Rating: Summary: More of the best from the best. Review: The best writer of contemporary romances proves that she is still at the top of her game in "This Little Heart of Mine." Susan Elizabeth Phillips plays matchmaker for two characters from some of her previous popular novels: Molly Somerville (Phoebe's little sister from "It Had to Be You") and Kevin Tucker (the Star's backup quarterback from "Nobody's Baby but Mine"). Molly is all grown up and is supporting herself as an author of children's books. Problem is, her personal life is non-existent. Kevin is now the Stars' superstar quarterback, but he hasn't allowed himself to have much of a life outside of football. Both are feeling restless and dissatisfied, and when they accidentally spend a weekend together, the results are disastrous. Kevin comes away thinking that Molly is a flat-out kook, and Molly is left emotionally battered. Thanks to some more unusual circumstances, they end up running a bed and breakfast Kevin has most unwillingly inherited. OK, so far this all sounds like nonsense, but trust me, Phillips makes it work. The characters are richly drawn and quite charming. Not only does SEP add a lot of humor (you will laugh out loud), but she also creates a wonderfully tender and sweet romance that manages to avoid being sappy and cloying. I was particularly impressed with the way she was able to intertwine Molly's children's books into the narrative without making them annoying distractions. If you only buy one contemporary romance this year, this should be the one.
Rating: Summary: Another good read from SEP Review: Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a master of "intellectual" romance and she doesn't disappoint in "This Heart of Mine." While not quite as good as some of her earlier books, this is still a wonderful book -- one that men (like this reader) and women alike can enjoy.
Rating: Summary: Warning! Waste of time Review: Another SEP bottom feeder. Yes, you see lots of 5 star reviews; here's the test: did you admire First Lady? What? Found it unreadable? Well, pal, if you would like to repeat that experience, try this latest number. Forget a full critique: this book is DUMB, that's all. How could an author get so bad, so fast, after being so good, for so long?
Rating: Summary: not up to her usual standard Review: I can't believe all the great reviews this book is getting! The beginning was just awful and these characters have no chemistry whatsoever!! The kids were fun, as were the characters out at the camp, but Dan and Phoebe were overbearing and irritating and the SKFSA plot device was weak and underused. This book was no where near as good as Dream a Little Dream, Kiss An Angel, and Heaven, Texas. I really hope Just Imagine is better, but after two duds in a row (First Lady was the other dud), I'm a little worried.
Rating: Summary: The best yet!!!!!!! Review: I have read all the books in the Chicago Stars series and this is not only the best out of the series but this is SEP's best yet. I can't wait for her next book. Molly and Kevin make an incredible pair. I wish she would write another book with them as the main characters. If you this and don't fall in love with Molly, your crazy. Same goes for Kevin. I've asked SEP if she has ever considered turning any of her books into movies. She said that Hollywood has knocked on her door, but she doesn't want to. I wish she would, I would love to see all of her charaters in live action.
Rating: Summary: Another SEP winner Review: The beginning of this book drags along. And, certainly a rape scene in which a woman "rapes" a man and winds up pregnant didn't help. But, after you get past that premise, the book gets to you. You feel something for the characters and you enjoy where it is headed. Like all other SEP novels, don't read it to learn anything or for accuracy in life lessons. Just read it for it's enjoyment factor. A great summer read, but by September, forget about it!
Rating: Summary: Fun. Funny. Fast. Review: My nose was buried in the book, but my delight must have been plastered on my face. As my husband walked past and asked "What's so funny?", I realized this book was a perfect pick-me-up summer read. Fun. Funny. Fast.I haven't read Phillips' other Chicago Stars books, but I plan to do so immediately. Phillips use of the Chicagoland area and its inhabitants is fast paced with dead-on characterization. Main character Molly's make-believe animal kingdom's inhabitants may become slang for some human inhabitants of the reader's real world. As Rowlings's 'Slytherin' has become vernacular, so might Phillips' Badger. Although the character flaws and outcome are predictable, I enjoyed the entanglements of good-intentioned auxillary characters. Be sure to read this one.
Rating: Summary: This Heart of Mine Review: I enjoyed Molly's sister's story alot more. Kevin & Molly's first encounter was too improbable and bizarre and made Molly seem flighty and completely irresponsible. It made it difficult to be sympathetic to the consequences of that one encounter. But it had Susan Elizabeth Phillips trademark style of incredible adventures, comedic relief and life changing romantic interludes.
Rating: Summary: True to the Heart! Review: I thought this book was good, but I didn't think that it had the same oomph as I've felt from her other books like Nobody's Baby But Mine, or Texas, Heaven. But it was quite good, and I just love how SEB writes and everything! I love her plots, (even though they seem quite the same in most her books), but I think it's the love for those plots that always draw me back. And I don't know how I would react if she wrote something different as many authors have tried to do. I also love the way she goes back to the characters that she's already written about. It's so great to revisit those same awesome characters and good to hear how they're doing. So yes, This Heart of Mine, about Molly Somerville and Kevin Tucker takes characters from It Had to Be You, and Nobody's Baby But Mine, and it's really good. Molly accidentallies compromises Kevin while he's asleep and ends up pregnant! But from that start, they make it through the story with laughter and love, and you're just glad that you're able to take part in it because you feel like you're there. Read this book, I know you'll enjoy it!
Rating: Summary: THE BEST!! Review: I couldn't put this one down. It was so well written and delightfully funny. I found myself chuckling out loud at the antics of Molly and Kevin. This is one to read and re-read!!!
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