The Flame and the Flower

Rating:
Summary: Not the best KEW but still good
Review: Along with all of KEW's early books I read this book years ago and have re-read it over the years. I just finished re-reading it yet again and I still enjoyed it but not as much as "Shanna" or "The Wolf and the Dove". I'm not one for political correctness, but I really hated Brandon in the beginning. Let's be blunt, he pretty much rapes Heather those first times. I guess that's the reaction you're supposed to have to him - just as Heather does. And she is a bit wimpy but, as other reviews have pointed out, she's a very naive 18 and he's a wordly 35!

But Brandon starts to redeem himself pretty early on displaying some humor and caring to go along with all the anger and impatience and the reader starts to fall for him slowly as does Heather. But I must say, once they finally get together, I lost interest. The background story of the murdered women and the man from Heather's past wasn't as strong as the background stories/mysteries in some of KEW's other books.

But I did think this one had some great supporting characters. Brandon's brother Jeff was funny, mischievous and so charming! I would have dumped Brandon for Jeff in a heartbeat! Hatti was the truth-teller and mother figure for both Heather and Brandon - think "Mammy" from "Gone With the Wind".

Not KEW's best, but still a great read and as others have pointed out, though written in 1972, it still holds up.

Rating:
Summary: Another classic novel from Woodiwiss
Review: I really loved this book. I know it isn't politically correct, however, this is also fiction and should be simply regarded as a story of how two people overcome everything to live happily ever after.

Personally, I think that Brandon was so besotted with Heather that, even after finding out the truth about her, he really wanted to make her feel the same. As for Heather, she does admit that she found him physically attractive and she did feel something when Brandon asked her to kiss him, but I think she was still in shock with what happened at her aunt's brother's house, that all she could think about was how to escape Brandon.

I also didn't think that Brandon was that mean to her after they were married. Sure, he blamed her for it and vowed that he would never treat her like a wife, however, try as he did, he couldn't. Even when he's said some things to hurt her, I believe it was more out of his fear of the unknown as he knew deep inside he was falling in love with Heather. And we do see this as the story progresses. Brandon practically put Heather on a pedestal. As for Heather being weak, let me say that she was a naïve 17-year-old, who has been oppressed by her aunt for the last couple of years, and hasn't felt loved since her father died. At such a young age, and in that era, I'm quite sure that she was portrayed well - a sweet and innocent girl.

This book really held my interest and I simply couldn't put it down. The story and the characters are perfectly developed, the pacing is just right and there isn't a dull moment. This is the third Woodiwiss book that I have read, and after enjoying The Wolf and the Dove and A Rose in Winter, I'm looking forward to reading her other novels. This book is worth reading.


Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: I was never a reader of romance novels. That all changed when I read The Flame and the Flower! I was looking for historical fiction, and this book filled that desire while offering up a tantalizing love story, as well. I highly recommend this book!

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: If you get the chance, read this book!!! It is a classic. And to those who seem to find it distasteful, "Please," get over it. The "rape" scene happened in the 18th century and should be viewed as very probably for that Period. It is not intended to reflect the values of our time. Therefore, it should be viewed and judged for the period it portrays.

As such, I found this to be one of my all time favorites of Kathleen Woodiwiss. I say one, because none of her books thus far have been able to top Shanna.

Rating:
Summary: Disturbing, Upon Reflection....
Review: The Flame & The Flower was the very first book that I had ever read cover to cover way back in the 70's. The book was and still is my favorite. I still have the original and have read it many, many times and still enjoy it. Come on people, with all these negative reviews. Its a book ! ! Plain and simple. Why do people have to read something into things and then make a big production out of it. I just purchased Ms. Woodiwiss's new book, The Reluctant Suitor... and I do hope that it is of the same fine writings that all her other books have been. Although I feel that "The Flame and the Flower and Shanna were her best books written..... she has given me somewhat of a letdown with her other books. I am looking for books on the same order as The Flame... and Shanna. I wish she would stick to the same writings that she did in these books. I did not like the holiday book with three stories in one. I was very disapointed with that one. I am looking for the same page turner type quality of book that her first two books held for me. I will form an opinion for the latest book when I am finished with it. I am looking forward to reading it. How about a sequal to "Shanna". That would be great. Thanks for great books throughout the years. You are by far my most favoritest author.... but the books are to long in comming.

Rating:
Summary: Woodiwiss is one of the best
Review: The Flame and the Flower was the first historical romance that I read as a teenager. I am now 42 and still love it. I read all the books about the Birminghams and loved them all. I read all of the bad and good reviews and all the things about the rapes.The only thing I can say is that this book is fiction. I read a book for enjoyment not to analyze it. Yes Brandon raped Heather but they fell in love and lived happily ever after. If we take everything as true then I feel sorry for the children reading Cinderella & other childrens clasics.This is a fictional story and for the time frame the 1800's that's the way things were. Right or wrong marriages were arranged and the young girls married older men, there were slaves and that was how it was. I think the book would have been very boring if Brandon had met Heather at a party and was a complete gentleman, courted her, married her and then got her pregnant. I think if you read this book you won't be disappointed. In fact I think I'll read it again after I finish The Reluctant Suitor.