Customer Reviews

Winter Roses (Onyx Historical Romance, No 292)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Arabella of Byrum is beautiful and is a survivor from a brutal marriage. As a young woman she was wed and repeatedly beaten by a savage man. Elias of Woolford enjoyed hurting her, humiliating her, and then cruelly denied the parentage of their son, James. Little James was born with an abnormality --"The mark of the devil -- probably from his mothers injures. Fortunately, for the tormented Arabella, her jealous husband perishes. Regrettably, Arabella comes back to her father -- a nasty, violent man.

Arabella's sire, hoping to be rid of her, searches the land looking for a second husband. Her heartless father finds William of Blackleith, a giant of a man standing six foot-seven. William is the illegitimate son of a lord and a village harlot and has lived a life filled with sarcasm and ridicule.

When approached, William of Blackleith is delighted to wed Arabella of Byrum. He is thrilled with the union until he hears the rumors concerning her son's bloodline. Now he will not trust nor believe such a wonton woman. The reader painfully fights this concern with him, patiently waiting for William to give his love and understanding to Arabella and her socially neglected son, the small injured James.

At this stage of the book, Anita Mills decides to enhance the story further  she brings forth a false priest -- a fraud, a charlatan. A man seeking revenge against William and his half-brother, Giles of Moray. To obtain his retribution, the counterfeit clergyman befriends the lovely Arabella, but cruelly treats her son with added contempt. This story is sad. Little James' daily life will rip out your heart.

However, Anita Mills writing is exceptional. The reader experiences the beliefs surrounding the middle ages and will find no modern speech within these pages. The authors description of the customs, the clothing, the living conditions is noteworthy. The treatment of women is deplorable -- yes, we have come along way baby!

A difficult book to move through, even though the writing is excellent.

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

Never have I felt a character needed love more than Arabella. In just a few chapters Anita Mills lets you feal Arabella's grief and heart break. Thank goodness she finds true love in her new unexpected and unwanted husband. But as always love finds a way, and breaks down all doubts,jealousy, and missunderstandings. A true heart winner. I can't seem to stop from reading it over and over again. The best Anita Mills ever in my Opinon

I have lost track of the times I have read this book--probably half a dozen at least! I still weep for James every time! Incredibly rich characters (as always with Anita Mills.) It was great to hear about Giles and other characters from previous novels, but this book stands alone as sensational.