Once a Knight

Once A Knight was awarded a Bronze Medal in the Historical Fiction category of the Military Writers Society of America 2011 Book Awards!
NOTE: This is not a "romance novel" per se and should not be considered a part of that genre, even though a love affair is key to the story.

"Flames licked out from under the engine cowling and swallowed up the cockpit and pilot. I was sickened and exhilarated like the day I'd killed my first deer." -from Chapter One, Once A Knight.

"Once a Knight is a great read that will fit well alongside The Razor's Edge and A Farewell to Arms." -Stephen Phillips, Military Writers Society of America
"A superbly crafted historical novel of aerial combat and romance set against the backdrop of 'The War To End All Wars, ' Once A Knight is highly recommended reading and a welcome addition to personal and community library collections. -Midwest Book Review

In 1916, before America entered World War I, Everett Ross swapped the Texas Rangers for the British Royal Flying Corps and his horse for a combat airplane. No stranger to violence and death, Lieutenant Ross duels with German pilots in the pristine skies above the grimy trenches where foot soldiers fight for victory foot by bloody foot.
Between dogfights, Ross loses his heart to a young French beauty whose domineering mother fights her own battle to protect Genevieve from this American cowboy decked out in a British uniform. Ross soon must decide between love and duty, between orders and necessity.

"The story moves quickly and Shiel [combines] the action and the romance. I look forward to reading more from Shiel." -Janice Hidey, ReviewTheBook.com
"Very nostalgic and entertaining, with plenty of action, humor and romance." -Janelle Meraz Hooper, author of Boogie, Boots & Cherry Pie
"I highly recommend Once A Knight as a charming romantic action adventure that provides a nostalgic look at a different time." -John H. Manhold, award-winning fiction/non-fiction author

This fast-moving story combines romance and combat action in a world knocked out of kilter by a deadly war often seemingly without objectives.
As a pursuit pilot in the "War to End All Wars," Ross struggles to maintain his own sense of honor and valor in the midst of chaos and death.
READ ONCE A KNIGHT NOW -- in either print or Kindle edition -- to find out how, or if, he succeeds!"