Rating:
Published: 1988
Illustrator: Doug Gray
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 480
Format: Paperback
Buy on: Amazon, AbeBooks
Reviewed by: Introvert Reader
SPOILER FREE REVIEW 😊
The Book
Lousia Rawlings, the writer of such greats as Stranger in My Arms was a masterful author.
It’s unfortunate she no longer writes wonderful historical romances. And by that, I mean “historical romance” in the truest sense of those words. Her novels are authentic to their time. They were also beautiful love stories.
Stolen Spring is another example of her stellar work.
The Plot
France and Versailles under the reign of Louis XIV was a decadent, lavish era. Louisa Rawlings captures it perfectly in Stolen Spring. Her dedication to details was amazing, like portraying how the nobles must salute the King’s food while servants carry the dishes throughout the halls.
The writing was marked by a depth of emotion. The colorful cast of minor characters is standard for a Rawlings novel. These facets come together, transforming this book into a superb historical romance.
Marie-Rouge, daughter of a Comte, is blackmailed into spying for France. Her father has gambling debts, and she seeks to keep him out of prison.
Along the way, she captures the hearts of many men, notably Pierre, a peasant miller who is not all that he seems. This man of mystery opens Marie-rouge’s heart to love.
I liked Pierre, a tortured yet sensitive man, although the villain, Arsene, almost overshadows him a bit with his rough sensuality. Still, their love is a passionate one.
Final Analysis of Stolen Spring
Marie-Rouge and Pierre don’t meet until about 80 pages into this 467-page epic. They are separated for various durations. That usually bugs me. Here, that trope was fine by me.
As I said, Rawlings is an excellent author, and she takes time to build the story. When the two main characters are together, the sparks fly!
Not a perfect book, but so enjoyable it’s a keeper I expect to read again in the future!
4.5 Stars
| Rating Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Plot | |
| Characters | |
| Writing | |
| Chemistry | |
| Fun Factor | |
| Cover | |
| Overall: | 4.4 |
Synopsis:
Mademoiselle Marie-Rouge’s bewitching gray eyes widened with shock. King Louis’ minister had made his offer very clear: Rouge must become a spy or else her beloved father would be thrown in debtor’s prison. She chose to flee into a storm-swept night away from the golden court at Versailles and the intrigues that threatened her life…In a miller’s cottage she found a stranger–a brazen, daring man who claimed to be a simple peasant. His arms sheltered her, his kisses intoxicated her more than royal wine, and his desire showed her a paradise no riches could buy. Would he forgive the girl who took his sweet love tonight–only to run from his heart tomorrow?
STOLEN SPRING by LOUISA RAWLINGS