First, I am going to complain about this book. The writing is trite and he doesn't even attempt at making the characters think or act in a way that is appropriate for his time period. The good guys are very good, the bad guys are outrageously bad, and the damsels in distress are bwetiful and resourceful. Two separate couples are cruelly kept apart for years by fate. Meh. On the other hand, this book is the crack cocaine of books, you can't put it down, and I have read it many times. It ... (show more)

First, I am going to complain about this book. The writing is trite and he doesn't even attempt at making the characters think or act in a way that is appropriate for his time period. The good guys are very good, the bad guys are outrageously bad, and the damsels in distress are bwetiful and resourceful. Two separate couples are cruelly kept apart for years by fate. Meh. On the other hand, this book is the crack cocaine of books, you can't put it down, and I have read it many times. It is sort of like ABBA music, you know it is lacking in quality but at the same time you can't stop yourself from rocking out to "Dancing Queen". Plus, I found myself fascinated by the descriptions of building a cathedral. Is an odd book where you skip the romance and go straight to the difficulties in getting enough stones for a building - but so it is. If you have a really long airplane ride in your future there is no better book to have with you - and don't forget the ABBA on your ipod! (show less)