Rating: 
Summary: A medieval romance that slowly unfolds
Review: "As events slowly unfold" says a very positive review on another site. That describes this book for me; and therein, lies the problem. It is slow, and boring. Also Juliana and Sebastian "leads" in this book, are unlikeable. Yes, this page turner told me about the scriptorium, the writing on the floor (no wait-Sebastian sensitively got Juliana a desk)the color of the ink, color of the paper, the beauty of it , the ink-smudged fingers and so on and so on. And then Juliana the Timid becomes Juliana the lackey. (She does whatever her death-visaged, monk-robed husband tells her to do. And then, she becomes Juliana the martyr, all ready to sacrifice herself on the altar of LOVE. (It must have been Ovid, Latin or that scriptorium.) And she does this for a man who is an enigma, I'll grant you. He ignores her as a wife or helpmate. At one point he seemingly taunts her to express herself physically, and then denies her. Hot love scene? I don't think so. And the other love scenes, same old, same old...They're the color of what berries, fruit...trembling with need etc. Sebastian can't tell Juliana the SECRET. Why? He trusts her with the marriage-in-name-only secret. And I won't go into how the SECRET is resolved, since others may want to read this book. Yes, the book's well-researched. There's a castle, a medieval setting, the church, the Templars. But, we can all read, research, and write about history. It's the creative writing that gets the reader to care. For ME, Ms. Ranney mostly failed that part of the book. As a reader, not an historian, I want characters I care about; and, each page to make me want to read the next one. I too, have followed the author's Zebra and Avon careers; and have bought and read every book. I have not liked each one; but none before, were boring. Since Langlinais is the place of her next book, my time with her will probably end. I hate for that to be the case. As a reader, I apologize to Ms. Ranney for feeling compelled to write this. I'm sure she takes heart in knowing that every "pro" reviewer has a far different opinion.
Rating: 
Summary: A touching and sensual tale of 2 starcrossed lovers.
Review: Beautifully written and refreshingly different from the majority of historical romance published today, My Beloved is the tale of 2 people, married as children who meet as adult strangers and grow to love one another. Caught in the intrigues of the crusades, the church and the ignorance and prejudice of the dark ages, their love seems doomed. Karen Ramey weaves a touching and engrossing tale of courage, miracles and romance.
Rating:
Summary: A marvelous medieval romance! A different kind of hero....
Review: How anyone can find this sensitive medieval romance boring is mind-boggling. Is it because the author quotes Latin, Ovid and Catullus? Is it because the hero and heroine actually talk to one another, rather than boink behind every tree in the forest or nook in the castle at the least opportunity?Besides, how could I resist a book where the hero is so enigmatic that the heroine's first words to him are, "Are you Death?" : )If you enjoy the wounded hero type, a man with secrets and great pains in his soul; if you like your heroines to grow in the story, becoming emboldened and nobler in character; if you like to see people fall in love credibly, step by step, before consumation, rather than just lusting all over the chapters of a romance; then you should love MY BELOVED. A glorious castle. A hero to break your heart. A heroine who casts off her fears in the name of love and life and grows up. Secrets that unfold. A plot that touches on the religious aspects of the time period. An exploration of loyalty and doing what is right. But above all a delicious love story.I have not read a medieval all the way through in a few years. I'd become bored with how similar they were. This one is different, and I thank Ms. Ranney for reminding why I once adored Medieval Romances so very much.PS--I had read a Ranney historical before and didn't particularly care for it, but was willing to give this one a try after it was recommended to me by more than one person. I'm glad I listened. PPS--For those who LIKE boinking in their books, this one has several very intense love scenes. Me, I can do without so many pages of the details of conjugal bliss, but I didn't want to leave the possible reader thinking this was a "dry" romance. Oh, no. Interestingly, the sexiest, most mouth-watering scene takes place in such a way that the hero never so much as sets one finger on the heroine. A big "Whoo!"
Rating: 
Summary: A beautiful love story.
Review: I agree w/reviewer S. Klaczkiewicz that this one is a definite keeper. "My Beloved" is one of the most well written, beautiful love stories ever. It is a richly-woven tale (based on historical fact) of courage, cruelty, compassion, intrigue, passion and love. Sebastian, Lord of Langlinais, is released from a Saracen prison thru the efforts of his brother, a member of the Knights Templar, but of course repayment to the Knights is never easy. After his release, he sends for his bride, Juliana, & the chemistry between them is immediate. However, Sebastian has a terrible secret about himself that he cannot and will not reveal to Juliana. This is the beginning of one of the most poignantly beautiful love stories I have ever read.Some reviewers have stated that the book drags on and that no real love scenes occur until near the end. While it is true that the consummation of Sebastian's and Juliana's marriage does not occur until last 75 pgs or so, when it does, it is filled w/exquisite passion and continues thru the remainder of the book. However, love scenes occur throughout the book (even tho the hero & heroine never physically touch) and they are deeply sensual -- Ms. Ranney does an excellent job in writing these scenes. As for the book dragging on; not in my opinion it didn't. I find history (particularly medieval history) fascinating and again the author does an excellent job w/that time period - particularly the power that was wielded both by the church & the order of the templars. I have read quite a few of KR's books - some I have truly enjoyed and others have disappointed me. This one however, IMO, is her best. I wish she would write more like this one
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful love story.
Review: I agree w/reviewer S. Klaczkiewicz that this one is a definite keeper. "My Beloved" is one of the most well written, beautiful love stories ever. It is a richly-woven tale (based on historical fact) of courage, cruelty, compassion, intrigue, passion and love. Sebastian, Lord of Langlinais, is released from a Saracen prison thru the efforts of his brother, a member of the Knights Templar, but of course repayment to the Knights is never easy. After his release, he sends for his bride, Juliana, & the chemistry between them is immediate. However, Sebastian has a terrible secret about himself that he cannot and will not reveal to Juliana. This is the beginning of one of the most poignantly beautiful love stories I have ever read. Some reviewers have stated that the book drags on and that no real love scenes occur until near the end. While it is true that the consummation of Sebastian's and Juliana's marriage does not occur until last 75 pgs or so, when it does, it is filled w/exquisite passion and continues thru the remainder of the book. However, love scenes occur throughout the book (even tho the hero & heroine never physically touch) and they are deeply sensual -- Ms. Ranney does an excellent job in writing these scenes. As for the book dragging on; not in my opinion it didn't. I find history (particularly medieval history) fascinating and again the author does an excellent job w/that time period - particularly the power that was wielded both by the church & the order of the templars. I have read quite a few of KR's books - some I have truly enjoyed and others have disappointed me. This one however, IMO, is her best. I wish she would write more like this one
Rating:
Summary: A GOOD BOOK
Review: I enjoyed reading this book, and would suggest it to others looking for a good romantic novel . . .If you want to read a book that goes straight to your heart, read Stolen Moments by Barbara Jeanne Fisher. . .It is a beautiful story of unrequited love. . .for certain the love story of the nineties. I intended to give the book a quick read, but I got so caught up in the story that I couldn't put the book down. From the very beginning, I was fully caught up in the heart-wrenching account of Julie Hunter's battle with lupus and her growing love for Don Lipton. This love, in the face of Julie's impending death, makes for a story that covers the range of human emotions. The touches of humor are great, too, they add some nice contrast and lighten things a bit when emotions are running high. I've never read a book more deserving of being published. It has rare depth. Julie's story will remind your readers that life and love are precious and not to be taken for granted. It has had an impact on me, and for that I'm grateful. Stolen Moments is written with so much sensitivity that it made me want to cry. It is a spellbinder. What terrific writing. Barbara does have an exceptional gift! This book was edited by Lupus specialist Dr. Matt Morrow too, and has the latest information on that disease. ..A perfect gift for someone who started college late in life, fell in love too late in life, is living with any illness, or trying to understand a loved one who is. . .A gift to be cherished forever
Rating: 
Summary: Could have been better, though not bad
Review: I find myself agreeing with much of what has been said in previous reviews for My Beloved. Although there was nothing wrong with the story, how it was written, the plot or the characters, I did not find much to recommend the book. The story seemed to be very slow moving. Sebastian and Julianna's relationship grew steadily throughout the story, as opposed to a cataclysmic love at first sight theme. Whereas normally I would applaud this attempt at being different in the writing style, for our lovers in this story the result was just boring. There were moments of sexual tension, but they did not stretch through the story, just appeared every so often. It did not bother me that our couple did not consummate their relationship until very late in the story; and as with my previous comment, normally I would applaud this turning away from the normal "script", there was just not enough to keep my interest peaked for the rest of the story. The idea of Medieval Europe, the Templars, the Cathars, the dichotomy between the Pope and his religious "army" is interesting to read about. As is Sebatian and Julianna's struggle with faith, religion and living a moral life. What exactly is a miracle, and what makes one's faith more right than another's? These are interesting topics to ponder and I enjoyed the thought provoking tidbits, but I found that the details just scratched the surface. I think there could have been an intricate plot, involving Machievelli-type scheming between the Pope's forces and the Templars', with Sebatian and his brother in the middle. Though this is what superficially happens, the potential for so much more was there. The character development of Sebatian and Julianna is done moderately well. We understand what motivates them and what type of people they are. Besides the faithful squire, the story was lacking colorful secondary characters. Gregory was wishy-washy. Was he evil, wishing his brother true harm? Strictly ambitious? He would do one thing to lead you to think one way, then later change tactics or do something that seems opposite the first event. Although better written, and more interesting than a lot of the fiction that is available today, My Beloved still only garners an average rating for its slow moving plot and lack of a lively cast.
Rating: 
Summary: Not one of my favorites
Review: I found this book to be slow moving and boring. I was compelled to find out why the hero could not touch the heroine and the outcome, otherwise, I would have put this book down.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book, well developed characters and a great secret
Review: I have been reading Karen Ranney since I fell in love with the book Tapestry. This book is definately an equal! There is a twist to this story that makes it compelling read from the first page. Definately go and get it!!
Rating:
Summary: Intense and Wonderful!
Review: I have read many books in this genre and My Beloved is one of the very best. I can not put Karen's books down, even waking at 3 in the morning to finish one. She's incredibly intense and a gifted author. I have just ordered all of her other available books. I hope the ones that are out of print will become available. It is rare to find an author this good.
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