Helpful Score: 16
Possibly the best book Karen Ranney has ever written, and definitely in the top 5 medieval romances I've ever read. Too few medievals really draw the reader into the period, and show the hardships & brutality of daily life. This one does so most convincingly. Sebastian is truly a tortured 13th Century hero, and has probably the mother of all dark secrets for this period in history. Unlike far too many other romance "dark secrets", when Sebastian's secret comes to light, the reader isn't left sitting there wondering why these people are letting such a silly little thing get in the way of their HEA - the situation really DOES look hopeless and completely beyond their control. I chewed a few nails and shed a few tears getting to the happy ending, but the payoff was well worth the wait. A keeper & VERY highly recommended.
Grade: A+
Sensuality Rating: PG-13
Grade: A+
Sensuality Rating: PG-13
Helpful Score: 3
I really enjoyed this book-well written and the characters have depth. Now I am going to read more books by this author.
This book is boring. There is no plot, no witty dialogue...as a matter of fact the characters in this book don't even talk that much. They seem to spend most of their time praying or in silent contemplation of one thing or another. And when the hero's big secret is finally revealed, what does the heroine do but faint! I hate weak heroines and this one's too lackluster to engage my interest for long. Had to give up reading about halfway through.
Really good. Love it!
Outstanding Read Do not miss reading this book! A Five star rating!
Historical fiction is my preferred reading material, but not medieval fiction. However, this story is an exception; Karen Ranney has written an engrossing tale taking place in the mid-1200s.
Sebastian is Earl of Langlinais, home from the Crusades and imprisonment/ransom. He is trying to earn enough from his estate to finish paying his ransom to the Templars. As a 12-year-old, he was married to 5-year-old Julianna, daughter of one of Sebastian's father's vassals. She has spent the intervening years in a nunnery, learning the housewifely tasks from the Sisters of Charity.
The story builds slowly, as Sebastian and Julianna come to love each other, in spite of never touching. This is a different type of love story. 4.5 stars
Loved
** 1. My Beloved (1999)
2. My True Love (2000)
Sebastian is Earl of Langlinais, home from the Crusades and imprisonment/ransom. He is trying to earn enough from his estate to finish paying his ransom to the Templars. As a 12-year-old, he was married to 5-year-old Julianna, daughter of one of Sebastian's father's vassals. She has spent the intervening years in a nunnery, learning the housewifely tasks from the Sisters of Charity.
The story builds slowly, as Sebastian and Julianna come to love each other, in spite of never touching. This is a different type of love story. 4.5 stars
Loved
** 1. My Beloved (1999)
2. My True Love (2000)
Great story with history mixed in. Wonderful book that keeps you reading well into the night.
This is a horrible book.I think this story could have been so much better,especially at the end when the problem magically went away and happily ever after.
A knight in Peril....
When Sebastian, Earl of Langlinais, became ensnared in his villainous brother's plots, he had no choice but to turn to his virgin bride for help-a wife he had not seen since the day they had wed as children. He had planned for her to remain his wife in name only, yet Sebastian had not counted on being enchanted by her beauty. But could he really tell her the secret reason why their love could never be.....
A Bride-in-waiting....
Convent-bred Julianna had spent her days learning the wifely arts... and her nights longing for the man she had wed so long ago. Summoned to join him, the naive bride came face-to-face with a man so virile, so powerful, she trembled in his presence. And although he asked her to go against everything she held true, she could not resist surrendering...even if it meant losing her soul.
When Sebastian, Earl of Langlinais, became ensnared in his villainous brother's plots, he had no choice but to turn to his virgin bride for help-a wife he had not seen since the day they had wed as children. He had planned for her to remain his wife in name only, yet Sebastian had not counted on being enchanted by her beauty. But could he really tell her the secret reason why their love could never be.....
A Bride-in-waiting....
Convent-bred Julianna had spent her days learning the wifely arts... and her nights longing for the man she had wed so long ago. Summoned to join him, the naive bride came face-to-face with a man so virile, so powerful, she trembled in his presence. And although he asked her to go against everything she held true, she could not resist surrendering...even if it meant losing her soul.
