Setting: Medieval England, 1153
Sensuality: 7

I greatly enjoyed CANDLE IN THE WINDOW even though I don't normally read medieval historical romances - I'm more into the regency/Victorian setting. I am a great fan of Christina Dodd's novels, however, so I wanted to read this earlier work of hers (1991).

Saura and William were a wonderful pair and I enjoyed the interactions and chemistry between them. Saura was kind, courageous, and capable; her strength was a wonderful thing to see in a heroine and the fact that she is blind adds a nice twist for someone who has read almost every historical romance out there! William was one of those tough warrior heroes, but he was so tender and sensitive with Saura that it made my heart melt. He was quick-witted and loyal and I loved his possessiveness of Saura and jealousy over others admiring her (he doesn't take it out on her or anything like that, so it's actually very sweet).

CRITICISMS:
There are two reasons that I couldn't give it five stars, the first being also one of the main reasons that I don't normally read medieval romances: because when the author is accurate in depicting the times (as they should be) there are a lot of things which bother me: the young age at which women were married, the widespread acceptance of physical punishment, etc. Though William never abuses Saura, he clarifies to her brothers that he doesn't believe in hitting his wife even if she deserves it - sorry, I just don't believe anyone "deserves" being hit. Also, he does slap one of the servant women, Hawisa, at the beginning. Overall, William is NOT one of those heroes that you feel acts more like a villain, so please don't think that; he's very sweet and understanding with Saura. I also didn't like the constant references to "sluts" and some of the characterizations of the serfs and churls. These were all probably accurate for the times, but it is why I normally steer clear of romances from this era.

My second criticism is that Saura's objections to marrying William, her subsequent turnaround, Maude and Lord Peter's plan - it was all very murky and unclear. I didn't fully understand the emotional obstacles to William and Saura's relationship, as it seems like Dodd couldn't make up her own mind throughout the novel about what it was that was stopping them from being completely happy and open with one another. In the end it all resolves itself, of course, but there was just a general murkiness and vacillation on this subject throughout the novel that detracted from the overall quality of the story.

SUMMARY (from the back cover):
"Lady Saura of Roget lives a lonely life of servitude - her fortune controlled by her cruel, unscrupulous stepfather. Yet it is she who has been called upon to brighten the days of Sir William of Miraval, a proud and noble knight who once swore to live or perish by the sword ... until his world was engulfed in agonizing darkness. Summoned to Sir William's castle, the raven-haired innocent is soon overcome by desire and love for the magnificent, golden warrior who has quickly laid siege to her heart. But there is a grave danger awaiting them both just beyond the castle walls ... and a dear and deadly price to be paid for surrendering to a fiery, all-consumed love."

BOTTOM LINE:
I would highly recommend this book - the hero was to die for and it was easy to respect Saura and want her to finally get the happy ending she deserved. It wasn't my favorite Christina Dodd, but definitely worth reading and I am glad I bought it, so that I can reread it in the future.

(Written January 22, 2008 on Amazon.com) ( )