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Shanna [Mass Market Paperback]

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (258 customer reviews)

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Book Description

August 28, 2007

A pact is sealed in secret behind the foreboding walls of Newgate Prison. In return for a night of unparalleled pleasure, a dashing condemned criminal consents to wed a beautiful heiress, thereby rescuing her with his name from an impending and abhorred arranged union. But in the fading echoes of hollow wedding vows, a solemn promise is broken, as a sensuous free spirit takes flight to a lush Caribbean paradise, abandoning the stranger she married to face the gallows unfulfilled.

But Ruark Beauchamp's destiny is now eternally intertwined with that of the tempestuous, intoxicating Shanna. He will be free . . . and he will find her. For no iron ever forged can imprison his resolute passion. And no hangman's noose will deny Ruark the ecstasy that is rightfully his.


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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A legend . . . The queen of historical romance." -- -- Alanta Journal-Constitution

"A phenomenon." -- -- New York Times

About the Author

(1939 - 2007) Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, creator of the modern historical romance, died July 6, 2007 in Minnesota. She had just turned 68. Her attorney, William Messerlie, said that she died after a long illness.

Born on June 3, 1939 in Alexandria, Louisiana, Mrs. Woodiwiss was the youngest of eight siblings. She long relished creating original narratives, and by age six was telling herself stories at night to help herself fall asleep. At age 16, she met U.S. Air Force Second Lieutenant Ross Woodiwiss at a dance, and they married the following year. She wrote her first book in longhand while living at a military outpost in Japan.

Woodiwiss is credited with the invention of the modern historical romance novel: in 1972, she released The Flame and the Flower, an instant New York Times bestseller, creating literary precedent. The Flame and the Flower revolutionized mainstream publishing, featuring an epic historical romance with a strong heroine and impassioned sex scenes. "Kathleeen E. Woodiwiss is the founding mother of the historical romance genre," says Carrie Feron, vice president/editorial director of William Morrow and Avon Books, imprints of HarperCollins Publishers. Feron, who has been Woodiwiss's editor for 13 years, continues, "Avon Books is proud to have been Kathleen's sole publishing partner for her paperbacks and hardcover novels for more than three decades." Avon Books, a leader in the historical romance genre to this day, remains Mrs. Woodiwiss's original and only paperback publisher; William Morrow, Avon's sister company, publishes Mrs. Woodiwiss's hardcovers.

The Flame and the Flower was rejected by agents and hardcover publishers, who deemed it as "too long" at 600 pages. Rather than follow the advice of the rejection letters and rewrite the novel, Mrs. Woodiwiss instead submitted it to paperback publishers. The first publisher on her list, Avon, quickly purchased the novel and arranged an initial 500,000 print run. The novel sold over 2.3 million copies in its first four years of publication.

The success of this novel prompted a new style of writing romance, concentrating primarily on historical fiction tracking the monogamous relationship between a helpless heroines and the hero who rescued her, even if he had been the one to place her in danger. The romance novels which followed in her example featured longer plots, more controversial situations and characters, and more intimate and steamy sex scenes.

"Her words engendered an incredible passion among readers," notes Feron. Bestselling author Julia Quinn agrees, saying, "Woodiwiss made women want to read. She gave them an alternative to Westerns and hard-boiled police procedurals. When I was growing up, I saw my mother and grandmother reading and enjoying romances, and when I was old enough to read them myself, I felt as if I had been admitted into a special sisterhood of reading women."

New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips, a leading voice in the women's fiction arena, says, "We all owe our careers to her. She opened the world of romance to us as readers. She created a career for us to go into."

The pioneering author has written 13 novels over the course of 35 years, all New York Times bestsellers. Kathleen E. Woodiwiss's final literary work, the upcoming Everlasing, will be published by William Morrow in October 2007. "Everlasting is Kathleen's final gift to her fans," notes Feron.

Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, who was predeceased by her husband and son Dorren, is survived by sons Sean and Heath, and numerous grandchildren.


Product Details

  • Mass Market Paperback: 672 pages
  • Publisher: Avon; First edition (August 28, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0380385880
  • ISBN-13: 978-0380385881
  • Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.2 x 6.7 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (258 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,043 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

With more than thirty-six million copies of her bestselling novels already in print, Kathleen E. Woodiwiess remains one of America's most successful and beloved storytellers. She is the author of twelve enormously successful masterworks of romantic fiction, including The Flame and the Flower, Shanna, Ashes in the Wind, Petals on the River, and The Elusive Flame.

Customer Reviews

First time I read the book was over 20 years ago. Loretta  |  63 reviewers made a similar statement
You will fall in love with him! Diana  |  35 reviewers made a similar statement
Ruark and Shanna created the ultimate love story. MANDY  |  32 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
64 of 68 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Good escapism, great romance, infuriating heroine... September 25, 2005
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I have officially decided to put Kathleen E. Woodiwiss on the list of authors to look for whenever I fancy a historical romance/bodice ripper for some mindless fun and escapism. I enjoyed A Rose in Winter very much but hated The Flame and the Flower. I had hoped Shanna will be like the former instead of the latter. Lucky for me, it is more like the former. This romance/adventure novel is as riveting as it is infuriating. The year is 1749. Shanna Trahern is the daughter of a prosperous and kind landowner and oligarch of the Caribbean island called Los Camellos (fictional setting). All he wants is for his only child to get married and produce heirs that will continue the prosperity of his hard work. However, Shanna does not want to settle for any of the opportunistic suitors that are after her wealthy purse. So, while in London, with the help of her manservant, she offers a condemned Yankee criminal by the name of Ruark Beauchamp a night with her in exchange for marriage. She wants to borrow his last name, which is a well-known aristocratic name. Shanna has no qualms about doing this. After all, Ruark will be hanged a few days after the wedding and she'll be a widow in the eyes of her father after she invents a story about her husband's ill-timed demise. Her father will then finally let her choose whoever she wants for a husband. But when she fails to keep her end of the bargain, Ruark swears that he will escape prison and find her. In a struck of luck, Ruark escapes the hanging when he is purchased illegally to work as a bondsman for Shanna's father under the alias of John Ruark. Most bondsmen are purchased at debtors' prisons, but Ruark is chosen for his strength and potential as a hard worker. (Mr. Trahern isn't aware that the purchase of the bondsman had been done illegally.) There he finds Shanna and persuades her until she yields to him -- awakening the initial attraction and desire when she first met the sensual, gorgeous man. However, their romance faces many obstacles. What will happen when Orlan Trahern discovers that his favorite bondsman is his daughter's husband? What will happen when everyone discovers Ruark is an escaped convict? Who is the real murderer of the woman he was accused and convicted of killing at a London inn? They face many obstacles indeed, but the biggest obstacle is Shanna's unwillingness to yield to the beautiful and somewhat wild Colonial. There are various twists throughout the novel.

The best thing about this novel is without a doubt Ruark. He sounds scrumptious and sensual and is willing to play along with Shanna's petulance like a good sport. (Plus, he is topless through most of the novel, great mind candy.) He is quite persuasive in his mission to obtain Shanna not just as a lover but as his rightful wife. He is a very patient hero, for Shanna puts him through all kinds of pain and struggles due to her lack of faith in him in spite of his many attempts to prove that he loves her. Shanna is one of the most infuriating (anti?)heroines I have read in romance. Her lack of humility and selfish attitude disgusted me at times. Her treatment of poor Ruark is revolting. She desires him and apparently loves him, but refuses to have a normal marriage with him because he is a slave. It doesn't matter to her that Ruark doesn't have much choice in his status, for it is either being hanged or working the lands until he's earned his time and money and be free. The man could not do a darn thing right in her eyes. At times I couldn't tell whether Ruark was that smitten and lustful for Shanna or if he was simply a masochist. Her behavior is even worse when she is taken hostage at a ship headed for the Colonies (America). This is what went on for more than one-hundred pages: 1) Shanna chastises Ruark for having been unfaithful to her (he hadn't been unfaithful). 2) Ruark saves her life and from being raped repeatedly during the voyage, only to get nothing but rejection in return. 3) Shanna utters insults and abuse to Ruark. 4) She forbids him to touch her, yet throws a hissy fit whenever another woman so much as looks at Ruark. And so on. I know Shanna is supposed to be this flawed protagonist, which probably explains why the book is named after her, but she is difficult to stomach at times. The things that kept me reading till the end were Ruark and wanting to know how he would clear his name and vindicate himself. The results are very impressive and in some cases surprising. As for the other aspects of the novel, I enjoyed the historical references very much. The story made me feel emotions (mostly anger and frustration) and that is what I look for in romances of this sort. However, the novel is very long-winded and the prose is too flowery and wordy for my taste. There are many repetitions. I was reminded in almost every page that Ruark has "golden amber eyes" and whenever the characters stood "with arms akimbo," or when Shanna "presented her back" to Ruark. It became annoying after a while. Other than that, I can see why so many people swear by this book and Ms. Woodiwiss's works. She is a great author within the genre and her books are my newest guilty pleasures. The Wolf and the Dove will be my next Woodiwiss read.
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35 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This was one of the first romance novels I had ever read. And let me tell you even though it is long it is so worth the time. This book has everything you could want: love, tragedy, pain, joy, romance, passion, murder, jealousy....etc. Its fantastic! The main charcters Ruark and Shanna are just made for each other in a way that only soul mates could be. It is refreshing to see a book where the man makes the scrafice and give his everything to a woman. Although I do have to agree with some of the other reviews that Shanna was very annoying at times. You want to go in and shake her and make her look at Ruark for waht he really is.

But that doesnt really turn you away cause Ruark is such a strong and patient man that you just neeed to read on and make sure hes happy. He is the best hero in a book EVER. Truly the epitome od the word MAN.

Though the book is a lengthy read it is not boring. Reminds me of how long the movie Gone With The Wind was but just like that movie this book will just make you want to fall in love again or for the first time. I definitely recommend to any and everyone.If not for any other reason than to get to know Ruark. Trust me you will LOVE HIM!!!
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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Why "Shanna" Is Called "Shanna" January 22, 2011
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This review contains vague spoilers, and was written primarily in defense of Shanna.

I was very young when my mother handed me this book. I was an avid reader at the time, and I ate through romances as if they were chocolate (I still do today, but being an English Major, I've had to cut back). "Shanna" captured my heart like no other romance ever has. It was Belgian chocolate. Call me sensitive, because I am, but this book has been and will always be my favorite.

When my best friend was bored and looking for a good read, I offered her "Shanna". She was doubtful, as she had never been into romances, but she read it if only to please me. She enjoyed it immensely, despite the flowery prose that is characteristic of Kathleen Woodiwiss. We're both huge fans of fantasy fiction, and while there is no magic, there is plenty of action and adventure.

Like myself, my friend believed that perhaps one of the greatest parts of the book is Ruark, a handsome, amber-eyed, and terribly clever prisoner with a mysterious background who is meant for the gallows. Most people love him just after his first scene in the jail cell, when Shanna comes and strikes a dangerous deal between the two of them. He's catching fleas - so attractive! No, truly, to this day, my mother and I still swoon over him. And like a previous reviewer mentioned, he is shirtless. A lot. We like this.

Anyway, the deal gets the story rolling.

The plot moves along wonderfully, and the middle section is probably the most exciting bit, as Ruark and Shanna fight for their lives to escape pirates. It should be noted that pirates, in this book, are accurately depicted. While the romance of pirates is fun, Woodiwiss shows us why they were, indeed, greatly feared when they did sail the seas. We love Captain Jack Sparrow, but pirates were rarely that handsome, funny, and endearing. The story is artfully structured, beginning with an introduction to Los Camellos, Shanna's island, and the jolting the heroes into danger, and finally sliding into a warm and fuzzy - but not too fuzzy - ending. There is never a dull moment between the pirates and murderers and Shanna. Not that she should be grouped with them, but I'll get there in a moment.

The side characters are just as lovable - Pitney and Shanna's father, Orlan Trahern, become like old friends. Pitney acts as Shanna's conscience, which she rarely listens to, and through the loving, if temperamental, character of Orlan, we see why Shanna has become the way she has.

There is no denying it - Shanna is one of the most spoiled, selfish, infuriating females I have ever read of in a romance novel. That being said, she is my favorite heroine. People might expect something more of her, since the book is named after her, but what do they expect? Would the book have been as wonderful had she not been spoiled, selfish, and infuriating? Who else would be a better match for Ruark--Heather, perhaps, from "The Flame in the Flower", or Elise Radbourne from "So Worthy My Love"? Shanna tries his patience, and our own, time and again, but could we see Ruark or Shanna with different people? No. There is something wild and lovely about Shanna - riding along beaches, cutting through the island forests, visiting jail cells, tending infected legs, breaking glass bottles and tying the neck to a long strip of cloth to use as a bludgeoning weapon against an enemy (Hello, badass?) . She has many attributes a woman of her time in her position would possess, and yet still, she is different. We have all dreamed of the perfect love, and that is Shanna's greatest flaw - that she can't see that the perfect love is right in front of her because she's too busy dwelling on what she wants, rather than realizing what she needs. But who can fault her for that? Ruark is flesh-and-blood, dark and dangerous. Were any of our first loves like him, in our minds? It wasn't until I was older than I stopped picturing a sweet-faced lead singer of a boy band as my prince and began seeing the tall, dark, reliable, handsome man who possessed as many aspirations for himself as I have for myself.

Shanna grows. She changes. Stick out the book, stick her out. It is not that Shanna defies Ruark at every turn and makes herself look silly more than once that makes us love her--it is that she changes, a great ability that has been granted to all of us as humans, that makes us love her. She matures. She begins to see the world through love's eyes, not through the eyes of a high-society woman. Granted, it takes her time, but she gets there. And in the end, they, like we, can sit around a table and laugh at how long it took for them to reach happiness.

I, for one, am not always happy to read of heroines who are always witty or perfectly sweet or immediately loving. Granted, those are all wonderful qualities, but not all women possess them in their entirety. Sometimes, I like to think of Shanna as myself in a crabby mood. And yet, still, someone loves her. That means something, you know? She's not perfect, no. None of us are. And so, she is every bit deserving of the title, and she is every bit worth Ruark's love.

Read it. Fall in love.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Great love story!
This is the best romance novel that I have read in a long time. The story of lordly titles versus a strong, virtuous, intelligent and supposively lowly bondsman. Read more
Published 2 days ago by Ally
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
When this book came out in the 70's it was my first romance and launched a lifelong love of books. I just had to re-read it and I fell in love again.
Published 6 days ago by Kim Melanson
5.0 out of 5 stars love it
i would read this book ten times it was so great rewarding and everything i hope there is a sequel. it was captivating breath taking and so encapsulating i could not put it down... Read more
Published 7 days ago by Shawna Morrison
5.0 out of 5 stars love
Great. Wonderful. Fun read. Entertaining. Insightful. Loved reading it. Immersed myself within it's pages. Beautiful. I hate writing reviews that require a minimum length.
Published 12 days ago by Caitlin
4.0 out of 5 stars An Old Favorite
I read Shanna years ago, when my taste in novels was still being formed. I read many gothic novels, and plenty of the titles offered up by K Woodiwiss. Read more
Published 19 days ago by Steelmagnolia58
5.0 out of 5 stars Shanna
Shanna, is one of K. Woodwiss's better books. I like her style of writting. She makes you part of the book.
Published 25 days ago by Joyce Roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars The best book I have ever read and I have read many
I read this book after my second son was born when it was first published and I have read it many times since. I have never before or after read a romance like this one. Read more
Published 25 days ago by Vickie L. Morris
5.0 out of 5 stars Old fashion romance. Good Reading.
Was recommended by a co-worker. Looked it. Finished it in two days. That's how good it was!!!!!!!! Will recommend to anybody that loves Historical romance.
Published 1 month ago by B's kindle
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down
I hated to have to stop for the night...lots of story going on and great characters. I have read most of
Woodiwise books, she takes you into her stories.
Published 1 month ago by bearzz
1.0 out of 5 stars Shanna: returned for a refund
Less than halfway through I gave up.

*SPOILERS*

Every other page (or so it seemed, at least after Shanna returned to the island) had Shanna throwing a tantrum... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Across the Pond
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K. Woodiwiss's other author name?
I don't think so Rox the Reader. When I saw your question I looked because I would love to find her somewhere else under a another name. But she has only used her married name I guess. Her maiden name was Hogg (Scottish and pronounced Hoe-g), If you find any different feel free to update me lol :)
Oct 3, 2012 by Merricat |  See all 2 posts
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