Then Came Heaven

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Summary: I would have changed some things...
Review: The most interesting part of this book was the learning about how the nuns lived in the 1950s. I very much liked Sister Regina, understood her pain and frustration and why she had feelings for Eddie and his girls. However, the romance between her and Eddie was missing something on his behalf- all of a sudden he had feelings for her too, they weren't developed enough and a lot more time should have passed since his wife's death before anything happened between them or between him and Irene. Overall, a well-written book that definitely helped expand my vocabulary.

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Summary: A TEAR JERKER! BUT OH SO SWEET AND ENJOYABLE TO READ
Review: This was such a treat to read. I am a mom a two girls, and I am Polish and come a Catholic family. I sure appreciated the in detail descriptions of the nuns and there way of life. And the feelings of this man and his girls. Lavyrle you cannot quit writing, this would be a horrible thing. You truely have a wonderful gift and I am well on my way to reading all your books and have absolutley loved everyone so far. I have never cried so hard in a book before. This book was so real and I really appreciate all Lavyrles talent here. Don't quit Because your books are such page turners before I know it I am done and I want to go on and on to more of the stories now you need to write sequels. The characters are like friends at the end of each story. This is a wonderful book.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful story, couldn't put it down.
Review: Being a new Catholic I was really interested in reading about how it was for the nuns in those days. Since Vatican II a lot of things have changed. I'm thankful the Sister at our church is able to talk with us, hug us and be a real part of the community. Reading about the days when I was also growing up and remembering the little things like tying money for school lunch in the hankie, etc. brought back so many memories. This story holds your attention from the very first page and is almost impossible to put down. I wish it could have gone on and on. I thoroughly enjoyed every part. Ms. Spencer has a way of telling a story that puts you right in the middle of it all. I've read all her books and loved them all.

Rating:
Summary: Not bad...
Review: This has a good feeling of the time (1950) and place (Minnesota) it's set in. Emotionally it goes straight to your heart without asking too much of you. I enjoyed it, but it doesn't inspire me to read any of the author's other books.

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Summary: Ms. Spencer's Best (so far)!!!
Review: The emotions in this book are captured in such perfection that I could not put this book down. The convent side of this story satisfied any doubt that I might have had in the past about leaving the Catholic church which I did years ago. It is such a shame that this talented author is retiring. I will miss buying one of LaVryle Spencer's new books in the future!

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Summary: This book brought back the good ol' days
Review: My dad was born in Browerville, MN where this book took place and I grew up in Staples, MN. ANYONE from a small, Catholic town should read this book, even if you don't normally read romance books. This is one that you can feel yourself being a part of. I have never read one of Ms. Spencers books before, and purchased this one simply because of the picture of the Browerville church on the cover. Never has a book seemed so real to me. I don't think you need to be Catholic to enjoy the book; but I do think if you grew up Catholic, you will feel a special bond to the story.

Rating:
Summary: Not as good as her earlier books
Review: Even though i am not a catholic, I enjoyed the book. but this book was not as good as her earlier ones. I am Lavyrle's fan, and I have all her books, some of them I've re-read many times .All her books make me laugh & cry. My personal favorite is "Separate Beds"...the best. She's great, and I will miss the anticipation of readinga new title from her..

Rating:
Summary: You must be Catholic to enjoy this one!
Review: I could not get past everything that I didn't know about the Catholic religion to enjoy the romance in this book. Ms. Spencer has given us so many great romances that I would recommend before this one. "Family Blessings" and Hummingbird" being two of the best!

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Summary: The generosity of small townfolk lingers on today
Review: What a wonderful heart lifting story! Spencer captures the conflict growing in the religious community prior to Vatican II, and portrays characters that have real yearnings coupled with fear and doubt, who strive to do the right thing, even when they are not sure what the right thing is. The portrayal of the Catholic school was so exact, I could smell the white paste and eraser dust in the classroom and remember the fear of the punishment from the nuns who felt that to spare the rod was to spoil the child. I finished this book wistfully wishing that nowadays family and neighbors would come together in a disaster to help a family undergoing a tragic loss. Shortly thereafter, the train-truck collision in Bourbonais Illinois made the headlines. Buried in the pages of the paper, I found stories telling of how the people of Bourbonais opened their hearts and pocketbooks to assist following the accident. The wonderful atmosphere described in the book does live on in small towns, and Spencer is truly blessed to have a home such a Browerville. This book served to reaffirm the belief that good people exist today, not only in fiction, but in reality if only we take the time to look.

Rating:
Summary: Please don't let this be the last one!
Review: I have read many L. Spencer books in the past few years, and I always find that her characters stay with me long after the book is back on the shelf. When Nora Roberts and Catherine Coulter characters are long forgotten, Lavyrle Spencer's heroes are so memorable that I can recall their names, interests and loves years later. "Then Came Heaven" is the best of the best! I cried throughout the whole thing, and read it in an entire day. Highly, highly recommended! Lavyrle, if you've got it in you to do another, I'll buy it... twice!