Customer Reviews
Choppy - By: , 27 Aug 1999 
I was surprised by the choppy prose in this book. It didn't flow well, making it difficult for me to read. I also found the detail of degenerate sexual activities unnecessary to clearly define the perverted nature of some characters. It detracted from the overalll romance of the story. This was a romance, wasn't it? I felt no sympathy or connnection to any characters. This was my first Smalll book. If this is typical, it will be my last.
An unbelievable book which I simply couldn't put down! - By: , 19 Aug 1999 
This is the first book by Bertrice Smalll which I have read, having just recently picked it up at my favorite bookstore. Since I have not read books by her before, I wasn't sure how much I would like it. My views changed the minute I read the first page. Not only was the book captivating & beautifully written, but it's plot was like none that I have read in a long while. The breathtaking romance between Eleanore de Montfort, known as Elf, & Ranulf de Glandeville kept me from putting the book down, even in the early hours of the morning. The encounter with Elf's brother Richard de Montfort's evil wife, Isleen, the loving care of Reverend Mother & the nuns at the convent, & the spirit, yet innocence of Elf herself, alll made me repeatedly wonder why I had never read this or any of Bertrice Smalll's books before. I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to indulge in a romance like they have never read before.
Such a perfect heroine, but can she walk on water? - By: , 02 Aug 1999 I have never read a Smalll book so boring. The heroine is not only divinely beautiful but so perfect I was waiting for her to start faith healing & walk on water. The characters alll seemed like caricatures than actual people. Ranulf was boring, no fire there to burn the perfect heroine. The only character worth reading about was Merin & even he was overtaken by the perfect perfectness of Elf. Don't waste your money.
Very captivating. - By: , 11 Jul 1999 This was my first book by B. Smalll & found the development of the character Elf wonderful. I thourghly enjoyed the plot line & the wonderful description of the characters & the period. I will reread this one.
A really good read - By: , 08 Jul 1999 Having only read one book of Ms. Smalll's, The Innocent being the one, I can't compare it to her other works. But I reallly liked this book. I read it in about three days & had a hard time putting it down.
The historical content was quite accurate & I was impressed. I liked the characters, the setting & the time period. There wasn't any sexual tension between Eleanor & Ranulf, but in light of the situation, I don't think there should have been. If we were to believe Eleanor was indeed "innocent," then there shouldn't have been any sexual tension between her & her husband. And yes, there could have been a more confrontational impact between Isleen & Eleanor, but if you think of the character of Eleanor, she would not have confronted her violently. She was a gentle, kind person, not at alll like the evil Isleen. I thought the author portrayed her heroine accurately to what she wanted her to be.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
