Rating: Summary: Decent plot, so so writing Review: I only picked this book up because it was set in Tuscany, I had never heard of the writer. The plot was so-so and overly used, but interesting. I would have loved it if he had actually desbribed the places in Tuscany with feeling and the senses, not as a tourist guide reading a map. Not the best writing, but casual reading. I much prefer Diana Gabaldon.
Rating: Summary: Beautiful descriptions, somewhat disappointing ending Review: If you've got any interest in Italian art, give this book a try. If you enjoyed studying Italian literature in college, again, it's worth a go. There's a bonus if you've actually been to Florence, seen the art and read the literature--Evans' descriptions of the city and the art, and allusions to the culture are right on (at least, in my humble estimation). This aspect of the book does not disappoint--in fact, Evans' detail and fine grasp of the culture were what earned this book all three stars in my rating. It's a beautiful read.
The story itself was delightful until the last quarter of the book. I agree with the reviewer who said the pace of the plot seemed to be rushed toward the end, I think to the detriment of the reader's experience. It was one of those reads that you can't put down, yet when it's over, that feeling of satisfaction isn't QUITE there. At times the formulaic nature of the writing is distractingly obvious. And I was particularly disappointed in the lack of detail surrounding Maurizio's "transformation."
If you're trying to decide whether to buy this book, I say--eh. Don't bother. It's not worth the money to own. But do definitely check it out from the library. It IS worth your time to read.
Rating: Summary: love crosses all oceans Review: i really enjoyed the book. i read it twice and would recommened it to everyone who enjoys a true love story. it may be predictable but the point is that there is tru meaning behind it. love crosses the ocean to come as one. the book is much better on audio. the language is most beautiful and the charcaters are truly meaningful. even the husband. we all think of fairytale and hope for our pumpkin to turn into a carriage. but it always isn't so, that is why we have Richard Paul Evans. we all need that spark of romance and here is the match. enjoy it like i have. i believe it is beautifully written and very well spoken on the audio version. everyone needs a little hope and learn a new language like Italian.
Rating: Summary: Only so-so Review: What's the hype all about with Richard Paul Evans? He writes well, but if the story line in The Last Promise is any indication, his writing is predictable and the outcomes are surely run of the mill. This book had lovely descriptions of life in Italy but other than that, in my opinion, the romantic interest between the main characters truly fell flat. The storyline is quite generic and there really was not much "to" this book and it just did not "gel" for me. I would be hard pressed to recommend it.
Rating: Summary: i would read it again and again Review: I absolutley loved this book. I kind of stoped reading since highschool, and a friend passed it over as a suggestion. I read it and it jump started my reading and infact gave me an idea. Now i combine my reading with wine drinking, i would have finished the book earlier if i took smaller sips while reading. This is a great book to break you back into the world of reading. I was completly taken into the story as i was reading. i think richard paul evans is a great author and ive read many of his books since then, and i haven't found one that i didn't like. but my favorite is by far 'The Last Promise' you will get so emotionally involved with this book.
Rating: Summary: This book should have had a Harlequin warning on its cover Review: I have really enjoyed other Richard Paul Evans books--such as the Carousel, the Looking Glass, and, of course, The Christmas Box. But, after reading this book, I wondered if Mr. Evans has been attending mindless romance novel workshops.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Story Line And Nicely Written! Review: In this story, the main character, Eliana will leave her home in the USA to go live in Italy with her husband Maruzio, and son Alessio. Life is grand and they own a villa. But Maruzio seems to be gone for longer periods of time, and Eliana suspects he is having many affairs.
Their tenant,Ross, moves in the villa and seems to take an interest in getting to know Eliana and her son well. When Alessio, who suffers from severe asthma, has a severe attack with it, it is Ross that rushes mother and son to the hospital to save his life. And from then on, Ross is always around. Eliana feeling lonesome, spends a lot of time with this gentleman, and as her marriage falls apart, you can guess what happens next.
It's predictable as to what will happen, but still is a good story.
Rating: Summary: An Enduring Favourite... Review: It is difficult, if not impossible to critically assess something you love. Subsequently, this review is not a critical assessment of character development or the other technical components of what makes a good book. This is a purely emotional, subjective and heartfelt reaction to a beautiful love story. After reading "The Last Promise", I could not stop crying. For so many reasons. The sheer beauty of the prose - poetic and provocative. The descriptions of Florence were so evocative and real that I was often shocked to glance up from reading and not see Italy outside my window. Ross and Eliana ~ their passion and love were palpable. I loved them both; felt such a deep emptiness to have finished reading. The closer I came to the end the more frenetically I read, yet the more I wanted to savour each and every word. When the story ended I felt utterly bereft to no longer share their world. As I sat there with tears streaming down my face and clutching the book, my seven year old son wandered into the room and I had to explain to him how it is possible to miss people you don't even know, people who are characters in a book, yet real and living spirits in our hearts. I am not often so deeply moved within the pages of a book, yet I identified with Eliana in so many ways. The line "Maybe there's another woman out there, another Eliana, trapped and wondering if life has forgotten her." How often I have felt that very sentiment. To read my thoughts written by someone else's hand was startling, yet comforting all at once. This book was my introduction to Richard Paul Evans. I have since enjoyed all of his books, though this one holds a special place in my heart. I highly recommend "The Last Promise".
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