Rating: 
Summary: A great "grass roots" love story!
Review: I was immediately taken in by the story of Eddie Olczak. The setting of the story invited the reader to settle there and come to know the characters...which I did. I found the author's descriptions of the small town, the people, the church, the priest and the religious community of sisters to be real and not manipulated or contrived. The struggle that Sr. Regina experienced was also quite valid and very well illustrated, as was the reaction of her family to her leaving the community. Although I found a few errors, the description of religious life, along with the trauma of leaving that life (especially before Vatican II, 1963-65) were pretty accurate. As a former religious sister, myself, I felt a strong connection with the story, as well as with the small town which was very much like the one from which my own family came. Also, Spencer's description of the sisters with whom Regina lived reminded me of some of those with whom I used to live!! (There were no exaggerations here!!) Regina and Eddie's evolving love story seemed very natural, sweet and innocent. (And, of course it was predictable...a young widower and a young nun struggling with her vocation? What else would one expect?!) Spencer handled the relationship delicately and with great respect. (I should be so lucky to find someone as lovely as Eddie!!) Good work, LaVyrle, I think this was a charming contribution with which to end your writing career! From the sound of it, you either interviewed some wonderfully candid religious (and former religious) women or may have even been one yourself...??? Wouldn't a sequel entice you?
Rating:
Summary: A good story with great characters
Review: This book was full of interesting elements from beginning to end. The authors descriptive passage of the accident that takes the life of Krystyna was very moving and touching -- you really feel as if you are there, watching the whole scene unfold! Nearly all of the characters in the story seem very real and believable, and you really learn the depths of emotion that they are experiencing, without any slow spots or drudgery. Eddie's and Sister Regina's struggles with their range of emotions and their desire to do what is right and best for themselves as well as everyone else really carries the story along as their lives unfold. The supporting characters give a good balance as well. I was also impressed with the sense of community in the town where the story takes place. In today's hustle bustle world, it's hard to imagine that there really was a place where church was the social center of the community and people really did leave doors unlocked, and neighbors would come and go. In a way it's idealistic but seems to be a good and accurate reflection of the time setting (1950-51) of the story and of the town. In a way, the sense of community really rounds out the whole story. Thank you Lavyrle, for another entertaining and thoughtful story. I've only recently discovered this author, and this is the fifth book of hers that I've read. I sure hope she can come back with more books but until then, I plan to try to read all of her others!
Rating:
Summary: A great and touching book.
Review: I have very few comments to add to what has already been said in previous reviews. This book had be glued to the pages. Ms. Spencer paints a picture with words. Its almost like being there and watching each scene unfold. I discussed this book with a friend of mine, an ex-nun, and she told me the life of a nun, as described by Ms. Spencer, is very true. This cannot be Ms. Spencer's last book! I doubt if her fans will allow it.
Rating:
Summary: ROMANTIC, INNOCENT, WONDERFUL
Review: Set in the 1950's a young father becomes a widow, at the same time a young catholic nun is questioning the life she finds herself living... Lavrle Spencer has written a beautiful story, with likable characters. The way these two people realize that life can go on and an be just as wonderful after the loss of something you cherish can inspire anyone. Eddie has lost his wife and Sister Regina has lost her life as she has known it. When they finally come together you feel the innocence, the romance and the wonder of falling in love.
Rating:
Summary: This one is really good.
Review: LaVyrle Spencer always writes a good book. However, some are much better than others. I can always tell her better books, because I feel an emotional connection to the characters. Then Came Heaven made me feel that connection. The characters and descriptions are vivid and the story entertaining. My heart went out to Eddie and his daughters when his wife was killed. I can't believe LaVyrle is retiring. We'll miss your books. My sister and I will both miss her stories, and we can only hope that in a year or two LaVyrle will find that she has another story to tell.
Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable!!!!!
Review: Be sure to have at least 1 box of kleenex next to you! This book must had me in tears in the first 4 chapters! I was extremely impressed by the way the author described the scenes with such depth and clarity that it hits your heart like a ton of bricks! This has got to be one, if not her best, books! I strongly recommend that people read this!
Rating:
Summary: this was a great book, too bad it is her last.
Review: I loved it! Eddie OlcZack is a janitor at the local church in a nice community. On the first page, his wife dies leaving him to father their two daughters,Anne and Lucy. Jean(Sister Regina) a nun at that same local church has always qustioned her vocation. No more, you gotta read!!
Rating: 
Summary: I think this book was missing something.
Review: I enjoyed this book as I did Spencer's previous books, but I feel that this one was lacking something. I don't think the story moved fast enough in the first few chapters. I was wondering when she was going to get around to the point. Once she did, I was not at all disappointed, but for the first time I truly had a hard time getting into the book. As for whether this is truly her last book or not, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Can you retire from writing like you retire from accounting or law?
Rating: 
Summary: Another classic from one of the best romance writers today!
Review: Ms. Spencer has once again found the perfect words for feelings we have all shared. This author has such a unique way of describing emotions, places, and people that her readers will feel they can relate to. While this book is not as great as "Years or the Gamble", it is a great story. However, it does sadden me that this is her last novel. I used to get so excited by the prospect of opening a new book by Ms. Spencer and now that joy is at an end. Thank goodness I have all her books to re-read later!
Rating:
Summary: Sorry It's her last book
Review: I really enjoyed "Then Came Heaven". As a Catholic who has an aunt that is a nun it hit close to home. I wasn't sure how she was going to pull this story off without offending people. I was glad to see she did a remarkable job of telling the story. Although I don't think this is her best writing, I did enjoy it and am sorry this is her last book. We can only hope that she will not like retirement and will come back to us thru her books.
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