The Flame and the Flower

Heather Simmons used to lead a high society London life. But then her father died. She was then carted off by her cruel aunt and miserable uncle to live in poverty and virtually as a slave. That is until her aunt’s brother came to whisk her away from it all. However, William Court was a man not to be trusted and Heather found herself fleeing in fear after a tussle that caused Court to fall on a knife.

American sea captain Brandon Birmingham seeking to ease his long pent up sexual urges after a long sea journey sends two of him men out to find him some sport with a woman of the night. What the bring back both intrigues and shocks him; intrigues him because she is such a beautiful little slip of a girl, and shocks him because upon bedding her he discovers she is a virgin! And a virgin with influential family friends who are not above threats and blackmail to see the wrongs against her made right.

THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER was actually the very first romance novel that this reader ever read. She read is so many times the book literally feel apart. Now years later, this fan is delighted to enjoy the story of Heather and Brandon once again. The story has not changed. It is still one of the best romances that this reviewer has ever read. That not withstanding it is amazing how time, about 20 years worth, changes a person’s perception.

The first night Brandon meets Heather he rapes her. This is not an endearing quality in a leading man. Also this book is packed with men wherever Heather goes only interest in her is in taking her to bed. But perhaps that is how women were treated in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. This reader felt sorry for Heather as she was treated a chattel by every man in the book with only a few exceptions. Even Brandon expected her to flop down on her back upon their marriage bed at his slightest whim.

Once this reviewers feminist side got past these significant points, she enjoyed this book immensely. One of this reviewers favourite storylines in THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER has to be that upon finding himself forced to wed Heather, Brandon thought to punish her by making their marriage one in name only. She couldn’t have been more delighted at this idea as she had no wish for Brandon to make love to her again after her only experience of love being that of rape. Heather is such a beloved character, this reader cannot even begin to express. Another favourite character is the housekeeper Birmingham Hattie. This woman made this reader giggle on more than one occasion. All of Kathleen E Woodiwiss’s characters are well penned and believable, even the ones that we love to hate such as Louisa, the fiancée that Brandon left behind in America to sail to England.

If, like this reviewer, you have read THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER in the past, or have never had the pleasure, pick up this book today! You will not be disappointed. This reviewer is anxiously awaiting the upcoming release of Ms. Woodiwiss’s newest novel Everlasting.

November 2007