Petals on the River (Bookcassette(r) Edition)

Rating:
Summary: DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!
Review: I HATE TO SAY IT BUT THE ONLY THING INTERESTING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS THE COVER AND MAYBE THE FIRST CHAPTERS. IT STARTED OUT GOOD, BUT AFTER THAT I HAD TO FORCE MYSELF TO CONTINUE. ALL JOKES ASIDE IT WAS LIKE PULLING TEETH. IT WAS TO MUSHY, BORING, PREDICTABLE, AND WAY TO MUCH BABY TALK. THIS WAS MY FIRST WOODIWISS NOVEL AND IT WILL PROBABLY BE MY LAST. THE ONLY REASON I GAVE IT 1 STAR IS BECAUSE ZERO WASN'T AN OPTION.

Rating:
Summary: Boring
Review: I have been listening to this book on cassette tape, and the only redeeming quality I could find about it is the narrator. How she managed to breathe life in Shermaine and Gage, I'll never know. But, alas, even the narrator's wonderful way of reading just couldn't get past the words! I found it to be boring and predictable. That is the last Kathleen Woodiwiss book I'll ever buy! Too bad...I loved her previous books.

Rating:
Summary: Sigh.....not the Kathleen I remember
Review: Sorry to say, I have to agree with some of the other reviewers. I kept wondering through out the book if this was truly written by Kathleen or by someone else who may have found her notes. Doesn't seem to be Kathleen's style. What a shame if my thoughts are true. It would be a tragedy if someone was trying to fill Kathleen's shoes by writing her ideas, under her name. I hope it's not true. This book was never ending mushy. No action to speak of, no humor, NO EXCITEMENT. Bummer. Still I will keep my copy. I will continue to collect Kathleen's books. They are treasures I hope to pass on to my daughters and granddaughters. Especially the early ones. Thanks Kathleen, for your wonderful stories.

Rating:
Summary: What a disappointment!
Review: I have always loved Kathleen Woodiwiss and when I saw this I snapped it up and I have to say it was a waste of my time! This didn't even read like it was written by her. Very poorly written. It was like watching a bad B movie. Rather than letting the plot unfold in interesting ways the story teller has the characters telling the plot in excruciating detail. Felt like I was reading something written by a first-timmer. I will be cautious of here stuff in the future. If really want to read it - borrow it - don't waste good money on it!

Rating:
Summary: Not a great Woodiwiss classic, but still a good book.
Review: I believe that Woodiwiss fans are very spoiled by her excellent writing. Indeed, in the area of romance novels, no one can touch her. The only exception is her last two novels. I believe that it is time for Kathleen to begin to draw upon the incomparable excellence of her past novels. She has hinted at doing this with Petals On The River, by introducing the Beauchamps into the plot. However, it was too little and too late. This book had the potential to rank with the greats (i.e. Shanna, Ashes In The Wind, Flame and Flower, Wolf and Dove) had it been a little less "predictable". Shemaine started off showing lots of spunk and was a ready reminder of past Woodiwiss heroines, however, she lost some of her bite after Gage "purchased" her. I got the feeling that Gage was just as bold as past heroes, but he really never was put in the position to prove this. Even though this book was not one of her great classics, she still holds her own with all other historical romance novelists. I eagerly await her next work of art and hope that she will return to her magnificent and thoroughly enchanting tales of delicate yet intense heroines and wonderfully gracious and honorable heroes all mixed together with suspense, exciting twists and unending humor.

Rating:
Summary: she has definitely lost her touch
Review: The last book so worthy my love left a lot to be desired. But I figured it was just a fluke and that her next book would be better. WRONG!! It was way too sappy. I wanted to strangle the characters. Every other sentence was "I love you, my sweet." "I love you too." Give me a break.

Rating:
Summary: Definitely not one of her best...
Review: I first read THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER in 1971. I was riveted from page one. THE WOLFE AND THE DOVE and SHANNA were also terrific and I've read them countless times. It seems she's gone downhill from there. The one about the Russian princess I didn't even finish. PETALS ON THE WIND has a lot of the same character types as FLAME but was not near as captivating. I kept thinking Roxanne was Louisa. The book is predictable, no real tension even though the main characters lived in the same house and don't make love until 3/4 through the book. She should also try to make her female characters a little more 3-dimensional and realistic. All her heroines lately are petite and the most gorgeous thing walking the face of the earth. No one should be THAT perfect even in literature. She used to be my favorite author, but not any more. Maybe I've outgrown her. (sigh!) I hope THE ELUSIVE FLAME with a grown up Beau will recapture her former glory!

Rating:
Summary: Do not waste your money or time!
Review: This book isn't remotely worth the high price tag. I would rather read a Harlequin Romance novel by Tara Taylor Quinn for romance, intrigue and above all a PLOT LINE! Kathleen, get back to your sweeping epics with heroic warriors and strong fiesty heroines! I still love "A Rose In Winter" and "The Flame and The Flower" but will borrow any future books from now on to save from bitter disappointment if this is your new style of writing.

Rating:
Summary: READ THIS ONE!
Review: This is the first romance novel I have ever read and I thought it was great! I felt like I was right there in the book. I could very well relate to Shemaine. I really like the setting of the book because I live in the area that it took place in. I have been to the places that are mentioned in the book!

Rating:
Summary: This book was a real disappointment.
Review: Ms. Woodiwiss is a talented author who has the ability to write thoroughly entertaining, romantic books. When a friend gave me A Rose In Winter several years ago, I liked the book so much that I went on to read several other Kathleen Woodiwiss novels. What I'm wondering after reading Petals On The River is, WHAT HAPPENED? This book was very disappointing. It contained too much whining and too little romance. Also, it was very tedious to hear Shemaine continually referred to as a bond slave, and there was way too much baby talk. The story was predictable and trite, and lacking in humor and suspense. It was difficult to finish the book, but I kept hoping that the story would improve. Unfortunately, even the ending wasn't a surprise. Altogether, this book was a big disappointment. I hope Ms. Woodiwiss's next offering has more going for it.