Helpful Score: 7
I admit being moved to tears several times throughout this book. Karen Ranney has a talent for transforming a simple romance into an endearing love story.
I've read several romances that lay claim to a "scarred" hero but the extent of the scars may be nothing more than a limp or a single scar running along the side of the hero's face. I must admit that when I first read the full extent of Alex's scarring - I was shocked to the point of almost not reading the rest of the book. In my shallowness, I couldn't fathom how the heroine could possibly look past his numerous disfigurements to see the man beneath the "monster". That's when I discovered that "Tapestry" is more than a romance - it is a story about love - pure love. By the end of the book, I had fallen in love with Alex myself.
Why didn't I give it a 5 star rating? I tend to save this rating for books I would read again and again. Although this was a beautiful story illustrating the power and endurance of love - there were times when it was heartwrenching in its sorrow evoking very strong feelings of grief and loss that I care not visit again any time soon.
Romance, laughter, pain and loss - still love abounds in this masterpiece!!!
I've read several romances that lay claim to a "scarred" hero but the extent of the scars may be nothing more than a limp or a single scar running along the side of the hero's face. I must admit that when I first read the full extent of Alex's scarring - I was shocked to the point of almost not reading the rest of the book. In my shallowness, I couldn't fathom how the heroine could possibly look past his numerous disfigurements to see the man beneath the "monster". That's when I discovered that "Tapestry" is more than a romance - it is a story about love - pure love. By the end of the book, I had fallen in love with Alex myself.
Why didn't I give it a 5 star rating? I tend to save this rating for books I would read again and again. Although this was a beautiful story illustrating the power and endurance of love - there were times when it was heartwrenching in its sorrow evoking very strong feelings of grief and loss that I care not visit again any time soon.
Romance, laughter, pain and loss - still love abounds in this masterpiece!!!
Helpful Score: 2
Karen's books always have unique characters. This is a beauty and the beast with lots of nice twists and turns. A little meloncholy in the middle. Love it!
Helpful Score: 2
Loved this book! A beautiful story - just when I thought it would get trite and very predictable, the story changed. A must for romance readers.
Since childhood Lady Laura Blake has loved one man, Alex, the Earl of Cardiffe. When no one could ease her fears, he would. But then he left to fight and her dreams almost died.
Suddenly Laura learns that Alex has returned to Hedden Hall, a mere shell of himself. It is rumored he wears a mask to hide his hideously scarred face and shield his embittered soul. Desperate to return some of the love he gave to her, Laura plots to save Alex from himself.
Disguised as a servant, she invades his home and heart. Alex does not recognize her, but he is tempted to take the love she offers. One night in his arms seals their fate, but with the morning come new problems.
Torn between his obligations, Alex leaves on a dangerous mission that threatens to destroy what they have just reclaimed. Once more Laura's love is tested. She finds the strength to fight against the treachery and betrayal that conspire against them.
Suddenly Laura learns that Alex has returned to Hedden Hall, a mere shell of himself. It is rumored he wears a mask to hide his hideously scarred face and shield his embittered soul. Desperate to return some of the love he gave to her, Laura plots to save Alex from himself.
Disguised as a servant, she invades his home and heart. Alex does not recognize her, but he is tempted to take the love she offers. One night in his arms seals their fate, but with the morning come new problems.
Torn between his obligations, Alex leaves on a dangerous mission that threatens to destroy what they have just reclaimed. Once more Laura's love is tested. She finds the strength to fight against the treachery and betrayal that conspire against them.
Helpful Score: 1
Beautiful yet heart wrenching love story. Great characterizations and believable plot. There were many times that I couldn't put it down, but I couldn't go on yet I needed to know what happened next. An especially poignant scene had me tearing up but I was at work--it was very hard to put it down, but can't have the clients seeing me cry!
