"One of the best Regency romances of the past decade"

In 1827 aristocratic mathematician and renowned rake Christian Langland suffers a stroke that leaves him unable to communicate though he feels his mind functions in every other capacity. His relatives, not wanting to deal with the ailing duke, see an opportunity to take over his wealth. They have him committed to a lunatic asylum.

Daughter of a mathematician whom worked with the now restrained Christian, Quaker Archimedea "Maddy" Timms spends time doing good deeds including visiting poor souls in the asylum. She met Christian before under different circumstances, but now with him imprisoned in his body and the asylum, she tries to provide solace. She realizes his mind is okay and makes efforts to help him. As their relationship strengthens its turns to love though his aristocratic family and her Quaker friends detest that this couple belongs together.

FLOWERS FROM THE STORM is a reprint of one of the best Regency romances of the past decade. The tale provides the audience with a different look at the era then normally seen. The lead characters are the keys to the gripping plot. Maddy struggles between her deep faith and her prohibited love for an outsider. Christian behaves like a stroke victim frustrated with his inability to communicate especially verbally. Maddy talks (and listens) like a Quaker and Christian's thoughts reflect his trouble comprehending what someone says and his frustration with his failure with language. Though that adds authenticity, readers need to adapt to the communications of the lead duo that is worth the effort.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 3, 2003

Original Issue October 1992
He's the Duke of Jervaulx...powerful, rich, intelligent and locked in a lunatic asylum.

Summary

The Duke of Jervaulx was brilliant -- and dangerous.

Considered dissolute, reckless, and extravagant, he was transparently referred to as the "D of J" in scandal sheets. But sometimes the most womanizing rakehell can be irresistible, and even his most casual attentions fascinated the sheltered Maddy Timms.

Then one fateful day she receives the shocking news -- the duke is lost to the world. And Maddy knows it is her destiny to help him and her only chance to find the true man behind the wicked façade.

But she never dreamed her gentle, healing touch would alter his life and her own so completely -- and bind them together in need, desire ... and love.