أعجبتني فكرة الكتاب العامة، وأعجبتني بعض مواضعه ذات المعاني الشريفة، ويعيبه كثرة الإنشاء والقصور في التعريف بأبطاله، وبعض الاستطرادات وبعض الإطناب
ولو سلم منها الكتاب لكان بديعاً
وأفكار الكتاب بين الجيد والردئ، تعرف منها وتنكر
ولغة الترجمة أدبية جزلة عالية
وفي الكتاب فصل عن النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم، وهو أجدر من أطلق عليه لفظ البطولة، وهو أفضل فصول الكتاب

مما اقتبسته من الكتاب

عن إنكار وجود الأبطال


عن رفع الأبطال الزائفين

( )

I was a little surprised by who the villain was in this story. I read the story a number of years ago and I think I was surprised then as well. Ms. Carlyle does a good job of hiding the person’s identity until the very end of the book. This story also has the surprise in that there is a small mention of bondage and domination mixed in. I was very pleased to find that scene. This is a wonderful example of the complex writing style of Ms. Carlyle. She brings such life to her characters are the places that they inhabit. You want to know all about all the characters that are part of this story. In fact, I am left wondering why Lord Delacourt shows up at Cole’s house, in the Epilogue, needing a parson.

Cole Amherst is a contradiction. He is a brilliant scholar and a first rate solider. He has taken orders to be a vicar but he decided to defend his country against Napoleon. Cole is honorable, compassionate, and stubborn. Cole is also a dominant in a much understated way. I liked Cole. I loved how he stood up to his “Uncle” when he wants to send Cole as a spy into Jonet Rowlands house. I also loved that Cole seems to be very good with children. He turns out to be the perfect person to protect Jonet and the children.

Jonet Rowland has lived under the cloud of her husband’s death for months. She knows that everyone thinks that she killed her husband but she is more concerned for her sons than her reputation. I loved that Jonet was so fiercely protective of her children. I loved that she was smart and capable and brave. I also liked that she was willing to admit that she needed someone she could trust to help with protecting her children and herself. She can be a hellcat of the first order but that is mostly because of the strain she has been under. I also was very happy that Jonet isn't afraid to be a female with a very active carnal appetite as far as Cole is concerned.

There are several things going in throughout this story and the throw the scent of the villain off on several different people. There are more than enough greedy arrogant people to fall into this category. I would love to find out what happens to Edmund Rowland. He is a vile, oily man that would probably sell his mother to keep his lifestyle. I would also love to find out what becomes of Lord Delacourt, as I mentioned above. Finally there are few love scenes in this book but what there is will burn up the pages. This is a great example of the historical fiction genre and those that love this genre will probably love this book. ( )

This one goes back on the shelf for now. Over the top dramatic and gothic, I'm not in the mood for characters that are always flush with some irrational emotion (or deconstructing those emotions ad naseum in their inner monologue).

You won't find more well-developed characters anywhere. Liz's lush style captivated me from the beginning, and I adore her characters, especially the intelligent and strong-willed women. ( )

AWS was wonderful! The plot flowed smoothly and was deeply emotional. I have a tendency to skim when I'm bored but no skimming was done on this one. Jonet is not your typical widow. She has a very strong forceful personality and goes after what she wants and needs. Captain Cole Amherst is a soldier who is also a scholar and trained as a curate. A fascinating man. Their scenes together sizzle culminating in several very erotic love scenes. Jonet's children played only a minor part even though there was a mystery surrounding attempts on their lives. Jonet and Cole were a perfect match for each other. I'm glad AWS has been reprinted because I wouldn't mind having my own copy. (Grade: B+) ( )