Flowers from the Storm

Author:

Laura Kinsale

Published:

Avon, October 1992 ; 471 pages

Subgenre:

Historical romance -- Regency

Setting:

England, 1820s

Main characters:

Christian Langland, Duke of Jervaulx, and Archimedia Timms

Sexual explicitness:

Fairly explicit

Keywords:

Intrigue ; family responsibility, insane asylums, mathematics, marriages of convenience, Quakers, strokes

Reader rating:

Reader comments:

I read this book awhile back, but l love a book that I can remember no matter how long ago I've read it. I tried to find more Laura Kinsale, but the only other one I could find was "My Sweet Folly", which I have yet to read. (L.W., 5-19-98) I love Laura Kinsale's books best, as the heros are often 'fallen angels' Flowers in the Storm is my favorite, because of the imperfect Hero, whenever did we read about a 'mentally challenged' Main Character in a romance novel, I thought the scheme quite daring in the genre,and Laura Kinsale brought it all together! I absolutely loved it, and will always keep a copy of that Book on my shelves! The Book is also responsible for me buying any Laura Kinsale Books I can get my hands on! (I.G., 4-5-97) I will never forget the day that I found this book. I wasn't very interested when I saw Fabio on the cover, but I figured what the heck. Little did I know that I had found a treasure. Flowers From the Storm has great primary and secondary characters. Kinsale uses very word to draw a compelling and realistic picture for the reader. It says something that I never skimmed any part of this book. (S.T., 4-4-97) I love Laura Kinsale!! Every time I'm in the mood, I start with Flowers in the Storm and go back and forward to read everything else she's written. I am consistently impressed with her work; the research, the accuracy, everything. My ex-roomate figured out that Sinjin had Broca's Aphasia (isn't that romantic?) and from there everything just gets more poignant and more beautiful. It's a truly beautifully developed story from beginning to end, with just the right number of secondary characters, and enough mental static from the hero to make the ending a guess, even from a page before. I can't recommend it--or the author--highly enough! (S.M., 3-19-97) Flowers in the Storm was my first Laura Kinsale novel, there are few books a choose to read more than twice this one I've read at least four, I loved it, the opposites attract theme, the sexual tension, Christian's love of Maddie, because of her goodness despite society thinking what they would! What a guy! Laura has a gift in allowing you to feel, really feel the emotions of her characters...needless to say, I then set about getting all her previous books, I love them all, For My Lady's Heart especially for its beautiful use of the language at the time the novel is set. Her hero's are flawed and that makes them more special..can't wait to get my hands on her latest, My Sweet Folly! (S.R., 3-6-97) I've read hundreds and forgotten more but this one I remember. (H.H., 2-17-97) As a bookseller I tell everyone that comes in looking for a good read to take home a copy of this book. My sister had never read a romance novel which she called "trash", but I had her read Flowers and she enjoyed it!!! I think that it is the all time best novel I have read. It is a story that sticks with you, you don't forget it. (K.B., 2-1-97) The first book I've ever read from Kinsale was "Prince of Midnight", since then I've been an avid fan of Laura Kinsale's and by far hold her in the highest esteem. I've fallen in love with every single of her heroes, and have laughed, cried, smiled softly with her heroines, with the exception of "Stars And Shadows"... Kinsale is unique, and after reading 100s of romances, one becomes jaded...but she is so unique an author, jaded doesn't even exist in our vocabulary! (L.Y., 1-16-97) This is a classic. I picked this up in my daughters messy room one day. Kinda laughed at the open shirted Fabio on the cover. I had never heard on Kinsale back then. I just mostly read the big sellers 4 years ago. I do have not read anything before or since quite like this. This was not just a romance it is so much more & it is a shame a book like this is not main stream because it is probably one of the best fiction books period. (G.A., 12-28-96) This was one of the 3 best romance novels I have ever read. I highly recommend it. It is different in many ways - the strength of the heroine - the neediness of th hero - the pathos - the triumph of love. (J.F., 12-1-96) The best historical romance I have ever read (S.K., 11-22-96) The best! When Kinsale's good, she's great! 3-D, dark and moody. (A.E., 10-31-96) This was my first book of Kinsale's and is why I am hooked on her novels (I am going to pretend I didn't read "Dream Hunter"). Though I too didn't not realize exactly why Christian was ill (I figured it out on my second reading), I thought his recovery was handled well and realistically. I also enjoyed the revelation and enjoyment of her sexuality by both characters. (S.S., 10-5-96) This is one of my TOP TEN- I always recommend this to anyone looking for a great story! Even though I have been somewhat disappointed with some of her other books, Ms. Kinsale struck pure gold with this one! READ IT, READ IT, READ IT. (J.K., 10-2-96) Yet another heart-squeezer by Kinsale! It seem that she has the marvelous knack of creating characters that readers can relate to with such ease. Usually, when I pick up a romance novel, I curl my lip at books whose heroine and hero seem so flawlessly beautiful or buff, with outstanding virtue no less. Kinsale's characters with their weaknesses make them seem so realistic which makes their story even more poignant. Thanks Ms. Kinsale! (J.L., 9-27-96) This book is a must read! The struggle that Christian goes through coping with his stroke, an illness that at that time wasn't understood. (R.G., 9-27-96) One of my two favorite romance novels after reading literally 100s of romances. It is very difficult to read, but puts you in the characters' minds better than any other story I've read. Truly unique. (R.D., 9-19-96) I thought this novel was slow in the beginning but got better as it went along. I thought the ending was rather predictable but all the same, its a good read. (R.G., 8-28-96) I found the heroine to be irritatingly puritanical and utterly unappealing. The hero, I actually liked. However, when his mistress comes to him with news that he has a child, he reacts badly by turning her away. I don't know what the hoopla was all about. I definitely preferred "The Shadow and the Star" & "Prince of Midnight" to this, though I must admit that the plot was unique. (J.K., 8-7-96) Kinsale is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. Her heroes and heroines break the mold. This book wasn't an easy read, but it was definitely worth struggling along with Christian as he recovered. Amazing. (J.S., 6-28-96) This was a beautiful book. It is my favorite of hers, and I've read all. The heroine was not a martyr, but a real human being struggling with something deeply personal and important to her. The hero's illness gave this novel a depth that added to the development of the story. I definitely recommend it. (R.B., 5-19-96) I never read Kinsale until I saw recommendation here and am very impressed with this book. Author's ability to capture point of view of stroke victim is good writing, superior to most romance fare. Book is also quite moving in spots. Thanks for the tip! (E.P., 5-19-96) This book is exceptional on so many levels, elegant writing, believeable human characters, along with a complex and satisfying plot. The writing is outstanding and well beyond the standards of most "romances" and many serious novels. The duke's loss of language and gradual reacquisition of it, is shown through his own words and inner thoughts. This is not simple stuff. The reader has to work, but the payoff is tremendous. (I.W., 4-10-96) I wasn't sure when I read the book what type of illness the main character, Christian, suffered. I suspected it was a stroke, but thought maybe it could have been some other kind of mental disfunction. I didn't like how this was unclear. Other than that, it was a good book. (R.P., 3-16-96) As a nurse, I am amazed and thankful that the description of the stroke victim's thoughts and difficulties were so accurate. It was impossible not to recall patients I had cared for when reading this amazing book. It is truely insightful and inspirational! (R.P., 3-4-96) I am a VERY persnickety (sp?) romance reader. I want books with intelligent, believable characters and a well-researched subject. Laura Kinsale always delivers for me; but with FLOWERS IN THE STORM she more than delivers. She carried me away! By far the best romance I have ever read! (S.R., 2-25-96) Beautifully written, a cut above most,just very different READ IT! (C.B., 2-10-96) Laura Kinsale is my FAVORITE author, bar none. Her characters are always so memorable, yet I keep every one of her books and read them again and again. (M.H., 2-5-96) This book is a top 5 favorite, it does not go back to the used book store! I'm almost sorry it was the first one of L.K.'s books that i read. The others just don't quite measure up. (K.S., 1-18-96) This is a book that has touched my heart in a very special way. Laura's talents are incredible and her portrayal of Christian and Maddy's unconventional romance was fantastic. It's a definite keeper and a very high recommendation! Enjoy! (H.W., 12-11-95) Very realistic, I especially like the fact that the heroine is narrow minded, and that the hero realizes it but loves her anyway. Very realistic. (G.P., 12-3-95) My all time favorite! (D.J., 11-4-95) Kinsdale's characters are imperfect and complex which makes her such a joy to read. (A.K., 10-29-95) One of her better books. Her heroes all have been damaged in some way but become all the stronger by the end of the book. It is a great read. (M.B., 10-28-95) I agree with all the previous comments about the book. Very emotional, sexy book. I especially liked the ending, where the heroine realized she would be more Christ-like by accepting and loving the Hero than by turning her back on him as the Church required. Jesus asked that we not judge, and to love one another as He loved us. Books which have aspiritual as well as romantic and loving messages are few and far between. The sex was very hot but realistic. I especially liked the love making in the library. (D.J, 10-12-95) I pounced on this book as soon as I saw Laura Kinsale's name on it. The first book I read of hers was Shadow and the Star which was excellent and definitely not your typical "wham, bam, thank you Ma'am" novel. But, Flowers from the Storm absolutely took my breath away! It is a definite must read for all romance readers. I've read the book several times and still enjoy it! I laughed, wooed, and cried along with the characters in this book. Highly recommended from this reader's point of view. (R.T., 8-7-95) One of the most emotionally moving books I have ever read! I struggled along with Christian everytime he tried to express himself after the stroke. Pick this up for a unique and satisfying read. (R.B., 8-4-95) Absolutely unique romance book with wonderful characters and realistic situations - an absolute must read. (A.G., 7-26-95) Wonderful story -- great characters. It has that touch or originality that is sometimes missing in romance/historical novels. (E.S., 7-25-95) This book gave incredible insight into a stroke victim's recovery (T.B., 6-24-96) This was the first Kinsale book I ever read, and it just amazed me. I loved it. Instant keeper. I've read it at least a dozen times since, and never tire of it. It is sooo ROMANTIC! Made me cry, and made me laugh. (M.A., 6-19-95) I normally get upset when I see alot of explicit sex in what I consider to be a regency genre but this book goes beyond anything I've ever read! It was great! The characters were more than believable and the fact that the hero was disabled really added alot to the whole plot. Check it out! (J.M., 6-16-95) One of the best I've read although it is somewhat slower reading than the "normal" romance. It is a story line that is in the unforgetable class. Months after reading it, I still remember it. (D.E.R., 5-22-95) This was the first Kinsale book I ever read. What a wonderful start. The storyline is so unique and touching it earns INSTANT KEEPER status. (P.L., 5-19-95). I've never read another book like this. The struggle the hero goes thru after a stroke is realistic for the times and his dependence and love for a Quaker girl is wonderful to read. The hero becomes a real man instead of a Duke who had everything. I highly recommend this book. (J.A., 5-9-95).

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