Average customer rating:
- I liked this one a great deal until
- Not as good as others by Sara Bennett :-(
- Crisp writing, passionate and visual
- Sparks Fly!
- Good leads and story, but too slow to start, too abrupt end
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The Rose and the Shield
Sara Bennett
Manufacturer: Avon
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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The Lily and the Sword (Avon Romance)
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Once He Loves
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Kissing the Bride
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ASIN: 0060002700
Release Date: 2002-09-03 |
Book Description
Beautiful Lady Rose, the fiercely independent mistress of Somerford, reluctantly agrees to hire a bold Viking warrior, Gunnar Olafson, and his mercenaries to protect her undefended lands. But although Gunnar takes her breath away with his steel–hard muscles and eyes afire with undisguised yearning she dares not trust him. But Gunnar is not what he seems. Posing as a hired soldier, he is duty–bound to expose Rose, whom his liege lord believes is plotting against him. Somerford is to be loyal Gunnar's reward, but he quickly realizes Rose is the true prize. He never expected to be bewitched by the exquisite beauty he is sworn to betray, and now he is discovering that her love is what he truly desires a need he must satisfy, even if dishonor is its price ...
Customer Reviews:
I liked this one a great deal until.......2004-08-04
the end. It was far too abrupt and made their love, especially Rose's love for Gunnar, not ring true.
The issues between Gunnar and Rose are trust and, for her, love. She is used to the men in her using her as a pawn and being completely untrustworthy. Plus, she learned to reject love from a co-dependent mother. Gunnar is tired of his mercenary life and looks forward to a home of his own; unfortunately for him, Rose isn't the triator he thinks she is, so he's not comfortable taking her home as his reward for foiling the plot against his lord, Radulf (The Lily & the Sword). Since he's playing a role and therefore lying to Rose about who he is and his purposes there, trust again is a big issue.
DO NOT READ THIS PARAGRAPH IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED. I have no problems with Gunnar or his interactions with Rose. The problem with the book is that Rose doesn't even admit to herself that she loves Gunnar until the next to the last page. And while she accepts that she should have been more trusting, she doesn't tell him until the last page. A couple of "I love you's" and the book is over. There's not enough there to make the reader feel the truth of Rose's change of heart.
Other than the abrupt, unsatisfying ending, the book held my attention well. Although I wasn't crazy about the dream device, everything else meshed together smoothly. The secondary romance for Gunnar's man Alfred was nice, and it was great to read more about characters from the first book and those featured in the third. Realistic details about distrust among the various peoples, too.
Not as good as others by Sara Bennett :-(.......2004-07-24
I really enjoyed Bennett's Lily and the Sword, so I anxiously awaited this book in the mail. However, I had a hard time finding any romance/spark that signified a love developing. Yes, they lusted after each other, but I didn't see any interaction between the heroine and hero that led me to believe they were soul mates. Oh well, I still enjoy Ms. Bennett's writing and will give her work another try.
Crisp writing, passionate and visual.......2003-10-24
Setting England - 1072 ----- In this sequel to THE LILY AND THE SWORD, Lord Radulf has intercepted a missive from one of his vassals asking for assistance from one of his enemies. In order to determine if the widow Lady Rose of Somerford has turned traitor to him, he sends one of his mercenaries, Gunnar Olafson and his men to see if what he fears is true. If Gunnar can prove that Radulf's beloved wife Lily's protégé has turned against him, then Somerford manor would be given to him once he regains control.
Rose, a product of her time, knows she has been a bargaining chip and although she was shown kindness from her elderly and now deceased husband, she did not trust her heart to any of the male species. She would do whatever was necessary to keep control of and the care of her people. Sir Arno, her knight whom she thought loyal, convinced her, that if she asked Radulf for help he would think her incompetent and take the control of Somerford out of her hands. Gunnar, riding up and seeing a great looking harvest in the fields was thinking only that once the traitor, Lady Rose was ousted, this fertile demense would be his. However, when Rose and Gunnar meet their attraction to one another is mutually fierce and disturbing. He to think he was attracted to a traitor, and she to a mercenary; though both attribute it to lust neither wanted to trust their feelings or each other.
THE ROSE AND THE SHIELD is an exciting historical romance sequel set during the reign of William the Conqueror after the Norman's landed. Being a female in those tumultuous times, the thought of a loving and caring relationship would be but a dream, with your value being determined solely upon political alliances. Knowing that a mercenary warred for coin, Rose fought her attraction as much as she could. Gunnar, raised in a home of love and devotion and once he realized Rose was innocent of treachery, prayed that she would learn to trust both him and her feelings. Unfortunately, her independence was for me, just a little too rigid when she should have been able to see past his profession especially after such a sensual and thoroughly satisfying tryst; to still doubt him, was a little hard to swallow. This was still a good and satisfying read for lovers of this historical period and well worth your time. The writing is crisp, passionate, and quite visual so I am looking forward to the next sequel.
Sparks Fly!.......2003-05-17
...high praise to THE ROSE AND THE SHIELD!
Lady Rose is a fiercely independent woman who has striven to retain control of her lands in a male-dominated arena. Reluctant to approach her liege lord, Lord Radulf (from THE LILY AND THE SWORD) for help she instead hires Gunnar Olafson (son of Olaf and Gundren from THE LILY AND THE SWORD) and his band of mercenaries to protect Somerford Manor against raiders believe to be merefolk by her peopel. Unbeknownst to her, he is hired to spy on Lady Rose and expose her for treason. His reward will be Somerford Manor for himself.
Upon first meeting Gunnar and Rose are attracted to each other. Gunnar is a hero to swoon over. Large in size and handsome in face he is frequently surrounded by ogling women. Described most vividly by Ms. Bennett, he is a Viking with blue eyes like the ocean, and long reddish hair. Rose finds herself under his sensual spell. He is not immune to her charms either. Gunnar initially doubts Roseýs innocence, and sees her as a conniving woman in cahoots with her knight. He soon realizes this is not the case, and Rose has ably handled the administration of her lands and people.
The physical chemistry between these two characters sparks from the beginning. As the story progresses the love for each other matches their passion.
Ms. Bennett does a wonderful job providing a passionate romance in 1072 England and stays consistent in this second book and follow up of THE LILY AND THE SWORD.
Watch for more wonderful stories from Ms. Bennett in 2003. Ivo de Vesseyýs story will be called ONCE HE LOVES and released in April ý03.
Good leads and story, but too slow to start, too abrupt end.......2003-02-15
3 1/2 stars. I have to disgree with other reviews in that I did not find this a fast paced read. I found the beginning quite slow and was tempted to skip ahead - something I rarely do.
While Gunnar (oooh, yum!) and Rose are both engaging and likable characters, I was frustrated by how long it took for them to even have a one-on-one private conversation, let alone anything more romantic! Once they do get together passion swirls and the pace picks up, but then the end seems too quick and abrupt for my taste. It seemed like we went from distrust to love in, like two pages!
The story itself is good, if familiar (see Lady of Valor by Tina St John). Widow and Lady of the Manor trying to keep what's hers hires mercenaries not realizing that they come from her overlord, Radulf, who suspects her of treason. Rose does not go to her overlord for help because she is afraid of appearing weak. Responsibility and duty weight heavily on Rose and in those solitary moments at her solar window, she longs for someone to share her burdens.
Gunnar Olafson is the son of Radulf's armourer and is tired of the mercenary life. He wants land and a home he can call his own, and if Rose is found to be a traitor, Radulf will reward him with Somerford Manor. And so, these two have to decide whether they can trust one another, all the while they are attracted to each other. While sharing a bed, they refuse to share their innermost thoughts and certainly not their hearts. But when the true threat to Somerford is revealed, they have no choice but to trust one another to survive.
This is the second book from this author and while I enjoyed both, I prefer "Lily and the Sword" to this one. Looks like Ms Bennett has another book due out soon (she certainly cranks them out quick) and I will likely also check that one (Once He Loves) out as well.
Book Description
It was Felix Hamilton who named it the Birdcage--the tall house in Bristol where Miss Pidgeon lives with her tenants, the beautiful and talented actress Angel Blake and Angel's daughter, Lizzie. Lizzie longed for a father, but Felix knew that ultimately he would have to remain with his own son, Piers, at the gracious, mellow Michaelgarth, the family home on the edge of Exmoor.
Many years later, Lizzie comes at last to Michaelgarth and meets Piers for the first time. There she finds a family in trouble--and miraculously, they need her to help them heal.
Written with shining honesty and compassion, The Birdcage has every bit of the wonder that Marcia Willett's fans have come to expect.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding writing. Compelling characters. Great plot........2006-12-23
This is the first novel I have read by this author. What a find! Marcia Willett is an outstanding English author. Her prose is so far above the average contemporary writer, that the critics seem to compare her to. Moving, and deep, this is a story that will linger on your mind for months after you finish this book. I hated to finish the last page and leave these characters. I could see and feel the English countryside.
This is a must read.
I will immediately buy more books from this author and will look forward to any new books in the future.
Simply Marvelous.......2005-11-14
If you have not yet discovered Marcia Willett, I urge you to pick up this book, you have a major treat in store. Reminiscent of Rosamunde Pilcher and Maeve Binchy but very much her own woman, Willett writes painstakingly and lovingly of everyday lives that are anything but ordinary.
"The Birdcage" spans two generations of very nice people caught up in circumstances that have far-reaching repercussions. It begins in the 50s, in the loveless marriage of Felix and Marina, whose only thing in common is their precocious young son Piers. Marina is a stiff, unyielding woman who stifles her natural adoration of her husband and son beneath a strict, mean exterior that manifests itself in insane jealousy of Felix, and overbearing discipline toward Piers.
When Felix meets lovely, fey, bubbly Angel, a beautiful actress who lives with her roommate Pidge and young daughter Lizzie in a charming house they have named "The Birdcage," the outcome is inevitable. For years, Felix travels on business to Bristol, where he shares a joyous and lively life with the Birdcage household. Angel is his mistress and their love is unchanging. Until Angel pushes the envelope and tragedy ensues.
Fast forward 40 years. Felix is an elderly and frail man; Piers a divorced adult; and Angel and Pidge are long gone. It takes about two chapters to sort out all the new people and figure out their relationships to one another and to the people of the past, and that is the only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5. But no matter. In an enchanting second half, Lizzie, now grown and an actress on her own, comes back to find Felix--and to ground herself with some understanding of her past. It's a beautiful story that can stand on its own, but when the past meets the present and old wounds are opened and then healed, it makes for a simply lovely story.
Highly recommended.
Well Done.......2005-09-24
I've always wondered what I would do without Rosamunde Pilcher to soothe my reading mind....now it seems that Marcia Willet is a good...I don't want to say substitute, because no-one can replace RP, but she comes VERY close!
This is a good read - I enjoyed it. The flow is great, the characters are well done and it is enough to encourage me to read another of MW's books. If I had to use one word I would use
SOOTHING. Well done Marcia! thanks!
Cozy English Tale of Heartbreak and Healing.......2005-08-25
Marcia Willett delivers another wonderfully romantic tale set on the English coast. From the tall house in Bristol, nicknamed the Birdcage, to the lush setting in Exmoor, this story plays out in an enchanting, multi-generational saga that will leave her fans, and all fans of women's fiction, deeply satisfied.
Angela Blake is the passionate actress who falls in love with Felx Hamilton. He comes to love the life Angela, her daughter Lizzie, and their housemate Pidge live and becomes a vital part of that life. Lizzie longs for him to be the father she never knew, but Felix has other obligations. He has a family in Exmoor, a wife he no longer loves but a beloved son, Piers, who he cannot forsake. Or can he? Which life will Felix choose and what will be the repercussions for him and the next generation?
The story plays out in two time frames: the 1950's when Angela and Felix first meet, and later in the 1990's when the fall-out from their love affair must be dealt with. This is, above all, Lizzie's story as she seeks to connect the past and the present in order to face her uncertain future.
Rich with the local color of her beloved England, warm with characters you come to love, and heartrending in its plot, this is another five-star read from Marcia Willett.
deep relationship drama .......2005-08-03
In 1956 Dunster, though married to Marina and raising a son Piers together, Felix is unhappy with his loveless life though he loves his son. He meets Angelina when he attends the theater as she is performing on the stage. They begin a tryst as he visits her often at the Birdcage. He is falling in love with his Angel and cherishes her delightful young daughter Lizzie, who thinks Felix is the dad she never met. When Marina learns about her husband's infidelity, she forces him to decide between his second family and his son.
Four decades later, a grieving Lizzie, whose mom just died, needs to understand why Felix abruptly dumped them. When she catches up to the man who was so kind to a girl that needed attention, she hides the truth that she is married to a philanderer. Felix is happy to see Lizzie and introduces her to Piers. With Lizzie as the catalyst the estranged relationship between father and son heals, but she knows she lives a lie from the two men she cares so much about.
The vital element in this deep relationship drama is the significant cast members seem genuine whether it is the 1950s or the 1990s. The story line focuses on the characters especially Felix in the first half and Piers and Lizzie in the latter segment of this profound drama. Readers will emphasize with Felix as he chooses his beloved son which means Marina over his treasured Angel and her dearly loved daughter. Fans will be pleased with this strong family drama starring wonderful fully developed protagonists regardless of the decades that the subplots occur.
Harriet Klausner
Book Description
Carly Lorraine Sinclair grows up in the home of her fiercely strong mother, Leigh. Naturally timid, Carly finds that constantly trying to please Leigh by hiding her own fears only increases her insecurities. In a bold attempt to face them head-on, she joins the Army. Through the military Carly confronts her self-doubt, realizing when sent to Kuwait as part of Operation Desert Storm that facing fears is crucial to survival. After she is wounded, she returns to Ivy Manor and the nursing care of three generations of women who have faced their own warspersonal or otherwise. Carly must determine whether she can cope with her new physical needs and find peace . . . and finally, love.
Customer Reviews:
Carly (Women of Ivy Manor Series #4).......2007-09-06
I loved this book! The ending finishes all the loose ends from the 3 previous books. Wonderful series!
Woman of Ivy Manor.......2007-01-08
CARLY is a feisty offspring of the 21st Century, who thinks she knows what she wants and doesn't complain when the reality doesn't equal her expectations. CARLY is a high-quality story of chaotic experiences and strong characters. In portraying the youngest woman of Ivy Manor, Lyn Cote has created her most memorable story yet.
Irene Brand
A disappointment........2006-05-04
When I read the first book in this series, Chloe, I was hopeful that although the book moved quickly and seemed a tad bit shallow, that overall the series would be enjoyable. I was wrong. Chloe was good, Bette was better, but then with Leigh Cote's writing seemed to take a turn for the worse, and Carly only reiterated that sentiment. I was so excited for an impactful, in depth series about four generations of American women, and what I ended up reading was a hastily-written and shallow series filled with unrealistic characters and false-feeling relationships. I understand that this is a novel, and thus by definition it will have some outlandish plot twists and character developments - but I would at least expect such things to be written in a believable way, with some depth to them. This entire book felt so false and cheesy, that I could hardly bear to finish it.
The author is trying to pass this series off as "Christian" novels, and while there are a few (and I stress "few") "Christian" references, they are so shallow, awkwardly tossed in, and completely unexplained, that there is no point in the references even being in the novel at all. Then, in Carly the main character joins the army. This is a sect of society that is fairly well-known for being rough and rugged, and yet the author has soldiers and drill sergeants saying the most unbelievably docile things, that there is NO WAY anyone could take them seriously. I felt like I was reading a book written for a pre-teen child.
I was highly disappointed in this "grand finale" to the Ivy Manor series, and I will not be reading any other books by this author.
*** For some truly good, in-depth, and entertaining reading, try Liz Curtis Higgs, Lyn Austin, Francine Rivers, or Cecelia Ahern ***
fine family drama .......2006-04-14
Leigh is a strong individual so her daughter Carly Sinclair feels overwhelmed and subdued by her intimidating but loving mom. By high school, Carly feels like a failure as she always tries to please her demanding mother, but believes she has never succeeded as she fears failure not for her sake but for her mom's.
Leigh wants Carly to attend college, but though timorous, Carly finds backbone as she tells her mom no. Instead she enlists with the army over the objections of Leigh. Military demands prove difficult but Carly faces her fears and meets the requirements. She and her unit mobilize and deploy to Kuwait as part of Desert Shield where she is wounded. Sent home to convalesce the women of Ivy Manor provide their youngest with the healing power of love.
The latest Women of Ivy Manor (see CHLOE, BETTE, and LEIGH) is a fine family drama starring the fourth generation who needs to "escape" from her relatives especially her overbearing mom. The deep look at this reticent young woman seeking her wings to fly from the coop is well written with the wonderful backdrop of Desert Shield, the first war with Hussein. Though the ending feels contrived, fans of the miniseries will enjoy the coming of age of CARLY
Harriet Klausner
Book Description
Award-winning author Lyn Cote delivers the first story in her moving Women of Ivy Manor series about four generations of women, set against the sprawling tapestry of the twentieth century. Chloe Lorraine Kimball is born at the estate of Ivy Manor in the wee hours of the twentieth century. She is the apple of her grandmother's eye, if not her mother and father's. For despite a home filled with everything a young girl could desire, she lacks the one thing she wants above all else-unconditional love from her parents. Thinking she can win that love through her actions, she creates a successful life for herself in Washington, DC, as the belle of her father's political career. Bright and beautiful, she revels in the attention she receives from the capitol's major players. But in the end, as her world comes crashing down amid the opening months of the Depression, Chloe must realize that whether or not she's capable of giving and receiving love is something entirely up to her. And perhaps she can finally find happiness on her own terms.
Customer Reviews:
The Beginning of a Beautiful Saga.......2007-09-13
Chloe is the turn of the century equivalent of today's pampered princess but she longs for so much more. To say that this young woman takes destiny into her own hands is an understatement. Her adventures take her away from home only to bring her back again. But she finds in the long run that love is from within.
The character of Chloe, first brought to life in this story, soon becomes the matriarch of the the Women of Ivy Manor as we follow her story through the successive books. This story is captivating and a must read for any young woman looking to find herself. While spanning the time period from 1900 through World War I, it packs a lot of punch into that short time period. The people we meet are real and vibrant. Kudos to Lyn Cote for such a terrific read!
A dismal failure........2006-09-03
"Chloe" is most definitely going on my list of "worst books read." It was if author Lyn Cote simply did not know how to design her main character, Chloe, or any of the other characters. No one had any depth or interestingness to him or her. The book spans nearly ten years, giving plenty of time and opportunity to showcase characters' growth, but Cote failed greatly. There was no development or explanation as to why these people turned out as they did. It was a mystery that wasn't interesting. There was no one to look up to, relate to, or like...it was as if Cote didn't like writing this story. A huge disappointment. I do not recommend.
Beautiful inspirational/historical..........2005-09-07
I picked up Chloe on a whim because of its historical turn-of-the-twentieth-century setting and the backdrops of the first World War, the Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression. The 1920s Jazz Age intrigued me as well. This is one of the most beautiful and moving inspirational fiction books I have read. Chloe Kimball is a beautiful blue-eyed seventeen-year-old blonde who has had enough of her dysfunctional parents. She is nothing but an essential tool for her father's political career and the proper heiress to her mother's Carlyle upbringing and Ivy Manor estate. So, in the year 1917, Chloe and her pretty black maid Minnie, victim of Chloe's father's come-ons and sexual harassments, decide to escape to New York City, where Chloe marries a gorgeous soldier she only had brief encounters with, in spite of her friend Roarke's love confession. Chloe hadn't imagined the struggles she'd face after that. Her husband Theran dies during the war in France and Chloe has to work as a model to make ends meet. But then she discovers that she is pregnant with her late husband's child and moves back to Ivy Manor, where she begins to work with her selfish father again, loses her newborn daughter to her overbearing mother, and experiences the loss of her friendship with Roarke and his sister Kitty. There is something missing in Chloe's life, something that could change her life for the better. Will she be able to figure it out before it is too late? There are various twists throughout the novel.
There are several time lapses during the course of the story and we experience the different settings and backdrops as the years and decades change. The reader gets glimpses of Chloe's life from the year 1917 to the year 1930. There are many insights on WWI and its aftermath during the "Lost Generation" of the Roaring Twenties -- where jazz clubs, chic clothes and the Charleston dance were the height of fashion. I enjoyed this particular aspect of the novel because the descriptions were so historically rich that it felt as though I had been alive during that interesting era. The author took us on a tour of the startup of New York City's bohemian lifestyle, the fashion changes and the beginning of the fights for equal employment for African Americans and the demand for women's right to vote. The insights on the stock market crash in 1929 (also known as the "Crash of '29") and the beginning of the Great Depression were also quite interesting. As said earlier, this is a very historically rich and insightful novel. I loved it. As for the characters, I was able to feel their pain and emotions. Chloe and Roarke touched me deeply. Chloe's lack of backbone frustrated me at times, but she redeemed herself in the last pages of the novel. I loved the chemistry between Chloe and Theran Black. He sounded wonderful and I wish he had been in the novel more. But the love story between Chloe and Roarke is also quite moving. All in all, this is a beautiful first offering of a family saga that springs through generations of the Women of Ivy Manor. The next installment will center on Bette, Chloe's daughter. I will certainly give it a whirl, especially because I want to know what is happening to Kitty, a loose end in the story that I hope will be resolved in Bette. I recommend this inspiring story most highly.
Authentic Historical Fiction.......2005-08-18
I have read many historical fiction novels, but this was the best yet. As a history major it's hard for me to enjoy a 'historical' story when the history is really fiction. Lyn Cote finds a superb way to blend fiction with historical reality in this coming of age story. Set among the backdrop of WWI and the Roaring Twenties flapper Chloe learns what real love is and deals with family dynamics in a way that keeps the reader turning the page to see what happens next. The storyline is original, characters are believable and authentic and the history is right on the mark. Congratulations to Lyn Cote for such a superb work of fiction.
I would like to make a few corrections to a previous review. The man whom Chloe marries is named Theran Black, not Thoeran. Also, her black servant is Minnie, not Millie.
Fantastic!.......2005-07-04
This is Lyn's best book and a glorious story of hope and redemption. The plot is delicious, full of characters that come alive and draw you into Chloe's world. The story lives and breathes history, brings it home in ways that evoke our deepest emotions. This is a must read, a delightful story that will keep you reading until the last page. Don't pass this one by.
Book Description
Too good to be true?
When Eulalia first met Fenno, she found him thoroughly irritating! So she was alarmed when her attraction to him escalated to uncomfortable levels. And it certainly didn't help that she was engaged to another woman.
Eulalia had more important things to take care of -- like finding a home for herself and her young cousin. But her mysterious inheritance of a country cottage made her suspicious. Was fate -- or Fenno -- giving her a helping hand?
Customer Reviews:
Happy families........2003-04-07
The other two reviewers have the plot description. This is another fine story by Ms. Neels. If you read her stories you know what to expect-strong silent men, heroines who soldier on no matter the difficulty and no sex. The only part that annoyed me was that the fiancée was involved in the story too long. That being stated, another story that when you finally reach the end, you're smiling
Let's hear it for passionate outspoken Heroines !.......2001-11-05
Cover: When Eulalia (Warburton) first met Fenno van Linssen she thought him thoroughly infuriating! And yet, the eminent Dutch surgeon had swiftly taken charge when her young cousin, Peter, had a minor accident, his dedication far beyond the call of duty. But Eulalia's growing admiration for the man was rather alarming. He had a fiancee, after all. And Eulalia had more pressing concerns - like finding a new home for Peter and herself. Her mysterious inheritance of a country cottage seemed a heaven-sent solution! But was fate or Fenno giving Eulalia a helping hand?
This is another of Betty Neels' wonderful stories about a strong, loving, selfless heroine who takes in her orphaned little cousin without hesitation, and raises him with the help of yet another devoted, charming family retainer who completes the new family circle. The little family group has, as usual, fallen on hard times through no fault of their own and are cheerfully carving the best life possible in their new situation.
This story is made even more fun by an outspoken heroine, a hero slow to recognize his attraction, and - best of all - a very witchy snooty fiancee who unwittingly spoils her own chances by being truly rude and spiteful to the heroine, orchestrating the heroine's certain unjustified employment termination, thereby throwing her right under the compassionate wings of the Hero !! What fun !
Thank heaven also for cute little nephews who know how to look out for their beloved Aunts!
Let's hear it for honest, outspoken heroines!.......2001-11-03
Cover: When Eulalia Warburton first met Fenno van Linssen she thought him thoroughly infuriating! And yet, the eminent Dutch surgeon had swiftly taken charge when her young cousin, Peter, had a minor accident, his dedication far beyond the call of duty. But Eulalia's growing admiration for the man was rather alarming. He had a fiancee, after all. And Eulalia had more pressing concerns - like finding a new home for Peter and herself. Her mysterious inheritance of a country cottage seemed a heaven-sent solution! But was fate or Fenno giving Eulalia a helping hand?
This is a delightful story about a courageous heroine with a limitless capacity for caring. The hero takes a little while to realize the depth of his feelings, but he has a helping hand from the charming little orphan cousin that Eulalia raises as her own. There are the requisite Neels devoted servants that give fate a hand, and the snooty fiancee that through her own bad behaviour places Eulalia more firmly under Fenno's wing! It is a fun book with characters you will fall in love with.
As usual, the heroine AND hero are both what the other needs!
Customer Reviews:
Backcover info:.......2004-08-08
"Orphaned in a train wreck as a little girl and raised by a family of poor coal miners, "Jane" spent her girlhood toiling in the mines near Newcastle, plagued by flashes of forgotten memories. Who was she and where did she belong? Only after fleeing the mines and traveling across England with a band of gypsies did she meet the man who had haunted dreams...and who took her home at last to Wyndcliffe Manor.
But the arrival of Jane-now Jennifer Hardwicke and the heiress of Wyndcliffe-fanned the flames of intrigue and desperate blackmail that had been smoldering for years among the jealous heirs."
Book Description
As the Civil War rages, young Leah Carter moves with her ailing uncle to what townspeople believe is a haunted house. But what she finds is even more frightening-something that sorely challenges her faith and strengthens her relationship with Jeff.
Customer Reviews:
Best Series Ever!.......2000-09-20
I fell in love with these books the moment I started reading them! At first when my mom showed me I was like I'll try them. But she turned out to find the best series I've ever read. Not only cause it's a Christian Series but because I also love romantic books. Because I'm getting older this was the perfect match! I also love learning about the Civil War so these were aousome! Thanks Mom for finding great books! This is one of my very favorites in the series.
Best Series Ever!.......2000-09-20
I fell in love with these books the moment I started reading them! At first when my mom showed me I was like I'll try them. But she turned out to find the best series I've ever read. Not only cause it's a Christian Series but because I also love romantic books. Because I'm getting older this was the perfect match! I also love learning about the Civil War so these were aousome! Thanks Mom for finding great books!
Product Description
This Elibron Classics edition is a facsimile reprint of a 1871 edition by Tr_bner & Co., London.
Book Description
In the grand tradition of Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Rebecca, B.J. Hoff forges a groundbreaking new romantic suspense series in this, the stunning first novel of THE ST. CLARE TRILOGY. Joining the romance and nostalgia of rural Americana with the powerful, page-turning appeal of the Gothic, Hoff has crafted a tale of passion and pathos, introducing these compelling new characters:
Roman St. Clare the Civil War photographer haunted by the slaying of his wife and unborn child. His relentless quest to find their murderer leads him to a remote area on Staten Island, where he must confront and be confronted by his own dark past.
Amanda (Andy) Fairchild the petite, auburn-haired beauty who, as owner of Graystone Manor, a secluded resort hotel, is suspicious of the stranger who has arrived at a time of great mystery and intrigue on the Island.
Niles Rutherford a brilliant young physician and Andy's lifelong friend, who, as her self-proclaimed protector, guards her well and, in return, demands more than her loyalty.
Caught up in conflicting emotions and danger, these three find themselves ensnared in the age-old battle between Light and Darkness, fighting for their very lives - and their love.
Customer Reviews:
tj's thinking.......2002-04-02
Actually, I'm pretty much at a loss. I read this book several years ago, and it has always stayed on my mind that I need to hear "the rest of the story".
I like Ms. Hoff's books because she appears to have a firm grip on the reality of christianity in correlation to our naturally dark hearts. This quality combined with the historical settings and all too humanly frail characters make for wonderful reading.
I have nothing but praise for the excellent works of Ms. Hoff. I loved the Emerald Ballad series. I also started the Cloth of Heaven series, but I commiserate with your other reviewers. Where are the sequels to Graystone Manor and Cloth of Heaven? We want MORE!
I must apologize. Obviously, this is not a review, but a big question mark.
winds of graystone manor.......2002-01-18
I love this book. It had romance and mystery. I like a book that can keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is one of them. And the author tells the story without fowl words in it.But I'm sad to say that the author has not wrote the other books for this trilogy.
One of my very favorites!.......2000-12-23
This is perhaps my very favorite novels...definately in the top ten! It held me captivated the whole way through...from page one on. The mystery and romance was great, with an intriguing plot, characters, and surroundings, as well as a good message.
I've been waiting for book two and three, but I haven't seen any sign of them, which is very disappointing. This book leaves me wanting to know what happens next...Maybe I'll have to let my imagination fill it in.
Great job, B. J. Hoff in this book!...Please don't leave us fans hanging forever!
St. Clare Trilogy Titillating.......2000-04-02
B.J. Hoff's St. Clare Trilogy should be just that, a trilogy. Winds of Graystone Manor is a chilling, captivating mystery with a warm blend of romance and new beginnings. Because of the finale's definite cliffhanger, this novel should not stand alone. As an avid reader, I would like to strongly urge B.J. Hoff to reconsider and please all of us with her brilliant way of weaving spiritual truths into the imperfect lives of her characters in the final two novels of the St. Clare Trilogy. I will be praying towards that end.
Loved it, anxiously awaiting the next one........1999-10-07
Enjoyed the book thoroughly. Keep looking for the next one
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