The Crusader's Heart

The Champions of Saint Euphemia, Book 2

By: Claire Delacroix

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynold

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

A company of Templar knights, chosen by the Grand Master of the Temple in Jerusalem to deliver a sealed trunk to the Temple in Paris. A group of pilgrims seeking the protection of the Templars to return home as the Saracens prepare to besiege the city. A mysterious treasure that someone will even kill to possess....

A valiant warrior sworn to the order of the Knights Templar for life, Wulfe resents being dispatched to Paris to deliver a missive just when the Latin Kingdoms are at their most vulnerable. He is determined to fulfill his duty as quickly as possible and return to fight for justice - but the courtesan he defends in Venice needs his help. The alluring and perceptive Christina will not be left behind, and soon Wulfe finds himself forced to choose between his vows and his heart....

©2015 Deborah A. Cooke (P)2016 Deborah A. Cooke

Just Perfect

Tim Gerard Reynolds does one heck of a good job!
Loved this one. Wulff & Christiana aka Julia are one good team. She is wise and witty and he is the real hero who comes to her aid.

A Tender Hearted Wulfe

This second book in the series The Champions of Saint Euphemia, was a delight to read! It always warms my heart when I find a book where the hero is valiant, yet tender hearted. I like the way this author seamlessly weaves together several stories that occur at or around the same time without seeming to miss a beat. Oddly enough, the way she described how Juliana became Christina, was in fact an often seen, factual occurrence, of the times. It wasn't like she made her choice lightly. For all of Wulfe's bluster in the first book, you might be surprised to discover the reasons behind his actions and how similar the two lead characters actually were. Since I am not Catholic, I am not familia with all the Saints, though have often been intrigued by their stories, so I was amazed at the amount of research that had to have gone into this book. I also bought and listened to the audio version, narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds. I love listening to his narrations as he seems to bring heart to an already well written book with his gifted ability to pull you into the story. If you enjoyed her series The Jewels of Kinfairly, you should be very happy reading this series as well. I would easily recommend both book and audio to all my friends!

A great way to travel back to Templar Times

What did you love best about The Crusader's Heart?

The stars of this show are not as opposite as you might at first think and the beautiful ending and the courage and endurance of her heroine make this a real stand out.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Wolf because of his noble character

Which character – as performed by Tim Gerard Reynold – was your favorite?

Wolf

enjoyed even more than the first

although this book rehashed many of the situations from the first book 'The Crusaders Bride" we see them from the perspective of Wulfe & Christina. They were a wonderful couple. I wish Audible had the rest of the series (unsubtle hint)

this crusader captured my heart

I thought the first book in the series was awesome, this second story is even better. I didn't really like Wulfe in the first book, but did he change my opinion in this one! He is more than lovable and I admire the way he made his way in life keeping his integrity solid, his tender heart, despite the hardship. And Christina... more than meets the eye, and her story is equally heart wrenching. As usual Ms. Delacroix takes us on an adventure to remember and gives the characters the HEA they so deserve.
Really enjoyed Mr. Reynolds telling of this story, he made me forget that I was actually listening, it felt like I was there watching the story unfold. Thank you!

Delightful Tale of Tender Hearted Templar Knight

Any additional comments?

The Crusader's Heart is a delightful second book in the Champions of Saint Euphemia series that involves a company of Knights Templar who are chosen to deliver one of the most prized possessions in the Templar treasury for safekeeping to Paris. This story takes place contemporaneously with The Crusader's Bride except that it is from the point of view of Wulfe, another Knight entrusted with watching over the treasure. I have to admit I didn't like Wulfe very much in The Crusader's Bride. I'm very glad I decided to give this book a try because Wulfe is so complex and a much more well rounded individual than the few glimpses we were given in the first book. Although rough and unyielding on the outside, he has a big fat heart on the inside. For example, Wulfe has a habit of bringing on squires who are orphaned.

Wulfe's equally complex counterpart is Christina, a noblewoman who lost everything in Venice on her pilgrimage to Jerusalem, including her husband who was murdered for his money. Christina turns to being a courtesan just to survive. She is extremely smart and observant and every inch Wulfe's equal. When Wulfe seeks Christina's services in an attempt not to lose his temper with those in his traveling party, she refuses to be left behind. I particularly liked the ending of this story and it felt like it came full circle to great satisfaction.

I listened to the Audible version of this story narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds. His narration was excellent, giving each character their own distinct voice. He really brought the characters to life, which definitely contributed to my enjoyment of this book. In summary, I really enjoyed listening to this The Crusader's Heart and highly recommend it!

Delacroix is clever and she surprised

Any additional comments?

Filled with banter, a slow seduction, and a stubborn man I quickly became caught up not only in their romance, but in Wulfe’s mission as well. While the events in Crusader’s Heart intertwine with those in Crusader’s Bride, the different perspective was entertaining. The tale was delivered in both Wulfe and Christina’s perspective which allowed me to laugh, admire their cleverness, and on occasion want to slap them both on the back of the head.

Christina and Wulfe were wonderfully developed as Delacroix shared their history. I truly felt for both and as a woman shivered at how brutal life could be. At first glance Wulfe could appear cold, but that is simply not true. He cares but thinks himself not entitled to happiness. I delighted in seeing him transform.

Delacroix captures the tensions of this period and had me googling for more information. Jerusalem is about to fall and these knights are traveling to Paris with a sacred treasure. In their group are merchants and nobleman seeking safe passage. No one knows what package they carry or whom in the party possess it. This adding suspense as it quickly became clear someone in the party is trying to steal it. As we travel Delacroix brings the countryside to life. She begins each chapter with a Saint Feast Day and I found myself curious about them.