Rating: 
Summary: Not up to Nora Roberts' usual excellent standard
Review: I am going to dissent from the pack with this review. It took me a long time to finish The Villa because I had to force myself to pick it up. This is not typical behavior when I read a Nora Roberts book.The Villa's story seemed to drag out unnecessarily, and the only romance I found remotely interesting was the one between Pilar and David, but these characters were short-shrifted by a thin plot. The Sophia and Tyler relationship was boring, and I didn't like Sophia's character at all and can't understand what Tyler would see in her, aside from her beauty. As far as the main setting is concerned...well, it seemed as if Nora went on a winery tour (perhaps at Niebaum Coppola or Beringer in the Napa Valley--both have big manor houses) and took notes, which she then regurgitated back into the plot. Some of the winery descriptions were wooden, e.g. more like a lecture for the readers. I am a huge Nora Roberts fan, especially of her trilogies, so I am not happy about writing this review. I like her best when she focuses on interesting, complex characters and their relationships with others. The Villa doesn't measure up to that standard.
Rating: 
Summary: Nora Roberts does it again!
Review: The Villa is a wonderful story of winemaking in the California Napa Valley and family bonds and conflict. Sophia Giambelli is the granddaughter of the Giambelli wine dynasty and the head of marketing for the company. Tyler MacMillan is the grandson of the MacMillan wine company and Ty is in charge of the vines, the grapes, the harvest. Ty and Sophia, who have grown up together in the wine business, are thrown together in a torrid attraction and competitive business rivalry. The women in Giambelli family are all strong, determined businesswomen and know how to handle themselves. Tereza Giambelli, the family matriarch, heads the Giambelli women and the winery. There are business rivals, murders and surprises in this book. Twists and turns villians and heroes. The Villa is a great mystery and romance all at the same time. Anyone who likes Nora Roberts will love this book, she doesn't disappoint us.
Rating: 
Summary: The VIlla
Review: I thought The Villa by Nora Roberts was a great book. I loved her contrast of the characters. Sopie was by far my favorite character throughout the book. It was full of mystery and scandal, yet the base of it was family and love. The romance between Tyler and Sophie was very complex and interesting to watch grow. Sophie was a great example of a woman that can take care of herself. I truly sympathize Sophia for the death of her father. I was extremely shocked by the ending. I never would have guess that Helen was the one that killed Tony or had an affair with him. No wonder Sophie and Linc were so close, they truly were brother and sister. Nora Roberts is a wonderful writer. I would definitely read another one of her books.
Rating:
Summary: Winemaking Never Tasted So Sweet!
Review: The Villa is Nora Roberts newest novel, which centers around the Giambelli-MacMillan winery and vineyards. Sophia Giambelli is the grandaughter of matriarch Tereza Giambelle. Tereza announces big changes for the company, including putting Sophia and Tyler MacMillan working together to learn the ins and outs of each others job. As changes are being made at Giambelli-MacMillan, someone is trying to sabotage the company, even going as far as murder to ruin the family name and business. As always Nora throws in a cast of characters that are so easy to enjoy and love (from Sophia's mom-Pilar, Tyler's grandpa-Eli, David-the new COO, Theo and Maddy-David's kids, the list goes on and on). The Villa if full of the excitement you can expect from Nora Roberts, not to mention the romance (espically the heat coming from Sophia and Ty! What a great couple!). P.S. Even the ending was a shocker that was not expected!!
Rating:
Summary: A great source for escapist reading
Review: Nora Roberts is weaves wonderful tales and while The Villa may not be her best, I wouldn't say it was her worst either. While there were a couple of instances where something surprised me, overall after reading multiple novels by her, that she seemed to have fallen into a bit of a rut with her characters. When I read Tyler, I could easily see some of her others heros, such as the lead from Carolina Moon, in the lines. While that's not necessarily a bad thing for me as I liked both characters, I would love to see some of the earlier variety she displayed. I don't mean to say that Tyler is a carbon copy of the earlier character, but they seemed to have quite a bit in common. Roberts is capable of wonderful stories, and while I firmly believe this book bears a place on the shelf of any Roberts fan, it has room for improvement. Nevertheless, it serves the purpose of most romance novels, great escapist reading :)
Rating:
Summary: Nora Roberts goes Hollywood
Review: I read The Villa almost straight through as it really held my interest. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions, especially the two teenagers. However, as many other reviewers have pointed out, the complexity of the novel's characterization forces Ms. Roberts to keep character development somewhat shallow, except for Tyler and Sophia, Pilar and David. I enjoyed the slow unfolding of their love, especially the tenderness of the latter couple's. The background of the wine industry and the affluence of the two families were colorful additions. We so often read romance novels to "live" a more glamorous life and Ms. Roberts really supplies that here! That said, I must be critical of the conclusion of the storyline. I felt early on that the "villain" was who it turned out to be -- can't really pinpoint why, just had a feeling. But the last climactic scene was maddening. Why were these characters where they were??? How come they so conveniently showed up in the nick of time? Very Hollywoodish. (I'm trying to speak very opaquely here so as not to ruin the ending for those still reading.) Furthermore, by suggesting that they can get away with skirting the law, Ms. Roberts causes me to doubt her sincerity or at least perpetuates the notion that money can buy happiness. Speaking of Hollywood, I lay awake last night trying to "cast" actors in the roles of this novel because I think it would make a terrific TV miniseries. How about Brad Pitt as Tyler? Catherine Zeta-Jones as Sophia? Any other suggestions?
Rating:
Summary: Don't wait for the Paperback!!
Review: Nora Roberts is batting a thousand ! 'The Villa' is 100% Nora. Brilliant, funny, romantic and suspenseful enough to keep you turning pages like crazy. One thing you can always depend on, is Nora Roberts talent for immersing her readers in the 'world' she creates on paper. 'The Villa' is set in the California wine country, and by the time you're savoring the last page, you'll realize that you have not only just finished a great book, but you now have an informed perspective of the practice of growing grapes and producing wine. Nora always manages to teach you just a little bit about the topics of her books. And who can afford to turn down the opportunity to learn a little something new every day ??? As is typical of Nora, her lead characters of Sophia and Tyler spend the better part of the first half of the book sniping at one another, all the while wondering how long they can avoid their mutual attraction. Pilar and David also provide a beautiful and touching love story, and only add to the mental picture being created in your mind of the grand Giambelli family. The bottom line is this. Nora Roberts has another winner here. Are you gonna sit around reading endless reviews, or click the little 'order' icon, and have this book on your doorstep in just a few days? Don't wait. Do it now.
Rating:
Summary: One of Nora's Best!!
Review: I strongly disagree with the reviewers who say that this is not one of Nora Robert's finest books. The character development is incredible, and are some of my all time favorite literary characters. Yes, they are human, and have flaws, and are more realistic for it. The Giambelli women are among Nora's finest characters, having wit, sass, class, the right amount of attitude, and still having the small character flaws that makes them agonizingly human. While they all have the Giambelli spirit, all three women are extremely unique and expertly portrayed. Bravo! The setting is wonderful. Clearly Roberts knows what she is talking about, and it is refreshing to read a book that has such rich background and detail. Some reviewers complained about the detail given to the wine making process. I disagree. The detail Roberts gives simply emphazises that the wine business is central to her characters' lives, and she gives the information in an extremely enjoyable way. Her wit and superb writing style make the words flow together in a seamless rhythm. Please don't let the few bad reviews keep you from picking up this book, especially if you are a Nora fan! Read it and make up your own mind! All I can say is that I use my local library constantly, and it is rare that I will actually buy a book new. The other day I bought myself a hardback copy of "THE VILLA". Definately a keeper. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down
Review: This book is a wonderful blend of romance and suspense, it is about families and business, with a lots of vintner slang and some teenage angst mixed in - although I also felt let down at the end. Many others have posted summaries of the plot, so I'll just give my personal opinion - some of the dialogue is hard to digest, but the characters are wonderfully developed and the settings are spectacular. You have to take the good with the bad and I think this book was mostly good, truly a must-read for Nora Roberts fans.
Rating:
Summary: Angry at the ending
Review: I have read Nora Roberts before and this book was fun and exciting, until I got close to the ending. The number of pages remaining told me that I was going to be disappointed. There simply was not enough space to end the story satisfactorily. The exciting romance between David and Pilar ceased to be discussed after she accepted his proposal, and that was a let down because, as a mature woman, I loved their story. I identified with Pilar's concern about her body and their quest for privacy from the eyes of the family. I know that feeling. In the end there was the mystery and how the other villians fit in. Or didn't fit. And what about the crime and punishment? I found that very unsetting. What a tremendous amount of guilt must come with the knowledge of not making public the true killer, even if she was a victim. And just how much damage was done to the winery? This book was not a waste of my time, but it certainly was a disappointment at the end. I felt like the author just wanted to be done with it. Too bad for us. A few more pages and a good editor would have made all the difference.
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