Blood of Roses [Mass Market Paperback]

This is a very well-written historical romance. Technically, her description is vivid; so many ways to describe the changing colours of the sky, landscape and weather. Historically, this book is rich in history; its accuracy amplifies the tragedy and emotional roller-coaster ride of the characters. Romantically, the love between Catherine and Alex, Deidre and Aluinn, are heart-wrenching. It contains separation, reunion, steamy love-making and courageous determination. Creatively, the plot twists are spellbinding and masterful; giving some examples would spoil the fun.

Words are not enough to praise this book. I was simply transferred into another world. This is a long story, not easy to read in some parts but at the end of it I feel thankful for the experience and sorry that it has ended. That's what a good book is about.

This is a very well written, dramatic love story and she developed the secondary characters so well that you won't mind the few times she diverges to their stories. Just makes the entire story more real.

But doggone it, Marsha, I could shoot you for that one scene, which I won't ruin for others by divulging. Played me like a fiddle you did. I was so sick & disgusted I actually had to set the book down for an hour. Shame on you. What a talented writer! :-)

This is the continuing epic love story of Alex and Catherine Cameron two seemingly star crossed lovers who are repeatedly torn apart by the events that take place during and after the doomed Jacobite rebellion of 1745. The author's vivid descriptions of this dark period in Scotland's history brought to vivrant life a bit of history I knew nothing about. Through Ms. Canham's flawless writing I was able to feel Catherine's despair at having to see her husband go off to war without knowing if she'd ever see him again. Also, I was able to comprehend her inability, at first, to understand what drove her husband and the other Highlanders to fight agaisnt such insurmountable odds. On the other hand, Alexander's desperate attempts to shield his wife from the ugliness of war and to keep her safe from the repercussions that would surely some after the debacle was over were equally vivid. His attempts to keep her safe were met with derision by Catherine who now considers herself a Scot and is determined to take her place by her husband's side even if it means giving up the gilded world of the aristocracy and putting her life on the line. Catherine's believable evolution from a selfish, self centered girl to a mature, strong woman who will do anything for the man she loves is a testament to this author's skill as a writer.While this is very much Alex and Catherine's story, it is also the story of a people who will fight to the death for honor. A people who are driven by a sense of loyalty so strong that they are willing to pay the ultimate price for what they believe is right.

This is not an easy book to read and it is almost impossible to summarize and review in an objective manner while I'm still so emotional over it. Suffice it to say that it's an epic love story; one that I know will haunt you long after you've turned the last page. This is not say there isn't a happily ever after, there is but it is a bittersweet one.In short, I highly recommend this book to those who love historical romances but be warned that this author does not wallpaper her book with history as so many others do she uses it heavily to immerse the reader into this time period and she does it brilliantly. Highly recommended. :)