NORA ROBERTS

Potpourri of Reviews

|| The Playboy Prince || Public Secrets || Sea Swept || True Betrayals || Sanctuary || Montana Sky || Honest Illusions - Isolde || Honest Illusions - Pam || The Last Honest Woman || Tonight and Always || Divine Evil || Montana Sky

Last review added 12/30/98

Prince Bennett of Cordina is called the Playboy Prince. Because his older brother Alexander will one time be the successor to throne he can live also for is pleasure not only for his duty. Normally he wouldn't look twice at Lady Hannah Rotchild because she looks very boring, but there is something special about her.

A dangerous terrorist will be discharged out of jail within the next few days. Deboque was not only the kidnapper of Bennets sister he also wants the death of Bennetts father. This is the reason why a british agent was bought into Deboques organization to prevent a new assassination on the family. Now Hannah, the agent, is in the castle of the Cordina family to have convicted Deboque. It's a good disguise that she is the boring looking friend of Princess Eve, the woman of the Prince Alexander.

But Bennett gives her a lot of trouble. He is not detered by her appearance, no, he is definitley interested in her. How should Hannah do her job when she is in love with Bennett? And what will he do if he finds out the truth about her?

A good story which I really liked because I have a faible for heroines who work for a secret service.

"Public Secrets" is a very complex and intense story involving the life of Emma McAvoy. Emma was born the illegitimate daughter of pop music's rising star, Brian McAvoy. It wasn't until she was three before she finally met the man who was to be the cause of a huge change in her life. Emma's mam, Jane, has abused Emma from the get-go. Then attempting to stop Jane's threats, Brian makes an appearance into Emma's life. Seeing a frightened little girl with a lot of pain in her eyes, he makes a deal with Jane. He exchanges money for the custody of Emma.

Emma finds herself thrust into a life with a new mom, a dad, and a group of guys who are more or less substitue dads - Johnno, Stevie, P.M. and their manager Pete. Different as they all are, with time she feels safe for the first time in her life.

The story continues on through all the perils of Emma's life, one of the worst being the death of her baby brother, Darren. Suspecting a botched kidnapping, the police investigate from every angle, but to no avail. Her step-mother, Bev, is unable to handle the death of her son and thus, her marriage falls apart.

Brian can't handle Bev's rejection and leaves with Emma. She soon finds herself swept off to attend a Catholic school and Bev is no longer a part of her life. In her place are two, very large, bodyguards who are with her constantly over the years, protecting her from possible harm. Her father is afraid for her to ever be alone.

As an adult, the memories of the night her brother died still haunt her. Added to that is a husband who keeps the nightmare going with abuse and taunts.

With all the strength she can pull together, Emma gets herself out of a terrible mess with a husband she could never love. I felt compassion for this beautiful young woman who has suffered so much over the years in several different ways. I wanted desperately for her to finally find happiness.

As I've mentioned before this story is very complex. To give a full synopsis would still entail pages of background as the story starts when she is only three and goes until she is in her mid-twenties. It is not a typical "romance" so-to-speak. This story falls more into line a story of intrigue and mystery. Definitely a worthwhile read, but not a quick read.

Absolutely captivating, deeply sensous, and strong (blatantly) characters. I loved this story and couldn't put it down. (I had to make myself in order to get some sleep.) I can't wait to pick up the next stories in the series as they become available. Maybe they already are!

Cameron, Philip, and Ethan are the adopted children of Ray and Stella Quinn. Each boy was and had been in his share of trouble, but with the love and devotion of two wonderful parents each strived to turn their life around and become something besides another bum on the streets.

"Sea Swept" is the story about Cameron Quinn. It is initiated with Ray having had an auto accident. Not expected to survive, all three Quinn men come home. Upon his death, they make a promise to care for a young boy - Seth - the most recent "stray" taken in by Ray. The rumors are flying and all three men are determined to full-fill that last promise they made to their father.

A social worker, Anna Spinelli, comes on the scene to determine what is the best for Seth. The flames are flying from Anna to Cameron almost immediately.....

This was a superb story, definitely a Nora Roberts hit. I loved the arguing and bickering going on between the "men" and how Anna handles them all including falling in love with young Seth - a little tough guy whose as much afraid to love as be loved. The love that shines from Cameron to Seth also gave me a feeling of warmness all over....

Contemporary

Due to a lack of time I have "stolen" the excerpt off the back cover as my write up this time.

"New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts presents her most thrilling novel to date -- a story of family secrets and unexpected passions, set against the high-stakes background of championship Thoroughbred racing.

"Kelsey Byden always believed that her mother was dead. But now, after all this time, she has discovered the truth: Naomi Chadwick is still alive -- after spending years in prison for the murder of her lover. Now, at Naomi's Virginia horse farm, Kelsey is trying to sort out a lifetime of deception -- and her feelings about her mother. The bonds of love can be fragile...as Kelsey learned from her recently ended marriage. But as the two women rebuild their relationship -- and Kelsey finds herself swept into an unsettling new romance -- she must decide once and for all who she can trust, and who threatens to betray her....

This was a wonderful mystery/romance. I am a fan of Nora Roberts and this book was definitely no disappointment to me. Give it a try, if you like her novels, then you'll enjoy this one as well.

Contemporary

First, she thinks an unknown photographer tries to get her attention. Finally, Jo Ellen Hathaway is a brilliant photographer who works on her first book. But, the envelopes with the photos never come in the mail. In the beginning somebody sends her pictures from her eyes and then from her in all situations from life. It looks like sombody pursues her. Then in one envelope is a photo of a naked dead woman and Jo Ellen has a nervous breakdown when she sees it because the woman is unequivocally her mother who vanished twenty years before.

After her dismissal from the hospital Jo returns to her real home, Sanctuary, the house of the Lost Desire Isle on the coast of Georgia. Here still lives her father, her brother Brian and her sister Alexa. They have made from the estate a successful boarding house. Jo wants to relax and forget her past because the disappearance of her mother leaves deep mental wounds.

Also others use this summer to overcome their past. Jo Ellen meets on the Isle Nathan Delaney a man who was on vacations with his family here, twenty years ago.

All members of the Hathaway family go their own ways. Brian takes care of Sanctuary and he is a fantastic cook for his guests. Lexy had tried to find her luck as an actress in New York but it didn't work so she has come back. And Sam, the father, was never the same after the disappearance of his wife.

The quiet is deceptive because the unknown man has followed Jo Ellen. When she thinks she has again control over her life, she has reconciled with her siblings and discovered feelings for Nathan she gets another envelope with photos. And two women are missing on the isle. Did they also leave their families and friends like all think Jo Ellens mother did? Or is there more?

Nathan knows a dark and awfull secret. What will happen when he tells what he knows?

Again, Nora Roberts wrote an exciting story which will get under your skin . So don't be surprised when you start to nibble on your fingernails while reading the book.

Rated 4.5
Copyright 1996
Reviewed 1/25/98 by Isolde Wehr

Contemporary

One year in Montana, this is the message in Jack Mercys will. Willa, Tess, and Lily are his daughters who are forced to stay together for one year on his ranch.

Willa is the only who ever had known their father because her mother died then she was a child and so she grew up there. She knows the workers, the animals and she looks after everything. Tess and Lily never meet their father because he divorced their mothers when he doesn't have a son from them. The women don't know each other.

Now their father's will forces them to stay together for one year on the ranch or they will loose it forever. After initial problems the three woman find a way to understand each other. Willa is only interested in her work; Tess is a beauty from Hollywood who finds life in the country terrible and Lily an easily intimidated woman who flees for her brutal ex-husband.

Actually this year could be so idyllic for them because it looks like fate put the right men for Willa, Tess and Lily here in Montana. But there also takes place cruel murders. First the bulls in the meadows get killed and then animals are not enough anymore for the murderer so he then begins to kill humans. Why does it only happen on the Mercy ranch? And who is the culprit?

Also this time the name Nora Roberts guarantees us a story full of suspense and a lot of joy while reading.

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Honest Illusions

Rated 5.0
Copyright 1992
Reviewed 10/7/97 by Isolde Wehr

Contemporary

Nora Roberts writes wonderful stories and "Honest Illusions" is exceptionally good. Her characters are so vivid - they are looking for love or trying to resolve their problems, like we do that.

Max Nouvelle is a great magician and also a jewel thief. He lives for his profession, for his family Roxanne his daughter and Lily his wife and for his friends. One evening he picks up a neglected 12 year old boy, Luke Callahan, who has run away from home because his stepfather beat him. Max allows Luke into the family and teaches him all that he knows. How he can impress the people with illusions - as a magician and as a thief.

Between Roxanne and Luke exists a rivalry from the beginning. Luke learns his first trick from Roxy and he tries every time to be better than her.

When they become older, there is a strong sexual power of attraction between both, but they don't want to confess that. Luke is, in the beginning, a wounded boy and he becomes a strong and self-assured and very good looking man. And Roxy, independent and strong-willed, grows into a beautiful young woman.

One day, when they are giving a performance on a ship, they except that their feelings for each other can't stop and it becomes a wonderful time for them -- if there won't be Sam Wyatt. Sam hates Luke and outwits him. Now Luke has to leave Roxy if he will protect her and her families life.

But now, five years later Luke is back and the time for his revenge is coming. Together with his great love Roxy he will overcome the shadows from his past forever.

Nora Roberts let us grow up with Roxy and Luke. We feel their despair and their happiness. Also the secondary characters are warm and indispensable for the story.

I LOVE THIS BOOK. It is so well written, I am sure even non-romance fans wouldn't be able to put it out of their hands. I hoped that it would never end.

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Rated 5.0
ISBN#0-515-11097-3
Copyright 1992
Reviewed 10/8/97 by Pam

Contemporary

Sensational is the story of Roxy Nouvelle. "Honest Illusions" is one of the best Nora Roberts stories yet, of the ones that I've read. After glancing over the back cover and seeing that the heroine was a magician, I couldn't pass it up. It intrigued me from the start.

The story begins with the return of Luke Callahan who had been missing for five years. Roxy Nouvelle wastes to time in letting him know how angry she is with him -- lets say, Roxy could hold her own in a, ah, street fight!

Instant flashback to when Roxy is a little girl. Her father takes in an orphaned teenage boy named Luke Callahan, who if I remember correctly, is 12 or 13 years old. Luke has had a horrible young life. He has a difficult time accepting that Max Nouvelle and adored companion, Lily, want to help him, not hurt him.

Luke grows up thinking of Roxy as his little sister -- and a pesky one at that. That is until she becomes a teen. Then his thoughts begin to bother him. She is his sister and he shouldn't be attracted to her.

I loved the magic shows. Roberts narrative describing them was exhilarating. I felt as though I were watching one of David Copperfield's TV specials. I can't express it enough how great this story is. Definitely well written.

Besides the enjoyment you will feel during the magic shows done by Max, Lily, Roxy, and Luke, you will certainly love the stage-hand Mouse, and their housekeeper/cook Jean, otherwise known as LeClerc. What wonderful side-characters these people were.

This story comes complete with a "bad guy" who you will hate as much as the Nouvelle's do. Don't forget the romance that will begin to brew between Roxy and Luke. There are also some added twists -- the Nouvelle's have a secret side job. Besides being magicians, they are . . . . thieves.

If you like Nora Robert's this story is a must.

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Rated 5.0
ISBN# 1-55166-020-2
Copyright 1988
Reviewed 9/4/97 by Kathy

Abigail O'Hurley Rockwell was the middle sister of triplets. Her family is in show business. That's how she met her first husband, Chuck Rockwell, a race car driver. They had a whirlwind courtship and marriage. Things weren't going well in the marriage when he fatally crashed his race car.

Now, Abby is a widow who only wants to be left alone to raise her two small sons, but she needs money to start her horse breeding farm. So, she decides to let journalist Dylan Crosby write a book about her late husband.

There's only one problem. She has secrets she needs to keep secret.

Dylan comes to Abby's farm and finds that things are not what they seem. For one thing, Abby has no staff to help her. She lives very simply. She has no expensive jewelry or furs. Her sons have to help with the chores before and after school. He needs to get to the bottom of this story, but Abby is good at giving evasive answers.

Also, Abby and Dylan are fighting a growing attraction to each other. Dylan finds himself growing closer to her and her two boys. Will he be able to step back and write this book like it should be written when the time comes or will he become too emotionally involved?

I really enjoyed reading this story. Nora Roberts tells a good story that grips you from beginning to end.

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Rated 4.0
ISBN# 0-515-11965-2
Copyright 1983/1996
$6.50

This was an enriching tale told by Nora Roberts. The characters were fulfilling, believable, and definitely true-to-life.

Kasey Wyatt is an anthropologist who has taken a working assignment at the Taylor mansion. Jordan Taylor is writing a book on the culture of the American Indian. Kasey who is a very intelligent woman is recommended to Jordan by a Dr. Rhodes.

Jordan and Dr. Rhodes make a few wise-cracks as to how they believe Ms. Wyatt will look being a scientist and all. Her ability to humor them after she overhears their comments is sure to make you laugh and say 'way to go Kasey'.

Jordan is immediately attracted to Kasey and she to him. Their relationship is a difficult one as Jordan doesn't feel he can love Kasey the way she deserves. It's no-holds-barred where Kasey is concerned. She admits her love to Jordan, but also says she is aware that he can hurt her. Her honesty is one that I admired tremendously. I liked it that she didn't hide her feelings from him for very long before laying it on the line. Kasey heart hopes to hear the words of love returned to her, but Jordan is unable to say them.

Kasey becomes very good friends with Jordan's niece, Alison. Alison has been raised by Jordan since the time of her parents death. Alison's father was Jordan's twin brother. During Alison's stay with Jordan, she has not been the recipient of much love and warmth. Her care has been maintained mostly by Jordan's mother who is rather a cold person. It's piano lessons, school, and not a speck of dirt allowed in the vicinity of the young girl.

Kasey leads Alison into a life of fun, turning the young girl into a willful and happy child once again. Their friendship grows as does the one between Kasey and Jordan. It's Kasey who turns the household upside-down with her lively spirit and fun personality. She is someone you can say, 'I'd like to be around her.'

As in the past, Nora Roberts is still one of my favorites and hasn't let me down yet.

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When you want to start with reading this book be sure that all your lights are on. This book is fiendishly good with the emphasis on fiendish.

Clare Kimball is a famous artist. She lives in New York and is preparing a new exhibition of her work. During the night very often she has the same nightmare. She dreams about a Satan cult. She had seen these things in her hometown Emmitsboro in Maryland. Because the nightmare influences her life and her work, Clare decides to go back to Emmitsboro to face the demons of her past.

Nothing has changed in her home town since she left it after her fathers death. The only difference is now there is a new sheriff - Cameron Rafferty - a friend of Clare's twin brother Blair.

Little by little we find out that Emmitsboro isn't the harmless and peaceful town Clare thinks it is. The strange things that happen look unimportant in the beginning. The situation becomes more and more critical.

With every side you turn you read more about the people who live in Emmitsboro, who knows what happen, who takes part in the Satan cult and how Clare and Cam try to find out what's wrong in their town.

This time does the good really win??? FIND IT OUT!!!

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"Montana Sky" is a story written on a level closer to reality. Along with romance, you will find murder, mystery, and suspense. Nora Roberts had an extremely good imagination to weave the web for these adventurous hero's and heroine's. Yes, you heard that right. Plural. There are three sets of hero's and heroine's in this suspenseful story. You see, Jack Mercy had been married three times and had a daughter by each wife. Rumor has it he really wanted a son.

He was not well liked by anyone, least of all his daughters. He was considered an unfeeling and uncaring father/man by everyone even remotely involved in his life. The story begins with a large group of people attending a gathering at the ranch house after his funeral.

Due to the death of their father, all three daughters are meeting each other for the first time. They are each unique in their own special way and I am sure you will grow to love Willa, Lily, and Tess Mercy as much as the men who grow to love them.

The plot evolves on Mercy ranch, which is worth millions. Everyone is awaiting the reading of the will. Willa, the youngest, was raised on the ranch by her father after her mother's death. She knows the ranch inside and out and believes it should be hers and hers alone. Tess is a screen play writer from Hollywood. She wants only to get her chunk of money and head back to Hollywood as soon as possible. Lily is running from her abusive ex-husband and has decided the ranch is as good a place as any to hide out from him.

The stipulations Jack Mercy has left in his will have tied the three sisters together for the duration of one year. To inherit the ranch, or be able to sell their share to one of the others, they must live there together for all of that year. If one forfeits, all will lose out.

Someone begins to kill off the ranch animals and when they start on people everyone gets extremely uncomfortable with their surroundings. No one understand what is happening or has any idea who the culprit might be. {I won't even give you a hint, but I had no idea who it was until they told me. No cheating and looking ahead!

It took me a few pages to get interested, but before I knew it, I was completely hooked and didn't want to put it down. I'm sure it will be the same for you.

Just a note:

If you are extremely opposed to cuss-words, you may not want to read this one. Honestly though, I *was* turned off by a cuss-word on the first page, but found myself able to put that aside and enjoy the story.

I really enjoyed the first novel I've ever read by Nora Roberts.

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