Rating: Summary: Finally, the McKenzie girls take the lead Review: "Triumph" is Tia McKenzie's story. Tia is Jarrett's daughter. Tia is just as headstrong and brave as those McKenzie men. Tia has a mission and sets out to get it done. She upholds her beliefs and her commitment to the cause she believes in. Tia's path crosses with Taylor Douglas. They are on opposite sides, but so are many close knit families and friends. Taylor succumbs to Tia's charms and Tia is drawn to Taylor. The two young people have many obstacles, but love is their greatest weapon. Will their love "triumph" in the end and overcome their problems?
Rating: Summary: History is the focus Review: First, let me say that I like Heather Graham (and Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake)historicals. Her detail to history is remarkable. Her Civil War Series as Shannon Drake featuring the Camerons - One Wore Blue, One Wore Gray and One Went West (my personal favorite; its absolutely yummy and the love scenes are divine) were so good. Equally entertaining has been the McKenzie series by Graham with Runaway, Captive, Rebel (my favorites), Surrender, and Glory (my least favorite). I just finished Triumph and was glad I read it if only to wrap up a wonderful series. Now, I would like to say that while I really like Graham, I can become really frustrated with her work. This complaint has nothing to do with her writing style that I really admire, or her historical detail. The complaint has to do with conflict. In every one of her books that I have read under any of her three names the romantic couples have a conflict that will always last throughout the book. Guaranteed. A little conflict adds spice to books, I think. But to last the whole book? Elizabeth Thornton, another one of my favorite authors, also allows her main characters to fuss and fume throughout her books. To be honest, it becomes kind of frustrating. Don't these characters know how to talk to each other? In Triumph, Tia and Taylor's relationship is humorous at the beginning. Then it becomes tedious as they are always at odds with each other. Always misunderstandings and each one interrupting the other as they have just begun to talk. As I said, I think a little conflict and tension is great, but to continue the whole book? Then of course at the end they kiss and tell each other they have always loved each other. Regardless, I still like Heather Graham (and her offsprings). I'd read her historicals because she is good. Her writing is so rich and full of detail. I can't wait for more historicals by her (the Civil War era would be nice).
Rating: Summary: Great Ending, but could have been better! Review: Heather Graham aka Shannon Drake is one of my favorite writers and this explains why, I'm a history freak, buff, addict, you name it. And the Amerian Civil War is my favorite era of history. 'Triumph' has the reader swimming through the crystal clear waters of Florida seeking safety and escape from the enemy; or dodging bullets while trying to save the lives of men from both armies; and grasping for air while surrounded by a blazing forest fire. Yes, 'Triumph' has it all. Strong willed heroines; arrogant, overbearing but protective heros; and the usual witless deceitful villains. The numerous stories within the novel could be the makings of a mini-series. Sometimes I felt as if the readers were rushed into relationships, however, with 'Triumph' being the last of the saga, all characters had to find love for a lifetime or remain a mystery to the readers. If you have no interest in history, don't bother reading this book, but if you're a history buff, enjoy this Civil War novel set not in Virginia or the deep south, but in and around the coast of Florida!
Rating: Summary: Triumph (Not triumphant but definitely a winner! ) Review: Heather Graham aka Shannon Drake is one of my favorite writers and this explains why, I'm a history freak, buff, addict, you name it. And the Amerian Civil War is my favorite era of history. 'Triumph' has the reader swimming through the crystal clear waters of Florida seeking safety and escape from the enemy; or dodging bullets while trying to save the lives of men from both armies; and grasping for air while surrounded by a blazing forest fire. Yes, 'Triumph' has it all. Strong willed heroines; arrogant, overbearing but protective heros; and the usual witless deceitful villains. The numerous stories within the novel could be the makings of a mini-series. Sometimes I felt as if the readers were rushed into relationships, however, with 'Triumph' being the last of the saga, all characters had to find love for a lifetime or remain a mystery to the readers. If you have no interest in history, don't bother reading this book, but if you're a history buff, enjoy this Civil War novel set not in Virginia or the deep south, but in and around the coast of Florida!
Rating: Summary: Very Good Read Review: Heather Graham once again writes a great book with real life situations. I only wish that the Civil War Series would go on. Hopefully she will continue in the later years with the third generation of McKenzie's. The story of Tia and Taylor is wonderful and I encourage everyone to read it.
Rating: Summary: Triumph, a triumphant novel for Heather Grahm Review: I am deeply intrested in the Civil War, thus I found this particular book an extremley well written novel. I feel that the McKenzie fire burns brightly in Tia's soul. The novel is full of exciting events and heart wrenching details. I found myself torn between the two sides in the war, both the Confederate and Union sides. The passion and dedication that both Tia and Taylor felt for their causes made the story all the more intresting. It shows how a womans heart can soften the toughest of men. I found the novel exhillerating and found myself gasping for breath as if it were I that was being chased down by the Yanks instead of Tia. Tia is an amazing character with incredible stregnth. This is deffinately one of Heather Grahm's finest works.
Rating: Summary: Triumph is an apt ending for the Florida series Review: I am glad I read this book. I have been waiting for it since I read Glory and I found that a huge disappointment as it wasn't up to HG's usual standards. The story line was predictable if you've read others in the series. However, HG was able to make history come to life by weaving a story that was enjoyable and entertaining. Once again, Tia is the fiesty Graham heroine who is independent, strong-willed and does what she believes in. Taylor is her nemesis, the Alpha male who is domineering and protective. I agree with the common grouch that this book seems a little rushed as all the loose ends had to be tied. All the characters from earlier books in the series are featured. However, the epilogue seems to be an afterthought as it does not tie in with the family tree. I agree with a fellow reviewer who says that Tia had 4 sons and a daughter, but the name was not Hope? What happened? One would have thought the editors would be sharper than that. I would also have loved it if the family tree had been completed rather than leave us readers dangling. Other than that, good writing.
Rating: Summary: Fast moving, good history, but........... Review: I have always enjoyed Heather Graham's books. Especially the trilogy of One Wore Blue etc. I just picked this one up at the store, not realizing this too was part of a series. While the book held my interest and I wanted to continue through the end, I found it a bit frustrating. With all the T names, Taylor, Tia, Teela and Tara and the R's, Ria and Rhiannon things started to blur together. When the names of five or six family members started to appear on each page, I felt the author was rushing to squeeze in too much, too fast. Also at the end, it says that Tia named her first daughter Hope. But a few pages later, it seems unclear when it says that they were happy to have four sons and finally a daughter. I definitely am a Heather Graham fan and will look for more of her books, but hope that the next one takes it a bit slower. There was a distinct feeling that there was a rush to get every detail of each character settled before the end of the book. It was an ambitious project to be sure, but in some cases, I felt that it took away from the story of Tia and Taylor, who by the way, were two very appealing characters.
Rating: Summary: Fast moving, good history, but........... Review: I have always enjoyed Heather Graham's books. Especially the trilogy of One Wore Blue etc. I just picked this one up at the store, not realizing this too was part of a series. While the book held my interest and I wanted to continue through the end, I found it a bit frustrating. With all the T names, Taylor, Tia, Teela and Tara and the R's, Ria and Rhiannon things started to blur together. When the names of five or six family members started to appear on each page, I felt the author was rushing to squeeze in too much, too fast. Also at the end, it says that Tia named her first daughter Hope. But a few pages later, it seems unclear when it says that they were happy to have four sons and finally a daughter. I definitely am a Heather Graham fan and will look for more of her books, but hope that the next one takes it a bit slower. There was a distinct feeling that there was a rush to get every detail of each character settled before the end of the book. It was an ambitious project to be sure, but in some cases, I felt that it took away from the story of Tia and Taylor, who by the way, were two very appealing characters.
Rating: Summary: Great Ending, but could have been better! Review: I have finally decided that Runaway (the first in the series) is the best! This was a great book, but they closed up the series too fast at the end. Glad I read it, but hoped for a little more!
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