5 comments about Vision in White (Bride (Nora Roberts)).

1. This was my first Nora Roberts novel that I picked up at an airport, and I'm thinking a cookbook would have been more thrilling. No suspense, highly-predictable conflict, no steamy passionate romance that Nora is known for. This is hardly about a "Vision in White" either, Mac is commitment-phobic most of the book. Try something else if you want reading pleasure.



2. I am not a huge fan of Nora's standalone novels but her serials always seem to be pretty good! The Bride Quartet is no exception. This serial is about 4 friends that grow up to run a wedding business with each friend taking on a different area of expertise - photographer, wedding coordinator, baker and florist. They run their business out of the wedding coordinator's family home and all live there. The first story, Vision in White, is about the photographer, Mac/Mackenzie. Being a wedding photographer, there were a LOT of things I picked apart about the story but for the most part it rang true about weddings and being in the wedding business. It's an easy 'fluff' read and I enjoyed the story.



3. There are more than enough reviews that give a summary so I won't. Having said that, I freely admit that I am a longstanding Nora Roberts fan and I have enjoyed most of what I have read, with the exception of some of her earlier Sillouette (sp) work. I felt that Vision in White was a throwback to some of her earlier trilogies. Many readers have complained about the paranormal twists in some of her later work, but they complain about this book too. My question to them is why do you read Nora? If you're looking for a great read that you can escape into for as long as it takes you to read it, then this book is for you! Great characters, great hero and a great intro to her newest series!



4. Audio version Great story--but the narrator had a lisp that so detracted from the enjoyment of the book that I would not purchase another audio by this actor.



5. I have never read a Nora Roberts novel before and decided to give this one a try. I fell in LOVE with this book! It is a great story!

No comments about Burn.

5 comments about Nora Roberts Three Sisters Island CD Collection: Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, Face the Fire (Three Sisters Island Trilogy).

1. the story line is great, but the reader didn"t have enough voice range to do the voices. it was hard to follow who was who and if it was the woman or the man.



2. Nora Roberts produces a large amount of books. I enjoy her books because they are not overly complicated and easy to follow. She also will develop the main characters in a series of books. This collection features three women and other characters in a three book set - Dance Upon the Air, Heaven and Earth, and Face the Fire. The 3 women are brought together by a common bond, as they go up against an evil enemy. This collection is abridged and very enjoyable. Fantastic for a long journey and equally while running errands locally. If you have to stop the CD frequently, that's not a problem as the thread is easy to pick up. I hope this review helps you.



3. These books are wonderfully entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat all the time. They are a story of 3 beautiful women and 3 hunks. The kicker is that the women are all witches living an ordinary life, but their lives are not even close to ordinary when they team up to fight evil!
   I'm looking forward to more of Nora Roberts!



4. I swear you can not go wrong with a Nora Roberts book. Three Sisters Island is one of my favorites. You will enjoy this collection from beginning to end. I 100% recommend This trilogy.



5. I appreciate when a product arrives as it was described. This one came quickly and in perfect condition. I was very pleased with the price, too. Thanks for making this product available. I love it when a plan comes together!!!

5 comments about Matters of the Heart.

1. If Ms. Steel was trying to make her readers aware of the dangers of men or women that try to consume another persons life she failed. The plot was not believable and worse turned what could have been a women others could admire into a laughing stock.



2. Danielle Steel is still repeating herself and is using words to fill the pages of her novels. I don't know why I read her but since I have OCD, I have to:-).
   
   The title character was very stupid. She risks her life for a liar and still goes back for more. I can't comprehend this type of person. But then I am not afraid to be alone.



3. I have to agree with the rest who have said it was not the best book she has ever written. It is very hard to feel sorry for the main character (Hope). First of all anyone with a highly profitable career is subject to people being more interested in her money then her. Add the $50 million (by the end of the book $100 million)divorce settlement and it is a no brainer. Falling in love with a psychotic guy does not only happen to wealthy people. Yes, it adds to the allure but in the end it is all about power and mind control by the significant other. It would of meant more to have a more "normal" woman, and one that could not afford to fly off to India to heal from her wounds.
   All in all it was decent book to read if having no real substance is what you are after. It is one I wish I waited to buy in paperback, or borrowed from the library though.



4. " Falling in love with a sociopath was one of those experiences you never forgot, if you were lucky enough to survive at all." (ref. page 326)
   
   It all takes place among the rich and privileged, as so often in Danielle Steel's books, but for this story it is actually an advantage.
   
   The matter of involvment with a sociopath is not an easily accepted topic, particularly not so among the educated upper and middle classes. But nowhere are sociopaths likely to do more damage than when they perform their mostly phsycological evils to proud victims in golden cages. Victims staying silent, knowing that their stories will seem too crazy to be believed by any sane person. Among people with less or no education sociopaths are more visible, since their methods are usually of a more physical kind, leaving their victims literally hurt and bleeding.
   
   The first part of the book tells a beautiful story about a coup de foudre between two people in their forties who connect perfectly and plan to get married after having known each other for only four months.
   
   Well recognized photograher Hope Dunne gets an assignment to do a portrait of famous author Finn O'Neill. They fall head over heels in love and soon Hope shares her time between her New York loft and Finn's impressive ancestral home in Ireland. Everything is bliss and simply too good to be true.
   
   After six perfectly happy months, the surface is however starting to crack and Hope's life is soon alternating between joy and suspicion, and slowly turning into terror.
   
   The nightmare this all to perfect love story soon turns into, is scary and as the book says, hard to believe unless one has experienced it oneself.
   
   It is a bold subject Danielle Steel has chosen for this book, which starts out as such an easy read and develops into a scary nightmare very seldom neither written or talked about.
   
   Readers may find it all unbelievable and rather crazy, but "Matters of The Heart" is straight forward and scaringly to the point.
   
   Highly recommended.



5. excellent story line once again from the greatest authors of all time. look forward to the next one. Ms. Steel truly makes your anticipation wild. Read it you wont be disappointed.

2 comments about Nora Roberts CD Collection : Hidden Riches, True Betrayals, Homeport, The Reef.

1. I enjoyed listening to these audios. The stories were very entertaining and easy to listen to and follow. Nora Roberts has not disappointed me yet!



2. Nora Roberts is a wonderful story teller. Great CD's for background noise while you work. This is well worth the purchase.

5 comments about Outlander.

1. I admit it: the book kept me riveted to the very end! I just felt a little bad for the husband left behind, and I think that more could have been done with the time travel aspect. Very romantic.



2. Having read many of the other reviews posted here, I thought I'd offer a more measured one. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. I agree with the various reviewers who said that the time travel plot was wasted here. Once Clare is back in the 18th century, little is done with what should have been a shocking experience on many levels. Yet, as she observes about halfway through the book, it seems that simply being willing to "rough it" a little is all that's required! The idea that people that long ago would have had completely different sensibilities isn't used by the author at all, which is a pity. That extends even to Clare herself, who seems more like a 21st century woman rather than one from the 1940s. The one scene that might have made the point that people back then were really, really different is the beating scene. Gabaldon could have used this to point out that such behavior was considered the norm then, and even the sensitive Jamie wouldn't be immune to such values. Yet, instead of Clare coming to reconcile herself to the idea based her recognition of deep cultural differences, she seems to conclude that she did in fact deserve it, which jars with the rest of her character as written. Also, there are several loose ends that are never tied up-- the one that annoyed me the most was who was the kilted man that Frank saw outside the house in the beginning?
   
   As an archaeologist, I also can't help point out a few howlers in the beginning of the book. A henge is a monument with a bank and ditch, the ditch being on the interior of the bank. It might have stones or a variety of other structures inside it, but it is different in both structure and date than a stone circle. Clare found her entrance to the 18th century in a stone circle, not a henge. Also, there is no glaze on beakers (glazed pottery doesn't occur until the Middle Ages), the idea of beaker pottery representing a group of people (i.e. the "Beaker People") hasn't been current in archaeology in over 20 years, and while there are some beakers buried in stone circles, the association is only partial; in Scotland in particular, it would be incorrect to say that stone circles were built by people who also used beaker pottery. Okay, these are trivial, but apparently when the author was doing her supposedly meticulous research, she didn't bother extending this to archaeology!
   
   All that said, if you have the ability to turn off your brain and enjoy a pretty good read, then the book is entertaining enough. Rather like the DaVinci Code, which was a very silly book from an historical, archaeological, or anthropological perspective but a fun book to read, Outlander also has some major flaws. But I was involved enough to want to know what was going to happen, and I may well get the second book at some point just to see what else happens. The plot mostly moves along pretty well (except for the middle, which for me dragged a bit), the characters are interesting, the politics complex, and the general tenor of the book diverting enough. If you are willing not to think too much, then it's an enjoyable enough book to keep you occupied on a long plane trip, which is where I read it.



3. I won't review the book itself; there are plenty of those to go around and the book is simply wonderful. I want to review the audio version, narrated by Davina Porter. Again- wonderful! This English reader has a delightful English accent and yet can shift into the tones of a Scottish man without missing a beat. I am not even done with the book yet, but have ordered the second book in the series, read by the same talented lady.
   
   Listening to books is my "treat" to myself as I drive to and from work. It's a 25 minute trip and listening to the book keeps me from speeding! This is a long one- 32 or 33 CDs, I think. Lots to listen to and lots to learn and enjoy.



4. I can't imagine how someone couldn't love these books. You get so invested in the characters. They're like the best friends I've never actually met.



5. Someone else wrote that in a review so I guess I will have to wait in line in case Jamie Fraser ever came to life. I haven't read romance since I was in middle school, but was so completely hooked by this book that I am devouring the rest of the series and can't wait for the new one in the fall. Yes, I do understand the criticisms of some of the other reviewers, particularly regarding the ease with which Claire adapts to the lack of moden conveniences and the lack of introspection she shows regarding her first husband. However, let's remember that TIME TRAVEL CAN'T HAPPEN, therefore, don't quibble with the details. I defy any woman to read about Claire and Jamie's wedding (and wedding night) & not wish she were Claire.
   Be warned, one day I was late for work because I couldn't stop trying to find the passage where they meet again. (Very hard to do on a Kindle, my only complaint about the Kindle so far.)
   Truly addicting!

5 comments about Skin Trade Unabridged CDs (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter).

1. I have been reading the Anita Blake books from the very beginning. This one is about in the medium range for really love it to couldn't even finish it. It's good in that it does not have never ending sex scenes with multiple and varied monsters, but, it doesn't really replace that with much in the way of action in this book. I am almost done and there really hasn't been much of the super charged action situations where Anita and the rest get maimed and torn and then heal super fast so that they can go back and do it again. It's been mostly Anita, Ed, Bernardo, and Otto going from one crime already committed scene to the next with the usual snarking between the "Regular Cops" and the US Marshalls (monster hunters). Jean Claude, Richard, and the rest of Anita's boys barely make a showing and I miss them and the interaction's between them and Anita. I am going to give this 4 stars because I am enjoying the read, but it's not the usual 5 I would normally give a Laural K. Hamilton. If your collecting LKH's first editions then you will want to buy this. If not you might be happier checking it out of the library or waiting until it comes out in PB. I guess to sum it up, Anita seems to be getting old and running out of steam in Skin Trade.



2. This book is like a sequel of Obsidian Butterfly, where Anita's team of Olaf, Edward and Bernardo reunite to go after a big bad in Las Vegas. The vampire serial murderer who got away in another book has taken a public stand in Sin City by beheading the local legal vampire executioner and writing a challenge to Anita on the wall with his victim's blood. This does not endear her to some of the local Las Vegas law officers, who feel Anita is somehow responsible for their problem. Anita and company have to maneuver through suspicion of collusion, and supernatural politics with local vampires and were tigers. The one big clue Anita has that may lead her to the serial killer is that the massacre he started with has were tiger written all over it. Since tigers are the local Vampire Master's animal to call, and the Master's wife is the Queen (with capital Q) of were tigers, Anita has to step delicately through a series of power plays that could land her as a brood queen of exotic were tiger breeds if she's not careful. Add to all of this Marme Noir and Belle Morte playing tag with Anita's pysche, and a revelation of what Marme Noir really wants with Anita, and we have a engaging story line that should satisfy those fans who enjoy this series and liked the books from Incubus Dreams onward. Those who hated Incubus Dreams and the latest books most likely won't be happy with anything new by LKH, and probably should find something else to read. Fans who enjoy the later books by LKH will find this a very satisfying book full of interesting new bits of information on the world created by LKH.



3. Hope that this is a preview of things to come with LKH returning to her roots. It was great that story had a lot to with Edward and not so much bed hopping. The police procedural was dead on and it gave the story an interesting edge. This book was worth the wait.



4. I had such high hopes for this book! Anita was back to being an executioner! She's on the road, so her stable of men will be smaller! Maybe there will be less of the metaphysical stuff!
   
   And then I was so, so disappointed. If there was ever a book in need of an editor with a sharp red pen, it was this one.
   
   The worst part of the book? The talking, talking, and more talking. Everyone had to discuss every little freakin' thing, at the most inopportune times, and ad nauseum. How many times do we need to revisit the "other people think Anita's a slut cuz she has so many boyfriends" point? Or the "Olaf the serial killer/U.S. Marshall wants Anita and he makes her really uncomfortable" point? And in the middle of a supposedly fast-paced search for a serial killer? There is just a ridiculous amount of discussion and pissing contests, for lack of a better term. The sex is toned down quite a bit, with the wildest scene actually only alluded to, but even that wasn't enough to save this book. I did enjoy the final confrontation, but it should have been about 200 pages sooner than it was. I've stuck through this series for 17 books, but I'm not sure I'll bother with #18.



5. Skin Trade (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 17)Ms. Hamilton returns to the style that makes her first books sell. Not all SEX, SEX, SEX. Good plot, good scene setting, good storytelling and, yes,just the right amount of sex. Readers who have not read her earlier Anita Blake may have trouble keeping up without the background, but for we fans, just enough background to keep the story moving. Can't wait to read the Meridith Gentry story.

No comments about Missing in Death.

No comments about Black Hills.

5 comments about KnockOut (FBI Thriller).

1. I read mystery/thrillers. I do not read paranormal. This book reeks of paranormal. The plot is jumpy, the names of the main characters and places are strange and sometimes it was hard to keep up with who is who. I skippped a few pages, I didn't really care about the prophets-it was boring to read, who cares? I did wonder after the first 20 pages if there was even a plot to this book. Yes, there was a plot but it was a KNOCK OFF.
   I agree with other reviews, poorly written, not the same style as earlier books. I too wasted $[,,,] and feel ripped off.
   I wanted to give zero stars but have to give one to post the review.



2. Don't buy this book. If you are a Coulter follower take it out of the library.



3. I was considering taking this out of the library but have changed my mind after reading the reviews, I used to buy her books but became very cautious quite a while ago. I was really turned off of her last FBI book as were many others, but I guess she'll continue writing them as long as they make money. New readers haven't yet experienced the sameness. One review remarked on her trademark humor, and that's one of the things I find incredibly annoying as it's repetitive, same phrases over and over and.....well, you get the idea. I used to enjoy her books and kept giving her a chance, but no more. Too bad, she needs to reevaluate her writing style. Compare her to Nora Roberts who is more prolific but always a great storyteller.



4. In Knock Out Catherine Coulter's 13th in her FBI series, we get a great big dose of Savich and Sherlock and get to meet some new friends and see some old ones too. This is a great novel, the characters are wonderful, the plot is very good and unique it gives you a little bit of a thriller with a just a twist of woo woo.
   It's a great read for the summer and I would recommend it to any one who loves a good mystery with a touch of romance.



5. This 13th addition to Coulter's FBI series has some elements that make it a suspenseful mystery and also some elements that have you kind of scratching your head as to how unbelievable some of the plot twists are.
   
   Seven year old Autumn Backman has a gift--she is telepathic and can communicate with only certain people and for some reason never explained fully (just a reference or two to another book in the series), she is able to communicate with Dillon Savich after she sees him on television when he thwarts a bank robbery.
   
   The villains of the bank robbery are two chilling characters--16 year old Lissy (a truly evil teen psychopath) and her cousin/lover Victor. This is one plot that runs simultaneously with another group of chilling characters--evil people that are trying to get steal Autumn from her mother and return her to her father's family. Joanna Backman and Autumn had returned her father's ashes to the small town he grew up in. It became apparent that his mother and father and brothers were definitely the reason he'd left the family nest and never returned.
   
   Much of the book has Savich and Sherlock racing to prevent Lissy and Victor from killing more people as well as aiding Sheriff Ethan Merriweather in keeping Joanna and Autumn Backman safe from her husband's evil relatives who are able to use a form of mind control to force others to do their bidding.
   
   Romance is usually not the focus of Coulter's FBI series and some of the prior books have had couples where they were so lacking in chemistry of any sort that the romantic angle of the book was truly annoying. In Knock Out, the romance proceeds slowly, but is passable as one. The book concentrates on the mysteries and the action so the reader does need to make some leaps where the romance is concerned!
   
   If you are a fan of Coulter's FBI series this latest edition isn't one of the best, but it also isn't one of the worst. I did get the feeling from the end of the book that it is possible we might see Autumn Backman in another future book.