The Rose of York: Fall from Grace

The Rose of York: Fall from Grace
Average customer rating:

Book Review: Rose of York: Fall from Grace by Sandra Worth

Great series!

An immersive page-turner

Heart wrenching tale of times past

Experience the mind of the 15th century

The Rose of York: Fall from Grace
Sandra Worth
Manufacturer: End Table Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Rose of York: Crown of Destiny

The Rose of York: Love & War The Rose of York: Love & War

The Traitor's Wife: A Novel of the Reign of Edward II

Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey

Within The Fetterlock

ASIN: 0975126490

Book Description

Defying Shakespeare'ss portrayal of Richard III, this prize-winning, well-researched novel concludes the ROSE OF YORK series -- winners of a notable ten awards. Set in Malory's England, it traces Richard's remarkable reign, his passion for justice, and his undying devotion to Anne, and delves into the still-unresolved mystery of his nephews' disappearance. A stirring saga of courage, sacrifice, and love.

Customer Reviews:

Book Review: Rose of York: Fall from Grace by Sandra Worth.......2007-09-09

"Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this sun of York."
Richard III, I.1.1-2

For all the disservice done to Richard III by Shakespeare, his opening lines of Richard III could do no more to accurately divine the shift in thought that Sandra Worth's trilogy seeks to influence about the last Plantagenet king of England. In "The Rose of York" trilogy (Love and War, Crown of Destiny and Fall from Grace), Worth joins the likes of Shakespeare, Sir Thomas More, Horace Walpole, Alison Weir, and Beth Marie Kosir in her contribution to the commentary about the most reviled king of the English monarchy. Unlike most of her colleagues from the Early Modern period, however, Worth is not writing to appease a crown; she has no sedition laws poised to censor her text; she isn't a mouthpiece of Tudor propaganda. Instead, Worth's historical fiction sets out to correct centuries of rumor, political attacks, and exaggerations that have molded the image of Richard III into a villainous, "bunch-backed toad."

In The Rose of York: Fall from Grace, Richard III is deeply in love with a woman, with the law, and with his quest to embody the ideals of King Arthur. Rather than displaying the Machiavellian suspicion that Shakespeare's villain thrives on, Worth's Richard III is too trusting and makes decisions based on the hope that the inherent good in his courtiers will outweigh their greed and opportunism. Unfortunately, the malicious scheming and plotting of individuals like Buckingham and Lady Beaufort consistently undermine the progress and general good that Richard III's new laws promote. Far from the traditional depiction of Richard III as a murderous opportunist, Worth's characterization of Richard highlights the villainy and cut throat tactics of those who would become the central core of the Tudor court.

In Rose of York: Fall from Grace, Richard is a handsome, athletic man who risks his own health to comfort his dying queen. He is a man touched by beauty and tragedy. He is a man who did not covet the title of King, but bore it with a raised awareness of responsibility and desire to change the world. Many historical fictions fall off the razor's edge and either inundate the reader with facts and dates, or dismiss historical accuracy altogether. Worth's Fall from Grace treads that ground carefully by giving Richard a voice that is idealistic and genuine--if not a little naive. Captivating description and real, recognizable dialogue act as a vehicle for not only historical accuracy, but a heartbreaking romance. Though readers will undoubtedly know the outcome of the story before they open the cover, Worth's skill as a storyteller heightens audience investment in the personal lives of these historical figures and makes their tragic ends more than just an historical laundry list of dates and names. The complex relationships of the medieval court of England become easily navigable through Worth's vibrant characterizations.

Attempting to overturn history is no small task. The complexities of court interactions and allegiances have always been convoluted, and the interpretations of those interactions have most often been told by those who had the most power. Thanks to Shakespeare, Richard III's legacy has been one of deformity, conniving, regicide, cruelty, megalomania, usurpation, and murder. When such a negative portrait has been painted (indeed, even physical portraits were altered to reflect propaganda spread by the Tudors to alter the legacy of Richard) and maintained for generations, persuading an audience to consider facts more closely can be a monumental undertaking. Luckily, Worth's intensive research brings together historical documentation and private correspondences to piece together the facts about Richard III's rise to power and his short reign. Most of these facts have been available to the public, but to get an audience with a set view to revisit those same facts for reconsideration is a decisive task. Not surprisingly, Worth tackles the public opinion and wrestles it into experiencing familiar facts from a new, creative point of view.

Through the parsing together of timelines, records, and documents that have survived over 500 years of threat and suppression, Worth manages to paint a picture of Richard III that stands in direct conflict with what most people are familiar. The text is far from a didactic gloss of historical dates, names and locations, but it manages to recreate the life of Richard III with such vivacity and personality that it will forever change the mental image of one of history's most hated monarchs.

Great series!.......2007-07-24

I am a World History teacher, and my main interest has always been European history with an emphasis on the Anglos. This book is excellent, as are the other two in the series. I read everything I can find about Richard III because I have long believed he was a wrongly maligned monarch - even before so many authors began to publish the truth. This series ranks with Sharon Kay Penman's efforts. The more accurate histories I read, the more comfortable I am with Richard III as a true hero of history!

An immersive page-turner.......2007-06-10

Written by political science and economics expert Sandra Worth, who lectures regularly on the subject of the War of the Roses, The Rose of York: Fall from Grace is the dynamic, award-winning conclusion to Worth's "Rose of York" series of historically accurate novels. Revolving around the tragic figure of King Richard III, The Rose of York: Fall from Grace explores his legacy past the conclusion of the protracted war and into the modern day of Western democracy. Pulsing with intrigue, passion, betrayal, murder, war, and fragile hope, The Rose of York: Fall from Grace is an immersive page-turner and highly recommended.

Heart wrenching tale of times past.......2007-05-04

Reviewed by AJ Cooper for Reader Views (4/07)

Richard III becomes King of England and the tales of pain and triumph that swirl around him. This book provides an intimate look into times past and what may have occurred based on what has been written in history and the authors imagination. Richard III has a grand idea that all men rich and poor should be treated fairly. All should be given the opportunity to prove their innocence. The wealthy nobles, of course, do not agree with this; many say nothing and support their king.

While a large number of wealthy plots to create dissention and eventually defeat the king. His wife Anne is a staunch believer in her husband and always provides sound advice on the course of action her husband should follow. She is sickly and becomes sick as he travels the country to view the lands that Richard III now rules. He wants to spread his ideas and hopes for the support of all on his mission. During the course of their travels, a plot is first formed to kill their son and then eventually give the rule of England to another. Ned, their son, is poisoned, but no one realizes it because of his poor health. Anne's health declines further and she realizes she will not live to provide another heir to the crown so she searches for another to take her place. Anne decides upon Elizabeth of York, Richard's niece. Turmoil abounds and there is nothing that can be done to avoid a battle for the crown. All must decide the side to take and who they will fight for.

I truly enjoyed this journey back in time and I loved the idea of being part of the personal conversations and decisions. It just felt that these really were the conversations that had taken place and that everything really did occur in the book. It saddened me when Richard met his end, the battle to the finish. I was also sad when Elizabeth of York married the new king, Henry of Tudor. I just wanted "The Rose of York: Fall from Grace" to go on and on. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history and of course intrigue.

Experience the mind of the 15th century.......2007-04-10

Worth's attention to detail in this, the third novel in the Rose of York series, enables the reader to experience the mind of the 15th century in a unique way. Modern readers can sympathize with the grieving Richard III, who loses brother, wife and son within the space of a few months. But in addition, Worth portrays the king as tortured by the sense that God was punishing him for his sins, and explains his suicidal charge down Ambien Hill at the battle of Bosworth as an attempt to let God decide his fate. These are sentiments quite foreign to 20th century readers, but they become completely believable in the author's skilled hands. This is not a light-hearted romance novel, but rather a complex portrayal that allows the reader to look deeply into the mind of a medieval man.

Grace and Divorce: God's Healing Gift to Those Whose Marriages Fall Short

Average customer rating:

Don't shoot the wounded
Answers I've been looking for

Grace and Divorce: God's Healing Gift to Those Whose Marriages Fall Short
Les Carter
Manufacturer: John Wiley and Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Divorce: A Gift of God's Love
Divorce: God's Will? The Truth of Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible for Christians
When the Vow Breaks: A Survival and Recovery Guide for Christians Facing Divorce
Divorce and Remarriage: What Does the Bible Really Say?
Walking with God on the Road You Never Wanted to Travel

ASIN: 0787975818

Book Description

Grace and Divorce, written by noted author and psychotherapist, Dr. Les Carter, provides sound theological thinking on divorce and wise and compassionate suggestions for reframing and deepening our understanding of this difficult and controversial topic. Using stories from his practice as a therapist, Dr. Carter offers healing to both those who divorce and those who know and love them. He explains that Jesus never intended us to be so fixed about right and wrong and so judgmental that we lose the ability to love those who do not meet His perfect standards. With kindness and love, he shows that the wonderful gift of God’s grace is the best way to respond to people facing this trying life challenge.

Customer Reviews:

Don't shoot the wounded.......2007-08-26

Dr. Carter provides great encouragement for those of us that are divorced by reminding us that God's grace in there for us, too - just like it is everyone else. Sometimes, in the midst of the turmoil, it is hard to remember that and, unfortunately, it is ofter hard for others to remember that about the divorced folks as well. This is a great book to encourage the divorced and would also be a great book for a pastoral staff member to read.

Answers I've been looking for.......2006-07-19

This book helped me to resolve questions and fears regarding the shame and guilt of divorce in my life. Coming from a Christian background and having a desire to do the right thing, even after four years of recovery, this was not fully resolved with me, especially in the area of remarriage. Les is able to explain God's grace and where divorce fits in there, in a way I never fully understood before.

This is a great resource of understanding and empathy for anyone who has not experienced divorce in dealing with anyone who has. This book sheds light on this often avoided subject and often neglected action in Christian churches today. This book is a MUST HAVE for Christian lay ministry and pastors.

Average customer rating:

Good
Great Book Ms. Phillips!!!
Unbelieveable...Master story teller!!
Excellent Read!
Brillient

Fall from Grace
Ryan Phillips
Manufacturer: Destiny Image Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

After The Fall
Saving Grace
One Prayer Away
Zora's Cry
Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin'

ASIN: 0768423600

Customer Reviews:

Good.......2007-09-17

I really hope she continues Grace's story. Saving Grace was GREAT and Fall from Grace was a great follow-up. I'm still amazed at how young Ryan Phillips is you can tell that her writing is a God-given gift.

Great Book Ms. Phillips!!!.......2007-09-09

Saving Grace was an excellent read and so is this sequel Fall From Grace.

Grace and Trina have been best friends forever. Their relationship though causes alot of conflicts between them. At a point in their lives they lose themselves and Christ and must find a way back.

This book is filled with everyday issues, with twists and turns.

Unbelieveable...Master story teller!!.......2007-08-13

Fall From Grace was so good that it would literally take me all day to describe everything I loved about it. It was witty, mesmerizing, challenging, beautiful. To have a front row seat into the hearts and minds, successes and failures of fellow christians was far more than an entertaining read. The characters are so rich it made me think how can one person (the author, Ms. Phillips) be able to so keenly describe, speak and think for such a variety of individuals less she be utterly ingenious. WOW WOW and WOW pretty much describes how I feel and what I think. Beautiful. Creative. Unpredictable. Congratulations Ryan Phillips, I have a new favorite book. I never imagined that the sequel could be any better than Saving Grace (which was phenomenal). Fall From Grace was better than any movie or book I've ever seen or read thus far and I am so excited for the next Masterpiece. I am so thankful for the wonderful blessing this story was to me.

P.S. Between you and me...my eyes were a little watery...and I never cry over fiction! :)

Excellent Read!.......2007-08-04

After reading Saving Grace (which was awesome) I was delighted to know that there was a sequel. I rush out and purchased Fall from Grace. I couldn't wait to finish reading about Grace and Mike's Intriguing relationship. From the first page I was drawn in. There was never a dull moment! I cried and laughed with each character relating to their trials and tribulations of life. This book is a must read!!! But don't read it until you read part one.

Brillient.......2007-06-15

I absolutely LOVE her books - I have read Saving Grace and Fall from Grace (the sequel)and they are a must read! The anticipation and excitment of what would happen next kept me on my toes with every chapter.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful, relaxing, biting-your-nails who done it!
entertaining historical mystery
Good Blend of History and Mystery
Upstate New Yorker of the 1960's Confirms Tone
Great book for Young Adults

Seneca Falls Inheritance
Miriam Grace Monfredo
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Historical | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Women Sleuths | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

North Star Conspiracy
Blackwater Spirits (Glynis Tryon Historical Mystery)
Through a Gold Eagle (Glynis Tryon Historical Mystery)
Must the Maiden Die (Seneca Falls Historical Myster)
The Stalking-horse

ASIN: 0425144658

Book Description

During the Women's Rights Convention of 1848, a body turns up in the canal-and town librarian Glynis Tryon stands up to a killer.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, relaxing, biting-your-nails who done it!.......2005-02-26

This was such a good book! I can't wait to read the other books and see what other adventures Glynis is involved in! History and mystery are interwined in this great book! Buy it!

entertaining historical mystery.......2002-10-16

Set in Seneca Falls, NY, at the time of the first Women's Rights Convention of 1848, author Miriam Monfredo has chosen a particularly intriguing setting for her mystery series starring librarian Glynis Tryon. Monfredo introduces a lot of information about women's rights, the area and the lifestyle of the times without awkwardness, and the book is readable for that alone. The heroine and her friends are realistic and likeable, though Glynis is definitely not a confident feminist, and I look forward to reading other books in the series to see if this changes. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the most famous resident of the town, is not a main character but she does show up occasionally and that is fun. The mystery is okay but not dazzling, so all-in-all I'd say this was a promising beginning to this series, and I intend to read more.

Good Blend of History and Mystery.......2002-04-10

"Seneca Falls Inheritance" is both the story of the birth of the women's suffrage movement in 1848, and the murder of a woman who tried to exercise her economic rights in a world where women were viewed as inferior beings. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, one of the 19th Century's most influential women, makes an appearance at the beginning of her long career in fighting for women's rights; she is joined by the leading fictional character, Glynis Tryon, Seneca Falls' "free thinking" librarian, who will fight her own battles to help discover the identity of a murderer. The plot raises several important issues of both the 19th Century and today: domestic abuse, discrimination, illicit relationships, and how women are judged differently than men when it comes to aggression and tenacity. There's also a hint of romance between Glynis and the town's constable, plus a connection between the librarian and her recently departed patron. This is both an entertaining and informative novel.

Upstate New Yorker of the 1960's Confirms Tone.......2001-09-20

This book was recommended to me when I recently visited family back east for the first time in many years. I had asked directions,especially wanting to take my 18-year old daughter to the Women's Rights Museum in Seneca Falls on the drive from Seneca Lake to Syracuse. I remembered having seen the small blue sign along the rural highway and always regretting not having turned there. Being a teen in the 60's, I marveled that the consciousness-raising and role changes that were exploding then (and that now have made so many unappreciated opportunities for girls and women) began in the Finger Lakes area where my great grandparents had settled and my parents grew up! This novel recreates that era and makes the instigation of radical activities by Elizabeth Cady Stanton understandable through the description of the female and male character's lives. While an important theme, the women's rights information is peripheral to the main story. Some detail about characters is obvious but not distracting in the intention to prepare the reader for a series. As this is the first of a series written about a time of restricted public behavior for women, Glynis Tryon's cautious hesitance is understandable and realistic as she follows her instincts and intelligence to solve the murder. I have ordered more books in the series, and expect the maiden librarian's confidence to increase, just as we womenfolk each get more uppity as we proceed through life, finding that our feelings and ideas matter and that we can make a difference.
The description of life along the Erie Canal, the foods served at Thanksgiving dinner, the vegetation and weather were surprisingly familiar to me. My elderly father took me into the Post Office in PennYan, N.Y. and showed me the numbered brass mailbox where,as a boy, he used to pick up his father's mail. There is a sturdy practicality common to Upstate New Yorkers that is also captured in Monfredo's characters. She truly conveys the spirit and history of the area.
If you like the book, go visit! Seneca Falls (there really are beautiful falls there) is not far from Corning, N.Y., with a wonderful tour of the Corning Glass Works. Oneida Silver Company is located along Oneida Lake north of Syracuse. Drive west to Rochester and visit Kodak Corporation's informative exhibits. A bit furthertoward Buffalo is the beauty and power of Niagara Falls , where you can don a raincoat to ride the famous Maid of the Mist right into the whirling base of the falls. It was the American Indians in that area who told settlers that the long, clear Finger Lakes (Canadaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, and Cazenovia ) were formed by a swipe of the ancient Great Bear's paw. Although we usually think of bear as fierce, native americans saw him as a wise healer because he knew which plants to eat, and most like man, because he stood on two feet while grazing. A special area, even Joseph Smith had his spiritual experiences that began the Church of Latter Day Saints in nearby Palmyra. The majestic reenactment pageant is attended by more than Mormons each year.
There is more to New York than New York City. The lives of its people are inherent to our American Culture. Enjoy this book; be there!!

Great book for Young Adults.......2001-09-05

This book is marketed as an adult book and that struck me as odd because it really seems more like a young adult book. This well written story features a 30 year old heroin who despite defying convention by remaining single and supporting herself, comes across as a very young women, for she is often unsure of herself and worried about appearances. The murder's identify and the motive are evident from the start and the final chapter, while not with out a surprise, explains the reasoning behind the mysteries solution in such painful detail, that it seems addressed to a younger audience. In between the beginning and end is an interesting albeit sanitized tale. The heroine has made a radical choice to be single, but we never learn what that means to her. She seems to be totally unaware that physical relations exist. She never ponders what she has sacrificed nor luxuriates in the freedoms she has gained. Instead of emotional and intellectual insight we are giving history lessons that at times are intrusive. All in all it is a light, entertaining read with a fascinating premise that could have been so much more.

A Season in the Highlands : Unfinished Business / Fall from Grace / Cold Feet / The Matchmaker / The Christmas Captive

Average customer rating:

****SCOTTISH HEAVEN****
boring, boring, and boring
Jill Barnett outshines them all...
boring
wonderful anthology

A Season in the Highlands : Unfinished Business / Fall from Grace / Cold Feet / The Matchmaker / The Christmas Captive
Jude Deveraux , Jill Barnett , Geralyn Dawson , Pam Binder , and Patricia Cabot
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

United States | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Anthologies | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Upon a Midnight Clear : A Delightful Collection of Heartwarming Holiday Stories : The Teacher / Christmas Magic / Jolly Holly / If Only in My Dreams / White Out
A Holiday of Love
Simple Gifts : Four Heartwarming Christmas Stories : Just Curious / Miracles / Change of Heart / Double Exposure
The Temptress
Lady of Skye (Sonnet Books)

ASIN: 074340341X
Release Date: 2000-11-28

Book Description

Love that grows among the heather is enchanted indeed...blessed with the misty magic and timeless passion of fair Scotland!

New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux unravels a ghostly murder mystery in an ancient Scottish castle. National bestselling author Jill Barnett decrees all is fair in love -- when a rollicking Highland clan war leads an impetuous lass to kidnap the wrong man! Geralyn Dawson puts a rough-hewn Texas cowboy under the spell of a charming herbalist with some curious powers of attraction. Patricia Cabot leads a beautiful runaway to her kindred spirit -- a Scottish lord who sweeps her away to the rugged shores of the Isle of Skye. Pam Binder flings a pretty Edinburgh baker and a computer-games designer into an adventure of passion and intrigue -- inside the sixteenth-century palace of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Customer Reviews:

****SCOTTISH HEAVEN****.......2007-02-10

This book is for all of us Scottish fans. They were all great and on my KEEPER shelf. Worth buying and reading.

boring, boring, and boring.......2006-09-19

This was one of the most boring collection of stories I have ever read. I have liked most of Jude Deveraux's earlier books and thought this might be a good read. It was a good snooze. None of the stories caught my attention. I kept plugging away, hoping something would catch my attention, but no. I couldn't get interested in any of the characters, the plots were lifeless, and any romance seemed pretty much nonexistent.
Maybe I read this on a bad day, but I doubt it. I think it was just a collection of stories from authors who wrote them on bad days. No zing, no pop, no life.

Jill Barnett outshines them all..........2004-03-16

This is a five story anthology by various authors all taking place in the Scottish Highlands. Some stories are much better than others. I will note a separate rating of each below, but the average of all five ended up being 3 stars, hence my overall score of the book.

In the first story, "Unfinished Business", by Jude Deveraux, Tyler Stevens agrees to fill in at work for her niece Krissy when she takes ill. Temporarily stepping into Krissy's secretarial position leads Tyler to travel to Scotland with Krissy's boss, Joel Kingsley. While in Scotland, Tyler and Joel unwittingly stumble into a ghostly murder mystery that piques their curiosity. Investigating together may lead them to find more than the answer to an old mystery. This story was pretty good, but not what I would consider excellent. It was a worthwhile read and deserves a rating of three stars.

The second story, "Fall From Grace", by Jill Barnett was the hands down winner of this lot. This was my very first Jill Barnett read, and since discovering her here, I've now read nearly all her work. The clans McNish and McNab have been at war for some time. Grace McNish and her band of merry misfits mistakenly ambush and capture the wrong man. Colin Campbell, Earl of Argyll, was on a diplomatic journey investigating the McNab/McNish clan war when Grace "captured" him. After catching a glimpse of the wild Scottish beauty, he decided to remain in her custody to be near her, and gather information for his investigation. This wonderful story is full of humor. From one clan member who is half deaf and misunderstands even simple instructions, to another who can't hit the side of a barn with the bow and arrow. I laughed out loud too many times to count. This story also contains the steamiest love scene of the entire book. After everything I've read by Ms. Barnett, this is still a favorite. Definitely a five star read.

"Cold Feet", penned by Geralyn Dawson, is the next entry. Texas cowboy, Rand Jenkins, gets lost in the snow-covered moors en route to a castle in the Highlands. Stopping off at a cottage for directions, he meets Annie Munro, a healer who is considered a witch by the locals. Rand ends up spending more time with the lovely Annie than he had planned. For some unknown reason, every cat in the surrounding area is attracted to Rand who subsequently develops an allergic reaction. Using her knowledge of herbs and potions, Annie attempts to ease his suffering. While Rand is fending off felines and trying to get rid of his itching, he begins to get an itch for Annie. This was my least favorite story. It just seemed too unrealistic and didn't hold my attention. I would give this one two stars.

"The Matchmaker" by Pam Binder is story number four. Kathleen MacKenzie owns a bakery in the Scottish town of Edinburgh. When American businessman Duncan MacGreggor leaves his wallet at her establishment, Kathleen sets out to return it. Catching up to him in the elevator of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, she hands him the wallet. Magically they are catapulted back in time to the sixteenth century where Mary, Queen of Scots still inhabited the castle. Now, together they must find their way back to their own time. I wasn't greatly impressed with this novella either. It seemed a little too far-fetched to be believable. I would rate it two stars as well.

Last, but not least, is "The Christmas Captive" by Patricia Cabot. Lady Mairi has fled her guardian's home to escape his rule, and his intent to marry her. Physician, Niall Donnegal, whose brother is the new Duke of Camden, finds Mairi who was injured during her flight. Not knowing she is related to his dreaded enemy, he takes her to his home to recuperate. Their relationship quickly grows. But they must deal with the curse she believes is real, and her guardian's wrath, in order to remain together. This story was quite enjoyable and an above average read. It earns a rating of four stars from me.

At the time I read this book, Jude Deveraux was the only author familiar to me. Her story here was better than the full-length novel I had already read. Overall, three of the stories were worth reading - Jude Deveraux, Jill Barnett, and Patricia Cabot. I would say three out of five would make this collection worth picking up. And with each entry being approximately 100 pages, no one story takes long to read.

boring.......2003-10-14

I expected a lot more out of this book, especially from Jude. I couldn't even get through half of the stories before I gave up on it and marked it off as a wasted $3. Don't bother with it, you will probably fall asleep before you can finish it.

wonderful anthology.......2002-01-19

I'll admit that as a big fan of Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER series I'm drawn to Scottish based romance. I bought the collection knowing nothing of anyone but Jude Deveraux, but if this is any example of their work I'll be hitting the search button after this review is finished. The book of 5 novellas was a wonderful escape from home and work.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS sneaks a ghost story into a sassy romance between 2 people who upon first glance couldn't be more wrong for each other.-- Tyler Stevens is convinced Joel Kingsley is completely wrong for her young cousin. Krissy is terribly infatuated with her older boss and despite Tyler's efforts to convince her otherwise, the girl thinks she's in love. Going to Scotland was Krissy's idea. If Tyler took her cousins place on the business trip she could keep an eye on Mr Kingsley for her while she recouperates from her terrible cold. What Tyler didn't count on was that "Old Mr. Kingsley" wouldn't be that old...in fact he was rather appealing. Having them thrown together to solve a centuries old mystery (complete with ghosts) only complicates an already tricky situation.

FALL FROM GRACE's humor really got to me. I felt so silly laughing out loud in the breakroom at work, but then that's what I needed the breakroom for....a break.---Grace McNish was fiercly protective of her clan after years of their being subjected to the McNab's theiving and raiding. When one of the McNab sons falls into her hands she and her rag-tag band of highland "merry-men" think they have it made. Ransom. One problem. He's not who they think he is.

COLD FEET who could resist a cowboy from Texas in the first place. This story had all of the things I love humor, romance and a bit of the supernatural.--Rand Jenkins is lost on the Scottish moors. He's supposed to be guiding his friends bride to the ancestral home, but as a Texan he's a fish out of water. Rand stumbles upon the cottage of a friendly local woman who takes them in out of the cold. She claims she's a witch and when strange things start happening to Rand he's convinced she has put a spell on him....and she has in more ways than one.

THE MATCHMAKER has modern business owner Kathleen MacKenzie fending off the efforts of the local matchmaker Harriet. She doesn't need a husband and even if she did she could find him all on her own. For example, the handsome American who stops by every morning for coffee and a scone. Harriet will not be thwarted. A little coaxing and (of course) a little magic will throw the hesitant couple into the past where they are not only fighting their feelings for each other they are fighting for their lives in the time of Mary, Queen of Scots.

THE CHRISTMAS CAPTIVE was read at the perfect time of the year...well Christmas of course. Mairi is on the run from her fiance. Niall is more than happy to keep her hidden after discovering the young runaway on his families lands cowering inside a hollowed out tree. She's full of secrets and a mysterious past that the logical physicain refuses to beleive. When her fiance comes looking for her, the Scottish lord has to deal with a murderous enemy when he admits that his soul mate will be staying right where she is... with him.

Customer Reviews:

A Story Newer Readers Can Sink Their Teeth Into - a review of "My Tooth Is About To Fall Out".......2006-03-14

My almost 6 y.o. daughter is really curious about this loose-tooth-falling-out business and so this book makes a good purchase (especially at these prices-lol).

In this book a little girl is waiting for her tooth to fall out. It covers all the usual lore about baby teeth, and then the end actually discusses the fact that children generally have 20 baby teeth and that they fall out when their roots shrink, making room for the adult teeth. So there is a little `science' at the end.

As for being a Level 1 reader, I have to say what I usually say, which is that Level 1's are in the eyes of the publishers. From my perspective, as a mom of a kindergarten aged child, I wouldn't suggest this book as a primer for newbie readers. For one thing there are words like: swimming, meatball, spaghetti, tongue, slides, nothing, through, behind, something, twenty, underneath, and dissolve. With contractions such as: she'll, I'm, brand-new, nothing's and there's.

That said, the pictures (which we liked btw) give such good clues that newer readers with a little experience under their belts should do alright.

Four Stars. Good story that is interesting for children. Good practice for newer readers - though not just-beginners. The pictures give lots of clues to help.

great for beginner readers.......2003-11-14

This book doesn't have the best art work or the most original story, but what it does have is exactly what a beginner reader is interested in reading about. A great vocabulary builder for your beginner reader. Your 4-7 year old will ask to read this book again and again. "uh-oh! It wobbles. It wiggles. It joggles. It Jiggles. My tooth is about to fall out." The book continues with, " I hope it doesn't fall while I am playing ball or swimming in the pool." Until it finally falls out in the spaghetti and meatballs. The book continues with some fun information about why your baby teeth fall out and that " Big teeth will begin to show from under my gums, way below." Great book.

My tooth Is About To Fall Out.......2002-10-28

My Tooth Is About To Fall Out was published in 1995, which was Written By Grace Maccarone and Illustrated By Besty Lewin.
My Tooth Is About To Fall Out is a book about a little girl that suddenly notices that her tooth is about to fall out! She's always hoping that it wont fall out when she is playing...in the pool...having fun...at school...and when she is eating. But one time she was eating spaghetti and meatballs and she noticed tooth was already gone! So now she can feel the hole in her tooth, and is all happy about her teeth coming out so that she can get money from the tooth fairy. Then she's all happy about growing up and he teeth falling out so she can have a pretty smile and big teeth, and she cant wait to see them look great!

Great beginning reader!.......2000-03-25

This book, like most of the Hello Reader books, is a wonderful introduction to reading for young children. As a teacher of young children, I know how important it is to offer children books with short, repetitive words that they will begin to recognize by sight. This books contains many of those words. My five-year-old twin daughters read this one every night as they are anxiously awaiting the day when their first teeth will fall out!

Average customer rating:

A kinder and gentler Barnard
Barnard Sure Can Create Nasty Characters
"She had a gift and a taste for creating mayhem."
fine not quite a police procedural

A Fall from Grace: A Novel of Suspense
Robert Barnard
Manufacturer: Scribner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

British Detectives | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Dying Flames: A Novel of Suspense
Secret Hangman
Death Comes for the Fat Man (Dalziel and Pascoe Mysteries)
Death And the Chaste Apprentice (Felony & Mayhem Mysteries)
Raven Black: Book One of the Shetland Island Quartet

ASIN: 074327220X

Book Description

From Robert Barnard, the internationally acclaimed Diamond Dagger-winning crime writer . . .

With A Fall from Grace, Robert Barnard triumphs once again with a witty tale of family discord and murder.

Detective Inspector Charlie Peace and his wife, Felicity, are shocked when Felicity's difficult dad, Rupert Coggenhoe, suddenly announces that he's moving north to their Yorkshire village. Felicity has never much liked her father, and to have him as a near-neighbor fills her with foreboding. The boorish old man has always loved to impress the ladies, young and old, by exaggerating his modest success as a novelist. True to form, soon after his move to Slepton Edge he surrounds himself with adoring females, including a precocious, theatrical teenager named Anne Michaels. Rupert and Anne could make a lethal combination.

Rumors fly, but Felicity convinces herself that Rupert would do nothing seriously wrong. He can be annoying and outrageous but he's not a criminal. She relies on a friend, a doctor who seems to be strangely aware of everything that's happening in the community, to warn her if he hears of anything really troubling. She doesn't have long to wait, but the news is not what she expects. It's worse. A body has been found and it looks like murder. Stunned by a difficult reality, Felicity is even more shocked to discover that she, herself, may be a suspect.

This is one criminal investigation that's much too close to home for Charlie Peace. He's not officially on the case, but he uses his copper's instincts and a husband's heart to find a killer and to discover anew the meaning of family.

Praised for his "perfect pitch, exquisite pacing, and meticulous plotting" (Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times), Robert Barnard proves yet again that he is one of the great masters of mystery.

Customer Reviews:

A kinder and gentler Barnard.......2007-08-11

Barnard scores again with his depiction of human folly leading to murder. Charlie Peace and his wife are in a small English village where they have been pressed into bringing the self-absorbed pater who they wisely move into a nearby house rather than with them. As they wend their way into village life and its locals they find some rather unsettling characters whose motives and behavior are not easily determined. Ultimate motive for the crime (if it is a crime) is a bit facile, and the reward or punishment for selfishness, or for selflessness is ambiguous at the end. Don't know who fell from grace but this is still a good and entertaining read with very appealing main characters.

Barnard Sure Can Create Nasty Characters.......2007-07-12

This is the thirty-ninth entry for prolific British crime novelist Robert Barnard. In this outing his protagonist is Inspector Charlie Peace. In most of his books he has avoided a series detective, but he has used Charlie and his wife Felicity before. The wife's father is a real ogre, a writer who exploits everyone around him. Now he wants to buy Felicity a house and move in with them. Instead they buy a bungalow near them for him.
A gang of kids, privileged because they are in the drama stream of the local school, are terrorizing newcomers to the village. Their leader, Anne, is a loathsome bit of work, vicious and felonious. Barnard, perhaps with a touch of misanthropy and cynicism, is particularly good at delineating nasty characters. He's great at presenting British village life; his pub scenes are fun; and he creates vivid characters.
This is not one of his best efforts, but as usual it is fast-paced, witty, and an easy read. You won't get bogged down in a Barnard novel. The ending is slightly disappointing. For me, his best book to date has been "A Scandal in Belgravia."

The Daemon in Our Dreams
Nine Lives Too Many
The Rice Queen Spy

"She had a gift and a taste for creating mayhem.".......2007-05-21

Robert Barnard's "A Fall from Grace" is a stylish and subtle psychological murder mystery with several clever twists and turns and an ending that will catch most readers by surprise. Detective Inspector Charlie Peace and his pregnant wife, Felicity, are more than a little chagrined when Felicity's father, writer Rupert Coggenhoe, announces that he is moving to their Yorkshire village, Slepton Edge. Felicity makes no secret of the fact that she dislikes her "self-obsessed, manipulative, and unfeeling" father intensely and she would prefer that he stay away from her and her four-year-old daughter, Carola. However, since he is offering to partially finance a new house for Felicity's growing family, the Peaces can scarcely turn Rupert down. They purchase a new house for themselves and a nearby bungalow for Rupert.

Rupert settles in and becomes a minor celebrity, but all is not peaceful in Slepton Edge. A sadistic, clever, and worldly fifteen-year old named Anne Michaels has become the village instigator and she is stirring up all kinds of trouble. First, she induces a younger group of children to chant threateningly outside the homes of newcomers; later, she curries favor with Rupert and insinuates herself into his life, with unforeseen and horrifying consequences.

"A Fall from Grace" is a breath of fresh air, since it deviates from the formulaic fiction that is churned out by lesser writers. Barnard's characters are original and intriguing: Desmond Pinkhurst is a sardonic actor who was known for lightweight roles in his youth. He is now both exhilarated and terrified, since he is about to make his comeback in Ibsen's "The Wild Duck." Dr. Chris Carlson is a warm and sympathetic physician and artist, who has given up the practice of medicine. He acts as a sounding board or "agony aunt" for the townspeople who rely on his sound judgment; he also aspires to run for mayor as an independent so that he can fight for needed reforms. Inspector Ben Costello is a local policeman who takes charge of an investigation into a man's death that could possibility be a homicide, but might just as easily be ruled accidental. Although this case is outside Charlie's jurisdiction, he and Felicity decide to make discreet inquiries of their own.

The lives of these and other people ultimately intersect in unexpected ways, and although there is some closure at the end, some key questions remain unanswered. In his understated way, Barnard shows that evil, selfishness, and altruism can and do exist side by side, and the search for justice often proves to be elusive. Fortunately, good and decent men and women like Charlie and Felicity Peace are willing to stick their necks out to dig underneath the surface and uncover the truth.

fine not quite a police procedural .......2007-05-05

Inspector Charlie Peace and his pregnant wife Felicity leave London for nearby Slepton Edge so that their children can be raised in a safe harmonies atmosphere. To Felicity's chagrin, her narcissistic romance writer Rupert Coggenhoe joins them allegedly to be near his future grandchild; though his daughter doubts his seemingly pure motive. She and her spouse soon learn the truth why Rupert chose to rusticate in suburbia as rumors abound of an illicit relationship from his hedonistic past that is about to explode back in London.

Though wary of her dad, Felicity believes he would never harm her, her unborn or her husband; his sin is that of a selfish egomaniac. Rupert needs diversion and finds it with sexy, scheming teenage Anne Michaels, who enjoys blackmail and aggravating outsiders of her drama club of teen felons. Murder shakes up the new and old townsfolk; Charlie unofficially investigates since his father-in-law who teamed up with his "Lolita" is a prime suspect.

In his eighth police procedural (though FALL FROM GRACE is not an official police procedural), Charlie seeks peace at home as his wife struggles with her father moving into suburbia with them. The story line is fast-paced with a fascinating look at the not so innocence of children who can prove quite destructive. Although the key bus scene puts somewhat a brake on this fine thriller Charlie's investigation into uncovering a killer while he learns more (probably than he wants) about his wife and father-in-law and that makes for a delightful caper.

Harriet Klausner

Average customer rating:

Fall to Grace

Manufacturer: Five Friends Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0976976501

Average customer rating:

Mythical San Francisco
Well-written soulless garbage
Hitchcock did it better, much better
Noir? If it had been, it might have saved this soap opera
One of the best books I have ever read!

Fall from Grace
Clyde Phillips
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Blindsided
Blindsided: A Mystery

ASIN: 0671034286

Amazon.com

Strangers on BART, San Francisco's subway system, meet and make mayhem in this first novel by television writer/producer Clyde Phillips, who pays off on his debt to Alfred Hitchcock by updating the master and adding a few new twists. When lawyer David Perry blabs to his subway seatmate, a seedy mechanic named Barton Hubble, that he's about to be divorced by his rich wife, Hubble decides to do his new friend a favor by killing the offending wife. But then Perry refuses to acknowledge his share of the drunken bargain, and Hubble becomes a serious threat. There's a bright, attractive cop named Jane Candiotti and several exciting action scenes that take place far below and well above ground--even on the Golden Gate Bridge. --Dick Adler

Book Description

Against the backdrop of San Francisco's toniest neighborhoods, detective Jane Candiotti is drawn into the dark undercurrents of murder and love, and risks a potentially deadly Fall From Grace.

Homicide inspector Jane Candiotti has always known where to draw the line between her professional and personal lives. But when beautiful San Francisco socialite Jenna Perry turns up brutally murdered, Jane throws herself into an investigation that uncovers the sordid secrets of the city's most powerful families, including those of the victim's estranged husband, David. As Jane grows ever closer to David and his daughter, Lily, so does Jenna Perry's murderer. As time runs out and her own safety is threatened, detective Candiotti risks everything for love.

Customer Reviews:

Mythical San Francisco.......2007-07-06

I agree with other reviewers that the plot in this book was fairly predictable. In addition, to someone like me who actually rides BART, it's pretty obvious that Mr. Phillips has never seen the system, let alone ridden on it. BART does not surface at all in downtown San Francisco. Trains run in both directions from the same platform...there is no need to ride an elevator to get a train going a different direction. There are no columns on the platforms to hide behind. Surely any San Francisco cop would know that the next station down from Powell is Montgomery (or Civic Center if you're going the other direction). And no San Francisco cop, even with lights and sirens and no surface traffic, could drive the distance from those two stations in the time it takes the train to travel it (about two minutes). Also, why were the court scenes set in an Alemeda County courthouse? Both cases mentioned appeared to have happened in San Francisco, so they would have been heard in the Superior Court for the City and County of San Francisco. The author bio says that Mr. Phillips lives in L.A. He should have come up to SF for a couple of days before he wrote the book.

I finished the book because the story was interesting enough to see through to the end, in spite of inconsistency of characters, and in spite of the fact that I saw the end coming. It's probably a less irritating book if you've never been to San Francisco.

Well-written soulless garbage.......2006-07-17

The guy who wrote this is some kind of TV big shot. And indeed, his writing is slick. So slick it's self-fascinated, and you can see where it carelessly manipulates. This book is a "Noir Thriller," says the cover, but there's no Noir. Every character is deceptively obvious, open-faced books with single needs and single solutions, and these solutions motivate them toward ruin only in that death would end their confusion. There are funny moments, and every chapter ends well on some point to ponder, but the "trick ending" is blatantly obvious as are the transparent motivations. When you value your time, a book like this is insulting. Avoid.

Hitchcock did it better, much better.......2004-11-16

I agree with the Kirkus reviewer, if you are an experienced mystery/thriller reader you see the murderer very early on. Parts of the plot were not realistic. Even before 9/11 there were more that one security guard on the bridge, both walking and driving. The bridge was and is electronically monitored. The male author wants us to believe that a female homicide detective in a large metropolitan police force would start sleeping with a suspect in a murder she is investigating. That is not credible nor are her superior's reactions to the female detective's actions thorough out the book. Rent Vertigo if you want great San Francisco sites and a good mystery.

Noir? If it had been, it might have saved this soap opera.......2002-01-28

This book is a major disappointment. Even more disappointing are the reviews on the cover of the paperback from authors (Wiliam Diehl and Dennis Lehane) most of whose works I've enjoyed immensely. Do these authors read the book? Do they write the reviews?

There's nothing here that hasn't been done better before (much better). It's unfortunate that the commercial success it seems to have enjoyed, appears to be from readers who have been overly influenced by the drek usually put out on television from whence the author hails. I had hoped the San Francisco locale would enhance the book, no such luck.

The plot is predictable. Successful lawyer (David) loses mentoring father-in-law in a 'plane crash and expresses his wish that his wandering wife would disappear to someone he meets on the subway (which in San Francisco doesn't go near where he lives). The police inspectors of the murder are (apparent series regulars) Jane and Kenny. They are as two dimensional as the rest of the cardboard characters in this "mystery". Jane is conveniently starved for affection and is ready to jump into bed with David, the main direct or indirect suspect. Her history with Kenny conflicts with her involvement with Dave and reaches screaming level. There is almost no professionalism manifested by the police. Just like in tv, all you have to do is figure who all the characters are, and eliminate them to figure out the villain. It was amazing Kenny let Jane go without any backup to meet the actual murderer. Kenny's driving should put him back walking a beat in the Castro where he could resensitize himself.

I've been privileged to go to the top of the South Tower of the Golden Gate Bridge (one of the few well written parts of the book), and I know that the security on the Bridge is not as lack as portrayed here. All electronics in the Tower are monitored in the Guard Station, and that includes the elevator used twice.

As a police procedural, as a mystery, as a love story, this lightweight book "Falls From (attempted) Grace".

One of the best books I have ever read!.......2001-07-02

While riding on BART, San Francisco's mass transit system, attorney David Perry, meets Barton Hubble, a stranger who will forever change his life. David is having marital problems and in a drunken stupor, mentions killing his wife. Be careful what you wish for, because Barton Hubble actually does what David has suggested and kills his wife for him! Afterward, Hubble begins to stalk David and his beloved daughter, demanding money for services rendered.

The story then turns to San Francisco detective, Jane Candiotti, while investigating, the murder of David's wife, she falls in love with one of the main suspects, David himself!

I've read hundreds of mystery/suspense books over the years, and have never been so satisfied with a book before! The characters are so real, you feel like you know them. I couldn't wait to get home from work at the end of the day, just to be able to read. Every time I picked up the book I felt like I was visiting with old friends. After I finishing this one, I immediately started the sequel.

I can't recommend this book highly enough, you'll be totally entertained and shocked.

Fall From Grace (Harlequin Everlasting Love)
Average customer rating:

Satisfied sigh

3.5 stars - great new line of books from harlequin

fascinating second chance at love tale

4 stars

Second chance at love!

Fall From Grace (Harlequin Everlasting Love)
Kristi Gold
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Dancing On Sunday Afternoons (Harlequin Everlasting Love)

The Depth Of Love (Harlequin Everlasting Love)

A Heartbeat Away (Harlequin Everlasting Love)

Sugar Daddy

Tempting (The Buchanans, Book 4)

ASIN: 0373654049

Book Description

When a marriage of twenty years ends, is there any going back? Can you regain what's been lost? For heart surgeon Jack Morgan the answer is yes.

Paralyzed by a stroke, he has no choice but to turn to his ex-wife, Anne--just as if they were still married. During the months that follow, they discover that the memories of their marriage have an unexpected power to bring forgiveness--and the return of a love that never really left.

Customer Reviews:

Satisfied sigh.......2007-04-21

Ms. Gold's snappy and sexy releases for Desire are so much fun, and I love them. But I think she may have given us a glimpse into her heart with this book for Everlasting's new imprint.
I was captivated from the first page and remained in her spell until the end. I closed the book with a satisfied sigh and searched the web for more.
Write fast, Kristi Gold. I want more.

3.5 stars - great new line of books from harlequin.......2007-02-12

FALL FROM GRACE by Kristi Gold
February 11, 2007
Rating 3.5 Stars

The new EVERLASTING LOVE series published by Harlequin will feature love stories that span a lifetime. This is the second book in the series so far. FALL FROM GRACE depicts the love story of surgeon Jack Morgan and his ex-wife Anne. The tale starts in the present (2007), in which they have been divorced for two years. The opening scene has Jack coming out of surgery and suddenly suffers a serious stroke. He is not even fifty years old. His last thoughts before he blacks out are of his dear Annie, and while they have been divorced for two years, there has been no other woman in his life since.

Anne, a registered nurse, is at his side on the day she learns about his stroke. On that day she sees herself not as an R.N. but as his ex-wife. Jack's good friend Hank Steinberg, also Jack's internist, tells her that there seems to be some paralysis, but in time he may make a partial recovery, if not complete. It's too hard to tell at the moment if he will ever return to his life as a surgeon.

Anne reluctantly asks Jack to move in with her and Katie while he recuperates from the stroke. Jack has never stopped loving her, and as the three become a family again, he feels hopeful that maybe they can make it official. But Anne, while she seems to enjoy Jack's presence on some level, is also trying her best to resist his charms. The reason she left him in the first place was the fact that as a surgeon he left little time for her and Katie, but with his stroke, in the back of her mind she is hoping he will not be able to return to surgery again. Jack, however, is anxious to regain his ability to use his right hand, and the first few months are frustrating for him. It's a long uphill climb for Jack and Anne. But as he gets stronger, Anne begins to worry about the day he'll be strong enough to move out. If Jack returns to surgery, she vows she will walk away and let him have the life he chose, that of a dedicated surgeon.

This reviewer initially had a hard time getting into FALL FROM GRACE. The shifting between present and past time lines was a bit awkward to begin with, but as one gets into the story, things begin to click. By the time the book was over, ending twenty years into the future, the tissues will be needed. If you are a sucker for these romances that span decades, you will enjoy the EVERLASTING LOVE series. The conclusions are always happy, of course, but the reader will also enjoy the journey getting there.

Portrayal of life-life characters of course help make this book successful. Besides the two main characters, who are portrayed as realistically as possible, there is young Katie who in her own way helps her father recuperate from his stroke. She doesn't quite understand what had happened to her father, but she knows daddy is ill and does her best to help him. She comes across as a believable character, with dialogue and actions to match the age.

Anne's mother Delia is a strong presence in their lives. Delia has been a widow for a number of years, and her story has her meeting a new YOUNGER man who may eventually replace the love of HER life, Anne's father. Delia also is there to support Anne, hoping that her daughter will lose her stubborn streak and return to the arms of Jack, where she belongs. As Anne's mother, she comes across as realistic and three dimensional, as all the other characters do as well. This reviewer bought the mother-daughter relationship with Anne, which was drawn effectively and realistically.

FALL FROM GRACE had an awkward start, but what will reel the reader in will be the journey that Jack and Anne take together, as they unite to help Jack recover from his devastating stroke, as well as the characters that populate this story. Scenes such as little Katie teaching her father how to read again will warm the reader's heart, as will that final page that may cause some to shed a few happy tears. This is an auspicious start to Harlequin's brand new series of books. - Courtesy of Love Romances and More - M. Lofton

fascinating second chance at love tale .......2007-02-10

Jack and Anne Morgan divorced one another though they remained friends. They were especially careful when they split so that their beloved offspring would not be harmed.

When Jack suffers a stroke, Anne knows he will need nurturing until he fully recovers. She insists he move into the home he used to live in when they were married so that she can help him recuperate. Anne rationalizes her good natured offer as her daughter needs her father and besides she and Jack are friends. As he heals under the watchful eyes of the two females he loves, Jack wonders how to regain what he lost when he and Anne divorced.

This is a fascinating second chance at love tale starring a likable lead couple and a worried child concerned for the health of her daddy. The story line focuses more on the relationships than on dealing with a family health issue. Based on first hand accounts from my husband and his two brothers (aside to Stephen -happy birthday) involving their dad's stroke on Jets Superbowl Sunday, the tale misses a graceful opportunity to go deep into the struggles of the victim and his loved ones with a debilitating illness. Still this is a fine everlasting tale of the healing power of love.

Harriet Klausner

4 stars.......2007-02-03

A stroke is the instrument that reunites Dr. Jack Morgan and his ex-wife, Anne. Telling herself that he is still a friend and that their daughter needs him, Anne insists on Jack moving in with her, into the home they once shared, for his recovery. The only problem is, neither of them ever really fell out of love. In the coming months, Jack will have a double recovery to work on; regaining his health and regaining his real life.

**** Though Jack's experience does seem to be a little bit softened and less severe than reality, this is still a moving, emotional story that will speak to anyone who has watched a loved one go through a protracted illness. Despite the serious subject matter, the story is far from depressing and is full of grace. ****

Amanda Killgore

Second chance at love!.......2007-02-03

When renowned heart surgeon, Dr. Jack Morgan, is partially paralyzed by a stroke, the last person he wants help from is his ex-wife. Anne is equally unenthusiastic about the prospect of having Jack temporarily back in her home. But the alternative is for Jack to return to his lonely apartment with only hired help to oversee his care.

Jack struggles with depression as he fights to regain his mobility. Anne knows that helping Jack recover also means helping him to return to the very thing that destroyed their marriage - his career.

Will Jack regain the use of his hand and be able perform surgery again? And, if he does, will things be different this time? Can he find a way to balance to his demanding career and still have time for his family? Can Anne find a way to forgive Jack for past mistakes?

Don't miss FALL FROM GRACE! A heart-warming, wonderful story of renewal and hope.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books