Karen Ranney - Angie Ray
Ranney, Karen - ABOVE ALL OTHERS (Zebra - 1996) (5)
Katherine, an impoverished Lady, is hired to be the governess of the hero's illegitimate daughter, for whose care he is responsible after his lover dies in childbirth. The hero, Freddie (yes, that's his name!), is an Earl, but he is also a very wealthy man because of his business interests. He sends his daughter and the governess to one of his smaller estates. Katherine learns to love the child as her own and can't understand why the Earl has very little to do with the child. She and the Earl form an agreement in which she becomes his lover for a month. Within this time the Earl discovers his daughter has a slight "imperfection" and he decides to foster the child out. Katherine is outraged and leaves with the infant girl. Freddie tries to find them, but has no luck. This is the beginning of a tug-of-war story about two untrusting, but likeable people who have been hurt by past loves. The author conveys the thoughts and feelings of each of the characters in such a way that you feel like you have known them all their lives. An added bonus is a wonderful, tension-filled love scene that takes place on the back of a galloping horse! ~Sharon L. (jenw18b@prodigy.com)
Ranney, Karen - MY BELOVED (Avon - 8/99) (5)
It is England in the year 1251, and the long awaited summons has finally come. Now is the time for Juliana, the bride of Langlinais, to at last join her husband. Although she's had
years to become accustomed to the thought, Juliana can't hide
the trepidation she feels at the prospect of finally being a
true wife to the man she's been married to since she was five-years old. In truth, she's only seen Sebastian once
before, and that was at the time of their marriage. Barely out of the cradle then, she has scant memory now of the boy he'd
been. She knows even less about the man he's become in the intervening twelve years. The rumors and tales of his exploits as a Crusader in the Holy Land that have filtered back to the convent over time have only fueled her fears. Just who is the Lord of Langlinais, and what kind of life can she expect after she leaves the safety and care of the Sisters of Charity?
Upon her arrival at Langlinais castle, Juliana's worst misgivings seem warranted as she meets her husband for the second time in her life. An immense but shadowy figure, Sebastian stands in the dim light with his head and body completely hidden from sight by a black monk's robe. So imposing is he, in fact, that Juliana can only whisper, "Are you Death?" to the specter standing before her. The robe and cowl are a necessary and effective barrier between Sebastian and the world, however, and for very compelling reasons they will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, his reasons for remaining apart from everyone can't be shared with the lovely Juliana...anymore than he can share a marriage bed with her. His life has been a living hell for years, and if he'd only known what having her at the castle would mean to his present sanity, she would've been left at the convent—no matter how great his need of her.
In truth, the very survival of the lands and people of Langlinais are at stake, and Sebastian's plans to keep them safe from the greed of the Knight's Templar, as well as his younger brother Gregory, depend on Juliana's cooperation and presence on the estate. When Sebastian informs her that he only requires the appearance of a real marriage and not the actual consummation, the timorous and shy young woman draws the inaccurate conclusion that his withdrawal is due to a lack of something elemental in herself. Juliana comes to realize that assuming a role as chatelaine of the estate isn't necessary either; and she fills her days in much the same way as she had at the convent, using skills learned under the tutelage of the nuns to duplicate the beautifully scribed documents and religious works kept there.
As events slowly unfold, mysteries hidden by the ages are hinted at, and new threats to Langlinais arise. Meanwhile, the two lonely souls begin to find solace in one another. Their ultimate reward appears much later, however, as light slowly emerges to overcome the darkness. It's only then that Sebastian and Juliana become one in spirit if not in flesh. There will be more battles for the couple to fight, but they will eventually find a love so complete and wondrous that it transcends all barriers that were set against it.
Once in a while a book comes along that holds me in thrall from the first page until the last. MY BELOVED is one such book. In addition to being a beautiful love story, a careful reading of the chapters reveals the author's meticulous research. Historical facts surrounding the mystique of the Knight's Templar are imaginatively combined with details about the written language before the advent of the printing press, and fascinating hints about a group of very shadowy people and little known religious concepts create a truly special tale. Details that could have been very dry and confusing are deftly woven into the plot, adding richness and texture.
MY BELOVED tells of miracles and a transcendent love that reaches deep down into your soul and lingers there. Almost from the very beginning, there is an atmosphere of heightened sensual tension that breathes life into the story, and two scenes in particular are so stunning in that regard as to be unforgettable. Readers of medieval romance will devour this book, and if you're a fan of the tortured hero as well, MY BELOVED offers up a veritable feast for your enjoyment. Kudos, Ms. Ranney. You outdid yourself with this sensitive, mysterious and oh, so satisfying tale of love, honor, and commitment. ~Connie Ramsdell for Bookbug on the Web
Ranney, Karen - MY WICKED FANTASY (Avon - 1998) (3+)
Alice, the wife of Archer St. John, Earl of Sanderhurst, is missing and rumors abound that he had something to do with her strange disappearance. The only person who seems to be able to shed any light on the mystery is Mary Kay Bennett, a woman
who claims to be "haunted" by Alice. Archer doesn't believe her
story and suspects foul play. Yet Mary hears Alice's voice, warning her of impending danger, and she feels the
need to protect Archer. Keeping her at close bay, he attempts to uncover the truth about his wife's whereabouts. Although his marriage was not a love match, the answers he seeks will clear his mind and his reputation. As the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, an elemental attraction develops between Archer and Mary. The loneliness and frustration they both feel intensifies their need for each other and ignites their passion.
Karen Ranney is truly a gifted author, but if you are looking for an uplifting story, I would suggest that you pass on this gothic-style novel. The relationship between the hero and heroine is shrouded in darkness and ambiguity, with questions concerning adultery also detracting from the romance. The prose is magnificent, however; and the reader's interest will be captured by the strong element of mystery. MY WICKED FANTASY starts slowly, acquiring a murky ambiance which remains throughout the book, then builds to a haunting finale. Whether this book is your cup of tea or not, it is one you will not easily forget. ~June Folk for Bookbug on the Web
Ranney, Karen - PROMISE OF LOVE, A (Zebra - 1997) (5)
This is a painful, but powerful book—a survival story set in a harsh period of history (Scotland after Culloden). But it is also a love story about two tortured souls: Alisdair Macleod, a battle-scarred clan chief, and Judith Cuthbertson, a severely abused English woman who is sold into marriage by her father.
The story mirrors the time period and contains scenes of graphic violence, so readers beware. However, in sharp contrast to the brutal treatment of the heroine and the decimated spirit of the hero and his clan—who have all been beaten down by their enemies—the love which grows between the hero and heroine is even more poignant. This romance has some of the most tender, moving love scenes I've ever read. Alisdair and Judith seek shelter in each other's arms, and together they find the strength to face the past and rebuild their lives. After I finished this story, I felt emotionally drained—as if I'd been through heaven and hell and back again. A PROMISE OF LOVE is an incredibly well-written book that captures the mind and heart of the reader. It left me with a wondrous feeling about the resilience of the human spirit and the rejuvenating power of love, in the face of all odds. ~June Folk for Bookbug on the Web
Ranney, Karen - TAPESTRY (Zebra - 1995) (5)
Lady Laura Blake is bright, intelligent, and single-minded in her pursuit of childhood idol, Dixon Alexander Weston, the Earl of Cardiff. Alex Weston has been her "port in the storm" for as long as she can remember—ever since she was a lonely little orphan girl, raised by doting uncles on a neighboring estate. When tragedy strikes the young Earl and he is horribly wounded during battle in England's Seven Years War, he retreats to Heddon Hall. Alex lives a life of total seclusion behind thick walls, a leather mask, and a bone-deep determination to keep other people from being repulsed by his ugliness. Laura is no longer a child, but a lovely, high-spirited young woman, and she is determined that her wonderful Alex will not be allowed to hide away in his misery and loneliness. Karen Ranney writes with insight about emotions that are both the best and worst that humankind has to offer. TAPESTRY is a wonderful novel that spoke to my heart. I highly recommend it. ~Connie (C1Rams@aol.com)
Ranney, Karen - UPON A WICKED TIME (Avon - 1998) (4+)
Although the Duke of Kittridge, Jered Mandeville, is a well-known
rake, Tessa Astley has long dreamed of marrying him. Jered wants
an heir and believes that Tessa, who is as personable and biddable as she is beautiful, would make a perfect wife for him. The couple marries, but after a passionate wedding night, the fairy tale comes to an end. Tessa wakes up to discover that Jered has traveled to London and abandoned her at Kittridge, his ducal home. He left no instructions for her to join him, and she has no idea when he will return. After spending a few days at Kittridge with the remaining wedding guests, she hears the rumors about his excesses and madcap deeds. Wherever there is a scandal, Jered's name is involved. Wherever there is dissipation, he is in the thick of it. Also, it is common knowledge that he has a mistress.
Tessa journeys to London to find Jered, and he is livid when she arrives. Not only is she a deterrent to his enjoyment of the season and his friends' antics, it is his opinion that a wife's place is in the home, bearing children. He promises her a child; but Tessa wants more—she wants him to love her and be her best friend. To show that she means nothing to him, Jered treats her cruelly. In turn, she decides to follow her husband wherever his adventures may take him—even to a "pleasure palace," where he exacts revenge for her earlier visit with his mistress. Tessa knows that Jered is a much kinder person than his actions indicate, and she doesn't understand why he is wasting his life away when he could accomplish so much good with his time and wealth. What does their future hold? She is beginning to lose hope... However, a series of near-fatal accidents is about to change everything.
UPON A WICKED TIME is a sensual, emotional tale, laced with decadence and bright moments of humor. The prose is excellent, and the main characters are so well drawn that readers will feel like they know them intimately. Tessa is a lovely, caring woman who wants nothing more than to be loved and respected by her husband. Even though Jered is often uncaring, wicked, and sometimes cruel, I understood and accepted him for what he was—a man tortured by his past. I also knew he could be reformed by the right woman, even though he would resist all the way. Jered's and Tessa's love story will touch all of your emotions and remain in your heart long after the happily-ever-after ending. ~Sharon Laird for Bookbug on the Web
Ray, Angie - GHOSTLY ENCHANTMENT (Harper - 1994) (4+)
A captivating, well-written ghost romance that will have you guessing until the very end. I absolutely loved it! ~June (bookbug@oocities.com)
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