To Weave a Web of Magic

Book Description

A romantic fantasy anthology with four novellas from renowned authors of romance and fantasy...

USA Today best-selling author Claire Delacroix gives readers a revisionist version of the medieval legend of Melusine. USA Today best-selling author Lynn Kurland's trademark style shines in this tale of the magic and medieval romance between two lovers.

World Fantasy Award-winner Patricia A. McKillip tells of an artist's model and the transforming power of beauty and inspiration.

National best-selling author Sharon Shinn offers a compelling romance set in a strange new off-world of angels and revolving around the pursuit of love.

The very thrill of love comes dazzlingly to life when these four shining stars or romance and fantasy weave their own web of magic for their legions of fans.

Customer Reviews:

Kurland's story's the best in the book.......2007-05-11

Kurland's story in this book read just like a fairy tale and quite romantic. I like the fact that Kurland doesn't use sex to sell her books like most other paranormal romance authors out there. Her story always has fairy tale/dreamy romance quality to it.

not my favorite.......2006-07-02

Im not a big anthology fan but I think Lynn Kurland is great so I try to read everything she puts out. In this case....none of the stories held my attention all that well, even hers. They were all well written but there just seemed to be something missing within the plots.

Kurland.......2006-04-11

Not Lynn Kurlands ussual fair, but ok for fast reading.
Other authors are a mix. Not sure I would buy it again.

average-not up to fantasy OR romance standards..........2006-02-01

my breakdown of the book:

McKillip's story-OK, average story-but I could have skipped it.

Kurland-I enjoyed this story-not her best but better, in my opinion than the other three.

Shinn-could not finish-the heroine was too flighty and too much of a girl looking to rebel by going after the "bad boy".

Delacroix-ick-hated it-a "love story" based on one characters blackmail of another is not my kind of love story.

Sadly this book is not fantastical enough for fantasy readers or romantic enough for the romance fan. By trying to catch both fans the book appeases neither.

My advice-skip it, buy used or get from the library. Definately not worth forking $14 out new.

3 stars for the Kurland story.

Hmmm.......2005-09-19

The stories were good, but they left me going "What, wait it can't be over" and not in a good way they just seemed unfinished like the authors got to the word limit and stopped. I'm glad I bought the book to add to my Lynn Kurland collection but was still a tad bit disappointed.

The Painter and the Photograph: From Delacroix to Warhol

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The Painter and the Photograph: From Delacroix to Warhol
Van Deren Coke
Manufacturer: Univ of New Mexico Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0826303250

Average customer rating:

A mixed bag (three and a half stars)
Not what I expected
5 stars for Lynn Kurland, no rating for the others
Excellent Compilation
Lynn Kurland's story was great, the rest not so great

The Queen in Winter
Lynn Kurland , Sharon Shinn , Claire Delacroix , and Sarah Monette
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0425207722

Book Description

From four of today's most imaginative authors come four stories of love as pure as the driven snow that will warm the coldest of hearts.

USA Today bestselling author Claire Delacroix delivers an enchanting tale of a gifted seer who receives a vision of a man whom she was not meant to marry, but was meant to love.

USA Today bestselling author Lynn Kurland spins a story of a mortal man and an elven woman who endure both the mundane and the magical in their quest to remain together.

Award-winning author Sharon Shinn writes of a brave young woman who saves her sister's magically- gifted child, only to receive an unexpected gift of her own.

And newcomer Sarah Monette's romantic novella tells of a warrior maiden trapped in a deadly storm with the only man she ever wanted, whose scars she must heal if he is ever to want her.

Customer Reviews:

A mixed bag (three and a half stars).......2007-01-15

It seems that the people who read this anthology fall into either of two groups: romance readers who love Kurland's story and mostly dislike the other ones and fantasy readers who pick the book up for Shinn's story and don't know what to make of the rest.

The plots are neatly summed up in the book description, so I'll just give you my impressions.

"A Whisper of Spring": Sometimes the impossible is closer than you think.
I'm more of a fantasy reader, so Kurland's story was very nice, life-affirming, cozy, predictable and perfectly forgettable to me. No background building whatsoever. Maybe if it were a full-length book... Well, it's obviously a part of her Nine Kingdoms series, with another story published in the anthology "To Weave a Web of Magic" and a full-length novel "Star of the Morning" coming out in December 2006, so there's still hope. Three stars.

"When Winter Comes": Fight for the ones you love and you'll get rewarded.
I love Sharon Shinn, so I liked her story very well, though it started as slow as her novels tend to, which may be annoying to unaccustomed readers. The story is a spin-off of her novel "Dark Moon Defender", the third volume of her Twelve Houses series. Even though it can easily be read without knowing the series, I suspect that in order to get a better feeling of the political/social background it would be best to have read at least "Mystic and Rider" first. Four stars.

"The Kiss of the Snow Queen": I've no idea what this story was about.
Deveraux' story was the one in the lot I simply disliked and was bored by. It's not that it was badly written. I suppose that there may even be some readers who'll love it. However, the mix of Christian faith and Norse myths combined with the fairy tale of the Snow Queen and stuffed with both modern slang and medieval archaisms was... chancy, to put it mildly. I'm not usually bothered by such things (obviously, since I love Shinn's books), but some readers who are serious about their religion may even find it offensive. And if there was any romance at all, it was not between the hero and the heroine. Two and a half stars.

"A Gift of Wings": Love heals.
I've never read anything by Monette, so I was pleasantly surprised. The best story in the anthology, in my opinion. It was maybe too obviously a 'healing' romance, developed against a background of a 'whodunnit'. Intricate world building, very interesting characters. This story is a bit darker than the other ones. What some readers may not like about it is that the heroine is obviously the stronger partner and the hero does a lot of crying, sometimes coming across as seventeen rather than thirty, but, hey, he's entitled ;-) I think I'm going to give her novels a try. Four and a half stars.

In my opinion, this anthology is such a mixed bag that each person will find a different story to his or her liking, but never all of them.

Not what I expected.......2006-12-20

I just finished reading this book last night and am very disappointed. I bought this thinking it would be a nice read for the holidays. I love Lynn Kurland's story, of which I am a great fan and own most of her books. I also loved Sharon Shinn's story. However, the stories by Claire Delacroix and Sarah Monette were a great disappointment. The back blurb states these are "four stories of love as pure as the driven snow." Don't believe it. Two of the stories are dark, depressing and have only an inkling of "love" and zero romance. Don't get me wrong, all four are excellent writers, but please don't advertise something as a romance when it isn't. I have read more romances than I can ever begin to count, so I do know what I'm talking about. A collection such as this should contain the best the authors have to offer in order to encourage the reader to buy more books by that author. All this did was make me cross two authors off my to-be-read list. My apologies for the negative review, but I feel stongly about this.

5 stars for Lynn Kurland, no rating for the others.......2006-12-13

I got this book for the first story, "A Whisper of Spring" by Lynn Kurland. I love her writing, while the other authors here just aren't my style. I love the way Lynn's stories are all clean... the romance is real love, rather than sexual "chemistry." This story didn't disappoint me. The emotion and tension is there, even though not even a kiss can be found in its pages. It is a BEAUTIFUL story of two people who discover that the chance that they never thought possible, has been given to them... to be together.

Iolaire, an elfin priness, has been kidnapped by the evil Lothar of Wychwold. Her brother seeks out Symon, the mage king of Neroche, to help rescue her. The rescue is swiftly accomplished... but Iolaire cannot return to her home... and Symon finally dares to believe that maybe he can have her as his own.

Excellent Compilation.......2006-11-27

I bought this book for the Sharon Shinn story, as I am a big fan of her Mystic and Rider series, and this story ties up a few loose ends. I also enjoyed the other stories, but the real treasure was Sarah Monette's short story, A Gift of Wings. It's a beautiful story, and extraordinarily well-written, so I give this book 5 stars for not only living up to my expectations as far as Sharon Shinn's story, but also introducing me to an exceptional new author for me.

Lynn Kurland's story was great, the rest not so great.......2006-07-30

Lynn Kurland-*****-This was a captivating story with wonderful characters. Symon was great, a perfect hero. Iolaire was an adorable heroine, and when Symon found that she was not the "perfect-woman-on-a-pedestal" he found her more endearing. Not a dull moment anywhere in this one. Well done!

Sharon Shinn-**- Almost the entire story was about the two sisters, rather than about Darryn and Sosie. I also felt like I was reading a couple of chapters from some other book. And while this wasn't slow-paced, it wasn't that interesting.

Claire Delacroix-**-This one bordered on boredom as well and the only good thing in it was "Loki." Most of the story was about how the heroine, Gerta, and Loki come to care deeply for each other on a long trek, but in the end she's suddenly supposed to be crazy for Cai? We didn't even get to know him to find out why either, because the story just stopped.

Sarah Monette-*-There's much to be said for not liking weak heros. This was horrible.

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I love these books!
Sensational Start of New Series
A Fun historical romance
enjoyable fifteenth century Scottish romance

The Beauty Bride
Claire Delacroix
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0446614416

Book Description

Alexander has a problem.It's not that his parents have tragically died, or that he has been made Laird of Kinfairlie years before he anticipated, or that their treasury is empty, or that he now has to take care of his seven younger siblings.It's that he has to marry off his sister Madeline, who has refused to ever wed. Madeline's betrothed died on the same boat as their parents and she won't even discuss it.So Alexander is forced to take matters into his own hands by auctioning Madeline off.But he never intended Rhys Fitzhenry to take part. Rhys is a warrior who has fought the king to gain land.Clever and resourceful, he knows he needs an heir, and this auction is the perfect way to get one.After all, buying a wife is the simplest solution#151;love is so messy, after all.Furious that her brother would dare auction her off and desperate to ignore the passion mounting between them, Madeline flees...but Rhys won't be cast aside so easily.Can this strong and witty warrior catch his impetuous and bold bride?

Customer Reviews:

I love these books!.......2006-07-26

I love these books!!! They're great to read over and over.

Sensational Start of New Series.......2004-12-29

Setting - Kinfarlie Castle, Scotland, 1421 --- With a depleted treasury and forecasts of a bad harvest, Alexander, the new laird of Kinfarlie was in a quandry. He had five sisters and the eldest, Madeline, refused to marry. Discussing his problem with his cousin, they come up with the plan to `auction off' the `jewel' of Kinfarlie - namely Madeline. The auction, to take place at his Uncle's nearby keep of Ravensmuir, would be offered only to the worthiest of men whom Alexander knew would be good to his sister. Naturally, Alex kept this plan a secret until Madeline walked into the hall and the bidding took place! Furious, Madeline couldn't stop the auction. Although in shock, she bravely faced this humiliation -thinking it an ill-conceived prank by her brother. When the purported outlaw and traitor, Rhys FitzHenry won her hand, she even endured his claiming kiss, which shook her to her very core. But, no matter - never the obedient child - she wasn't about to stick around for the wedding.

The night before the wedding she ran away, never believing that Rhys would pursue her. But, as her hastily, ill-planned escape progressed, she was very glad he did as he came to her rescue. Contrite, Madeline was now fairly resolved to her fate and open to taking a chance with the enigma that would soon be her husband as they traveled to a nearby abbey to be married. Rhys consummated their union into a sensual dance of physical passion that convinced Madeline to work at making this a real marriage as she was determined do all in her power to discover his secrets, and in spite of his reticence, Madeline began to lose her heart.

Rhys, continued substituting folk tales in answer to her many questions until he realized that he had, of all things, fallen in love with his courageous wife. Rhys knew she might soon discover the true reason for his mad dash to Wales and he decided to be honest by answering all of her questions. He knew that she might end up hating him but loving her as he did, he would forfeit his own happiness for her.

In this first novel of Ms. Delacroix's brand new trilogy, the Jewels of Kinfarlie, I found an exciting action tale fully packed with an assortment of well-defined forceful characters, both old and new. Along with the wonderfully strong and engaging protagonists, Madeline and Rhys, I enjoyed the highly mischievous little fairy spriggan, Darg, and Madeline's youngest sister Elizabeth, who was the only person able to both see and communicate with the spriggan. AND, I certainly will be anxious to see what I hope will be a future confrontation between Tynan and Rosamunde - boy does he deserve a swift kick! BOTTOM LINE - This is a prime example of the highly imaginative and entertaining novels Delacroix is celebrated for in a stellar start to what looks to be a sensational new medieval series that is heading straight for my `keeper shelf'!. ---- Marilyn Rondeau, for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---

A Fun historical romance.......2004-12-12

THE BEAUTY BRIDE by Claire Delacroix
December 11, 2004

COURTESY OF WWW.LOVEROMANCES.COM

What can a man do to marry his oldest sister off in a hurry? In THE BEAUTY BRIDE by Claire Delacroix, the reader will find out one method: by auction. Alexander has become the Laird of Kinfairlie, due to the unexpected death of both parents, and one of his duties as head of the family is to make sure each of his five sisters is betrothed and married off at the proper age. Unfortunately, Madeleine, the oldest at 23, refuses to commit to anyone, since the love of her life, James, has been killed. And, with Madeleine not ready to wed, the other four sisters must wait their turn. Alexander has tried everything, but she refuses to cooperate, so he tricks her into attending the auction held at their estate, with the prime catches of the day bidding upon this fair maiden, who will soon be considered an old maid.

What Alexander has not counted on is the appearance of Rhys FitzHenry, who is wanted for treason. Furthermore, Rhys decides to bid on Madeleine, and with his seemingly unlimited supply of coin, he wins, to the horror of Alexander. Rhys does have an ulterior motive. He believes that Madeleine is the long lost heir to his family's land. With him wed to his "cousin", the land will be secured under his name.

Madeleine is outraged by the entire concept of this auction. Alexander has been known to be the king of pranksters but this was the ultimate insult. She runs away that night, the night of her nuptials, and lucky for her, Rhys anticipates her actions. He saves her from being raped by someone she thought she could trust, and from there, their adventures take off.

This reviewer enjoyed the adventures of Madeleine and Rhys in THE BEAUTY BRIDE. Historical romances are a very specialized sub-genre, but this novel was so well done that it is possible that any fan of the romance novel will enjoy it. There is humor, adventure, as well as love in this well-written book. The characters are likeable and believable, the dialogue is realistic, and although one cannot exactly duplicate the English of the 1400's, Delacroix wrote the novel in such a way that will take the reader back in time and believe they are truly there. A touch of fantasy inhabits this novel, with one of the sister's ability to see Fairies, but it is done in such a humorous way that the reader will buy into it. This is the first in a three part series, and this reviewer is looking forward to the next two books.

enjoyable fifteenth century Scottish romance .......2004-11-15

In 1421 Scotland, Laird Alexander Lammergeier was not ready to take over Kinfairlie, but his parents recently died tragically. Adding to his woes is that he feels he must find spouses for his sisters, but has no money to fund them, let alone feed them. The oldest female Madeline refuses to wed anyone since her betrothed died during the assault on Rougement.

Heeding the advice of his Aunt Rosamunde to auction the "jewel of Kinfairie". Alexander holds a bidding war amongst acceptable suitors. A stunned Madeline learns she is the jewel and even more shocking regally declared traitor Rhys FitzHenry wins the bidding leaving an angry spoiled Reginald Neville seeking mischief. Meanwhile Madeline's sister Elizabeth insists she sees a fairy on her sibling's shoulder, only Rhys takes her seriously. Unbeknownst to all except perhaps Elizabeth, an angry fairy seeks revenge against Rosamunde and kin for selling off treasures at the auction. As an outraged Madeline thinks of fleeing, Rhys begins to win her over, but soon is stunned when the woman he bought to produce an heir steals his heart.

THE BEAUTY BRIDE is an enjoyable fifteenth century Scottish romance with a wee bit of the supernatural. The story line can seem a bit complicated with eight siblings amongst other players to delineate between, but Claire Delacroix does a great job of seven degrees of separation. Though Alexander's actions seem dishonorable, fans will commiserate with his dilemma. Readers will receive immense enchantment from a warm paranormal historical starring two fabulous lead protagonists and a horde of support players, human and fairy.

Harriet Klausner

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how one great artist thelt and fought (sic)
Greatest Testament
An intimate glimpse into the mind and times of Delacroix

Journal of Delacroix (Arts & Letters)
Hubert Wellington
Manufacturer: Phaidon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0714833592

Customer Reviews:

how one great artist thelt and fought (sic).......2003-05-07

In order to get something worthwhile out of reading Delacroix's Journals, the reader should know something about Delacroix other than that he was a 19th century painter of the first rank. Ingres found Delacroix's work execrable and cast aspersion upon him by saying that: Delacroix was an apostle of ugliness who had come to 'end' painting as the French and the Europeans in general knew it. Today, Delacroix's work occupies a huge chunk of the Louvre's halls -- outstripping Ingre's portion. The fact that Delacroix in fact did fulfill Ingres' curse/prophecy may say something about the nature of death/life and rebirth/resurrection in art.
I read this wonderful book over ten years ago and so powerful was the impact of Delacroix's insights into the nature, perception, creational origin, and fate of art that much of it still remain with me. Delacroix in his day was not revered as he is today. He did not have people knocking down his doors to see his work, nor did he always have it easy trying to show it publicly. One day, after a bad review, to console himself, he wrote that (I paraphase) a great work of art in history is like a plank of wood held under water -- it is kept down when the powers-that-be hold it down. But that power ('political agenda' in contempo art-babble) does not last forever and must sooner or later let go of the plank whose nature is to float to the surface for all the world to see. He seem to have had the same intuition about the nature and fuction of art as the Greeks did: that art is light, that which shines of its own, and by which power that which 'sheds lights' and 'explains' what is around it rather than something that needs to be explained.
He never married but was looked after by a doting housekeeper. Not exactly a recluse, but most certainly a man of breeding descended of a noble stock who was careful about the company he kept, Delacroix spent much time, as artists and thinkers do, with his own thoughts and feelings, and expressing them. He was famous for his cordiality and urbanity, and among his friends in town (Paris) were Chopin, Georges Sand, and other individuals who would leave a mark (or in some cases, a mountain) in the arts one way or another. In other words, Delacroix was an agreeable man and as sociable as any thoughtful man would be but no more. Delacroix's social life is visible in these pages as is the Parisian milieu in which he lived and worked.
But the really great thing about Delacroix's Journals is that one gets to see something about how a great artist sees and feels things. Although he is over a century removed from us, his work and thoughts serve as a reminder that art is not always about anything socially or politically itchy; that art is just art; and that art is not something one needs to get hysterical about or merely a medium to carry an agenda. The fact that, historically, art was always commissioned by the aristocracy, and executed by those who were aristocratic in feeling and sensibility is one that is largely ignored today. Read this and see the significance of this fact, and why the term democratic art is ultimately an ugly oxymoron. Those who would champion the 'demos' sometimes think too highly of art and the need for "the people"'s participation in it.
In my humble opinion, if Delacroix were alive today, I think he would have loved Rauschenberg's and Jean-Michel Basquiat's work and their strong democratic origins but he would detest the democratization of art as such as found in Van Gogh umbrellas and calendars so loved by those who "love" art. He wouldn't go to Mozart Festivals either.

Greatest Testament.......2001-04-17

Critic Roger Kimball called Delacroix's Journal "perhaps the greatest literary testament any painter has left." See Roger Kimball, "Delacroix Reconsidered," The New Criterion, Sept. 1998, p. 10.

An intimate glimpse into the mind and times of Delacroix.......2000-12-29

This journal is a surprisingly accessible account of Delacroix's life. It has been well edited and covers a time frame spanning his early years, then his later life. Within these pages he includes his observations of Paris and the French countryside in the mid-nineteenth century, the people he knew like Chopin and Georges Sand, as well as his passionate reviews of works of art that influenced him. He offers sublime meditations on the nature of creativity and ruminates over ideas he has for new works. His outpourings capture the essence of the romantic movement. As an artist, even though separated from him by over a century, I found him to be a kindred spririt.

The Homoerotic Photograph : Male Images from Durieu / Delacroix to Mapplethorpe

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Beautiful images!

The Homoerotic Photograph : Male Images from Durieu / Delacroix to Mapplethorpe
Allen Ellenzweig , and George Stambolian
Manufacturer: Columbia University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0231075367

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful images!.......1998-11-12

I first got this book as a present, and thought that it would be a picture book about beefy gym-bodied men with little substance. Upon reading and looking through the book, my impressions were quickly turned around. This book has a wonderful collection of pictures dating back to the 1800s that show how men have been portrayed by various photographers through the years. Some images are very striking and almost appalling, while others accentuate male form. The text that accompanies the pictures is very informative and critical, making the reader think while he looks upon the images. This is a book that I now enjoy returning to in order to see that the male body has so many possible portrayals. I was even impressed to see my own college professor's work in the book!!

Eugene Delacroix. Die Dantebarke. Idealismus und Modernität. ( Fischer kunststück).

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Eugene Delacroix. Die Dantebarke. Idealismus und Modernität. ( Fischer kunststück).
James Henry Rubin
Manufacturer: Fischer (Tb.), Frankfurt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 3596239389

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Loved it!
another great Kinfarlie saga
Original - A Wonderful Addition to a Marvelous Trilogy
fine medieval romance

The Rose Red Bride
Claire Delacroix
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0446614424
Release Date: 2005-05-31

Customer Reviews:

Loved it!.......2006-01-23

THE ROSE RED BRIDE by Claire Delacroix
January 22, 2006

This is the 2nd book in the trilogy that began with THE BEAUTY BRIDE. Set in Scotland in the 1400's, each book focuses on a different person in a family that had lost their parents a few years previous and brother Alexander is now Laird of Kinfairlie. The first book had the oldest sister, Madeleine, married off via an auction. This second book has Alexander asking "Nicholas" to take the next oldest sister, Vivienne, to bed, and then supposedly having them marry the following morn. What happens instead is that Nicholas is really not who he says he is, but is really the brother, Erik. Nicholas had been a suitor that Vivienne had spurned before, and Erik came for Vivienne, knowing of this fact. Instead of marrying Vivienne, he steals her away and finally tells her his story, of how he was left for dead and his wife had gone missing. He had two young children living with Nicholas, and Erik needed to save them from whatever fate Nicholas had in mind for them. As Vivienne has already fallen in love with Erik, she is willing to trust him and decides she will help him regain his rightful place at Blackleith, save his children, and hopes that Erik will fall in love with her and eventually marry her.

I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first one. I think these books are enjoyable when read in the right frame of mind. They are historical romances, and I think period pieces are not for everyone. I do find that Delacroix does a great job writing these historical romances and I hope to read her third book in this series (The Snow White Bride).

another great Kinfarlie saga.......2005-07-29

Once again Claire Delacroix has ceated another 'can't put it down till I'm done book'. I won't repeat the story line as others have done so beautifully and I do think the book is a five but I must mention a couple of things. It seemed the story was cruising along and suddenly it just wrapped right up without much ado. Things could have been a little more graphic or 'something'? Also I was quite disappointed with Tynan and Roseamunds story line towards the end of the book. Not to despoil it but what the heck happened there? Does anyone else out there think they will return somehow in book 3 or is that just wishful thinking on my part? I did so adore them as a couple and I have to know what became of them and that dratted "Darg". I guess that's what keeps us waiting for the next instalment.

Original - A Wonderful Addition to a Marvelous Trilogy.......2005-06-03

Setting - Kinfairlie, coast of Scotland, 1421 --- In the second installment of the Jewels of Kinfairlie, Alexander, laird and brother of five sisters, is continuing his quest to marry off the two oldest sisters while pondering the fate of Kinfairlie's ability to manage over the winter. Having successfully married Madeline the eldest, Vivienne the second eldest was proving to be a more difficult challenge. Now as luck would have it a man claiming to be Nicholas Sinclair, a former suitor of Vivienne's, came to Kinfairlie not only requesting the hand of Vivienne but offering a pouch full of silver along with a condition that Alexander was finding totally objectionable. Nicholas wanted to BED THE BRIDE before the marriage took place! With severe misgivings and the fate of Kinfairlie weighing in the balance, Alexander agreed believing the man's word of honor that the wedding would take place the very next day. Alexander was convinced of the man's honorable intentions and believing Vivienne would be pleased with what he believed was her former suitor, he came up with a plan to meet the suitors demands. Unfortunately, this would be the second time Alexander's best intentions for wedding his sisters would fail miserably.

Knowing his sister Vivienne's predilection for adventure, Alexander that evening told a tale that was designed specifically to entice Vivienne into innocently sealing her own fate. Thinking that she would be meeting the man of her dreams Vivienne crept to the tower room that night ready to meet her destiny, a mystical `fairy' lover. Into the darkness a hooded lover crept thru the tower window and commenced to making slow sweet love to Vivienne. Unfortunately the morning light revelations would shatter her dreams. The dream lover turned out to be Erik Sinclair, older brother of Nicholas and his intentions did not include marriage, unless Vivienne could deliver him a son!

-- In a wonderfully ORIGINAL sequel to THE BEAUTY BRIDE, Claire Delacroix has fashioned an exciting action packed sensual romance. Our heroine, Vivienne was absolutely marvelous having every right to throw a HUGE hissy fit the next day when she discovered her `fairy lover' was no fairy and had taken her maidenhead with no immediate plans of marrying her! Instead, she was ready to go along with a hand-fast, believing deeply that the sweet loving person she laid with was truly the person that was hidden beneath the tortured and scarred warrior she discovered in the morning. Jam-packed with lively characters (such as Darg the impish spriggan and Elizabeth the youngest sister who was the only one to see and hear the naughty fairy), the author delivers non-stop action, amusing scenarios, and some poignantly loving reunions. This is Delacroix at her very magical best penning in the medieval / fantasy genre where in my opinion she simply shines! I am eagerly looking forward to the last of this trilogy when the two sisters team up to give their brother, Laird Alexander his well-earned comeuppance! [Marilyn, for www.romancedesigns.com]

fine medieval romance.......2005-06-01

In 1421 Scotland, Alexander, Laird of Kinfairlie, feels euphoric about his marriage auction that worked so well in spite of the objection of the bride, Madeline the oldest of his sisters. Alexander blithely ignores all that went wrong as he keeps thinking all's well that ends well as Madeline, who previously refused to marry, is happily wedded to Rhys Fitzhenry.

The successful brotherly matchmaker turns to Vivienne though Alexander plans to improve the process since the Madeline caper (see THE BEAUTY BRIDE). He thinks he found the solution when Nicholas Sinclair, the man who broke Vivienne's heart years ago, arrives to court his beloved as he can offer a home since his older brother Erik has been disowned. Nicholas insists he bed her in her tower where she awaits his return so that she has no choice but to marry as he needs a bride and heir rather quickly to deflect any estate challenges. Rationalizing he needs the coins for the other sisters, Alexander agrees. Vivienne and her beau enjoy the night together until morning light reveals cynical Erik as her mate and he insists she will begat him a legitimate heir.

Though similar in design to the first Kinfairlie medieval romance, THE ROSE RED BRIDE has a flavor of its own because Vivienne and Madeline have different personalities. The story line is fun due to Erik's denials that he loves her while vivacious Vivienne believes they were destined together, but rejects his cold insistence that she is an heir breeder. Fans will enjoy Alexander's latest matrimonial fiasco and look forward to the next jewel Snow White in the fall.

Harriet Klausner

The Princess: The Bride Quest #1 (Bride Quest)

Average customer rating:

Some parts good, some not
My favorite
Just amazing!
Not my type of story
Outstanding book.

The Princess: The Bride Quest #1 (Bride Quest)
Claire Delacroix
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0440226031
Release Date: 1998-08-10

Book Description

"I will wed only my one true love!" declared Princess Brianna despite King Henry's decree that she marry one of the sons of the man who had conquered her family's castle. So Brianna issued a seemingly impossible challenge: He who returned with a gift that made her laugh would win her hand. And thus began the bride quest of the three brothers Fitzgavin. . . .

Burke and Rowan, knights both, set out at her command. Only Luc remained, refusing to indulge the whims of the glorious Irish princess. Even Brianna's legendary beauty could not tempt him--until she invaded his senses . . . and his soul. But Luc thought a princess had no place in the life of a battle-weary warrior who vowed to lay down his sword forever--until he was forced to take up arms to protect the fair maiden who had seized his heart by divine right.

Customer Reviews:

Some parts good, some not.......2007-05-25

I liked the idea of one son refusing to participate in the quest for an item to win the bride. By staying home he got to know her and won her over that way, even though he wasn't planning to. Most of it was a nice story, but there were times I wished the story were over. I even skimmed a few pages. The conflict that caused her to leave him toward the end was an incorrect assumption on her part. I was diasappointed that the author couldn't come up with something better to create conflict. Sexual content: moderate.

My favorite.......2006-07-26

This was the first Claire Delacriox book I read and it is still my favorite of hers. It got me hooked. I've read it over and over. Great reading!

Just amazing!.......2005-04-28

I had never been into romance and happened to run across this book at a yard sale. I figured for a dollar it wouldnt hurt to try adn the book just blew me away it was so amazing, i passed it around to my friends who found it equally amazing. I was so upset when i fininsh the book because it was over but also couldnt wait to read the rest of the series. I assure you this series will make you want to read them over and over!

Not my type of story.......2002-05-17

I was really looking forward to this book, and the entire 'bride quest'series, but I didn't like most of the characters in 'The Princess'. I found Brianna a lukewarm heroine at best, throughout the book her childish efforts to deliberately misunderstand everything happening around her were exhausting. I did like the hero, Luc, and Ms. Delacroix wasted a fine character by inserting him into this slow-moving story. By the time the murders began, I was scanning each paragraph for the main idea and wishing the action would speed up, or the whole thing would just come to an end. Although I didn't like this story, I am going to try again with 'The Damsel' and 'The Heiress' and see if the 'bride quest' gets any better.

Outstanding book........2002-04-13

The first book I have read of Claire Delacroix and I will now collect all of them. I love Luc and Brianna.

The Beauty: The Bride Quest #4 (Delacroix, Claire. Bride Quest.)

Average customer rating:

The Best of this newest Trilogy
Another Winner
Unexpected
Guilty Pleasures
interesting plot, but some definite flaws in this story

The Beauty: The Bride Quest #4 (Delacroix, Claire. Bride Quest.)
Claire Delacroix
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0440236371
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Book Description

"I was born a woman. There are but two courses for my life -- marriage or the convent. I have chosen."

Certain that she will never wed for love, sworn to let no man possess her for her beauty alone, Jacqueline de Crevy has vowed to become a bride of God. But en route to the convent of Inveresbeinn, her party is ambushed by a knight, who snatches Jacqueline from her saddle and spirits her away with him.

He is Angus MacGillivray -- not the blackhearted ravisher she fears but a valiant man of honor who has returned to Scotland seeking justice ... and revenge.

Angus has come home from the Crusades to find his family murdered and his birthright seized. Sworn to reclaim his rightful lands, he has kidnapped the stepdaughter of Duncan, chieftain of Clan MacQuarrie -- Angus's avowed enemy. But his lovely captive refuses to be the chattel -- or ransom -- of any man ... until Jacqueline senses the yearning heart beneath Angus's embittered facade.

In spite of himself, Angus has let this defiant beauty touch his very soul. And as desire flames between them, a lady fair and her battle-scarred knight will fight for a love that could banish all the sorrows of the past....

Customer Reviews:

The Best of this newest Trilogy.......2001-12-17

THE BEAUTY is Jacqueline's story, but unlike many historical romances that are told from only the point of view of one of the
featured couple, this story showcases a very special couple: each with a unique voice. The BEAUTY is a sort of medieval Beauty and the Beast tale, but it is so much more.This second installment in the Scottish trilogy of the Bride Quest series by Claire Delacroix is sure to delight readers with its unique blend of both humor and deep emotions.

Jacqueline, Eglantine's first born daughter had barely escaped a betrothal that had ended in disaster when she was almost raped . She of all the daughters of Eglantine is the quiet soul with an inner beauty that out distances her outer beauty; at least that is how she believes others see her. But despite her many gifts she possess she is terribly frightened of men and is seeking a life as a Bride of Christ.

Angus MaGillivary is a battle weary Crusader who in the darkest days at Outremer held onto the dream of home. Yet, upon his arrival at Ardfinnan in the Scottish Highlands all was for naught when he learns his home has been taken and his family are all dead. In an act of vengeance he and his often times funny side kick, Rodney decide to capture Mhairi, daughter of the man who he believes has destroyed his family. Blinded by the vengeance(no pun intended as our hero is blind in one eye) he captures the wrong maid with the resulting effect his heart and life will never be the same.

Although freightened of Angus, she learns despite his barbarian methods he is not a man to fear and begins to let down the barriers she has erected to keep men at bay. As they travel they experience a number of events that help develop a tenuous friendship, especially when she meets the mysterious Edanna who helps her to see Angus and what he could become when past wrongs are corrected. With the knowledge he will let her go back to her family when all is said and done, she begins to fall in love with this tortured hero, and in the process becomes more whole herself. But will they come far enough to have a life together?

As in the case of her other books Ms Delacroix effectively uses secondary characters (Rodney for humor, Edanna for mystery and Father Michael for gentle spirituality) to move the couple toward their satisfying end, even if they don't have a clue they deserve to be together. She even has a few surprises
that caught me off guard but none were red herrings and will delight the readers.

THE BEAUTY is a wonderful adaptation of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast sure to provide readers with many satisfying sighs of satisfaction. As in the case of the other two books in this trilogy, Ms Delacroix's greatest strength is creating brilliantly formidable heroes who in the company of their soul mates are gentle and loving, if a bit slow to realize they deserve the gifts bestowed on them. Although it could have been set anywhere outside of Scotland, it should be read for the plot and characters who seem to fit well into Ms Delacroix's medieval voice.

Another Winner.......2001-09-03

I have read all the books in the Bride Quest and this author once again has used my favourite time period and made magic with it. Her characters really come to life and she really follows her plot line well. Her books always hold me in rapt attention and I love to read them over and over again.

Unexpected.......2001-03-15

I picked up this book for the Medieval story not realizing it was a Romance novel. Overall it was well written - good plot, good character development (if you can get past the 'twas and other language that went against the tone of the book). I did find the word Vixen used in a Medieval book hard to swallow and the lack of barriers particularly for someone raped a little unbelievable. But I really enjoyed the interaction between the characters and the strength of woman's character.

Guilty Pleasures.......2001-02-18

One of my guilty pleasures is reading the mind candy of medieval romances. Of the romantic genre it is often difficult to find medieval books. When I find one I buy it and read it. Never mind that it is the fifth book of a series as is The Beauty by Claire Delacroix.

Angus Mac Gillivray mistakenly abducts Jacqueline de Crevy who is en route to the convent to become a novice. This has many of the elements that I look for when I read a novel of this genre: there is the necessary tension between the hero and heroine, the heroine is not completely ineffectual and lacking in intellect, the love scenes are sufficiently heated, but do not over do it and the side characters add a certain dimension and entertainment. While I appreciate a book which goes into a little more historic background and detail and which one is called to suspend belief for given periods - it is a romance and candy after all, so sometimes I just sit back and enjoy.

For those who appreciate this genre as I do I would recommend this book. I intend to read others of this series

interesting plot, but some definite flaws in this story.......2001-02-03

The basic plot and theme were interesting enough, but this is another romance novel that I really feel was just rushed through, with somewhat sloppy results.

The heroine had this "fear of men" which was told to the reader often enough - but not really demonstrated. The motivations of all the characters was stated in an overly straightforward manner - again and again and again. And both the dialogue and narration, as an another reviewer mentioned, were filled with "'twas" and "zounds", which would have been fine if it did not read in such a stilted manner.

The plot was actually quite good, and the characters themselves were interesting and fairly believable (although the heroine's attempted rape seems to have left her curiously unscathed.) All in all this is an acceptable romance novel, at least compared to most in print, but I do think that better editing would have made this a much more enjoyable story.

I wouldn't recommend this one unless you really have nothing better to do on a rainy day, but I haven't given up on the author. I think she could do better, and I will read her books again, hoping for better results.

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