Heart's Blood, by Juliet Marillier

I have read Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier. Although Heart's Blood is said to be the first book in a series, it stands alone quite well. Heart's Blood is an herb with important properties. The book is set in rural Ireland, in medieval times, and is told from the viewpoint of the main character, Caitrin, apparently a teen-aged girl. As the book begins, her father has died, and evil relatives have claimed the family's house, and claimed Caitrin as wife. She runs away, with a few clothes and her small kit of scribe's tools -- she is an accomplished manuscript preparer and copyist.

I have previously posted about Marillier's work. Her books are romances, with characters that are well drawn and that the reader easily sympathizes with. I have found her religious viewpoint of particular interest. Although Marillier is a self-acknowledged Druid, several of her books have important Christian characters, often unselfish, hard-working people, and she occasionally includes understanding of key Christian doctrine. In this book, there is a clear case of repentance and faith.