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Summary: An amazing and beautiful story!
Review: I love romance, and I prefer novels with depth, meaning, and sophistication. THE STONE MAIDEN offers all of that and more, one of the most satisfying historical romances I have read in a very long time. The author drew me into the twelfth century setting, and the intricate, well-developed story and characters never let go until the last page. It's fascinating, thought-provoking, and multi-dimensional. It is not a quick, simplistic read. Ms. King has a lyrical style and a subtle command of her story. Very few stories can wring genuine tears from me anymore, and this one did. A special story, and a special talent, and definitely one to savor. Love the cover too--elegant and classy.
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Summary: A beautiful romance!
Review: I loved this book! In fact, I love the way Susan King writes, and I'm definitely going to get her other books! I read The Stone Maiden very quickly, since I was so wrapped up in the story and came to love her characters, and I did not want to leave them when it was over. The twelfth century seemed very real, not vague or shallow, and I read a lot of medieval settings, especially Scottish, which Susan King is known for writing. The Stone Maiden is a beautiful romance, not only because of its great research, but because I honestly felt the emotions of the characters, and could feel the love between Alainna and Sebastian as it grew. This book will melt your heart. Very special!
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Summary: Very, very sweet guy, our Sebastien
Review: I thought Alainna was a little ungrateful and childish, and I don't approve of offering "material items" to a statue; it seems like blasphemy. But other than that, the story was GREAT. I loved Sebastien, he was so affectionate and considerate and handsome, and smart. I liked the fact that he was an Englishman who appreciated the beauty of Scotland. I don't think it would have worked the other way around. This is a slow-paced, enchanting novel that will leave a lasting impression.
Rating: 
Summary: Sweet, but Boring
Review: I thought that the romance between the two main characters was cute, but this book was so boring! The accuracy from this time was awesome, but all the talk of the stone carving almost made me fall asleep. The writing was fine, the characters well written, but I like books with more humor or action in them. This was a snooze for me.
Rating:
Summary: Sweet, but Boring
Review: I thought that the romance between the two main characters was cute, but this book was so boring! The accuracy from this time was awesome, but all the talk of the stone carving almost made me fall asleep. The writing was fine, the characters well written, but I like books with more humor or action in them. This was a snooze for me.
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Summary: Pure Poetry
Review: I'm having trouble believing that some of the previous reviewers read the same book I did. Susan King writes wonderfully, with beautiful, poetic language and a deeply layered understanding of Scottish history and culture. The book isn't paced like an MTV video, nor should it be, since that wouldn't suit this story. I've never read a Scottish historical that gave me a better sense of what it was like to live in the wild, remote fastnesses of Britain. (There's a battle in the snow that gives me chills even to think of it.) Alaina and Sebastien Le Bret are both fully realized, believable characters, and their developing relationship was utterly convincing. As in all King's books, hero and heroine are unique, their conflict specific and rooted in their time and place. I think she's one of the best historical romance novelists writing today.
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Summary: Sweet romance but too slow... for comfort
Review: I've picked up this book after reading all the great reviews. I can't say that I'm very impressed with the book, only the parts where the myths and legends come in. Ms Susan King must have done loads of research there. "The Stone Maiden" tells the story of Alainna MacLaren (leader of Laren Clan) and Sebastien Le Bret. Clan Laren was a dying clan as the young men of this clan has been killed by a neighbouring enemy clan through battles and there was not a single child in the clan. Alainna pleaded the Scottish King to pledge a warrior to her as her husband. The King sent Sebastien as he was the best candidate the King could offer. Alainna needed her husband to take her family name in order to prevent her clan from dying out. Sebastien had stated very clearly that he would not do that. The whole story revolved around a 700-year-old spell and the Stone Maiden. What we have here is a good storyline but somehow, the story is dragged down by too many story-telling sessions by the clan members. The book contains many myths and legends of Clan Laren, so the clan members, after almost every meal, would sit down together and have a story-telling session. It is fair enough if there is a couple of these sessions in the book but there are more than that. There were also too many times that Alainna would go and pray and make some offerings to the Stone Maiden. There was a loop-hole I couldn't figure out why it had happened, was that: before Sebastien and Alainna could agree that who should take who's name, they were already handfasted. I thought that both their family names were extremely important to them. If so, they should have agree on that first before commiting themselves to the union. Very disappointing!
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Summary: A special romance
Review: In 1170 in the Highlands, Clan Laren is dying after generations of a feud and raids from Clan MacNechton. There are no young people left except for the clan leader, Alainna MacLaren. The legend of the nearby STONE MAIDEN is that after seven centuries of protecting the Laren clan, their safety will end unless Alainna marries a warrior willing to adopt her name by the spring. Desperate for help, Alainna petitions King William for a heroic Scottish husband. William sends Breton Sebastien Le Bret, who has a beloved son living in Brittany, a good enough reason in his mind not to adopt Alainna's name. As Alainna and Sebastien fight with each other and war with their common enemy, they fall in love. However, the surname remains an issue as she believes in the legend and he loves his five-year-old son. THE STONE MAIDEN is an exciting Medieval Highlander tale that centers on duty, honor, and love. The story line is filled with excitement that picturesquely provides the audience insight into clan life, survival and period politics. The lead couple is a warm pair even though Sebastien's patience with Alainna seems stretched. The support cast augments the tale with a feel for the twelfth century. Susan King shows why she is considered by fans and critics to be one of the monarchs of the sub-genre. Harriet Klausner
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Summary: This Story Truly Touched My Heart
Review: It has been sometime since a book drew me so completely into the world of its characters that I never wanted the story the end. The Stone Maiden did just this. The characters were so alive, their predicament so heart-rending, that at one point near the end of the book I sobbed for at least half the chapter. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Susan King is masterful story teller who really knows how to pull her readers' heart strings.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful
Review: May Susan King never run out of ideas for books, nor words to describe what her imagination creates. She is the best author I have ever found. My number 1 favorite. Where I did not think it measured up to Laird of the Wind or Angel Knight, it was very, very good and well worth taking a vacation day to read it. With Susan King, if I had only $25 to my name and her next book came out in hardback for $22 I would buy her hardback and worry later about food. In my mind, noone can top her.
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