Rating: 
Summary: One of her best
Review: This book was great. After I finished, I re-read it. The characters were lovable, and the 1950s setting was fascinating for me. The relationship was forbidden, which is an essential ingredient to any romance novel. The only part of this story that I found problematic, was the courtship that consisted of only about 3 dates. I can only assume that Eddie wanted a mother for his children and was willing to get married to someone he barely knew outside of work. Since I didn't live in the 50s, I can't comment on how realistic this was, only that I would have liked a better explanation, maybe even some conflict between Eddie and Jean, to make it more lifelike.As usual, Ms. Spencer's characters came across as realistic. This was one of her best books, right behind Family Blessings, which is my all-time favorite romance. I, too, am disappointed to know she won't be writing any more novels. There aren't many other romance authors I can enjoy, now that Ms. Spencer has raised the bar.
Rating:
Summary: Stunningly beautiful!!!
Review: This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever had the privilege to read. When at first I heard the news LaVyrle Spencer was retiring, I wasn't really disappointed because several of her later books had fallen flat for me. Now, I'm suddenly struck by the sadness of never, ever being able to read a new book of hers again. The setting is 1950 in a small Polish community in Browerville, MN - Spencer's hometown. Perhaps it's her familiarity with the setting that makes this book come alive. The book opens as the community is stunned by the death of a young wife and mother, Krystyna. No one is more grief-stricken than her husband, Eddie, who is the janitor and bellringer for the local Catholic church and school. Their two daughters, Anne and Lucy are 4th and 3rd graders taught by Sister Regina. Sister Regina has been questioning her vows and now that she is prevented from physically comforting the girls, she questions them even more. As the book progresses, Sr. Regina and Eddie begin to have feelings for each other but are frustrated by not being able to act on these feelings. I'm hesitant to reveal more for fear of spoiling this very wonderful, touching book. Please do yourself a favor this Holiday season and treat yourself to this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Just didn't hit the right note!
Review: While I've enjoyed every Lavryle Spencer book that I've read, I did not enjoy Then Came Heaven nearly as much! The book is about Eddie who has lost his wife and is trying to get on with his life and raise his two girls who are 8 & 9 years old. Eddie is the local Catholic school's janitor and he becomes quick friends with the girls teacher, Sister Jean. While Sister Jean adores Eddies girls, Anne and Lucy, she is not allowed even to touch them to comfort them in their mothers death. Slowly, we start to see Sister Jean become unhappy with her life as a nun and question her decision to ever become one. While the description for this book had me very excited to read it, it just didn't live up to my expectations or Spencer's other books I've read (such as Seperate Beds, Small Town Girl and Twice Loved). I think it was an interesting premise, but it just fell short. I had a very hard time liking the characters. They just didn't seem "real" to me. And I had an even harder time getting into the relationship between Eddie and Sister Jean. I just didn't feel the chemistry. There were even parts in the book I was feeling a bit bored with the story. Overall, this was not Spencer's best book, nor was it worthy for her very last writing effort. I'd recommend another of her books before this one, That Camden Summer, Seperate Beds, Small Town Girl or Twice Loved- those were all excellent!
Rating:
Summary: A Total Letdown!.
Review: I can't help feeling dissapointed with this book. I've read many of Spencer's books including Years, The Fulfillment, The Endearment and Morning Glory and enjoyed all of them. But this book, Then Came Heaven is a total letdown. The beginning and middle part of the book was interesting enough, when it kept you guessing when will Eddie confess his love to Sister Regina and vice-versa. But, to be honest, there's hardly any chemistry between those two. And I think it's not just because Regina is a nun... I find that the 'love' between them developed a little too quickly and out-of-a-sudden. Eddie's wife had only been dead for about 3 months.. and Eddie had already kissed and seduced his sister-in-law and has the 'hots' for Sister Regina. Eddie didn't turn out to be a very likeable hero after all. Nothing is mentioned on what Eddie and Sister Regina find so fascinating about each other. The love and emotional scenes seemed false and forced. I felt that Spencer could've done better. After Eddie (finally) confessed his love for Regina, the story just went downhill all the way.... you might as well close the book there and then to save you the awful dissapointment when you come to the end of the book. Unless you're a true Spencer fan, I suggest you stay away from this book, but read some of her earlier works like Morning Glory (which was made into a movie starring Christopher Reeves), Years (my favourite) and The Fulfillment.
Rating: 
Summary: Didn't really cut it
Review: This is the only LaVyrle Spencer book that I was ever unable to finish! I tried several times to become engaged in the story (a nun falling in love with a father, etc., seems like it would be engaging enough!!), but always found myself putting the book down and forgetting about it. I think a Spencer fan should attempt this book, as others seem to like it, but should probably already enjoy the author before they try it. The only reason I did not give it 1 Star is because I respect the author and her attempt too much for that.
Rating:
Summary: Overall good read
Review: Quite a well written book. I did find it a bit slow at times but the plot was still very interesting and it did keep me up til two this morning finishing it.
I did enjoy getting a peek into the lives of nuns, I never knew how restricted it was before reading this book. For instance, the rules of limited personal conversation and no physical contact even with children. Reading the book, I felt the anguish and frustration of Regina.
A few things were disturbing. For instance, I was quite impressed when Regina applied to complete her masters degree in child psychology after she left the convent, but was disappointed that she just dropped the idea totally when marriage was proposed. There was no mention of doing it in the future or anything. Also, I didnt't like when she got married and wanted to do some of the same things Eddie's deceased wife used to do, such as making chokecherry jam, etc.
I did think the courtship was rushed. I would have preferred if they dated a while rather than him proposing on the third date. It grabbed me as needy and desperate. He often focussed on how he needed a mother for his children, in my mind it looked like he wanted a housekeeper. But then again thats small town culture i suppose. I would have freaked out at a proposal at such an early stage in the game. I was also quite surprised that the hometown accepted the idea of the ex-nun and janitor so easily. i would have expected them to be more gossipy and scandalous.
All in all I did enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: Not My Kind of Book
Review: When I was a teenager, I read a lot of romance novels. Now that I'm an adult, I've put away the things of a child. I read this book only because it was in a box of discards my sister sent me. Why would a nun want to marry a janitor? I suppose that question smacks of snobbishness. So be it. The question is never raised in the book, and so it is never answered, but I'm still wondering. If my memory serves me correctly, this town had 400 people and two Catholic churches. That is really hard to believe. The Catholic church I attended as a child had at least 200 people at each of 6 Sunday services; thus, it served at least 1200 people. One Catholic church would have been more than adequate for all the people in the novel's town, even if everyone was Catholic.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful finish to a spectacular writing career!!
Review: I have read and LOVED all of Lavyrle Spencer's books and this was my last one, as well as her last one. I was so sorry to hear she has retired from writing, though I understand that she wants to spend time with her grandchildren and enjoy the "golden" years. I highly recommend this book...it was terrific!!
Rating:
Summary: A New Approach Involving Spiritual Faith
Review: Eddie Olczak and Sister Regina, develop a relationship after Eddie's wife dies. This relationship becomes love and is forbidden by their faith. In the l950's their struggle to create new lives for themselves is looked upon with disfavor and they must endure through it all. Excellent, believable story that occurs more often than not in our modern times. Heart-wrenching read, presented with senstivity and understanding by my favorite romance author.
Evelyn Horan - teacher/counselor/author Jeannie, A Texas Frontier Girl, Books One - Three
Rating: 
Summary: Very Endearing!
Review: My favorite Lavyrle Spencer book is YEARS. I have yet to find one as good that one. However, this book was pretty good. Being raised Catholic I could relate to all the religious practices. I couldn't help but feel terrible for Eddie and his daughters. He was such a strong man for himself and his children. I liked Sister Regina. She depicted the fact that although one does make a commitment to God they are still human beings with needs. The only thing I had a hard time understanding was how quickly the love between these two developed. Not that it's written anywhere how long is it proper to wait until you fall in love again. But, the attraction between these two was pretty quick. I have to admit that I had a problem with Irene. Her sister wasn't even buried and she already had her eyes set on Eddie. What ever happened to respect, especially for your sister. Shame on Her! Other than that it was a good book.
|
