters that you see their weaknesses and strength evolve that you keep reading for the sake of the characters! That is when you know you have a great book!

Thank you to the author and publisher for working so diligently on great books during difficult times!
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and this is my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

Madeline Bouchard has runaway from her extremely abusive husband. She felt in real danger of him killing her. After a small adventure on the road she finds a place with a group on mummers. She loves it with them, but has to always be on guard against being found.

Garrett Montayne is known for his bad temper. The only time he is happy, since his wife ran away is when he's with his young daughter. A short encounter with an outrageous liar seems to bring a spark back to life.

You will need a box of tissues while you're reading this book. Our incredibly brave heroine still puts the care of others over her own safety. Our sneaky hero has ways of getting what he wants. All the characters are fascinating , and you will have trouble putting this down. The author is showing us a very different view in this historical romance.

I loved it.

Song of the heart
A very sweet,tender and poignant romance,The Song of the Heart is a good read.Alexa has played the characters very well and the different background sketches given of the mummers,tourbadour,faire to the nobility is very interesting.
Though both the hero and the heroine are married to other people,their love is pure and overcomes all the hurdles and turbulence for them to come together in the end.A very engaging story with humour,love, romance and evil added to it thus making it very intriguing and interesting to read.

Oh wow, such a riveting story and I now know 3 things for sure....I want to join the mummers, I want to beat the heck out of Henri to see how he likes it and I'm in love with Garrett! lol Although the story contains severe wife abuse, it also contains a love and passion between two people who deserve to be loved and have a HEA.

My heart completely went out to Madeleine and what she suffers at the hands of her abusive husband, Henri, but I loved how she escapes and finds the freedom to do something she loves...playing her lute, singing and storytelling when she joins a troupe of traveling mummers. When she meets Garrett, the attraction is instant but her secret will certainly ruin whatever chance they have. As for Garrett, he has found no peace ever since his wife left him for another man and has become a brooding and angry man. Madeleine becomes his light in the darkness and no matter what secret she's hiding, he knows he can't live without her.

There are some twists and turns in the story that will make you gasp and I also have to mention how much I adored the children:)

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.