Rating: Summary: This one is goooood... Review: A trip to Scotland was supposed to be her honeymoon, but Madelyn Phillips was dumped before the wedding. Considering how obnoxious her fiance, Bentley, is, that is most likely one of the better things to happen. Still, she decides to take the trip, only to find that Bentley has arrived ahead of her and hijacked her room. He has also come to "generously" offer to take her back, despite the weight she has gained since his rejection. Madelyn is less than enthusiastic and refuses. However, Bentley is determined. Her flight to escape him will bring lead her to meet handsome Scottish lord, Patrick MacLeod on a windswept moor. He rescues her from Bentley and carries her home. Patrick is unlike anything Madelyn has ever met, as well he should be. Patrick has traveled forward in time from ancient Scotland. Madelyn appears to be the woman he was destined to love, at least in the opinion of his resident ghosts. There are some obstacles though. The father of Patricks' first wife is out for his blood, and Bentley is still hanging around making a nuisance of himself. For her own safety, Patrick decides to send Madelyn home. She makes a detour first, to medieval Scotland. It is up to Patrick to rescue her from his clan's sworn enemies. ***** Laughter rolls off the pages in this splendid romance. Even in the darkest moments, there is something to smile about. Ms. Kurland is truly the reigning queen of time travel romance. *****
Rating: Summary: Finally...Patrick! Review: After all the waiting, finally we get Patrick MacCloud's story. Patrick was the first to enter the "time travel." As we know from "Dance Through Time" Patrick went missing from his times prior to Elizabeth's arrival. We learn, as Jaime does, that Patrick had been in the future, working as a mercenary. What we did not know, was Patrick's ill-fated marriage. Madelyn is escaping a fiance from hell. After dumping her, she decides to take the Scottish honeymoon as a vacation. Little does she know, her ex decides he still wants her, and follows to Scotland. Once there, the ex causes Madelyn to (1) loose her hotel room, (2) loose her luggage, (3) loose her car, and the final straw (4) loose her violin. Lucky for Madelyn, Patrick has taken notice, and after a bumpy beginning, looks to help her. GARDEN IN THE RAIN is for the comfort each character is getting from the other, during a stormy part of their lives. The story development between Madelyn and Patrick is strictly character driven. Outside of some kisses, there is very little sexual play in the book. This makes you actually learn about the two characters. Also, it was nice to catch up with Ian and his wife, Jane. While we've seen more of Jaime since his story, we've had less exposure to Ian and Jane. I HIGHLY recommend this novel. It is helpful to you to have read Jaime's and Ian's stories prior to reading this book. It is not necessary, but you will understand what is happening far more if you have these other two books behind you. (Don't worry, Ian's is short and sweet.)
Rating: Summary: A Garden in the Rain Review: Another great book in this series, I just love Lynn Kurland's measure of writing and as always this book keeps you up late at night just to see what happens next. Can't wait for more!!!
Rating: Summary: let your imagination soar Review: another great one by Ms. Kurland....she gets better and better...one thing though, Patrick isn't the first one (as the notations say) to time travel...Ms. Kurland developed the new characters very well, and revisted many of the earlier ones, which was a treat...I believe she accurately portrayed ancient days...I don't believe those days were gloriously romantic as many other authors make it out to be....it was dang hard living...I really enjoy Ms. Kurland's writing style. She leaves much to the imagination (about sex) like the old movies, builds up your anticipation, and you JUST KNOW that it was grand. I have read all of Ms. Kurland's books, and this was the best thus far...
Rating: Summary: Another keeper by Lynn Kurland! Review: Betrayed by her now ex-fiance, Bentley Douglas Taylor III, Madelyn Phillips embarks on what would have been their honeymoon trip to Scotland, and what has always been her idea of a dream vacation. She has problems from the start, not the least of which is her creep of an ex following her, trying to get Madelyn back. He steals her luggage, her violin, and tries to thwart every move she makes without him. Then he doesn't understand why she isn't falling all over him! After all, the man fired her, then broke off their engagement. Bentley has one giant ego, and Madelyn has no intention of feeding into it anymore. Especially since he's also stolen her reservation at the quaint Scottish hotel she planned to stay in. After a few rocky meetings, Patrick MacLeod, brother to Jamie MacLeod from A DANCE THROUGH TIME, becomes Madelyn's reluctant champion. He has no time for rescuing modern-day damsels in distress, but something inexplicable keeps pulling him closer to Madelyn. The more time they spend together, the less he dwells on his haunted past. A GARDEN IN THE RAIN is fabulous! Ms. Kurland works her magic by letting Madelyn and Patrick develop a believable relationship together. No love at first sight, bed hopping here. Not that there's anything wrong with that -- sometimes. <g> All characters are integral to the story, whether they're good guys or bad, and it was a pleasure to revisit with Jamie, his wife Elizabeth, and the rest of the MacLeod clan. The bantering and swordplay between them all is a hoot, and Madelyn's reaction is priceless the first time she sees Jamie and Patrick practice with their swords. This wonderful, tender, and emotional story flows along seamlessly and smoothly, never skipping a beat. The intensity of the time travel scene is nearly heartbreaking, but shows both Madelyn's and Patrick's true colors, making each stronger and more aware of the deep feelings that have been developing between them. This is classic writing from Lynn Kurland and I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend A GARDEN IN THE RAIN as one of Ms. Kurland's best books to date, but admit I'll always have a special place in my heart for the first book of hers that I read, STARDUST OF YESTERDAY. If you've never read a Kurland -- get thee to a bookstore post haste!
Rating: Summary: the greatest book ever Review: I absolutely loved this book. I think it was better than A Dance Through Time only because it wasn't focused on war and excruciating amounts of history. Many people who have read both have more of a liking towards one book. If you like bloody battles and more historic tone, than A Dance Though Time is your book. If you like a more realistic romance novel- with lots of conflicting events, than A Garden in the Rain is your book.
A little short summary about the book: Madalyn visits Scotland knowing she only has enough money for food. Her evil ex-fiancée wants to marry her now because he wants a higher position so he takes her reservation. Madalyn still wants to go on her dream vacation so she takes the smallest room and trys to enjoy. She meets Patrick MacLeod when driving to the MacLeod hotel. They encounter again and Patrick is partially interested, partially still depressed over his lost of his wife, which he did not love, and his unborn child. And from here, they meet, have many complications, and you can find out the ending for yourself. Enjoy!
Rating: Summary: Another Kurland classic Review: I eagerly anticipated this latest addition to the MacLeod saga, especially as it included one of the more intriguing of the recurring characters, Patrick MacLeod. A Garden in the Rain definitely improves on last year's offering, From This Moment On, but is nothing compared to Kurland's earlier books (A Dance through Time! Stardust of Yesterday! I still cry when I re-read them!). Patrick as a hero paled in comparison to Jamie or Kendrick or even Alex. I mean, please - some guy is harrassing the woman he's falling in love with and all he can do is stand there? Hardly sounds like a medieval warrior to me. It would almost have suited the story better if the two of them had remained in the 14th century, since, as Madelyn said, "I liked [him] better in the Middle Ages." Madelyn, the heroine, reminded me of Deveraux's Douglass in A Knight in Shining Armor. Her whole storyline seemed to echo from Deveraux's story - romanticized, dreamed-of trip to Great Britain, jilted by the "love of her life" who turned out to be a scumbag who just kept harassing her, new love who'd traveled through time to be her rescuer. Again, please. Someone who is such a great attorney ought to be able to get her life back together with a bit more ease and few less tears. As an addition to the MacLeod story, I like the book and am pleased to add it to my collection. I can see room for improvement, but as always, I look forward to the next tale!(I see, perhaps, a Sunny-and-Zach match-up in the future? And WHEN are we going to catch up with Kendrick and Genevieve?)
Rating: Summary: Liked it but there were some problems Review: I enjoyed Kurlands use of language that draws you into the world with wonderful detail of the mundane that makes you one with the characters but...she has each section of book split up and one sided that we never are filled in on how the other character feels until many pages later. I was hoping their points of view would meld together and the story would flow more easily but it doesn't. Also the characters, except for being drawn to each other, have no more physical affection displayed than you would find in an average middle school. Not that I want to read porn, but I like for there to be a union of bodies beyond a few pecks to go with that great union of spirit. You can only hold hands for so long guys!
Rating: Summary: Fabulous!!!!!! Review: I have waited all summer and it's finially here. I just couldn't put it down. I have read all of her books (more than once), and I don't know if I can pick just one for my favorite. Patrick and Madelyen's story was beautifully written full of romance (the passionate soul-mate kind) and humor and just enough action to reel you in. GARDEN IN THE RAIN is a definite read. It was great catching up with old friends and family.Hope to see more of them in the up-coming new book; but when is Zach going to get his turn?!?! And the de Piagets?
Rating: Summary: A bit disappointed. Review: I just went on a shopping spree one day and decided to buy whatever Lynn Kurland book I could get my hands on. As I read each book, I grew more and more impressed with Kurland's work - until A Garden in the Rain.
This story is about Patrick's character (brother of James McLeod in A Dance Through Time) meeting the love of his life in Madelyn Phillips. I was expecting just the same excitement in this spin off of "A Dance..." especially since Kurland wove a sense of mystery around Patrick's character, but A Garden in the Rain was lacking - lacking in the sense of urgency, danger, plot and character substance. The absence of these elements made this book dragging. I mean, how exciting is it for a heroine to be harrassed by her ex-boyfriend on a trip to Scotland, only to be saved by a medieval warrior who came through an enchanted forest? I may have missed something but where was the sense of danger, urgency in the book? Patrick didn't even act the hero and Madelyn was so weak, even someone like me who likes needy heroines, had to balk at her wimpiness. Even the brief appearance of James and Elizabeth in this book couldn't spice it up for me. I was a bit disappointed.
Ms. Kurland, I have a feeling you were rushed into finishing this book. Please take your time next time. I love your work and it inspires me. I know you can do better than this.
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