Rating: 
Summary: A truly enjoyable read
Review: I just finished reading this book and I'm certainly going to buy more from Ahana Abe. This book was great, especially the first part before they reach the castle. Tristan is one of those heroes who is not afraid to say "I love you" and hiding behing his feelings... Until now my only medeival novels were from Jude Deveraux (my absolutely favorite author) but I see that Abe has great potencial as well. Nicely written, nice heroes, a small mystery... what more do you need for a quiet weekend?
Rating:
Summary: A bain to my job skills
Review: I picked this book up so that I would have something to read while working the night shift. I thought that a romance was safe because I could put it down again. WRONG!!! This was wonderful! I couldn't put it down! It was one of those books that just pulls the heart strings and keeps you wanting more! Read this book!
Rating:
Summary: Superb medieval romance
Review: In 1341, though scared, teenager Lady Amiranth St. Clair looks forward to marriage to Tristan Geraint, who she has admired from afar for several years. However, Tristan fails to share her enthusiasm. He married her for her impeccable background, which is perfect for her to beget his heir. Tristan breaks Amiranth's heart and travels to the continent to fight. However, his dreams of glory turn into a living nightmare because he is now a prisoner of war, rotting in a French dungeon. Only dreams of Amiranth keep him sane and alive.Eight years later, Tristan returns home seeking Amiranth, but instead he meets her cousin Lily. Tristan falls in love with Lily, who detests him. Adding to his confusion is that many of the people once loyal to him are dead, victims of the plague scourging England. Much of those alive are loyal to Tristan's brother Liam, who does not want to give up the Earldom. Obtaining Lily's help, Tristan tries to regain what he lost including a love of a lifetime. THE SECRET SWAN is a superb medieval romance that will keep readers up late in order to finish it in one sitting. The lead characters are filled with depth so they seem real and their relationships genuine. The support cast, including the graphic descriptions of the plague, provides the needed impetus to a cleverly designed plot. Shana Abe ably renders her audience with what will be considered one of the sub-genre's top novels of the year. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Love at first sight when one really looks hard...
Review: Lady Amiranth knows the minute she sees Tristin at court (she is 8-9 at the time) that this is the most amazing man she will ever meet. When her brother suggests him as a potential husband for her she does not disagree as she has with many others. Well the blessed day arrives and they are married, after she overhears that he is only marrying her for money and breeding... Then he takes her to his remote home (not even his castle) and leaves for the war. She is left to contend with everything including the plague that come through and wipes out the house and everyone in it. While he is not doing much better in a hellish French prison. Once he is finally out he has come home to seek Lady Amiranth and make up for all his lost time. You see he has done a lot of thinking while in prison. He finds that she is dead and her cousin is who is left at the home... (but is it her cousin) the story develops as you watch the attraction grow and see the guilt felt by both over things from the past. As with all good romances things work out in the end. I loved the work from a new author for me! I look forward to reading more by her.
Rating:
Summary: Love at first sight when one really looks hard...
Review: Lady Amiranth knows the minute she sees Tristin at court (she is 8-9 at the time) that this is the most amazing man she will ever meet. When her brother suggests him as a potential husband for her she does not disagree as she has with many others. Well the blessed day arrives and they are married, after she overhears that he is only marrying her for money and breeding... Then he takes her to his remote home (not even his castle) and leaves for the war. She is left to contend with everything including the plague that come through and wipes out the house and everyone in it. While he is not doing much better in a hellish French prison. Once he is finally out he has come home to seek Lady Amiranth and make up for all his lost time. You see he has done a lot of thinking while in prison. He finds that she is dead and her cousin is who is left at the home... (but is it her cousin) the story develops as you watch the attraction grow and see the guilt felt by both over things from the past. As with all good romances things work out in the end. I loved the work from a new author for me! I look forward to reading more by her.
Rating:
Summary: Worth it
Review: Light and lovely, Shana Abe's expert use of language made this book a joy to read. The Secret Swan is both poignant and memorable, a perfect summer romance read.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: My god, what a book. I love romance novels, but hate any that are slow boring and have docile woman characters. This book was superb. You could feel the love that the two characters share with eachother. The situations are so intense! Some parts are just simply heart breaking. All in all, it is hands down one of the best books I have ever read. I loved it, and read it 4 times. I cried and cried and cried. Its a real tear jerker!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Loved it
Review: Seldom have I read a book that grabbed me by the throat like this one did. I read a lot of romances because I love them but this one was exceptional in just about every way. I fell in love with Tristan and really felt like I was part of Amaranth. Really good characterization and with an original plot that draws you in right from the start and those are qualities I always look for. I mean Ms Abe has the gift of tossing you right in her world and its a great world to be in. I think "The Secret Swan" is my favorite of her books so far.
Rating:
Summary: A truly Delightful Read!
Review: Shana Abe has done it again! "The Secret Swan" proves once again why Ms. Abe is a nonpareil in this field. This latest book of hers is written with her usual fabulous creativity and luminous romantic details. The characters are drawn with sensitivity, puck and spirit. The dialogue is inventive, articulate, and brillant. The plot details fill a romantic soul with longing, fulfillment, and incredible radiance. If you are a true lover of romantic fiction, don't miss this one. It is incredible!
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Summary: THE WRITER AS ARTIST
Review: Shana Abe is not just a "writer", she is an artist. This book was an emotional journey for me. Tristan and Amiranth are beautifully developed characters with whom we live for a time and whose story remains haunting and moving, well after the last page is read. I have read as many books by this author as possible. Shana Abe truly occupies a special place in the upper echelons of romance writers. Thank you, Shana.
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