[.ca] Beloved Enemy (ISBN 0821779877)

TOO MUCH MISERY!!!!:
I have read other books by Jane Feather that were very good. My favorite Vanity and Emerald Swan. But this book has too much spousal abuse and depressing description of war. I was a teenager during WWII and I can do without both. I have several of her books that I haven't read yet and am now a bit leery of her stories. I am retired and read for enjoyment, entertainment and, as most of us, to escape reality. If I wanted this I could subscribe to a paper or watch CNN. I will perserve though as I can always use them for trading if I can't take anymore. The premise of the story and the characters were strong and commendable. With all that I really appreciated Alex Marshall and what he was going through. Shades of our own Civil War with torn families.

MEMORABLE AND WONDERFUL!:
I read this book when it was first (I think) issued. I loved it. The dichotomy between the words "Beloved" and "Enemy" is developed perfectly by Jane Feather in this enthralling book. What a love story; what a pair of lovers! I am writing this years later because: (1) It was one of my favorite books at the time I read it, and (2) it seems to be getting an unfavorable rating from several reviewers, so I thought I would try to bring more balance to the negative reviews. This is a beautifully written book and the story has a depth of emotion that is missing in so many more superficial writings.

Good book, but read on...:
Jane Feather is one of my favorite authors as she is so meticulous with her historical details, and the conflicts between her characters are well portrayed. Alex and Ginny are fated to meet and part, but why Beloved Enemy was rated four instead of five stars was - I had to agree with a fellow reviewer - some parts were quite hard to believe.(3/4 of the book) Other than that, the setting was beautifully described and she really brought me to the time it was set. It's a good book to curl up to on a rainy day to.

Beloved Enemy - Dark Side:
Jane Feather is one of my favorite authors but there are always the "Dark Side" to her stories: death, regicide, separation, death again, etc. "Beloved Enemy" was my favorite until the parting of the hero and heroine. Too much bitterness, and not enough sunshine! The English Civil War created too much darkness! I wish she would write more of sunshine and light as our own lives have enough of this. Too little was made of the Epilogue. So sad.

A surprise:
I liked it. I didn't expect to like this book as much as i did. A lot of people don't like the dark aspect of the husband but that is really blown out of proportion. Ive seen much worse behavior from a hero or two. Anyway the story was filling. That is the only way i could describe it. Not really romantic but satisfying all the same. ginny was annoying sometimes but I still liked her. It's one of "those cold winter nights" kind of books. Makes you feel toasty.