Passion Play by Beth Bernobich

This fantasy debut is the first in a trilogy and with the mostly unresolved ending any fan of this book will demand a quick release of the second book.  However, the first one is well worth the read.  With a heavy feel of Renaissance Europe, Bernobich spins a wonderful coming of age tale.  When beautiful, 16-year-old Therez learns her father has arranged her marriage to a cruel and power-hungry man she runs away.  The trials of her journey are documented as she quickly loses her naivete and finds herself drawn to an exiled prince, Raul, who is attempting to save the world that rejected him.  As she gets deeper into Raul’s world the story grows to another level.  A wonderful fantasy/romance novel.