The Selah writer's first novel, set in Northern England in 1089, is eminently readable. Sir Garrick, knight of Hawkwood, arrives at Castle Ladyslipper with king's orders to marry the widowed Helene d'Arcy and to assume guardianship of her young son, William.

He is unexpectedly met by a defiant young woman with green eyes and manure-covered boots.

She tells Garrick her stepmother, Helene, has taken refuge in a French convent and informs him that she, Emma, is now mistress of Castle Ladyslipper. William, her brother, is in her charge.

The stubborn and beautiful girl then issues a direct invitation to the knight: Dismount and help with sheep-shearing, or leave.

Sir Garrick, equally willful, is taken aback. Intrigued by the girl's outburst, he contemplates doing neither. He considers the tremble in her brave words, turns his stead away, and vows to return to Castle Ladyslipper.

Thus begins a complex relationship between the two.

Emma is resolute that Garrick not know Fairfield is cursed -- that it has become a refuge for cast-out women who were unable to produce male heirs.

They tread carefully, adversaries feigning self-control. Emma sees the "accursed knight" settle in for a long stay; Garrick seeks to learn more of the rebellious "vexing little witch" who raises questions in his mind and unexpected emotions in his heart.

He yearns to understand familial relationships from his past. He is frustrated with snippets of castle gossip, not knowing truth from deceit.

Emma avoids talking about her background and her childless marriage to the errant Roger of Stanhope. She deals with obtuse rumors that she poisoned Stanhope.

And she discounts the fondness she begins to feel for Garrick.

Time passes -- uneasily yet predictably.

Garrick questions his emotions; Emma curses hers.

As the two learn to love and are wed, they learn also that trust, strength and contentment -- from medieval times to the present -- can overpower any curse.

* Jude Brewer, a Yakima resident, has worked as a features editor at the Everett Herald and, for 21 years, was managing editor of the Stanwood Camano News. She'll be teaching a class in creative writing through Allied Arts this summer.

If you go

WHAT: Selah author Marilee Brothers (writing as Lee Grantier) will talk about and sign her book, "Castle Ladyslipper."

WHEN: Noon Saturday.

WHERE: Inklings Bookshop, 5629 Summitview Ave. in the Chalet Place shopping center.

INFO: Inklings at 965-5830, or visit www.marileebrothers.com.