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December 04, 2007.
What happened with the series?.
Rating: 4
Albeit the book is fast paced, well written and thrilling in some parts this is the worst book of the series. If you read first this book and then the other two may be you'll rate higher this book because you won't have anything to compare with. As the second book of the series this also can or can't be part of the series because you won't read anything about the other two books. So I don't really know why LB made a three books' series of these stories. On the other hand you'll enjoy reading it.
December 08, 2007.
3rd book of series -- shoes, beaches and some hurricanes.
Rating: 5
Footloose by Leanne Banks is fabulous read. This is the third novel in the Bellagio Series that tells the story of amazing assistant Amelia Parker. Amelia excapes to the Florida Keys to help of the grande dame of Bellagio Inc. While making a 'to do list' she meets Jack. Lots of twists and turns with a great love story. Check out the entire Bellagio Series: Feet First (1), Underfoot (2) Footloose (3).
December 06, 2006.
A great read!.
Rating: 5
Once again Leanne Banks delivers another great read. Funny story line, great charactors, just an all-around fun book to read. Can't wait to see what she writes next!
December 31, 2006.
Really 3 1/2 stars.
Rating: 3
This was the weak link in the trilogy. I didn't sense the chemistry between Jack and Amelia while they were in the Keys. Jack was not that likeable and Amelia was flat. Brooke was an irritating distraction and then she was dropped. The book was much better once the setting moved back to Atlanta. Making Marc the bad guy bothered me, though, as we had gotten to love him in book 1. Jack got more depth to his character, and I started to empathize with him. I was looking forward to a wonderfully exciting and highly romantic ending, however. The ending seemed rushed and the revelation of Jack being a Bellagio was thrown in as almost an aside with loose ends tied up too quickly. I missed the very romantic discovery that they loved each other and then the great proposal that has been evident in other Banks' books. The emotional tug-at-your heart was missing. Books 1 and 2 were great, though.
December 07, 2006.
Awesome end of a fantastic trilogy.
Rating: 4
Expecting her fiance Will to set a wedding date, Bellagio temp Amelia instead finds herself dumped. She has spent her life since adolescence being everything Will wanted - sedate, organized, and nurturing, so it is a huge blow when he dumps her for a wild gal. She is sent to the Florida Keys to act as a temporary assistant to crusty matriarch Lillian Bellagio, and manages to make a huge impression on the brusque diva, as well as the wealthy and mysterious corporate raider Jack, who romances her. Little does she know he is collecting info about Bellagio, as he contemplates a takeover of the shoe empire once ruled by his birth father.
When she returns to Atlanta, she is surprised to find Jack installed as a new board member, who has exercised his right to oversee daily operation in the company, and soon realizes that his seduction was planned all along to get information on the company. Jack is treated as an outsider, and loathed by CEO Marc Waterson. As much as Amelia wants to ignore him, her attraction is deep, and the two continue a clandestine affair. Despite their obvious attraction for each other and his assistance in making Will squirm at a family wedding, Amelia's reluctance to tell anyone about them makes Jack feel like a bastard all over again.
With the requisite humor and sensuality inherent in all of Bank's novels to date, "Footloose" makes a fabulous bookend to a fantastic trilogy, and makes Banks a must-read novelist.
December 04, 2006.
Nell's Cowboy by Debbie Macomber (Large Print Mills & Boon Hardcover).
Rating: 4
Fifth book in the Heart of Texas series (also known as Sons of Promise): Lonesome Cowboy, Texas Two-Step, Caroline's Child, Dr. Texas, Nell's Cowboy, and Lone Star Baby. Nell's Cowboy is the book in the series in which the mystery of the ghost town of Bitter End is finally solved.
Description from the book back cover:
Nell Bishop, widowed mother of two, is turning Twin Canyons into a dude ranch. Her first guest is Travis Grant, an Easterner known for his children's books. Nell's kids are crazy about him, and Nell could fall for him herself. But it's too soon to be thinking of love and marriage again. Not only that, Travis seems intent on stirring up the town - uncovering the mystery in its past.
SONS OF PROMISE: They're rugged, proud and just a little sassy! They'll make you laugh and they'll make you cry. Meet them all in Promise, Texas.
December 30, 2003.
Not One of Her Best.
Rating: 2
I have read many Books by Debbie Macomber, and this one was the least interesting. It really seemed to drag, had fewer characters and story lines than the other books. Nell and Travis, the two main characters of this book are not quite as interesting as the other match ups that usually populate her novels. The mystery of Bitter End does get solved, but that part of the story was really slow. Also, I felt that the minor characters like Nell's two children and her mother-in-law were not very well drawn.
I know that Debbie Macomber fans are very loyal, so I am sorry if this offends some of you, but maybe I have read too many of her Books with the same plot.
December 08, 2000.
Nell & a Second Chance.
Rating: 5
I Loved this book I could not put it down. This is a wonderful story at a second chance of love. I would love to return to Promise. I have over and over with the whole series. The stories are wonderful and you can't get enough.
December 24, 1998.
Nell gets her cowboy-after she makes him over from a Yankee.
Rating: 5
I want to move to Promise as soon as I get some directions from Debbie. I'll bring my own cowboy, but i love her charecters. I don't even care if I get to go to the ghost town. Nell's a widow trying to make it on her own after losing her husband, Not only does she have two kids to take care of, but an elderly mother-in-law doesn't leave her much time. Debbie Macober is a great big "BUY ME" sign as far as i'm conceerned. No weak women in her books. Even the spinsters are someone you wish you knew.
December 26, 1998.
An acceptable continuation.
Rating: 2
The 5th story in the Sons of Texas series seems to be the pivotal book in the continuing Bitter End Saga. The mystery of Bitter End is finally solved.... if you've read the other four books, you definitely want to know this, but the story of Nell and Travis seems to be lost in the process. If you haven't read the other Sons of Texas books, don't read this one first!!!!
December 17, 2007.
More Erotica than Story.
Rating: 3
This was a surprise, much more erotica than storylines, but still a decent enough, if not, unusual read.
December 10, 2007.
Romance Junkies review of "The Bargain".
Rating: 5
Aleysia of Braemere refuses to sit idly by and let her twin, Adelstan, be killed for defending their home. Shamelessly making a bargain with the Norman devil sent by King William, Aleysia devises a plan to gain his trust and free her brother. In her naiveté, Aleysia doesn't realize that in fighting her feelings for this fierce warrior, she just might lose more than her heart.
Throughout his life, Renaud de Wulf has been taught honor and loyalty. He has also learned to never trust a woman. Arrogantly believing that no woman can outwit him, Renaud agrees to Aleysia's request and terms. The seasoned knight reasons that he will reap the benefits of Aleysia's plea for her brother's life quite lustily without becoming attached to the blonde haired siren he holds in his arms. Quite unexpectedly, however, the tables turn and Renaud finds himself craving Aleysia's innocent and passionate touch like he has never craved anything before.
Neither Aleysia nor Renaud are prepared for the onslaught of feelings that each experiences. Aleysia torments Renaud at every turn as she manipulatively struggles to free her brother. Just when they seem to come to a tentative truce, an order by the king threatens to tear these two stubborn lovers apart. Before the king's edict can take place, a foe thought to once be a friend threatens Aleysia's very existence and it will be up to Renaud to save the woman he has come to adore.
THE BARGAIN by Julia Templeton is a passionate historical tale set a few years after the Battle of Hastings during the period of time in English history when Normans and Saxons despised one another. The emotions and feelings of the characters portrayed in THE BARGAIN are extremely realistic. I could sense Aleysia's turmoil as she fights to do what she thinks is right for her brother while still falling in love with Renaud. Renaud de Wulf is downright deadly but a most virile and sensuous man. I sat back and smiled as I watched him succumb time and time again to Aleysia's wiles. Perfectly matched, yet fighting their attraction every step of the way, their capitulation is breathtaking!
When I see the name Julia Templeton on the cover of a historical novel, I know within the pages is an extraordinary read. THE BARGAIN was that and more; it consumed me for hours! I had to know what was next for these wonderfully dynamic characters. To say that I enjoyed THE BARGAIN would be mundane; I savored this book and know without a doubt I will read it time and time again.
THE BARGAIN released on November 7, 2006.
***Natasha Smith for Romance Junkies***
December 04, 2007.
About Time!.
Rating: 5
I love erotic romances (emphasis on "romance", not just "erotica.") And having read several of Ms. Templeton's other works, I grabbed The Bargain with high hopes. I wasn't disappointed.
She skillfully blends a very traditional medieval romance with steamy and plentiful love scenes. It's a perfect mix. The hero was just alpha enough and there was enough historical background to lay the foundation without becoming like a history class.
With the over-saturation of vampires, faeries and witches in erotic romance these days, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that some publisher might realize there is still a market for medieval and even (gasp) western romance with an erotic flavor.
Please keep them coming, Ms. Templeton!!
December 12, 2007.
Nothing new.
Rating: 3
The Bargain has all the ingredients of a good medieval romance, plus sex. Unfortunately, there is not an iota of original in the story. Everything is deja vue. It seems like the author has picked up pieces from many other Books from the period and put them cleverly together: brother-sister love and loyalty, hero and heroine from opposing camps, a villain, etc. And this is not just plot, it's every detail. There are absolutely no surprises in this book. But there are many inconsistencies. For example, former fiance-turn-villain does not quite make sense. The guy comes to rescue the girl. He offers a ransom. He comes back again with force in response to her plea. He wants to marry her, as agreed, and suddenly -- out of the blue -- he becomes the most dreadful and cruel ogre who just has to be killed off. There are many moments like this in the book -- contradicitons by the same characters on the same page. Seems like the editor got bored at one point and just skimmed through pages without noticing these. Sex scenes steamy, but somewhat repetitive. All in all, not good value for money.
December 06, 2006.
Sensual and Romantic.
Rating: 5
Renaud de Wolf, knight to King William, has come to reclaim Braemere, the fief which de Pirou, the man sent by the king before him, has lost back to its original owners-losing his own life in the process. Renaud has taken the castle, and now Adelstan Cawdor, who retook his home from the man who slew his parents, stands before him.
Before things can go further, an arrow is loosed, striking Renaud in the shoulder. Only Adelstan's quick defense saves the culprit; his twin-his female twin, Aleysia. Seeing no other way out when she is brought before Renaud, Aleysia makes a bargain to be de Wolf's mistress in exchange for her twin's life.
This is a well-written tale, in which the erotic abounds, but never overshadows the love story developing between its principles. The author focuses on the relationship between Aleysia and de Wolf, but there is also a sub-plot about de Wolf's sister Elena, and Renaud's first-in-command, Galeran. This author handles both with skillful ease.
There are a few editing mistakes, and the solution to the obstacles standing in Aleysia and de Wolf's path seems a bit too easy, but these are minor complaints in an otherwise enjoyably well-developed and interesting story, with several plot twists and turns that help it along. The characters have dimension and extreme likeability in the case of the principles, while the villains of the piece show devious depth that rings true and adds to the story's appeal.
This is a well-crafted medieval tale, and will be enjoyed by lovers of erotica, romance and a historical setting alike. Recommended.
Reviewed by Lee M
Copyright © 2006 CK2S Kwips and Kritiques. All rights reserved.
December 30, 2007.
Too Long Winded.
Rating: 2
I love Karen Robards so when I saw this book I grabbed it quick! But from the moment I started reading I knew this was not one of her better writings. It would take almost 3 pages for someone to say something or for the action to happen. She overly explained things that were not important and wasted time. Robards' previous writings can get exaustive sometimes, but this was the worse. I skimmed over pages until I saw dialogue. And how many times did Claire describe Hugh's "broad shoulders". If I heard that one more time I was going to scream! The only reason I endured the book was to find out who was trying to kill Claire and why and even some of that was muddled. Also, some of the old world English terms were downright stupid and confusing.
December 15, 2006.
A Hero To Die For...And Really, Isn't That Why We Buy Romance Novels? .
Rating: 5
Karen Robards Irresistible is hands down one of my favorite historical romances. This is a book I have read and re-read and will continue to pick up until the binding breaks and the pages fall out. Of course, then I'll just go out and buy a new one. Yes, it is that wonderful. Though this is the story of the second sister, you don't have to read one book to follow the other.
Set in 19th Century England, Irresistible tells the story of the beautiful middle Banning sister, Claire. By the time the book opens, she has managed to enter a loveless marriage, get herself kidnapped and barely escape with her life. Just when she thinks she's free from her captors, fate steps in and she's abducted yet again. This time by a mysterious man who accuses her of being a French spy. Quite fed up, Claire repeatedly professes the truth, intending to prove to him she's no spy, but a noble lady and loyal to the crown. What she did not intend, during their long ship ride, was noting how handsome, charming and surprisingly considerate the man is. How when he's close her body hums and her heart aches in a way she's never felt before. But when their ship docks into enemy territory, and his quick thinking saves her life, Claire realizes she's beginning to fall for her dashing and dangerous captor and is unsure if she wants to stop.
Hugh Battancourt's years of spying for England have worn and jaded his soul. Though his gut tells him to believe the young beauty, his heart and mind blare him a fool for even thinking it. However, the more time he spends with the bewitching vixen the more he begins to trust her. Soon, the sparks of desire roar to a scorching flame, threatening to destroy every bond they know. Will this mismatched pair be able to disregard the pulse-pounding desire charging between them? Or will their fated union prove too irresistible to ignore?
Again, I so love this book! Hugh is to die for and is one of my all-time favorite hero's. The love that develops between these two characters is pure, hot and a joy to read. Once the story got going the pacing didn't let up. I laughed, winced and sighed as I followed Hugh and Claire on their journey. Ms. Robards is definitely at her best with this book. I highly recommend it!
December 01, 2006.
READ THIS BOOK!.
Rating: 5
This is my absolute favorite historical romance! I wish I could read this again for the first time. It's funny, witty, and you just fall in LOVE with the hero, Hugh. It's non-stop action! I highly recommend this book. Karen Robards is among my favorite authors.
December 22, 2006.
I liked "Scandalous" better.
Rating: 4
"Irresistable", the second book in the Banning Sisters trilogy (note: Hey Karen Robards, where's Beth's book?), is a good read, but not as memorable as Scandalous. I am writting this review awhile after reading the book, and frankly, I don't feel like picking it up again and reading it. It was good, but it wasn't fantastic.
Clare, the prettiest Banning sister, seems to have kind of a bum rap in this book. She's married to a fink who doesn't really love her, she goes through heck and high water by being kidnapped and such, but in the end ends up with Hugh, a good handsome man.
I didn't think there was that much chemistry between the two leads here. Anyone who read "Scandalous" with mousy-looking, fire tounged Gabby, and cool, rakish Nick, and is looking for more of the same, will be a bit disappointed.
Again, good book, but not really great.
December 16, 2006.
Didn't Know Until Now That This Was One In A Set.
Rating: 5
This has been an interesting story to read. Now, I'll probably learn more about the characters when I find the first book.
I know this hasn't helped you to know about the book other than it is very good.
December 04, 2007.
GOOD IDEA.
Rating: 5
THIS IS ALSO A GOOD READ FOR PETER MAYLE FANS, AFTER READING IT, I WANT TO OPEN MY OWN HOTEL IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE.
December 07, 2006.
A lovely read.
Rating: 5
Charming and delicious! The characters aren't exactly realistic but they are well done and fun to know. The plot isn't exactly realistic either, it's fiction after all! I've never been to the south of France but this book made me fall in love with it.
I was a bit confused by the side plot of the bank robbery, but even that was enjoyable and funny, even funnier when it all came together towards the end.
Definitely a book I'd recommend!
December 15, 2006.
fairly OK book - could have been better.
Rating: 3
the protagonist Simon is a owner of an advertising company - the portion of the book where Mayle talks about the advertising world - then it is realistic and you will love it but the portion of the book which deals with kidnapping and other childish activity is quite immature
December 31, 2006.
Great escape.
Rating: 4
I had been thinking about reading some of Mayle's works for quite a while and I finally decided to start from the beginning.
This is truly a delightful book. The premise is a bored and highly successful London business man (Simon Shaw) gives up his career to open a hotel in France. It's probably a dream for a lot of us (even those who are not so rich and successful) and that is probably why it is such a captivating book. It tells a story of a life that you wish you could try.
It's also full of fun characters. The best (and I think more likeable than Simon) is Ernest. I never really figured out the relationship between Simon and Ernest. I wasn't sure if they were co-workers and Ernest just went along, if he was Simon butler, or what. But it didn't matter. Ernest is the more likable of the two in my opinion. And he's the one who really gets the hotel up and running. Simon (like a lot of successful business men) gets bored with an endeavor once the "new" has worn off.
Other fun characters include Simon's ex-wife, the hotel's new chief, Simon's new girl friend, the rich college kid, and a whole band of robbers who train to be bicyclists as part of a scheme.
I'll definitely be reading more of Mr. Mayle's works in the future.
My star ratings:
One star - couldn't finish the book
Two stars - read the book, but did a lot of skipping or scanning. Wouldn't add the book to my permanent collection or search out other Books by the author
Three stars - enjoyable read. Wouldn't add the book to my permanent collection. Would judge other Books by the author individually.
Four stars - Liked the book. Would keep the book or would look for others by the same author.
Five stars - One of my all time favorites. Will get a copy in hardback to keep and will actively search out others by the same author.
December 22, 2005.
Bon divertissement!.
Rating: 4
Peter Mayle again delivers a fun novel steeped in the Provencal life! The plot is somewhat better developed than in "A Good Year" and his characters are distinct; however, what really takes the spotlight is Mayle's descriptions of the jewels of Provence. He tirelessly entices us with the scenic beauty and culinary delights and other treasures of the south of France. A great beach read or "bon divertissement" when your mind wants to escape to the south of France!
December 01, 2005.
The intensity of this book really is amazing!.
Rating: 5
Perhaps for the first 75 to 100 pages I thought I was not going to really like this book. There is so much to take in. You begin with Elliot such a sweet, vulnerable and naive young man - it is so obvious that Cecily is out to trap him. Then it jumps 10 years and the Elliot that you are now reading about dealing with mistresses in such an unfeeling way?? Then comes all the debauchary and rumors and he has an 8 year old daughter from a casual affair. My goodness what could have happened to completely change Elliot from that sweet, lovestruck young lad to a complete and total rake? My heart slowly was just breaking for him - and I had absolutely no idea what happened. But he ends up - it had to be the Gods of fate - at Chatham Lodge and by chance meeting the artist Evangeline - Evie and her family are like heaven to Elliot. He is mistaken for another man who is to have his portrait painted by Evie. He pretends he is just a man Elliot Roberts (not the evil Lord Rannoch.) And the thing is you see him being the man he started out to be at the beginning of the book the sweet, loving considerate man that he would have been if so many events that he had no understanding of had not dictated his life.Evie falls for this simple man Elliot Roberts and when the truth comes out your anquish over whether she will be able to still love the dreaded Lord Rannoch will make you tear up and truly keep on reading! Oh this just becomes the most beautiful of love stories. There is much mystery and danger too but then Lord Rannoch's life had been filled with unsavory characters. He will almost loose his life because of all of the old deceptions. How interesting it was that Evie finds out truths before Elliot. I found myself just captivated by another of Liz Carlyle's intense romances. Again, I have to say if you are a Carlyle fan you will not be disappointed.
December 14, 2004.
Nothing false about this book.
Rating: 4
I only discovered Ms Carlyle recently but she's become one of my favourite authors since. I'd read her later Books first, but My False Heart loses nothing in quality compared to the later ones.
The yearning that Elliot displays came through extremely clearly. You will feel for them both, and what more can you ask for in a romance?
December 27, 2004.
AN AUTHOR TO BE TREASURED!.
Rating: 5
I discovered Liz Carlyle quite by accident and I'm very happy. She is very skilled with words and a wonderful storyteller. While reading My False Heart I savored each word. I could not stop reading and at the same time I did not want the book to end. All the characters are unique and very well developed. The descriptions of the family's interactions and the hero and heroine's feelings and thoughts were a rare treat! I have a new favorite author. Highly recommended!
December 20, 2003.
No False Romance.
Rating: 5
Ms. Carlyle has successfully captured the magical peace true love brings to the redeemed. The heroine in MY FALSE HEART, embodies the strength of the truly beautiful woman: not only in outward appearance, but as a person with so much love to give her family and friends, she is their safe harbor; one hunky rogue of a hero [must read the pond scene!] who is almost so lost in debauchery, he carries faint hope of ever becoming clean again. It seems fate has brought Elliot Armstrong to the door of Evangeline van Artevalde and her loving, extended family. As head of her household, the home Evangeline has made for all under her roof is filled with the warmth of love, laughter and intellectual pursuits--all that has been missing from Armstrong's privileged, though wasted life. Although the hero's reputation has been unfairly maligned by foul gossip, he fully accepts, and flaunts, the parts of his bad name he has brought upon himself. Hurt by the betrayal of a past love, Elliot Armstrong has devoted ten years of his life to living as a wastrel, little caring how it will all turn out--until Evangeline becomes his friend. He then alternates between fantasies that she will love him and shame that he could corrupt her. Though dire obstacles threaten Evangeline and Elliot's chance at happiness, Liz Carlyle has written a lovely story about the power of love and forgiveness.
December 14, 2002.
A disappointment.
Rating: 2
The main characters in this novel were well developed and the plot took some interesting twists, but on the whole I found this to be one of those novels that you skim through rather than read. I found myself skipping over sentences, paragraphs, and even entire pages. There were long drawn out passages of narrative summaries that describing everything and anything in painful detail, and page after page of text without any dialogue or interaction between the characters to give it snap. There was an over abundance of internal dialogue that had the characters talking more to themselves than to each other, and a lot of secondary characters that were hard to keep track of (probably because I was skipping so much). All in all (in my opinion) not a very satisfying read.
December 09, 2007.
Someone to Love Me.
Rating: 5
Be adivsed that I have not read this book as yet but I give it 5 stars because Francis Ray is a favorite author of mine and can do no wrong.
I enjoy all of her Books that I have & am looking for "Until There Was You". I would say, without having read the book, that, it is a GREAT READ!
December 05, 2006.
"I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!".
Rating: 5
This book was excellent. Ms Ray did a wonderful job with this one. All the characters were fun and interesting, especially Brad. One minute he's a nice guy and the next, he's ready to rip someone's head off. The way he and Michelle interact with each other is special, and when she slapped the "$%@*" out of him....priceless!! Some of the dialogue between the two was hilarious. Alex, his sister Cassie, Michelle's brother Nick, Stan and Clint need stories of their own...that would be a hoot as well. I also enjoyed the short story at the end of the book. You're simply FAB Ms. Ray.
December 26, 2005.
Someone to Love Me.
Rating: 4
An interesting book for those who love romance stories, with happy endings. This book will keep you on a see-saw. Just as you begin to think all is well, there is a new twist. Sometimes the twists are just plain frustrating.
December 11, 2005.
a pleasant read.
Rating: 4
It was a good book, I'll give it that. Strong characterization helped me get close to Michelle, albeit not quite to Brad, and that's generally how the book went. The Michelle side was quite developed and fulfilling, but with Brad, I felt something was lacking and his resolution wasn't quite as satisfying.
I was looking for this book to provide an African-American romance, and to be honest, I really didn't get the feeling that these characters were anything but White, or mixed, beyond the occassion mention of "black" and the picture on the front. That aside, the book delivered what it needed.
Be wary though, the novel ends on page 266, but the book continues for almost a hundred pages. So don't hold back, expecting to get in it when the pages themselves dwindle down or else you'll be as surprized as I was when the story ended in spite of the sizeable chunk of pages that remained.
December 17, 2005.
VERY GOOD BOOK WORTH READING MORE THAN ONCE.
Rating: 4
I READ THIS BOOK AND HONESTLY CAN SAY IT WAS DONE IN A DAY. I LOVE THE WAY MICHELE DIDN'T LET OTHERS KEEP HER DOWN. MICHAELLE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE HATING ON HER BUT SHE KEPT GOING ON. I LOVE THE WAY THE MALE LEADS WERE HUMAN EVEN MICHELLE BROTHE. I CRIED LIKE A BABY. SO IF ANYONES HASN'T READ THIS BOOK YOUR REALLY SLEEPING. MS RAY DID A GOOD JOB. LOVE THAT IS LOST CAN BE FOUND AGAIN.
December 16, 2007.
Bible, sex. love, betrayl, adultery, and history.
Rating: 4
This was a good book that, for me, started off slow but picked up when the conflicts REALLY kicked in!! Makes me in a strange sort of way, glad to see that these biblical icons had the same problems that I/we have. Samuel was no different and it was nice hearing about him and his mother and his attraction to an "off-limits" woman. I will definately be checking out this authors next novel.
December 05, 2007.
A fine biblical "bodice ripper".
Rating: 4
The story of the birth of the prophet Samuel, but a brief snippet at the opening of the story that will focus first on the rise and fall of King Saul, and then the rise and foibles of King David, has long occupied a special place in the hearts of Bible lovers. The tale of Hannah, the childless woman pleading at the Temple contains all the hallmarks of a great biblical episode -- sparse prose, raw emotion, and deep humanity. No surprise then that an author chose to use these brief chapters as the basis of a novel of the relationship between Elkanah and his wives. Indeed readers are fortunate that Mrs. Etzioni-Halevy approaches the work with a deft pen, avoiding the excesses of "The Red Tent" and the two dimensional characters of "Queen Maker"
The Song of Hannah, with its often raw sexuality and emotions may offend some readers. Yet it is just such humanity that is at the heart of the Bible's eternal appeal; the characters are not paragons of myth but real complex people with all the strengths and flaws contained there in. Others may dislike the occasional anachronisms used by the author, transposing traditions likely post exile into the pre-monarchic period, but such choices are well within the rights of a writer. Moreover, this is not a piece of scholarship but a novel.
Provocative, engaging, and human, Eva Etzioni-Halevy has produced a fine and entertaining piece of biblical fiction, well worth the time for those who enjoy the genre.
December 15, 2007.
Song of Hannah.
Rating: 5
Enjoy the historical fiction. This was a very good book and most interesting.
December 17, 2007.
great.
Rating: 4
the song of hannah was a great book.this is the first book of this authors that i have read. love,betralyle ,friendship and everfything a good book needs . i found that the way the author writes this story seems so deffrent then anyother author . if you are looking for a very diffrent type of book then this is a great one. i read it in 1 day
December 09, 2007.
Interesting.
Rating: 4
I'm finding this book very enjoyable and I'm learning some facts. For me, this is a book that I can put down for a few minutes, although I do like finishing the chapter first. I do recommend it.
December 28, 2007.
fantastic.
Rating: 5
A Great read! I absolutely love Books about bf's finding love and this one is the perfect example of how it's supposed to be done!
December 12, 2006.
Solid, sexy, heartwarming.
Rating: 4
Lauren Spencer is a beautiful artist living next door to the man of her dreams. Dale Stoner is crazy about Lauren, too, but as his best buddy, the woman to whom he confides all his secrets and romantic woes. Dale goes through a series of relationships hoping to replace Nikki, the girl who got away and married another man years earlier. Each day is a fresh pain for the quiet, reserved Lauren as she watches Dale take up w/ one Nikki clone after another, but she has resigned herself to the fact that Dale will never have deeper feelings for her.
After Lauren and Dale fight over a blind date gone bad, she goes to Dale's house with an apology gift of home-baked cookies. She is met by an inebriated Dale, who is drowning his sorrows over some recent news about Nikki. Things get out of hand and the two have a torrid sexual encounter. The only problem is, Dale has little memory of the incident, and has no idea Lauren was his partner. Convinced that he will never love her, Lauren is determined to never tell Dale the truth, even when she learns that their night of passion has lasting consequences.
Ms. Walker has penned a good romantic tale, with well-drawn characters and a developed plot. Dale can be a little dim at times, and his fixation on Nikki is a little tedious, but he has his moments and comes through in the end. Lauren is a bit of an icicle on the outside, but this is a survival mechanism she developed as a child. Underneath her reserve, she is a warm friend and a passionate lover. Readers will want Dale and Lauren to overcome their obstacles and find happiness with one another.
This is a good, sexy read and I recommend it to other readers without hesitation. One drawback I am compelled to note, however, are the abrupt changes in perspective. The transitions were not handled smoothly and I frequently had to re-read sections trying to figure out who was "speaking", breaking the flow of the storytelling. There were also a number of typos throughout the book. These are things that should be taken care of by basic editing and proofreading. (Hint, hint, EC.) But, these relatively minor quibbles shouldn't put readers off an otherwise solid and heartwarming story.
December 12, 2005.
This sexy story will touch your heart.
Rating: 5
Love at first sight. That is what Lauren experiences the first time she sees Dale Stoner, and has been living with those feelings ever since. After years of loving Dale, Lauren knows something has to change. It hurts too much to even be around him anymore when all she can do is wish he felt the same way. She tries to lose herself in her art, creating visions of sad beauty that echo what's in her heart.
But Dale is not in love with her. Instead he sees her as only his best friend, his rock. The one constant in his ever-changing world of women. No one will ever take the place of the one who owns his heart. It will never be his to give to another anyway. However rather than live a celibate life like his friend Lauren, he chooses to drown his sorrows in temporary encounters where there are no strings attached and no one gets hurt.
With both experiencing the pain of unrequited love, eventually something was bound to happen. A bittersweet reminder from Dale's past leads to a night of passion, only Dale is too drunk to remember who he made love to. Now he's haunted by erotic dreams of a sexy mystery woman who fulfills his every fantasy, and he can't stop thinking about her, wanting to be with her. If that wasn't making him crazy enough, now he's constantly struck by sexy images of his best friend Lauren, and to make matters worse, he's beoming irrationally jealous of this mystery man she's so desperately in love with, whoever he might be. Lauren's not talking.
"Her Best Friend's Lover" will touch a chord with anyone who's ever been intensely in love with someone who didn't feel the same way. It will break your heart and make you smile, and ultimately have you believe that sometimes love does grace us with its presence when we need it the most. It's moving, sexy, and erotic. Definitely a keeper.
December 26, 2005.
Another keeper by Shiloh Walker.
Rating: 5
Shiloh Walker describes perfectly the rocky road that Dale and Lauren have to take from their realtionship as friends to being lovers. The readers is drawn into the story and has the feeling to become a part of the story. The book is really fantastic and is a real page turner.
December 25, 2005.
Shiloh Walker's first Ellora Cave's book.
Rating: 5
is a mesmerising page-turner. It is no accident that she is now a fast rising star in the romantica genre.
Lauren and Dale are neighbours and the best of friends, only Lauren wants to be much more than that. For five years, she has lived with the painful knowledge that she is in love with someone who can never love her back and watched as Dale ran through a succession of women. Then one night of mind-blowing sex changes everything. Both Lauren and Dale must overcome insecurities and shadows from the past before they can be happy together.
The plot device may not be new but Shiloh Walker's unique voice and strong characterisation gives the story an exquisite poignancy. Lauren and Dale are sensitively drawn with layers that are slowly revealed as the story progresses. Their journey to happiness is by turns heartwarming and heartwrenching.
While the sex scenes are incinerating, they never come across as indulgent. Infused with tender emotions, they reflect how Lauren and Dale's relationship have evolved. This is a story that will linger in your heart long after you have closed the covers on the book.
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