Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing Effort from a Good Author
Review: I've read this author's books throughout the years, and have truly enjoyed her writing. This book comes as a big disappointment. The characters are unlikable, shallow, and uninteresting. The romance between the two title characters remains a mystery, as the heronine is (from start to finish) self-centered, vain, and unlikable. Also, the unresolved conflict between Maresa and her father was frustrating -- as I felt that this was the only really engaging relationship in the book.
Rating: 
Summary: True Romance
Review: If you loved Gone With the Wind and War and Peace, you will love this beautiful novel. The characters are well rounded and they actually grow throughout the novel, not staying stagnant and stubborn to their own causes as with most romance novels these days. This book encompasses the original meaning of romance novels and focuses upon the actual emotions of the characters, even when they make us angry or sad, and does not have so many sex scenes that we lose the plot line. Maresa, the heroine, grows up feeling unloved by anyone except for her childhood friend Percy and she tries to make up for this by doing the things immature women do for love, hurting the one person who truly cared for her along the way. As Maresa grows from a spoilt brat to a strong woman, Coffman's words make us empathize with the poor girl and root for her all the way. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well written works, not just romance fans, but romance fans will definently want this one on their shelves.
Rating: 
Summary: engaging historical romance
Review: In 1795 England, the gypsy informed Lord Strathmore that his wife will soon give birth to a son. He is pleased that he will have a male progeny after siring four daughters. However, complications occur and Strathmore must decide between the life of his beloved spouse and that of his yet unborn heir. Anguished, he chooses the baby, but the prophesy was slightly off as the newborn is female. Strathmore blamed his fifth daughter Maresa for the death of his wife and had nothing to do with her over the years.
Maresa ran wild, never quite learning how to become a lady. Only her neighbor and friend Percy Bronwell kept the scandals to a minimum, but he joined the navy when he realized she failed to return his love. Without his influence, Maresa's latest debacle leads to exile to Italy where she promptly screws up with another unwanted betrothal. Percy offers Maresa a marriage of convenience, which she accepts. However, when Percy's life is endangered, Maresa risks her life for the man she now knows that she loves with all her heart.
THE FIFTH DAUGHTER is a character-driven Regency romance starring two enticing lead protagonists. Though the story line remains inside sub-genre boundaries, readers will relish the tale because Maresa is a refreshing individual while Percy is the type of hunk the audience wants in their lives. Elaine Coffman furnishes an engaging historical romance that makes for a pleasant experience for readers. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: I loved this book
Review: It's refreshing to read an author who doesn't write the same story and characters over and over again. I have read every book Ms. Coffman has written and love each and every one. Her characters are real people and face real problems. In THE FIFTH DAUGHTER I truly enjoyed watching Maresa grow. She reminded me of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind. As far as men were concerned, she didn't have a clue as to what true love meant. She was selfish and fickle and was unable to see the wonderful hero, Percy (who reminds me of Horatio Hornblower in the terrific TV series) was the perfect man for her. It took a war and almost losing Percy for Maresa to mature into a stong and independent woman willing to risk her life for the man she loved. This book is definitely a cut above the average.
Rating: 
Summary: Not great, but not that bad
Review: One of the best books I have read in years!!!! I STRONGLY RECOMMEND this book. What a talented author. Elaine Coffman brings class, style, humor and an excellent read to people like me. I absolutely loved the book and wonder about some of the comments I have read on this site. Evidently some of the commentators either have not really read the book or don't understand the writings of a literary artist. While anyone can write a book, this author weaves talent and magic into a novel that is unique - it is for the educated, well-read and lovers of literature and romance. I loved the review by Harriet Klausner - right on the money! I also liked the pixycita review. These books aren't just your run-of-the-mill books that are a dime-a-dozen and easily forgotten. Her book's are original, different and on the cutting edge.
Rating:
Summary: *** Wow! Different, Unique, and an Excellent Read! ***
Review: One of the best books I have read in years!!!! I STRONGLY RECOMMEND this book. What a talented author. Elaine Coffman brings class, style, humor and an excellent read to people like me. I absolutely loved the book and wonder about some of the comments I have read on this site. Evidently some of the commentators either have not really read the book or don't understand the writings of a literary artist. While anyone can write a book, this author weaves talent and magic into a novel that is unique - it is for the educated, well-read and lovers of literature and romance. I loved the review by Harriet Klausner - right on the money! I also liked the pixycita review. These books aren't just your run-of-the-mill books that are a dime-a-dozen and easily forgotten. Her book's are original, different and on the cutting edge.
Rating:
Summary: Not great, but not that bad
Review: The book could have been edited down by about a hundred pages, but I found it a quick read. While I wouldn't highly recommend it, neither would I say it was awful.
Rating: 
Summary: Fiddle-de-dee
Review: This is the first and last book I will read by Ms. Coffman. What can I say, the writing was choppy (there was no flow whatsoever), the characters were underdeveloped and I kept waiting for Maresa to exlaim "Fiddle-de-dee" (Note: in no way, shape or form did this book compare with Gone with the Wind, though!) And not to spoil the ending for those who want to read the book regardless of this review, IT IS VERY ANTI-CLIMATIC and not worth wading through the endless pages of the book to find out, of course, that the hero and heroine end up together.
Rating:
Summary: Fiddle-de-dee
Review: This is the first and last book I will read by Ms. Coffman. What can I say, the writing was choppy (there was no flow whatsoever), the characters were underdeveloped and I kept waiting for Maresa to exlaim "Fiddle-de-dee" (Note: in no way, shape or form did this book compare with Gone with the Wind, though!) And not to spoil the ending for those who want to read the book regardless of this review, IT IS VERY ANTI-CLIMATIC and not worth wading through the endless pages of the book to find out, of course, that the hero and heroine end up together.
Rating:
Summary: Not worth your time
Review: Unfortunately I'd have to agree with "A Snorer." This is the first time I've read one of Elaine Coffman's novels and it will be the last. Don't bother with this one.
|
