"This is All I Ask"

I've just finished reading This Is All I Ask by Lynn Kurland. For a romance fan, this book was pure gold. It's set in the Middle Ages, another tale of an arranged marriage that turns into a passionate and lasting love. The twist here

Warning: Spoiler ahead








is that the hero is blind. His bride is terrified of him at first, because of his reputation and because of the violence she has learned to expect of men, but soon she realizes that he is a kind man and not at all the demon his reputation would have him.

The two of them don't seem to believe they are worthy of love. Christopher is convinced no woman could want him because of his blindness, and Gillian is convinced she is ugly and worthless. But they learn together and finally realize they can love and be loved.

It follows the formula; the obstacles, the misunderstandings and of course the heinous villain show up on schedule. But Kurland manages to keep the tale fresh and the characters sympathetic, even as they progress through the standard lovers' journey. It may be formulaic but it was still a delightful read. I recommend this book to fans of historical romance.