Rating: Summary: Once you start . . . you can't stop! Review: This book is amazing . . Once you pick it up - you won't beable to put it down - it draws you in and makes you forget about everything else but what's happening inside the story. You feel as if you are there - with the charatures! It's a wonderful series!
Rating: Summary: WOW! Review: I really love Drums of Autumn. Of the first four books in the Gabaldon series, this is my second favorite, easily (nothing can touch Outlander, of course). I loved getting to know Roger better, and cried and worried about him all through the book.
Rating: Summary: Wonderful journey though colonial America w/ the Frasers Review: The story: Jamie and Claire are together and must carve out a life for themselves in America. After reviewing their options they decide to settle in North Carolina. Here they must struggle to set up shelter for themselves and a few of their friends / family. Word spread of Claire's skill with medicine, and she becomes a well known healer. Jamie is happy with their small but prosperous settlement, but bothered by Claire's tales of the unrest that will follow in the "American Revolution." Brianna and Roger are just beginning their lives together, and then Brianna finds a news clipping that tells of Jamie and Claire's death. Brianna is torn between her love for Roger and the thought that she might be able to prevent her parent's death. This book was simply great! As much as I love the setting of Scotland, it is so wonderful to see Jamie and Claire come to America and make a new start. Jamie is now an older and wiser man. But, that does not mean that he does not make mistakes. OH MAN, does he make a whopper of a mistake in this book! If you have read they other reviews for this series, by now you know how much I love these books. The story line kind of stalled with the 3rd book, but this book picks the pace up once again. Jamie is the stuff that dreams are made of! This saga is destined to become a classic. JBogue paper-and-lace Specializing in paranormal romance and fiction.
Rating: Summary: HOW DOES GABALDON KEEP WRITING THESE PAGE TURNERS? Review: I am starting to get a little sad at the prospect of soon finishing these books! What will I do with my life? I do know that I will really miss these characters. I agree with many of the previous reviewers about Brianna (even 30 years ago girls were being 'sent off' to have illegitimate babies)--I can't imagine what reactions would have been 200 years ago. Wouldn't Jocasta have kept her hidden? And why didn't she tell people that she was 'handfasted' when her pregnancy was discovered? It's also ironic that Claire is always saying that Brianna is stubborn just like Jamie. Claire is pretty stubborn herself! I did enjoy Roger and Brianna's story though. I disagree with previous reviewers about DRUMS OF AUTUMN needing a villain. Bonnet is extremely dastardly, isn't he? Frankly I'm glad Black Jack is gone! I loved this novel as much as the first three. The writing is exceptionally beautiful and as we have grown accustomed, the plot is compelling. As usual, something is happening on every page and I enjoyed the fact that Jamie and Claire have settled down (sort of!). The last few pages of this 'bonnie tale' are so poignant and touching that I was moved to many tears! I have learned so much about Scottish and Colonial history; this is a historical novel with large doses of romance, adventure, and fantasy to boot. And best of all is the love story of Jamie and Claire: "Your face is my heart, Sassenach," he said softly, "and love of you is my soul." Or, "And when my body shall cease, my soul will still be yours Claire--I swear by my hope of heaven, I will not be parted from you." And, "You are my courage, as I am your conscience," he whispered. "You are my heart--and I your compassion. We are neither of us whole, alone. Do ye not know that, Sassenach?" I recommend these books to anyone who loves to read; they will touch your heart as they have mine!
Rating: Summary: Still going strong.... Review: "Drums of Autumn" was a fantastic book...though at times sad... I can tell you that in order to apprecaite this story, you MUST read it as part of a series. While I enjoyed getting to know Roger and Brianna better, I have to admit that a part of me mourns the youth of Jamie and Claire..all of those years that they lost!!! Well, at least theyre together now...another thing that got to me was the decision that young Ian comes to in this book..however I cant deny that it was completely in his character to do as he did....anyways, if you love the "Outlander" series as much as I do..then you really MUST read this book...I think youll be glad you did.
Rating: Summary: Entertaining, but... Review: I loved the first three book in this series, with the first two being particularly special to me. But I have to say, this installment just isn't as good, and it's all the fault of Brianna. What was Gabaldon thinking? Brianna is supposed to be an historian, but she runs around Colonial America saying things like, "I don't need a father for my baby!" and insisting on wearing pants, as if she has no idea what kinds of real-life consequences awaited illegitimate children and unfeminine women at that time. Anyone who knows anything about that time, as an historian would be expected to do, would know that it wasn't the 1960's, but Brianna just blithely goes along, not caring what the consequences may be. I was so irritated with her I almost gave up on the book several times. Luckily I didn't, because it is a very good story otherwise, and I particularly like Roger Wakefield, although I couldn't understand why he would be in love with someone as irresponsible as Brianna. John Gray is indeed a great character, and Claire and Jaime, while maybe not as exciting as they once were, are still a great couple. A solid read, but needs less of the daughter and more of her parents. I also want them to go back to Scotland.
Rating: Summary: Another winner Review: Diana Gabaldon's Scots romances are unparalleled. In this 4th book, she shows her ability to keep aging characters strong and interesting and introduces new blood to the plot lines. The character studies remain the strength of her book, although Clare's daughter comes off a little stupid in this one. Diana trades the Highlands for Colonial America giving a fresh glimpse into pre-revolutionary war pioneer life.
Rating: Summary: It just keeps getting better... Review: Since this is the fourth in the Outlander series, let me give you a brief recap first. The books revolve around Claire, a 1940's post war nurse who falls through a circle of stones in Scotland, similar to Stone Henge. She ends up in Scotland in the 1700's, meets up with a Scottish Highlander named Jamie Fraser, and goes on many incredible adventures. What I probably like best about these books is the fact that it is told from Claire's viewpoint, on finding herself in the past and the amazing love affair with Jamie Fraser, who any woman would swoon over. The first book is how they met, the second revolves around the Battle of Culloden, and the third picks up with Claire, after being sent back through the stones in the last book, now twenty years later with her daughter Brianna, discovers that Jamie survived after the Battle of Culloden. It involves her search into what happened to him, and her decision with whether or not to chance going back through the stones after him. This fourth installment I believe is my favorite of all,...so far. This one covers the period of Jamie and Claire and their "entourage", adjusting to life in the "wild lands" of the New World. It also covers their daughter, Brianna, and Roger, who were left behind and their discovery of what will happen to Claire and Jamie in the future. It involves Brianna trying to save her parents, Roger trying to save Brianna, and the harrowing experiences they encounter through it all. The book nicely moved between Claire and Jamie's story and Brianna and Roger's. It once again had me glued to the pages, once again taking it everywhere with me and reading as much as I could every chance I got. One of the great things about this series is you never get bored...EVERY SINGLE page is exciting and you care about them and cannot wait to see what happens next. I just finished this today and already started on The Fiery Cross. According to the author's website, there will be at least two more books after that, but I am hoping there will be many more. Yes, I have become obsessed and have given the same fate to my friends who I have loaned my books out to. You have GOT to get these books, but make sure you read them in order! Again, these books are definitely not boy meets girl, the end. That's so boring! I hate traditional romance novels. This involves time travel, history, romance and adventure, all rolled into one. These are by FAR the best books I have ever read, and I read alot of them!
Rating: Summary: Wordy, wordy, wordy!!! Review: I decided to read the 4th book in hopes that the author's pace would heighten and her wordiness would lessen. 500 pages later, the plot and the characters finally began to pick up. I believe that the author couldn't decide whether this series should be in the romance section or a work of historical fiction. Too bad she chose the former route.
Rating: Summary: More great writing Review: I have fallen in love with this series. It is well worth allowing yourself to be taken away by the saga. This book moves the story of Claire and Jamie through America. Looking for good summer reading, you won't be disappointed here (although I recommend you start with Outlander and move through the series in sequence). Another world awaits you here!
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