Debbie Lynne Costello is a new writer and has just finished writing her first inspirational romance novel. She loves writing about a time when castles were scattered across the land, knights stood for all that was honorable and chivalrous, and ladies proved they were more than just chattel. Debbie lives in South Carolina with her husband of 28 years — her high school sweetheart and knight of her dreams.

She invites you to visit her web site and step back in time with her as you read an excerpt from The Sword of Forgiveness.

Debbie’s first novel:

The Sword of Forgiveness

Brenna is Lady of the Keep now and answers to no person. Her newfound freedom is quickly cut short when the king demands she marry Royce, a knight just returned from the crusade. She finds him anything but chivalrous, with his rude and degrading comments. All Brenna has ever desired is to have someone love her in return. With her husband thinking she is a murderer, that dream seems to be close to impossible.

Royce is a second son, and thrilled to learn the king wants to bestow on him his own keep after two years on crusade. He quickly changes his mind when he hears he has to marry some lord’s spoiled daughter in the process. Anger and grief overcome him when he’s told the woman he has to marry is responsible for the murder of his family. Even through his anger, Royce comes to see that Brenna is anything but spoiled. She is a hard worker and selfless, not to mention she looks like an angel. He hardens his heart to her, and vows he will find out the truth about the murders. Perhaps then, he can find some peace—for he believes the death of his family is a punishment from God. He could never ask God to forgive him for the things that happened on the crusade, not when he can’t forgive himself.

Can Brenna learn to trust God in all things before her chance at happiness slips away? Will Royce find forgiveness in God’s love? Can love triumph over the evil plan that is set in motion?