5 comments about Dear John.

1. Another terrific Nicholas Sparks book. Tear Jerker, but really pulls you in while reading. Hard to put down.



2. I picked up this book after a friend of mine asked me to read it with her. I agreed and read it. I must say this is one of the worse books I have ever read. Nothing ever happens in the story and it was just a huge waste of time.



3. i found the book exicting, the end was nothing i imagined, this is not a regular love story the author has gave the story depth and emotion. you find a new meaning for love in this book. you felt anger, happiness, and most of all sadness. the book gave me a something to think about.



4. Dear John
   Nicholas Sparks
   Book Review
   
   In the book, Dear John it starts out by telling you about John's life as a child, how he and his father lived together after his mother had left them when he was very little. His father was a little different than most people, he did everything at the same time everyday for his entire life. Every morning he would get up and make John and himself eggs and bacon. John's father didn't have much money so they would use what they got. For example: When their fridge broke they had to get the only one they could afford, a lime green one, that John always says just never looks like it belongs.
   John and his father only could talk about one thing..... coins. His dad knew everything about coins. They would look for new coins every where they went, but the only picture of them when they got a coin was in Wisconsin, where they found the buffalo coin.
   When John got out of high school, not knowing what else to do, He enrolled himself into the Army. Two years later on leave he came home and meet a girl named Savannah. He thinks she is amazing, and the love of his life. The only thing is they fall in love shortly before 9/11 which changes their life forever. But will she still love him when he is overseas??
   
   I thought the book was good up until the end. There was too much going on. With his life and staying in the war and trying to keep in touch with Savannah and his father in the hospital it was all too much. It just piled up on each other and it got to be very confusing. I didn't like all the little war side things they put in, like, when his friend was shot in the hand.
   I would give this book a 7-10. Because it was good it made me laugh and it made me cry. Like when they were on there first date and Savannah laughed at the name of the restaurant "The Shrimp Shack." But it got confusing when they piled event after event at the same time, it was just too much! I have never read a book like this before. I think all girls should read it (well if you like what you heard about it). But over all I thought it was a good book.
   
   Kayla



5. I was absorbed by this book from the first page, the relationships portrayed throughout are so real, especially the father and son. I was unsure what to expect as I had never read any of this authors books - only watched The Notebook. I did need a hankie once or twice, and I wanted to get in the book and give one of the characters a bit of a talking to! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quiet thoughtful read.

3 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.



3. These CD books were sent immediately which I needed and didn't have to pay extra for shipping. I was traveling 18 hours in one day and when I put these CD's in I forget what time it is and cruise right on down the road. They are great.
   I only wish there were more like this package at same price.

No comments about Obsidian Butterfly Unabridged CDs (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter).

5 comments about Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander).

1. I actually started this book a year ago. The fact that I am just now writing this review because I've just now finished this book is telling in and of itself. After reading Outlander and LOVING it, I set sky high expectations for the rest of the series and delved into book 2 with lightning speed. After 500 pages of this romantic onslaught (which is only the half way point), my rocket paced enthusiasm was reduced to a mere farting noise. As so often happens when I read two books by the same author back to back, the stylistic flaws become blaringly obvious and in the case of Dragonfly, Gabaldon's honeydew dialogue and purple prose proved too much for my pallet.
   To be fair, book two does pack its fair share of action, introduces a new cast of characters, and moves the landscape from the rugged highlands of Scotland to the metropolitan high life in Paris. But in spite of all this, the benefits of the story can not overcome the pitfalls of the writing. For example, after a scene where Clare and Jamie barely escape a life threatening situation by the skin of their teeth, Clare turns to Jamie and exclaims "Oh Jamie! I just want to make love to you!"
   What?! That doesn't even make sense! You are almost killed, you've just gotten home, it is made expressly clear that you feel like hell and you want to make love? I mean maybe "Oh Jamie, open that whiskey I need to get drunk" or "Oh Jamie, let's call a therapist!" but not "let's make love". That's just ridiculous.
   The other issue I have is with Gabaldon's apparent obsession with adverbs. There is not a SINGLE action that takes place without some descriptive word preceding it: "he handsomely ran across a field", "she tremblingly touched his glistening chest". OH MY GOD.
   Will I continue with the rest of the series? Yes, because I've already bought the books. Will I enjoy them? Not likely.



2. What can I say? Plots, twists, unexpected turns, and an ending that demanded I begin the next book IMMEDIATELY!



3. I mistakenly used my friend's physical address for the shipment. She has no mail box. The post office returned the book to the shipper.
   They refunded all my money, no questions, no finger pointing, no concern about who's fault it is. (clearly mine)
   
   Great company ethics



4. Dragonfly in Amber is the second book in the Outlander series. It's now 1968 and Claire returns to Scotland with her daughter, Brianna. This is Claire's first trip back to Scotland since her and her husband Frank visited 22 years earlier. Frank just passed away and Claire wants to learn what happened to Jamie Fraser, whom she married on her journey into the 18th century. Claire hopes Brianna will believe her story about who her real father is. The majority of the book consists of the second half of Claire and Jamie's adventures in the 18th century. After escaping a death, they flee to Paris, where they secretly work to foiling Bonnie Prince Charlie's plot to regain the Scottish throne.
   
   I was concerned how Gabaldon would retain the Outlander plot in the second book without becoming cheesy. In Dragonfly in Amber Diana Gabaldon was able to preserve the travel between the 1900's and the 1700's without awkward story transitions. I enjoyed the character development in Dragonfly in Amber and I'm looking forward to Voyager, the third book in the series.



5. Oh gosh, it is almost embarrassing to admit this, but I actually CRIED when I read this book! Real tears! Not just oh my gosh I am so sad, but actually felt the heart ache and shed the tears. Man, Diana is good! I love this series. I do agree with some of the other posts though that the author could leave out some of the immense details. I love details, but she goes off on bunny trails sometimes that really get me sleepy and anxious for her to continue the story. It actually somewhat reminds me of Dean Koontz style of writing. But dont let any of that lead you astray! Her books are fantastic, and will leave you wanting for more. I cant wait to read Voyager!

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. We are into the second book, on disc 3 and suddenly its skipping, not being recognized by 3 different CD players. It really sucks that this format, so wonderful for those of us sight impaired, isn't able to be played. I tried disc 4 of the same book and it isn't playing either.
   
   We love Nora Roberts, I've had these books in paperback but my husband is legally blind and we ordered these so he could "read" the stories too.



2. I enjoy Nora Roberts audio trilogy's. This is one of my fav's along with Morgan's cross, and the Key trilogy. I have listened to these and the Quinn's over and over while I drive back and forth to work. I have even bought additonal copies of her audio book trilogies to give to family and friend. THe only set I didn't enjoy was the blood brothers, because the reader was horrible.



3. This is a very good series. Interesting, compelling and well written.
   Recommend to any age group.



4. I love Nora Roberts. This series is great. I do not have time to read a book, but the audio books go anywhere and can be read anytime.



5. I am a fan of this trilogy, and I am a re-reader of favorites. I first read these books years ago when they first came out, then had them on cassette, and now CD. A bit extreme to keep re-buying, but on a long car ride or during a day of cooking in the kitchen I enjoy the familiar tales. The reading and acting itself is pleasant enough to be relaxing yet energetic enough to keep me engaged. I tend to rotate through a library of books on CD, and I come back to this trilogy often. I recommend it to Nora Roberts fans or anyone who likes this genre of witchy romance.

5 comments about The Time Traveler's Wife: Unabridged Edition.

1. Started reading and on day two I am already at 387 pages. CAN'T put it DOWN... I was a little confused by the time changes at the beginning and who exactly was in what time and place.I would have to go back and look at the chapter header again to see the date and the characters ages and when I thought I finally had it clear, the author threw another curve ball-can you be in two places at once?. She does explain rather quickly the particulars of what I wasn't getting though. I still have some more unanswered questions like if Henry is existing in the present while moving through time in the future will the two ever converge and the trip be over? I guess I will see........



2. While I enjoyed the idea(s) behind this book, I certainly did not appreciate reading the poor and questionable language found on many of it's pages. This book was so offensive that I stopped reading it after the first 5 chapters and threw it away. I can not imagine anyone I respect liking this book. I would NEVER recommend it.



3. I did not like this book. I have read books before where I didn't like the main character, but I found the two main characters unbearable. What kind of person sleeps with her best friend's husband and doesn't give it a second thought? A good writer would've given me something to like about these characters, some way that I could relate to them or understand their decisions. Nothing. I never felt that the characters were fully developed. It was an interesting idea, but the characters were way too flat and one-dimensional. It didn't seem realistic at all (and not even because of the time traveling aspect).



4. I don't often say that a movie is better than a book, but I will for this one. If you are a Christian and trying to protect your mind from smut then don't read this book. I read for a 1/2 hour and was offended enough times to finally decide to quit reading it. It contains smut, swearing and immorality. The book is also poorly written. Once again, I'm disappointed with modern authors. I'll stick with the classics.



5. I watched my daughter sleeping the other night. I wished I could stop time. I wished I could stay there forever.
   
   My melancholy mood has a name, and it is "The Time Traveler's Wife". Like most novels that claim to be about one thing, it is really about its opposite--here, escaping the bonds of time throws our prison bars into greater relief. The love story at its center is both mundane and profoundly moving. I can't point to any special insight, any masterful display of wordplay, but for days after I wanted to reach out, to cling to my family, to stretch each moment into eternity.
   
   Audrey Niffenegger's novel is about love, but it is also about loss. Clare, the wife in question, is married to Henry, who is sort of an epileptic with a twist--instead of seizures, his fits send his body hurtling randomly backwards or forwards in time. He takes nothing with him; he arrives naked and disoriented, and each time must first set about finding clothing, shelter and food, putting him in mortal danger. Clare must sit and wait, and hope that he will eventually return to her.
   
   The great thing about time travel is it submits docilely to whatever interpretation you care to impose. Pick your metaphor. Relationship woes or dealing with illness and disease are the obvious ones here. Fate and free will are equally plausible. The fleeting nature of time. Life's randomness and unfairness. I suspect it is this malleability of meaning that has made this such a popular book.
   
   Ms Niffenegger concentrates on the story and allows you to scribble whatever meaning you like onto her canvas. What did come through strongly for me was her belief in the power of art to transcend the limits of time. Henry is the son of a violinist and an opera singer. He bonds with teenagers over punk rock music made before they were born. Clare's mother writes poetry, her sister is cellist, she herself is a sculptor. Clare's mother, uncommunicative in life, speaks to her daughter through her poems. Henry's mother lives on in recordings of her performances. Towards the end of the novel, Clare creates a self-portrait, then "I (Clare) place my finger on her forehead, and say, "Vanish", but it is she who will stay; I am the one who is vanishing." Art, in other words, outlives its creator.
   
   It is a moving book, but not especially movingly written. The power comes from the story's conception rather than execution. Henry and Clare are almost too perfect, too pure in their love. I was reminded somewhat of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (the filmic version; I must confess to never having read the original story), in that the remarkable character at the center doesn't do anything especially remarkable with his life.
   
   The only sour note for me was the priviledged backgrounds Ms Niffenegger gives both Henry and Clare. Henry's parents are world-famous, Clare's are fabulously wealthy. While partially this is a plot point--the garden of Clare's house becomes their secret rendezvous--it somewhat blunts the pathos. Consider 23-year-old Ann in "My Life Without Me", struggling to protect her unemployed husband and two infant children from the fact that she is dying of cancer. That gets my sympathy. Being born into immense wealth, staying wealthy because your husband knows all the lottery numbers, but frustrated because he's not always around? Ho-hum.
   
   I know, I know. I'm a stone. The trick is despite the so-so love story, there's enough that lingers with you long enough to get you watching your loved ones at night.

5 comments about Echo in the Bone (The Outlander series).

1. Ugh! I feel very aggravated. I liked the book, I love the characters, and I love Diana Gabaldon. However, the ending of this book is enough to make you grit your teeth. There were just WAY too many story lines in motion when the book just abruptly ended. It makes me happy that there will obviously be another book in the series (I hope), but I really don't want to wait five years for it. Overall, I liked the book but can't help feeling disappointed by the ending. I will still be ordering the next book as soon as humanly possible though. Hurry up Diana!



2. Other reviewers have said it better than I am able, so I won't reiterate their glowing reviews of the failings of this sadly improbable - and hopefully last - installment. As with other recently popular authors, Charlaine Harris in particular, it seems as if the author was rushed to meet a deadline without really having a complete story in mind, just random meanderings on many different fronts. Where is the editor for this mess???
   
   So, sadly, this series has come to an inglorious and inadequate bunch of tripe. It is quite obvious by now that Gabaldon is only in it for the money and does not want to be sued by not fulfilling her contract(s.) The Lord John series makes this abundantly clear.
   
   BTW, has anyone noticed that Gabaldon has taken down her website???? Probably too many personal attacks on her failing ability to write cohesively.



3. Really enjoyed all the books but far too long and boring. Have to skim read to get through them as not interesting enough to read every word. Most of the time I'm thinking - who cares, what's that to do with the story. Poor old Roger - what a disappointing character and the best thing - his voice - she took away from him. Can't imagine what her editor is doing not cutting it back - half the size would be good. Written equivalent of 'the runs'. Agree with all the other comments re Lord John - boring character and certainly won't be reading those books. Jamie was too good to be true and found myself actually being irritated by him at times - strange.



4. An Echo in the Bone is the seventh book in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, which centers around Claire and Jamie Fraser. Set partly at the opening of the American Revolution and partly in Scotland in 1980, "Echo" is a sprawling tale. It has four major plot lines: Jamie and Claire (and Ian), Brianna and Roger, John, and William. All of the characters we've come to love over the years are accounted for (including Rollo the dog), and the book is overall very satisfying. It did leave me wanting more--as it's not the end of the series, there is quite obviously more story to be told. Frustratingly, I'll have to wait for several more years to read the next installment. Books this big do not get written in a month! My main quibble is that the book ends with a cliffhanger for each plot line. It seemed more like the first part of a book (despite its length) rather than a novel in its entirety. While Gabaldon expects to write additional books to wrap up the series (she has promised that "Echo" is not the last), leaving the story lines dangling made me feel like I hadn't finished. There was no denouement to satisfy the reader's need for closure at the end of the story, so I finished the book frustrated instead of content.
   
   Plot line one starts with Jamie, Claire, Ian and Rollo preparing to leave Frasier's Ridge, both to escape the danger inherent in staying and to go to Scotland to retrieve Jamie's printing press. At the end of A Breath of Snow and Ashes, the little world of the Ridge is in turmoil; the big house has burned down, two residents have been killed, and the Bugs have made off with a fortune in gold. Echo begins here. Jamie and Ian uncover the location of the treasure, but accidentally kill Mrs. Bug in the process of retrieving it. This sets Mr. Bug on a mission of revenge that will chase Ian through the rest of the book.
   
   Despite my complaints, Echo has all the elements of Gabaldon that I've come to love--the historical facts interwoven in the fictional plot line, the fully-fleshed characters (who seem like real people to me), the details of scenery, action, and day-to-day minutiae of life in the 1700s in the Colonies, and the cameos of real people (in Echo, we get to meet Ben Franklin and Benedict Arnold, among interesting folks). I did occasionally get frustrated with the multiple stories as I was reading--I would have enjoyed being able to read each plot line straight through. However, by the end of the book, it was clear why so many complicated stories were told within the covers of one book. They really do meld; you just have to be patient and get to the end. And then be patient for the next few years while she writes the next book to tie up the ends she left loose. On reflecting, the lack of denouement emphasizes the story's themes and the characters' struggles; we leave them in the midst of a time of great turmoil in the world--how else could Gabaldon leave the reader other than in turmoil at the anticipation of what's to come next in the series?
   
   All in all, An Echo in the Bone was worth reading. I did have to push myself sometimes, and it did take me a couple of weeks to read, but by the time I finished, I was glad that I had. I will clearly have to go back and reread it in a few weeks; at 800 pages, it's not a book I can digest in one reading. For those who, like me, sometimes enjoy a book as meaty as this, "Echo" is a pleasure to read. For those who, like me, are used to waiting for the next book in an exciting series (Harry Potter, anyone? Eragon?), you'll understand my impatience on reaching the end of the book. And perhaps you'll join me.
   
   Please note, Gabaldon has explicitly said that this is NOT the last book in the series, so while the cliffhanger endings are frustrating, we will have our questions answered in a few years.
   
   See all of my reviews at [...]



5. Having read the previous books, I bought this with high hopes of a continuation of the story. It did continue with about four or five different story lines. Right now I'm on page 550 and it's like pulling teeth trying to read it. The previous books only took me about five to seven days to read. I've been trying to read this one for two months. I can only stand three or four pages before I fall asleep and I've read six books in between. I'm very disappointed in the story lines. If you are a true fan and have to read this book, good luck.

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

1. So, so disappointing. Half this book dealt with all the details and problems that go into wedding planning. The other half dealt with a shallow, predictable romance that never contained anything that moved me. A total waste of my time; at least I checked this out at the library so I didn't waste my money.



2. VISION IN WHITE
   NORA ROBERTS
   Contemporary Romance
   
   Rating: 4 Enchantments
   
   Mackenzie "Mac" Elliot is the wedding photographer for `Vows', the wedding planning business she runs with her three lifelong best friends. She isn't looking for a relationship at all, in fact, that's probably the last thing on Earth she wants--until she encounters Carter Maguire, the new teacher at her old high school and the brother of one of their clients.
   
   Carter Maguire had a crush on the free spirited Mac in high school and never did anything about it. Now that they've reconnected thanks to his younger sister's wedding, he's not going to let that happen again. Recently out of a bad relationship, Carter's a little unsure in the dating department and gets help from his co-worker and friend, Bob, who isn't the best advice giver in the world. But Carter gets past the bad advice and falls--hard--for the unconventional photographer.
   
   VISION IN WHITE is a great kick-off to Ms. Roberts' new series. I loved Mac, she's a very strong willed character, except when her mother's involved and that's where the trouble begins. Thanks to her oft married mother, Mac has a skewed view of relationships and panics when she realizes things between her and Carter may be getting more serious than what she's comfortable with. At times, I wasn't sure of Carter. I liked him well enough, and he loves Mac, but his uneasiness with how to act and date and basically woo her did get a little tedious at times, but the chemistry between the two characters is unmistakable. There are some truly great scenes in the book. One of my favorites is the meet scene between Mac and Carter, where he bops his head against the wall and she tends to him. Not to spoil it, but it's a really funny and memorable scene with some great dialogue.
   
   Ms. Roberts lays the groundwork in VISION IN WHITE for what should be a great series. I love the backdrop of the four women running a `Vows' the wedding planning company. All four women are equally strong characters and there's already some hint of the possible men in their lives with some of the supporting cast in this book. I look forward to the second book, `Bed Of Roses', due to be released October 2009.
   
   Nora Roberts is the author of 160 New York Times best sellers, including 23 written as J.D. Robb and one written together with J.D. Robb. Visit her online at [...]
   
   Lisa
   Enchanting Reviews
   August 2009



3. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read several Nora Roberts books and none of them even come close to this one. The story, as is all of Roberts books, is about a single character finding a surprising love and trying to deal with family and friends. The new aspect that caught me off guard was how well Roberts wrote in the wedding business. I am a huge sucker for weddings so this series is going to be one of my absolute favorites! I am so glad that this one is a quartet!



4. This book was more entertainment than a learning item. It was okay. The delivery process was awful!! It took 15 days after purchase to receive it. I had ordered another item from you which I received in 3 days. I would never recommend marketplace to anyone at all.



5. You know how most romance novels are about a man who know what he wants and goes for it? He wants that woman so he goes after her? This story is like that but with a hero who has to find his footing first. Carter has loved Mac since high school and because of that she makes him nervous, happy, excited, and tongue-tied all at the same time. And I believe that's how love is supposed to be. A man who makes an idiot out of himself when trying to impress me is more endearing than one who's overly confidant and cocky. This love story is so sweet. I smiled through out the whole book and couldn't put it down all day. If you are looking for a great romance free of explosions, guns, and creepy bad guys but still filled with humor, excitment, and anticipation then this story is perfect for you!

5 comments about Outlander.

1. In the Outlander by Diana Galbaldon, we first meet Claire Beauchamp Randall while she is on her second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands with her husband, Frank. It is 1945, and after being separated during the war, while Claire worked as a combat nurse and Frank as a soldier, they both decided that this is a well-deserved vacation to renew their relationship. Frank is most interested in continuing his research on his relative, Captain John "Black Jack" Randall and Claire, a little bored decide to learn more about the medicinal value of the area plants. One day during an outing Claire touches a boulder and is transported back to 1743 and lands in the middle of a skirmish between English soldiers, let by none other than Black Jack, and a Scottish Highland tribe. What are they to think when they come upon Claire in what they consider a state of undress for their times? Is she a spy for the English, a bar maid, or a French lady who is separated from her group? Will Claire be able to return to 1945 and Frank, or will she want to stay in 1743, with a new husband, the dashing Jamie Frasier?
   
   This book has been categorized as historical fiction, historical romance, military history, and an adventure tale. While I found the story full of history, battle details, sex, violence, betrayal, loyalty, love, revenge, tradition, and romance, none of these elements held my interest in the story. The story went on a little too long and became repetitive in parts. We learn early on that Captain Randall is out to get Jaime Frasier at any cost, but the story seemed to repeat the same capture and escape scene several times too many. Claire has her moments to shine in the story, but came up short on more than one occasion. There were some nice touches in the story, such as when Claire figures that a vaccination mark on another women means that she is also a time traveler. Jaime falling in love with Claire was touching but these highs were too few and far between for me.
   
   This is a book series that has a large following, so for me this book illustrates the saying, every book is not for everybody but every book is for someone.
   
   This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.
   
   Reviewed by Beverly
   APOOO BookClub



2. There are many more salient criticisms of this book here, but this is what I have to say...
   
   First, some praise - this a good story concept, and the book is extremely well written. The author really knows how to turn a phrase, and is quite clever and eloquent in her descriptions, dialog, and humor. She proves herself extremely witty time and time again.
   
   However, there are many problems with this book. There are one or two minor plot inconsistencies (small problems in contrast to the rest of my complaints), but at approximately 850 pages, the book really is too long. There are very long stretches of the book that could either be edited out completely or reduced to a few pages, or even to a few short paragraphs, without any detriment to either plot or character development. While the good writing sustains much of the unnecessary length, this book could have been a much better read at 400 or 500 pages.
   
   Warning - Spoiler Alert!!!
   
   
   My biggest problems with this book, however, are the two main characters, Jamie and Claire, and their relationship. Let's begin with Jamie.
   
   Jamie Fraser is the perfect romance-novel paramour to the point of ridiculousness. It's clear in the beginning of the book that Claire is being set up to be attracted to Jamie (and this is in fact a great tension builder at first), but as one works through the procession of scenes designed to illustrate Jamie's attractiveness and perfection (a veritable avalanche of them) one by one, and with each one yet another one of Jamie's of positive traits is displayed, ultimately one is forced to either groan, giggle, or ruefully shake one's head. The author does attempt to give Jamie a flaw or two - but these are vastly overshadowed by his multitude of virtues. Though he is likable, Jamie Fraser is a two-dimensional fantasy book hero of the sort which inspires little beyond boredom and yawns.
   
   On to Claire: As a reader, I tried to sympathize with Claire's position... after all, her journey through time and the forceful separation from her life and home and husband were not her doing. She was put into a very tough position... this was not something that she asked for... it happened to her... she is a situational victim here. And there is a lot to like in Claire: she's intelligent, eloquent, assertive, and has a quick sense of humor. Certainly, these are things that I myself like and look for in a woman.
   However, the book jacket states that Claire "...becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire..." This proves to be an outright falsehood as fidelity is rather quickly tossed out the window in favor of desire with little ceremony or regret. She glibly, blithely allows her affections to transfer from Frank (whom she loves deeply - or so we are led to believe) to Jamie. To this reader, Claire seems, fickle, inconstant, and emotionally unaware of herself in a way that borders on stupidity. But since we have been shown that Claire isn't stupid, her actions therefore invite us to mix wanton callousness and mercenary insensitivity into the matrix of her personality. To me, this makes her not only unsympathetic, but patently unlikeable in a way that's one of the worst stereotypical portrayals of fickle women who use men while they're convenient, and abruptly dump them when a better beau comes along. All these traits, combined with the beating of Claire by Jamie, I think, would have resulted in the book being labeled as misogynist if it had been written by a man instead of a woman.
   
   Women seem to love this book. As a male, I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's the storybook romance element, but for me this leaves much to be desired. After all, the moral of this story seems to be: 'it's okay to betray the one you love when something better comes along.' Would those very same women who love this book put up with being treated the same way as Frank was treated if the tables were turned?
   
   I have been exhorted me to overlook Claire's shortcomings and focus on the beauty and intense physicality of her relationship with Jamie. I must admit that I was unable to do this, since I did not care for the relationship, which frankly, I found to be distasteful (which is something I blame on Claire, not Jamie). Because of this, I glossed over most of the book's many sex scenes, only going back if it later became clear that I had missed a piece of crucial dialog.
   
   Similarly, I found the book's climax to be an anticlimax. The final 150 pages or so are devoted to the efforts of Claire and Jamie attempting to heal their relationship after the damage inflicted on it (and Jamie) by the antagonist. Again, since I was not interested in their relationship, the book could have ended 150 pages early as far as I was concerned. Did I bear either of the characters ill will? Of course not. Did I want them to have a happy ending if at all possible? Certainly. But did I really care that much either way? Not really.
   
   And in regards to the romance element and for the many female fans of Jamie Fraser out there, my advice is this: women who are searching for the ultimate man in the form of a Jamie Fraser should stop talking to men, collect lots of cats, resign themselves to living alone, and bury themselves in the other books of Ms. Gabaldon's series. I'm sorry ladies, and it really is a shame, but Jamie Fraser is nowhere out there in the real world.



3. This book is fantastic! I was looking for a good series to read and someone recommended this book to me. The first chapter or so was a little hard to get into, but once it really started I couldn't wait to see what happened next! I bought the next book right away. This is an awesome series.



4. Book came in the exact same condition as advertised. Very good condition for the age of the book. Will certainly buy from the vendor again and will recommend them to all buyers.



5. I thought this would be more fantasy/time-travel and not so much historical fiction, but was not disappointed in the least to find that the historical aspect far outweighs the time-travel. Eighteenth-century Scotland in all its beauty and ugliness. Wow. Claire is a young married woman in the 1940s, who suddenly finds herself falling into the past through an ancient henge in Scotland. She lands in 1752 Clan-dominated Scotland, in the middle of the clans' uprising against the British. Her first encounter is a nasty one with a man who turns out to be her husband's ancestor, glorified in the 1900s but not such a nice guy in real life. Her rescuers, a rough, tough, band from the MacKenzie clan, include one Jamie Frasier, a heart-throb of a man in any century. Of course Claire and Jamie fall in love, and have a lot of great sex, and Claire is torn emotionally by her passion for Jamie and her feelings of affection and duty to Frank, her husband in 1942. Eventually she is forced to choose when presented with the opportunity to return to her own time through the henge time-portal. Her decision is not surprising, but I will not spoil it here. I am looking forward to the second novel of the series, although I cannot imagine where the story can go from here.

5 comments about Fantasy in Death.

1. J. D. Robb has done it. Great mystery staged in 2060. Eve Dallas and her husband, Roark interacting with her NYPD team to solve this murder mystery. Best one yet in the series.



2. I have been reading JD Robb books for several years now. Each and every one of them has been excellent and better than the one before.



3. The very first book in this series had some plot weaknesses but well defined characters and an interesting World. I've read all the rest since then and I've become a fan. This book, unfortunately, is the weakest since the very first. I find it strange that J. D. Robb, in her alter ego as Nora Roberts is one of the World's most highly read romance authors, because relationships, frankly (at least in this book) are not her strong point. The dialogue is witty and dead on, except when her characters talk of their emotions, when it becomes sappy, over-wrought and generally unbelievable. Roarke and Eve's frequent, passionate declarations of love make me wince, and their several obligatory sex scenes were boring. In addition, the plot in this one depends upon a deus ex machina device that was predictable early on but not at all believable. I get the feeling that the author was working on a deadline and rushed this one through. Let's hope that she works a little harder on the next one.



4. I enjoy this series of books that JD Robb writes and look forward to the next one that will be issued.



5. I love J.D. Robb's books for the most part. But every now and again she writes a real dud and this was one of those times. It was boring, the murder merely rehashed over and over. And never mind having to suspend belief ~ no matter how hard I tried to swallow the fuzzy explanation for what had happened I just couldn't do it. And Eve as an electronics whiz? I don't think so. Read it if you must, but don't pay hardcover.