Customer Reviews

Dawn White Rose

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2 star:		(1)
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Nothing wrong with that if it's your cuppa tea, but not for me. This is the second in a four book series the author wrote set in medieval England, and this one picks up the story of Isabel de Clare, the daughter of Richard and Eve in Shield of Roses. With her parents dead, the very wealthy heiress Isabel is a ward of the crown and kept locked up safely in the Tower. Grateful for his years of loyalty and service, Richard gives Isabel in marriage to William Marshal.

While the marriage initially starts off on the right foot, it doesn't take long for the Big Misunderstandings to take hold and the first few years of the marriage are rocky. Their conflicts continue as they struggle to hold onto their lands in Ireland (inherited from Isabel's parents) as well as the conflicts with the always-awful King John and the Baron's revolt. The story ends shortly after John's death and William becomes regent for a young Henry III.

Yes, there's a lot more to it than that but I'm not inclined to spend more time over it, and I have to admit to skimming a lot of the last third to get it over with. While not bad, it's not great either and definitely of the wall-paper variety. Granted I already have preconceived notions of William and Isabel from Elizabeth Chadwick's fabulous books on this pair, The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion, but I really didn't like the way she portrayed either of the two. Isabel was a such a spoiled ditz at times (drove me nuts with her constant oath of "oh, lud") and William's temper during the Big Misunderstandings went on paths I'd rather not have gone down.

If you've not read the Chadwick books and prefer your books more romance oriented you'd probably enjoy this, but I suspect Chadwick fans would be advised to steer clear.

I found this book years ago at a used book store, and bought it because of the picture on the cover. I had no idea what it was going to be about, but the picture was so beautiful that I bought it anyway. This was the very first historical romance I had ever owned and it sparked an interest in historical romances that has lasted over 15 years. This book made me laugh and cry, but I could not put it down! The character's were far from perfect, which only made the story more interesting. I highly recommend this book to any true historical romance reader.

I wish there was more information about Mary's books. I have all of her "Roses" series, and even they were extremely diffult to come by, but I would like to know more about some of her other work...

Pershall does a wonderful job in keeping with historical facts, while writing one terrific love story. Her two main characters are so likeable. This book makes you feel as if your right there in the story. I could not put the book down, I was sorry to see it end.