17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I highly recommend Michelle Reid, May 31, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: The Sheikh's Chosen Wife (Hot-Blooded Husbands) (Harlequin Presents) (Mass Market Paperback)
I continue to believe that Michelle Reid is unsurpassed in the "Harlequin Presents" stable of writers, and her latest offering certainly supports that belief. "The Sheikh's Chosen Wife" is richly detailed, with complex characters, an exotic setting and a multi-layered plot. It also allows us to revisit two of my all-time favorite characters from ANY book - Sheik Raschid Al Kadah and his wife, the former Evangeline Delahaye, from Reid's book "The Mistress Bride" (Harlequin Presents #2056, October 1999).
As with most of Reid's books, the story in "The Sheikh's Chosen Wife" begins well into the main couple's relationship. Sheikh Hassan ben Khalifa Al-Qadim and Leona Frayne have been married for six years, separated for the last year. I very much enjoy this aspect of Reid's writing, and it is a technique she utilizes frequently. Because the two protagonists know each other, intimately, it allows the author to deal with the deeper and more complex issues in a relationship. And this one is complex indeed - a barren English wife to an Arabian sheikh, he the heir to his father's seat of power. Reid does a masterful job of portraying the Arab culture, while contrasting that with the fact that the sheikh was educated at Eton and married a western wife.
To say much more would begin reveal the twists and turns of story's layered plot. It is the story of passionate people, deeply in love and challenged by forces and responsibilities beyond their control. It is a story of family, of loyalty, of duty and of friendship. The writing is intense, and allows us to view the action from several viewpoints. I read the book in one sitting, and anticipate revisiting it as I make it a part of my permanent collection. I was also excited to read that two sequels to this story will follow: "Ethan's Temptress Bride" in September 2002; and "The Arabian Love-Child" in December 2002, which will be the story of Rafiq, Hassan's brother.
I always recommend Michelle Reid, but this book may be her best yet. It will be a great way to begin your summer reading!
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magnificent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, April 27, 2004
This review is from: The Sheikh's Chosen Wife (Hot-Blooded Husbands) (Harlequin Presents) (Mass Market Paperback)
couldn't believe my eyes while I was reading this book. It had the main 2 characters Raschid & Evie from "The mistress bride" in it. This story takes place about 6 years after.
This story is so heartbreaking. Leona has been seperated from her husban Sheikh Hassan for a year. They have been married for 5 years, but in that time Leone has been unable to conceive. Hassan kidnaps his wife, to keep her safe, because Hassan discovers a plot to force his hand. Some Sheikh's have decided that Hassan should take a second wife so he can produce the son & heir his country needs. Needless to say they already have wife number 2 waiting in the wings.
Hassan does not see it that way, even his wife thinks he should divorce her, so what hope does he have. Only Allah.....
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just Perfect!!!, November 12, 2005
This review is from: The Sheikh's Chosen Wife (Hot-Blooded Husbands) (Harlequin Presents) (Mass Market Paperback)
As many other readers, it was a wonderful surprise to meet again with Eve and Rashid from "The Mistress Bride". This book had an excellent plot, original story and involves a deep and passionate relationship between Hassan and Leona. The dialogues are great and the story is very organized in its various layers.
I highly recommended it as well as its following sequels: Ethan's temtress wife, The Arabbian Love Child, and A Passionate Marriage.
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