Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
PASSION, POWER AND CONTROL, July 25, 2001
LORD OF THE MIST is one of those rare romance novels that mixes wild adventure, danger, mystery and heart-stopping suspense. The author, Ann Lawrence, has written the kind of novel we'll probably keep and want to read again. We can definitely recommend it to our friends.Lord Durand de Marle's wife has recently died in childbirth, when he meets his new daughter's voluptuous, yet kindly wet nurse, Christina, who is married to the abusive and philandering Simon le Gros. These intertwining relationships cause tempers to flare, accusations to be made and justice to be sought. That's about all one can write without starting to give away the plot which is well hidden, thickened and spiraled. LORD OF THE MIST is is an excellent "can't-put-it-down" book.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Exciting medieval romance, July 22, 2001
In 1205 England, Lord Durand de Marle buries his adulterous wife Marion without shedding a tear. Durand struggles to even say a prayer for his spouse, but finally manages one while also asking for his own forgiveness for leaving her alone so often while he fought in battles. He plans to ignore his new baby daughter because he doubts he is the sire. He feels that his fifteen-year-old and twelve-year-old sons are from his seed. Durand does find his child's nurse Christina quite attractive. She reciprocates as she sees a kindness inside of him. However, she is married to the odious Simon le Gros, an avaricious individual who wants his wife to insure that Durand's infant stays ill so he has need of them. Realizing an opportunity based on the obvious longing between his spouse and his lord, Simon seizes the moment by accusing Christina of treachery towards King John. Only Durand who loves Christina stands in the way of her certain death. Though Simon the villain does not have one redeeming quality, readers will delight at hissing at this gross individual serving as the counterpoint to the lead duo. The story line moves rather quickly, bringing alive the reign of King John especially through the vivid secondary cast. Fans of medieval romance will find the juxtaposition of Simon vs. Durand and Christina quite a spectacle that shows why award winning Ann Lawrence's previous sub-genre entry, LORD OF THE KEEP, is so popular. Harriet Klausner
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Dark and Tormented Hero and Heroine, Intriguing Read , April 1, 2005
Ann Lawrence does not romanticize medieval times. It was a world ruled by powerful men who could be influenced by the women behind them. It was a world of harsh, illogical punishments and death was always one small misstep or illness away. Durand de Marle is our dark, haunted lord, left to mourn an unfaithful wife and raise the child that was not his. He is drawn to Christina, wife of a merchant and the newborn's wet nurse. Her life has not been an easy one after losing two daughters of her own. Her husband, Simon, typical of the times, does not respect her in any way but only uses her to advance himself. Christina makes soaps, potpourri and herbal concoctions for the inhabitants of the keep, and the author portrays the gathering of herbs and the fragrance of the items so effectively that you can smell the pungency yourself!
The storyline contains intrigue, thievery, battle, contests, conquests and sacrifice for our hero and heroine. Although there are amusing parts about love potions and hair tonics, the mood is very gloomy and disturbing. I had trouble following the royal plots but mostly due to my own disinterest in King John. Although I can recommend this book, it does not have a typical "happy ever after" despite the fact that our hero and heroine find the love they desire and deserve. This book is not for the faint hearted or anyone wishing light reading.
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