"Fine historical"
In 1158 England, Lord Gautier asks his daughter Elsbeth,
who he has not seen in years, if she really wants to give
her life to God by becoming a nun? However, Gautier
denies her wish to never marry because a contract exists
that allies him with a powerful family. Elsbeth knows her
duty, but begs release anyway. Her father forces the
marriage between Elsbeth and Lord Hugh of Jerusalem, who
overheard the debate. Her plan is simple as she cannot overtly destroy her
marriage so she thinks she can coax her spouse into
repudiating her starting with persuading Lord Hugh to
delay consummation of their vows. Hugh initially agrees
because he plans to win her love as nothing less will suit
for him. As the couple falls in love, Hugh knows in his
soul that once they make love, their hearts will join
forever. The tale starts and remains at a snail's pace as Claudia
Dain introduces her key threesome and the impact of the
Church on life in the twelfth century. The story line
towards the middle goes into full throttle and never looks
back. Still the refreshing key to THE TEMPTATION is the
powerful look inside the religious elements that serve as
the prime conflict between the lead couple. Ms Dain
provides a deep look at how the Church is involved in
almost everything inside a warm love story. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 24, 2003
SummaryHER BODY WAS A BATTLEFIELD
In England of 1156, a gently bred lady was taught to obey,
first her father, next her bridegroom. But ever since Eve
it has been in every woman to defy any lord. And Elsbeth
of Sunnandune was determined to trade the submission of
the marriage bed for the serenity of the convent. Yet
never did she suppose the difficulty of her task, for the
husband given her was a golden knight of godly beauty and
grace. His every word and look was a seduction, his every
caress cause for capitulation. In this war of wills, she
discovered, blood, honor, even the thrill of victory,
could take on new meaning, and no matter how much time a
wife spent on her knees in prayer, every path could lead
into temptation.
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