Nicholas Sparks - LaVyrle Spencer
Sparks, Nicholas - NOTEBOOK, THE (Warner - 1996) (4)
A poignant story about love and steadfast devotion, written from the male point of view. THE NOTEBOOK centers around the hero's diaries, which span a lifetime of tears, joy, and personal transition. A definite three-hankie read if you can get past the laggard beginning. ~June F. (bookbug@oocities.com)
Spencer, LaVyrle - FULFILLMENT, THE
(Avon - Reissue 1999; Originally published in 1979) (5)
When Jonathan and Aaron's parents died, they willed their home
to Aaron and their land to Jonathan. The brothers worked the farm together until Jonathan married Mary, at which time Aaron moved to the city to afford the newlyweds some privacy. A year later, at their request, Aaron returns home and they all live in the same house together while working the farm.
Jonathan is a taciturn man who loves the land. He fulfills his dream of owning a black angus in order to raise a small herd, and the bull becomes his friend and confidante. Aaron, on the other hand, is a more lighthearted soul who loves his family and enjoys his friends. Jonathan is upset when he discovers he cannot father a child due to a case of childhood mumps, but he has a brainstorm and asks his brother to father a child for him with Mary. Aaron is chagrined and angry, while Mary is very hurt that he would request such a thing from her. Aaron and Mary had been the best of friends and were never self-conscious around each other; but now that has all changed, even though they have no intention of acting upon Jonathan's suggestion. But good intentions are no match for the passion that begins to flare between them.
With LaVyrle Spencer's usual heartfelt writing, she weaves a fascinating tale about three people who love each other and make sacrifices for each other's happiness. I loved every word of THE FULFILLMENT. The characters are so believable that it feels as if the author really lived the story and chose to take the readers along for the ride. And what a terrific ride it is! LaVyrle Spencer's novels always raise my spirits and are very difficult to put down. Even though she has retired from writing, she has left a wonderful legacy of books that will be read and reread for years to come. ~Marilyn Heyman for Bookbug on the Web
Spencer, LaVyrle - SWEET MEMORIES (Mira - Reissue 1995) (4)
A book to be read by any woman who feels that her body is less than perfect. Heroine Theresa has been embarrassed since her early teens by her breasts. Ridiculed and laughed at by her peers she turns to wearing baggy clothes, hunching her shoulders, and denying herself so many of the activities young women long to take part in. One Christmas she meets her brother's Air Force buddy, Brian. Although he is two years her junior, he is mature for his years. What develops is a poignant love story between a compassionate, caring and sensitive hero and a charming young woman coming into full flower. ~Gail (bookbabe@javanet.com)
Spencer, LaVyrle - THEN CAME HEAVEN (Putnam Hardcover - 1997) (5)
This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever had the privilege to read. When I first heard the news that LaVyrle Spencer was retiring, I wasn't overly disappointed because several of her later books have fallen flat for me. Now I'm suddenly struck by the sadness of never being able to read a new book by this author again. If any of you are having second thoughts about buying this book, don't.
The setting is 1950 in a small Polish community in Browerville, Minnesota (Spencer's hometown). Perhaps it's her familiarity with the setting that makes this book come alive. The book opens as the town is stunned by the death of a young wife and mother, Krystyna. No one is more grief-stricken than her husband, Eddie, who is the janitor and bellringer for the local Catholic church and school. Their two daughters, Anne and Lucy, are third and fourth-grade students of Sister Regina. Sister Regina has been questioning her vows, and now that she is prevented from comforting the girls, she questions them even more. As the book progresses, Sister Regina and Eddie begin to have feelings for each other, but they are frustrated by not being able to act on these feelings. I'm hesitant to reveal more for fear of spoiling this very wonderful, touching story. Please do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this book! ~Maudeen W. (maudeenw@aol.com)
Spencer, LaVyrle - VOWS (Jove - Reissue 1996) (4+)
Deeply emotional, like most of her books. The heroine faces a passionless (almost loveless) marriage with her longtime friend, but she is deeply in love with someone else. Parallel to this, she realizes her parents had faced the same situation 22 years before and had opted for the loveless marriage. The parents recognize themselves in their daughter, and the heroine examines what kind of life she will have if she makes the same choice. Great read. ~Sylvie (s_pepos@videotron.ca)
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