A Bed of Spices: Bed of Spices, a

I can't believe I haven't submitted a review of this novel long before this time, as I've owned and loved this book for years. I often turn back to this novel to refresh myself as to what a romance novel OUGHT to be. This is THE historical romance novel at its best. It has all the elements I love best: a forbidden love story, between the Christian heroine, Rica & the Jewish hero, Solomon; well-drawn supporting characters; a medieval setting, Germany, 1348-1349 in the time of the Black Plague; a fabulous blend of historical fact with romantic fiction. Although the story moves slowly, it's really worth your while. You will remember Rica and Solomon's story. If you love historical romance novels, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

OH MY..You know how sometimes you find a rare book and it just hits you that it is going to be amazing?? Well.."Bed of Spices" is one of those rare gems..I am telling you this story had me wild. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Solomon and Rica. When I found out what the conflict in this book was..I have to admit I was a bit worried...I just couldnt see how it was going to work out..infact, at one point I was so wildly frustrated and worried that Rica and Solomon wouldnt be together , that I flipped ahead to the ending just to make sure..this is something that I have NEVER done before, but in this case I just couldnt take it and had to reassure myself. "Bed of Spices" is without a doubt a definite keeper. It may be a little hard to come by, but believe me it is sooo worth the search. PLEASE DO NOT PASS UP THE CHANCE TO READ THIS UNBELIEVABLY BEAUTIFUL AND EMOTIONAL LOVE STORY!

This is going to be a very short review, because I won't really be able to do this book justice. The story is set in Strassburg 1348 (the time when the Black Death has just arrived in Europe). The protagonists are Solomon, a trainee physician, who is the son of a prosperous Jewish merchant; and Rica (Frederica), the daughter of a "new" nobleman. Both face familial constraints, but they are also divided by their religions, their class, and the expectations each family has of them. Rica is expected by her father to marry a rather religious German nobleman who cannot tell her apart from her mentally and emotionally disturbed twin sister Etta. Solomon is expected to become a physician, and then to marry a suitable Jewish girl. Add to all this, the fact that Rica and Solomon meet each other secretly at the cottage of her father's mistress (the local wisewoman). Add to this, the fact that mobs are beginning to massacre Jews all over Europe, believing them responsible for the Black Death. Don't worry, our hero and heroine survive - although their sanity is often tested, along with their commitment to each other.This is one romance I am keeping. It is well worth several re-reads, for the complex social interactions as well as the sheer beauty of the relationship. To learn more about the book, buy a book (used, I'm afraid!), or check out the review at All About Romance which clued me into this wonderful book.

A Bed of Spices is historical romance for the history lover, as opposed to the usual romance reader. Samuel's effort is well researched and vividly written, and altogether poignant. Though A Bed of Spices is out of print, it is worth one's effort to locate a copy. One read of this novel will forever change the naysayer's opinion of the romance genre.