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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In book four of the No Man is Her Master series, Christina Kohl returns in She Serves the Realm by Lee Swanson. The series begins in 14th-century Lubeck, where Christina, a wealthy merchant's daughter, dreams of adventure and independence over an arranged, loveless marriage. Unexpected events offer a chance for freedom, but with risks and hidden secrets as she assumes the identity of her brother, Frederick. Christina then navigates trade challenges, a perilous voyage to Bruges with English wool, and political unrest while facing adversaries in London's trade guild and Edward II's weakening reign. Three books in, Christina, still disguised as Frederick, falls in love with Lady Cecily before Christina seeks revenge on her family's killers in the Baltic. In this installment, wealthy and accomplished, Christina, now a knight and landowner, aims to wed the recently widowed Lady Cecily. Obtaining the king's approval is essential for their marriage, but getting it proves difficult
I have been a fan of the No Man is Her Master series for a long time and was so incredibly happy when She Serves the Realm fell into my lap. Lee Swanson gives readers a woman to root for in Christina Kohl and bashes the laws of medieval Europe not just with a woman posing as a man to become one of the wealthiest merchants in London, but also as one who is in love with another woman. Swanson incorporates other scenes where women move beyond gender boundaries, such as a pivotal moment with Trudi and a priest, that provide good fist-pumping moments. It has been a long time coming, but finally, finally, there is hope for her and Lady Cecily. Swanson is fantastic with period details and in bringing an era that is frequently woven into fiction but rarely done so successfully to life. The writing is exceptional, and the story moves forward at a perfect pace to the bittersweet end of the adventure. Very highly recommended.
