The last book I reviewed on my blog was fun, contemporary yet touching. Now the 6th book on my list of the most popular romances is very different - it's Laura Kinsale's Flowers from the Storm.
Now, this book isn't what I expected it to be at all. When I mentioned in a previous post about the most flawed hero I'd ever come across in the genre, I hadn't met the hero in Flowers from the Storm. The Duke of Jervaulx is the typical rake of his time period, but something tragic happens to him, and it's up to the heroine, the quiet Quaker, Maddy Timms, to save him.
Now, when I mention the word 'flawed', I'm speaking about the illness that takes over the Duke's life. He has a stroke/hemorrhage that leads his family to believe he's now insane (or as his mother believes, his condition is like God's punishment for his debauched life). The heroine believes God has sent her a sign to help the Duke, and an unlikely romance develops.
I must say, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this book, but the unusual scenario and the interesting characters got me hooked. I felt so much compassion for the hero as he struggled to recover from his illness, and the heroine was inspiring and well matched to the hero despite her modest upbringing and strong religious views.
Don't be put off by the religious tone of what I've just mentioned - it's not a religious story in any way, and it's a fantastic, beautiful love story about dealing with illness and triumphing over tragedy. A fabulous book, and well deserving of it's much-loved status.
See you next time...
:-) Mon
2 comments:
I'm the same but I may not have been as courageous as you and actually devoted time to it. I'm glad you have shared because it has made me want to. Thanks Mon
Kez
Kerri Williams
It's well worth it, Kez!
I'm really enjoying the process of reading a broad range of much-loved romance novels. I'm looking for the key elements that make them so good, and hopefully I can apply these elements to my own work.
Hugs,
Mon
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