Rating: 
Summary: One of her best.
Review: If you've read her later works you would never know she could write this well. This is one of her best from an author that was once considered the queen of romance books. I recommend any of her first six books (This was third, I believe).
Rating: 
Summary: Sweet romance, but too long...
Review: The romance in this book was sweet and passionate, and this could have been a perfect romance novel if only...I am a great lover of flowery, pink and purple prose, But Woodiwiss took it a little too far in some parts (in my opinion). If she had cut out a few descriptions of the scenery and added in a few more passionate love scenes, I think it would have improved the book quite a bit.Another problem I had was that Woodiwiss included too much of her research in with the story. About 5,000 words all dealing with history and politics could have been been cut out of the novel without affecting the story.Once again, her villains are stereotyped and typical.I wish someone would sit down with this author and teach her how to weave romance and intrigue together! Once again, the main characters declare their love for one another much too soon and the resolution of the mystery came so late in the story I no longer was interested. I just wanted the story to end!!!! The resolution was just too contrived, in my opinion. COME ON, all of the little mysteries just can't lead to one source! It's too Nancy Drewish, too unrealistic even for a romance novel.I really liked the characters, even if Alaina's stubborn pride was too overdone. (If she really appreciated Cole's generosity why would she embarass him by wearing tattered clothing?) But she was clever and fun. And Cole *sigh* what a man... and a doctor too! This story had so much potential and enough tenderness to be worth reading. So, inspite of the problems I do recommend it!( I wonder if Ms. Woodiwiss would consider hiring me as a personal editor? Hee hee...)
Rating:
Summary: Romance like you dream it will be
Review: I have read Ashes many times in the last 15 or so years (about 70 times in fact). It is the only romance novel I have ever read and I don't believe any other could come close to it!Read it and you will wish that YOU were Alaina Mcgaren!
Rating:
Summary: My favorite romance book ever!
Review: Iam an avid romance reader, but rarely come across a novel that makes me want to cry and read it over again and again. This has got to be my favorite book, Ive read so many times i practically have it memorized, but its just so heart warming and so wonderful, i cant help it. Its my favorite book, and because of it, i have gotten more interested in the civil war, and i recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great, unforgettable epic, that will stay in your heart forever.
Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable epic
Review: This is my favorite romance novel because it's like a real epic, like Gone with the Wind. It's long, but I never got bored, I just wanted it to keep going. I got really involved in it, and I kept telling everyone what was happening next, and it drove my boyfriend crazy. I just had to share! It felt really in depth, like a real classic. I knew it was a story I would never forget. I really liked the feisty heroine too!
Rating:
Summary: Ashes in the Wind
Review: If I could have written a love story for my life, it would have been Ashes in the Wind. When I read the novel, it transported me to a time and place that is still hidden away in my heart. Here is it now, well over 20 years and I still feel as strongly about Ashes in the Wind as I felt then. Some novel are close to magical and this one is as close as you can get. The book was and is incredible. There are books that you remember and there are books that touch your soul. Ashes in the Wind is a book that I will never forget reading. Ashes in the Wind is truly the best novel Kathleen Woodiwiss has written. I loaned my first copy, but I recently bought another copy to keep forever.
Rating:
Summary: Everybody is Still Gushing After Twenty Years!
Review: If you have read the forty something reviews you can tell this is still such a popular book after over twenty years. Ms. Woodiwiss is still writing wonderful books even now. But this still remains one of my favorites. Everybody has gushed, but nobody told anything about the book..so let me try..The book is set during the aftermath of the Civil War. The Southerners are trying to put the lives back together. There is still hatred and bitterness on both sides. Most people would not dream of marrying anybody on the opposite side. Alaina MacGarren flees from her Southern home after it is ravaged by Yankee troops. She travels up North to stay with her relatives. In order to escape notice, she dresses like a ragged boy. She stays with aunt and uncle and cousin Roberta & keeps up her boyish appearance in order to work in the Yankee hospital, where she meets Yankee Captain Doctor Cole Latimer. He takes pity on "Al." Roberta takes a shine for the handsome doctor & tricks him into marriage. During this whole long situation, this very bright man, doesn't happen to notice Al is really Alaina. Needless to say, the relationship between Al and Cole deepens and things change as his marriage to Roberts goes downhill. I won't go into any more details..no spoilers here. Cole and Al/Alania are very strong- willed people used to getting their own way. So it is a battle to the end; but a very interesting battle, to say the least. Suffice it to say, this is one of the most famous historical romances ever. Anybody who has read romance has read "Ashes in the Wind" and "Shanna." Ms. Woodiwiss is one of the founders of the modern romance. Read this wonderful book and find out why.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful book
Review: this book is the first romance book i have ever read. after reading this book i was hooked. i couldn't believe how beautiful it was and so in depth. it made me cry over and over again. everytime i read it, i feel as if i'm reading it for the first time.
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Novel of All Time!
Review: Wow! This novel was amazing! The tale is so wonderfully and beautifully told that I read it over and over again and show no signs of getting tired of it. I've read several other novels by Katleen Woodiwiss and have to say that Ashes in the Wind is by far the best I've yet come across. The time setting was a lovely choice. This kind of story makes you believe that there still exists a love so powerful and extrodinary that nothing else really matters! I like to think that there actually were two people like Cole and Alania that found love during a time of such great sorrow. Again, what a beautiful and lovely story. Wonderful job Ms. Woodiwiss!
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Romance Of ALL Time!
Review: I've read almost every one of KEW's novels and she is my favorite romance writer. Ashes In The Wind is by far my favorite romance of all time! I've always been drawn to heroines who must hide their identity in order to survive. Probably because one of my fantasies growing up was about disguising myself as a boy and sailing away to adventure in the 19th century. This is a MUST READ!
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