Rating:  Summary: Interesting but not really suspenseful Review: I did enjoy this book a great deal; however, I had guessedshortly after the murder who was the real killer. Knowing who thekiller was made this book not as exciting as I would have liked although I do like the prose used by Ms Robers. Her descriptions of people, places and things are the very best. The romance could be a little more on the romantic side.
Rating:  Summary: Outstanding Review: A terrifying, moving story that captures you in the beginning and has you seeing everything vividly and feeling every emotion. Brings you in close contact with the characters and puts you right in the middle of all the action and the beauty of Washington State. An underlying love blossoms and grows throughout this extraordinary story. And a surprise ending. Don't miss this mystery/romance!
Rating:  Summary: Deja vu Review: I'm a huge fan, but was very disappointed with this Nora Roberts book. If you've read Public Secrets, you can skip this book. The plot and characters were the same: an old murder involving a famous person (in the case of Public Secrets, the son of a famous person); the daughter involved grows up and looks for answers, involving the son of the police officer who investigated the murder; the son and grown-up daughter pair up; etc., etc. Public Secrets was great, but this rehash sold under a different title was boring, disappointing and, worst of all, predictable. Figured out "who did it" within the first 30 pages.
Rating:  Summary: Another winner from Nora Roberts. Review: Nora Roberts's books are occasionally brilliant, occasionally horrible, but usually very good. This one falls within the last category. It's the story of a very tortured heroine. Olivia MacBride was four years old when she woke up and saw her father standing over her murdered mother, covered in blood. This book is about how she grows up, and the connection she has to the son of the police officer who investigated her mother's murder.The book takes its time to get to the love story. It begins by telling the tale of Olivia's mother's murder and its aftermath. Then the story speeds forward and describes Olivia as a 12 year-old, first coming to terms with what she witnessed 8 years earlier, and meeting Noah, the investigator's son. Again the book speeds forward and shows us Olivia as a 19 year-old, and describes an encounter she has with Noah, who now wants to write a true crime book about her mother's murder. Finally the book speed forward again to present time and gets into Noah's life 6 years later when he finally decides to write the book about the MacBride murder, and his ensuing entanglement with Olivia. Usually, I don't go for the "saga" type love stories. I like my romance novels to get right into the relationship details. But Roberts handles this angle masterfully. It is only through seeing everything Olivia has been through that the reader understands her plight, as well as Noah's motivations. The characterization of both Noah and Olivia is also unique. Noah could certainly be another vulture, only looking out for his best interest. But he's very aware of the precarious position he's in, and there is a lot of dialog between him and his father about the ups and downs of true crime writing. As a result, his motivations don't seem quite as mercenary as they could. Olivia, also, is a unique person. She becomes a reclusive naturalist, guiding hikes through the Olympic National Forest. She is a tough woman, and is not Hollywood sexy. It is her character that draws Noah to her, not her body. Because of this, the emotions that run throughout the book are more meaninful, and the reader is better able to identify with Olivia and enjoy the love story between her and Noah. The suspense angle is also well-done. I wasn't absolutely positive about the whodunnit angle until just before it was revealed. It was fun to try and figure this part out, and to feel the building anxiety as you wonder who betrayed Olivia and who is a danger to her. This book is not a weepy and it's not a pure suspense novel either. But it is a well-done book about two people and how they change as a result of one horrific night. I definitely recommend it.
Rating:  Summary: Definitely a Page Turner! Review: I also bought this book initially because the cover drew me in. After reading the story of Olivia and Noah and what brought them together, you'll like it too! Oliva's mother is murdered by her father and she almost gets it too. Only she is just four years old and her mind doesnt quite remember things the way they really happen. The lead investigator comforts her by telling her stories about his own son, Noah, and makes her feel safe. Over time, she always remembers the man who protected her and the son he told her about. Noah cant forget the little girl that was splashed all over the front page of every newspaper and television broadcast with her wide eyes and her screams when the reporters hound her for the ratings. As an adult he intends to write a book detailing the crime Olivia's family has suffered for all these years. Only he doesnt expect to fall madly in love with the girl he couldnt forget from long ago. Now shes all grown up and wants nothing to do with another "tell all" book that he wants to write. In the end, you may figure out who does what but this story will still have you on the edge of you seat and I bet you'll love this book as much as I did!
Rating:  Summary: Roberts' does it again! Review: River's End is a compelling book that will leave you in awe because of the superior writing talents of Nora Roberts. She has the ability to take the most repulsive character and make you feel something more than just hate or disgust for him/her. In this book Sam Tanner has went to jail for his wife's murder. He can not exactly defend himself because at the time he was high. He remembers the night two ways. In one way he brutally murders his wife, in the other he comes in and finds her dead. To complicate the matters more they were seperated at the time. Sam was a famous actor and his wife (Julie) a famous actress. They had a four year old at the time of Julie's death. She came downstairs and saw her father standing over her dead mother with a pair of scissors in his hands. Not only is the book about Sam being or not being a murderer, it is also about how his daughter moves on, grows up, and tries not to fall in love. This book will make you cry for the little girl who finds her mother dead and hate the murderer (Sam or someone else). Roberts' creates startling depths to the characters who at first glance are extremely shallow, and adds layers to the ones who are already deep.
Rating:  Summary: River's end Review: i love this book....it was great..i jsut wish there are more guys out there like noah.... read this book and you'll be hook on Nora Roberts like Iam. luv krystal
Rating:  Summary: Great for a summer reading Review: I picked up the book this book last Saturday and couldn't let it go. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book where the emotions of four year old Olivia are so well described. The middle part is less interesting. The transition from little girl to teenager wasn't described well enough in my opinion. There seem to be soem gaps as to how Olivia was able to cope with the death of one of her parents. Like others I knew halfway the book who must have done it and that's a bit of a shame. Personally I think that Mrs. Roberts could better stick to romances instead of thrillers. Though I must admit that Hidden Riches is one of my favorites by Nora Roberts. Compared to Hidden Riches, I missed the sizzling action between the heroin and hero. It's too little romance for my taste and too much descriptions of the woods and surroundings. But if you want to have a perfect summer reading, you'd better make sure to pack this in your suitcase.
Rating:  Summary: A Great Mystery Review: I loved this book and have read it twice now. I thought it was interesting and exciting. The main characters Olivia and Noah touched my heart. There was not a ton of romance but for that I was thankful. Sometimes too much romance and not enough action can not only bore me but leave me feeling yuck. I respect Nora's ability to tell a riveting story that not only lets you see love and fairy tales but also the gritty, real side of life. I understand not every one sees murder and mayhem in their own family every day, but how many people grow up to be cinderella? The ending was good although slighty short but I was never real sure just who the killer was until the end. I guess I'm no Nancy Drew. Overall a good read, can't wait for the next one.
Rating:  Summary: Pleasant but more murder than romance... Review: Nora Roberts seems to be heading away from romance and concentrating on adventure with a splash of love. I miss the old style, having found her romance stories full of engaging characters and lots of sizzle. Yep, I'm missing the sizzle. The characters are engaging but the murder mystery is the main course with only a side of romance. If you are looking for mystery and romance, author J.Evanovich provides both. Nora wants to spread her wings, that's her right as a writer. But I'm missing the sizzle!
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