Like most authors, I find getting feedback both nerve-wracking and extremely helpful. Of course, the more detailed a reader gets in his or her feedback, the more those feelings are amplified. As much as I love hearing “I loved it” or bite my nails over “why did you kill X?!”, its fun when a reader gives me their full impression of what they are reading, both highs and lows with specifics.

That is why, a few months ago when the Orwigsburg Library Book Club read Lady of the Tournament, I was excited to not only listen to the circle of fifteen readers discuss the book, but to also get this gem from a reader that could not be in attendance. When I saw Anne the following month, I introduced myself and asked if I could share her “book report”. I found she brought up some important details about how my two novels weave together, and I hope readers find it helpful as a glimpse as to what is in store if they haven’t read Lady of the Tournament yet. Fair warning, there are some vague spoilers below!

“What a delightful book!

This book [Lady of the Tournament] helped to connect some of the dots from book 1 [Knightess].

I wanted Enric and Igraine to live forever, but honestly, I think Igraine’s condition worsened because of her broken heart.

Igraine had so much to fear in her life: her father, her brother, and many other men associated with them. I am so glad that she had the courage to take that daring ride toward happiness with Enric because he was a ‘delightful knight’.

It was interesting to compare some parallels between the lives of Igraine and Eleanor. Both high spirited, brave, loving with tough exteriors when necessary, and both were lucky enough to enjoy wonderful marriages.

Learning more about Montag was very interesting. It helped me understand his character and how he was under the influence of the ‘Order’. He had some endearing qualities when it came to protecting Igraine from dangers which really surprised me…especially the need to protect her from her own father, who in my eyes was a complete Monster.

Montag also lived up to his horrible qualities with sending his wife away and then having the nerve to visit her later and ask her to come back because he was lonely. Lots of Bad Karma created there that haunted Montag throughout his life.

I now better understand the strained relationship Eleanor had with her Uncle Montag. He took her in at a very young age and had no idea how to interact with a small child…especially a girl.

I can hardly wait for Book #3!”

Anne Trexler, reader

Thank you Anne for writing and letting me share your excellent report!

I left the comment feature on for this blog post, so if anyone has anything to add or argue, feel free to comment below. Reviews on Amazon, Bookbub, Goodreads, or Barnes and Noble are all appreciated as well. I appreciate your feedback.

Happy reading everyone!

-J.A. Stein