Rating: 
Summary: Very Disappointed
Review: I have every book Jude Deveraux has written. That tells you how much I love her work. But the last 4 books have been disappointing. "The Mulberry Tree" started out great but dissolved into a mystery novel. "Forever", with it's take-turn 'voice overs' and a female lead that I found I couldn't really care about. (She was more annoying than anything else). Not the strong women leads Deveraux is known for. (This 'he said-she said' continues in "Wild Orchids". Again a mystery novel rather than romance and nothing about the Taggerts or Montgomerys). Then "Forever and Always". The same annoying her turn/his turn and just a filler novel until the third "Always" book comes out to finish the story. There seems to be a running "I really want sex" theme throughout these 4. I noticed in her biography bit at the back of the book she seems to be unmarried/divorced and lives with her small son. If that's what it takes to bring back the old Jude Deveraux writing, take Jackie Maxwell's advice in "Wild Orchids" - 'I decided I needed to start dating'
Rating: 
Summary: Captivating Novel
Review: Author Jude Deveraux is no stranger to romance novels, as her romance books have appeared on many a bestseller list over the years. With her latest, she deviates from the quintessential romance between two beautiful people to diverge into a tale of a mysterious murder in a small North Carolina town. Famed author Ford Newcombe has settled into a small town to try to begin writing again after the death of beloved wife Pat. He fires assistant after assistant, as they never seem to measure up to his standards. After meeting Jackie Maxwell at a local party, he decides to offer a job to this very forthright woman who is currently a research assistant for a local professor. When her wedding to fiancé Kirk becomes a no-go, she shows up on Ford's door to take the job he has offered. Though Ford has been researching ghost stories to write his next book, he is intrigued with Jackie's tale of a woman who was covered in stones because she was in love with the devil. Ford's journey to discover the truth behind Jackie's unlikely tale leads the pair to the small community of Cole Creek, North Carolina, where Jackie lived as a young child. Taking up residence in a Victorian-style home, Ford continues his research while Jackie assists him and indulges in her passion for photography. The true crux of this read is the mystery behind the death of the devil-loving woman. As Jackie and Ford penetrate the townspeople's silence concerning this legendary tale, Jackie discovers some surprising truths about herself especially her visions of tragedy before they occur. And romance is merely a byproduct of their close association as the twenty-something fitness enthusiast Jackie finds herself attracted to the famed writer Ford, despite his less than washboard abs and kooky extended family. A truly unique and captivating read, Ms. Deveraux's latest will hold the reader's attention despite the somewhat anticlimactic conclusion.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the best books I ever read!
Review: I really think this is Jude Deveraux's best book! This book was interesting, funny, and even macabre, all at the same time. I loved the characters Ford and Jackie, they seemed to really come alive in this book. Jackie is really funny, the relationship between Jackie and Ford is very realistic, and the way the story keeps moving . . . well, only Jude Deveraux has that much imagination. Wild Orchids is a story of second love - a second chance, as it were, for happiness - who says you can't get lucky twice? What makes it more interesting, and a better book, in my opinion, is that it is a little different, the romance is not a typical one love forever, and the story is not typical, actually the whole book is not typical. In the end, Ford does actually have to choose - between his first love, which he was indeed very much in love, and Jackie - and the way he chooses - well, I don't want to give away the story, but I thought the ending was just perfect. I was puzzled by the negative comments I saw posted about her latest books, so, as a latecomer to Jude Deveraux, and having very much enjoyed her newest books, I turned to the older books to see what other reviewers are comparing it to. I have to say, I do see that there's a difference in the kinds of books she's writing now as opposed to then, but I think her newer books are actually better in some ways. There is much more action, much better writing, the plots don't stay still for a second - need I go on? I personally like the newer books much better. If you're a dye hard fan of Jude Deveraux's older books, perhaps Wild Orchids will be a disappointment, as the style and content is very different from her older books. It's also not as much a steamy romance as the others. Even so, it's hard to understand the negative reviews. Even if this were JD's worst - which it isn't by a long shot - she's always, consistently a good writer. Her strength is always the amazing storylines that she can come up with plus the characters are always funny, always have plenty to say! I've never read a JD book that I didn't enjoy, and in my opinion, Wild Orchids was really one of her best.
Rating:
Summary: This is NOT a romance novel, but I loved it anyway
Review: I have been reading Jude Deveraux for years, and I just love her writing style and her compelling characters. Both were present in this book. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, I love the dark aspects and the mystery. I read it in one sitting, couldn't put it down all day. However, if you are a romance fan, the romance in this book will probably not be satisfying. There are no love scenes, and not a whole lot of sexual tension. Their romance almost seems like an afterthought to the whole book. But, I wasn't reading it for the romance. I was reading it for the ride, for the mystery and for the characters.
I can't wait for her next one!
Rating:
Summary: I just kept saying oh my goodness!
Review: Ford, what a great name for a man, but Jake is the best. Anyway, from death by drunk driver, to childhood injuries, to millionaire. I loved this book. However that whole thing with the devil, it took on a new twist. I say read it and form your own opinions. I read what everyone else had to say and I still thought it was a great read and a good book. I've read quite a few of Judes books, this was one of the better ones. But the Summerhouse will all ways be my favorite. Thanks for that one.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful new book by a remarkable author !
Review: Now that I've grown accustomed to Jude Devereux's 'new style', I must say that I am truly enjoying her latest books. Initially, her leap from historical romance to contemporary mystery was difficult for me, but with each new novel, she clearly becomes more proficient at this type of storytelling, and I have become more involved in the new genre. In any case, "Wild Orchids" is a terrific, page turning, interesting novel. The chapters alternate between the male and female protagonist's point of view, in a "he said", "she said" format. While this can be confusing in some books, Ms. Devereux makes the first person character transitions so flawlessly, and so adeptly, that as the reader learns one character's point of view, you can't wait for the next chapter to see how the other one is going to view the same event. "Wild Orchids" involves love, suspense, mystery, and an inkling of the supernatural. It's a page turning novel, with flawed, but likable characters. It certainly is the best book I've read in quite some time. I am certain that this is a novel that will please both Jude Devereux fans and mystery fans alike.
Rating:
Summary: Captivating
Review: I picked up the book because it was written by Jude Devereaux and I was looking for a few hours of romance. When I put the book down, I found I was stunned instead. As others have said, this is not about romance; but, it is about love. Told in the first person, the story is NOT a formulaic story. No typical heroes or heroines here. The book is a journey into the heart and mind...it's like one of the Pulitzer novels that were spoofed by Jackie in the early dinner party setting. The book tugs at you....you'll find yourself fascinated, teary, happy, and thoughtful. A great read.
Rating: 
Summary: ugh!
Review: I've been reading Ms. Deveraux's books for years and have enjoyed them very much. After reading the synopsis on the back cover, I was immediately intrigued and couldn't wait to read "Wild Orchids", which, turned out to be a tremendous disappointment. The beginning of the book was somewhat fascinating. The first person method of telling the story from both main characters' points of view was definitely interesting. Somewhere around the middle of the book, however, things just sort of fell apart - the plot dragged on and on, and the promise of a wonderful story that was evident in the early chapters, faded away to nothing. I regret to say that by the end of the book, the only thing I could think of is that I've wasted approximately 4 hours of my life.
Rating:
Summary: We've grown up together
Review: I discovered Jude Deveraux when I was in high school. So thats about fifteen years. I really enjoy her new style. I got away from her for a few years because I myself was tired of the typical romance theme. But I couldn't give her up. She was just too good. Now this is way more interesting. The style she has now is just my thing. I really enjoy it. Thats why I feel we've sort of grown together. I was at a place where I could enjoy her romances years ago, and now can continue to enjoy her refreshing new style. Its so much more....confident.
"Wild Orchids" takes an insight into the writers world. The story is about a writer who cannot write after his wife died.
There is a link with a devil story and an alluring younger woman. Oh dear, I do have to confess it was the part about the renovation of an older home that threw me. When I read "The Mulberry Tree" I was in ecstasies. I was so pleased to read about recovering gardens and restoring old houses again---and all the other things that went on were great too. I even enjoyed the Pullitzer Prize sarcasm story.
Devereaux has more humor in this story. I am reminded of the fun and humor of "The Princess." I really enjoyed that one. This has the same quality humor in it. Really, its quite well written.
I recommend reading this for what it is: a story about two people finding their families with cool backdrops. It is not in her old format and all I can say to that is this to Jude: YOU GO GIRL! GROW, GROW, GROW!!!
Rating:
Summary: Different story from the usual formula
Review: It certainly wasn't what I was expecting, but I mean that in a good way. The story is told, in alternating chapters, from the viewpoints of Ford and Jackie. Romance is only hinted at in this book, because the thrust of the story is built on suspense. I'm still surprised that this was written by Jude Deveraux. I expected a ghost writer (no pun intended) because it is so different from her usual prose.
|
