Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding Historical Romance, with a Religious Twist
Review: I'm a voracious reader of romances, with a 5 - 10 book a week habit, so sometimes they tend to run together. Not THE HOLDING! This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. It just worked for me on so many levels. It is historically accurate, but the history doesn't hit you over the head. The characters are memorable, with real flaws and foibles, and the plot is ingenious without being contrived. What struck me the most about the book, though, was the strong religious element. William has travelled for many years with his priest, and was made to commit large parts of Scripture to memory. Hardly a page turns without a verse from the Bible or a reference to God's plans or will. William's views on marriage are inspiring and spiritual. This is a book which manages to be both sensual and inspirational, and captures the central importance that religion played in medieval life. Don't miss this one!
Rating:
Summary: A real page turner
Review: Like many others, I read a LOT of romance novels. And when I find one I love, I'll re-read it over and over. The Holding is a keeper. Lady Cathryn is a "real" woman. There is nothing mystical or fey about her. She is a down-to-earth woman who has managed to survive in some very brutal times. Cathryn's courage is daunting. She is a woman you want to see happy. Sir William. Ah, well, Sir William is fine, indeed. He is a man who understands that wife and keep are his to protect. And he does just that. His strength and his character makes you fall in love with him. lol - Of course, his "Frankish sensibilities" will allow nothing less. He's incredibly charming with a "naughty" sense of humor...but not sooo naughty that it's insulting. Just enough to make you smile. And you will smile. Their love story is beautiful. They come together strangers. Cathryn accepts him but doesn't trust him. Slowly..oh, so slowly (and with a little help from some friends) they grow to trust one another. And - once they trust one another - their love begins to blossom. Cathryn and William's love story is truly beautiful. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous!
Review: Nice style of writing, good characterization and dialogue that was realistic and flowing. The author was able to weave a tale that had me crying at one point and laughing at another. So why three stars and not five? Well I honestly found the plot a little bit simplistic. The conflict between the main characters, Cathryn and William, is based entirely on William misjudging Cathryn's morals. William felt betrayed by what he thought Cathryn had done, and Cathryn became a victim once again. This "misunderstanding" (that is putting it mildly) kept them apart for more than half the book, when just a simple question on his part, or a brief explanation on her part would have cleared the matter up very quickly. It was easy to guess, after only a few pages, what had happened to Cathryn, and I found it frustrating that it took William half the story to reach the same conclusion. I loved Ms Dain's style of writing, and if the plot had been a more complex the book would have been a definite keeper.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice Read
Review: Nice style of writing, good characterization and dialogue that was realistic and flowing. The author was able to weave a tale that had me crying at one point and laughing at another. So why three stars and not five? Well I honestly found the plot a little bit simplistic. The conflict between the main characters, Cathryn and William, is based entirely on William misjudging Cathryn's morals. William felt betrayed by what he thought Cathryn had done, and Cathryn became a victim once again. This "misunderstanding" (that is putting it mildly) kept them apart for more than half the book, when just a simple question on his part, or a brief explanation on her part would have cleared the matter up very quickly. It was easy to guess, after only a few pages, what had happened to Cathryn, and I found it frustrating that it took William half the story to reach the same conclusion. I loved Ms Dain's style of writing, and if the plot had been a more complex the book would have been a definite keeper.
Rating:
Summary: Sensual + Spiritual = INCREDIBLE!!
Review: The Holding is the first book by Claudia Dain I've read. I read it in one day - it was incredible! It's a refreshingly different kind of romance. It has all the elements of a sensual love story, yet this novel is a very unique mix of spirituality and sensuality. I'm happy to find an author that realizes the two are not mutually exclusive. William, the hero has been given Greneforde Castle (including resident lady of Greneforde, the orphaned Cathryn) by the king to reward him for his loyal service. Both William and Cathryn have scars of their past to overcome. The story is completely absorbing as the author gradually reveals the tragedies that haunt them. William's character grows into a warm, tender and sexy husband. Cathryn has put up a strong front for so long that she finds it hard to let her defenses down to her new husband, but when she does, she finds ecstasy. The secondary characters are some of the most well developed and interesting I've read in a long time. Among them is a priest who provides wise spiritual guidance and two servants who are falling in love themselves. This book is well worth your time and money. It's truly an intelligent, thoughtful romance. I totally agree with the reviewer that said the cover is bad. Ms. Dain, if you're reading this...don't let the publishers do that to you again! This book deserves better!!
Rating:
Summary: Sensual + Spiritual = INCREDIBLE!!
Review: The Holding is the first book by Claudia Dain I've read. I read it in one day - it was incredible! It's a refreshingly different kind of romance. It has all the elements of a sensual love story, yet this novel is a very unique mix of spirituality and sensuality. I'm happy to find an author that realizes the two are not mutually exclusive. William, the hero has been given Greneforde Castle (including resident lady of Greneforde, the orphaned Cathryn) by the king to reward him for his loyal service. Both William and Cathryn have scars of their past to overcome. The story is completely absorbing as the author gradually reveals the tragedies that haunt them. William's character grows into a warm, tender and sexy husband. Cathryn has put up a strong front for so long that she finds it hard to let her defenses down to her new husband, but when she does, she finds ecstasy. The secondary characters are some of the most well developed and interesting I've read in a long time. Among them is a priest who provides wise spiritual guidance and two servants who are falling in love themselves. This book is well worth your time and money. It's truly an intelligent, thoughtful romance. I totally agree with the reviewer that said the cover is bad. Ms. Dain, if you're reading this...don't let the publishers do that to you again! This book deserves better!!
Rating: 
Summary: Delicious
Review: This is the first book I have read by Ms. Dain and I wasn't disappointed. She uses a surprising mix of true 'soul-connecting' spirituality and delicious sensuality to create a story that is at once moving and arousing. Definitely better than the same old same old. My only problem was that it was somewhat unrealistic and at times I could feel myself scoffing in my mind... the hero was just a little too forgiving, committed and all-powerful and the heroine's problems were basically solved by one evening of good loving. What's the likelihood of that happening? Anyway, I guess that's why they're called fairy tales - anything can happen and true love conquers all. She is definitely a budding " mistress of the craft" .
Rating:
Summary: A Very Nice Love Story
Review: This is the second of Ms Dain's book that I have read. I enjoyed this book much more than Tell Me Lies. The story seem to flow better. The Heroine and Hero were believable for the time period. In fact the hero show great compassion when the story of the heroine is finally revealed. Although I suspected what was goig to happen the unfolding of the story and the steps he takes to solve the problem do the author credit. I would definetly read the book again.
Rating:
Summary: A Very Nice Love Story
Review: This is the second of Ms Dain's book that I have read. I enjoyed this book much more than Tell Me Lies. The story seem to flow better. The Heroine and Hero were believable for the time period. In fact the hero show great compassion when the story of the heroine is finally revealed. Although I suspected what was goig to happen the unfolding of the story and the steps he takes to solve the problem do the author credit. I would definetly read the book again.
Rating:
Summary: THANK YOU, MS. DAIN!
Review: What a great escape into the past - I loved it! Cathryn and William were made for each other! The characters are so real and the author made you feel like you are with them, standing by the fire in their bedroom, sitting in the great hall, feeling the tension and the desire between them. Ms. Dain also keeps you guessing. What happened in Cathryn's past? Will William truly accept her? If you want to experience romance and TRUE love then enjoy an evening with this book. I picked this book up one afternoon and planned to only read for an hour and ended up finishing the whole book. I understand this is the first in a trilogy and I can't wait to get back to 12th century England. This is an author that I will look for on the shelves! Don't miss it!
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