Rating: 
Summary: To Dream is to Hope
Review: "To dream is to hope. To hope is to live" (The Carousel). Richard Paul Evan's The Carousel comes to enlighten you with the story of Faye Murrow and Michael Keddington. So much in love they must somehow manage to subsist their separation while Faye is away at school. They come to face many hardships along the way. Dreams of the future give them hope, which in a sense gives them the energy to carry on and survive their time apart. This book has a very perceptive storyline. Each feat lead to another, yet it ws not predictable, a superb quality for a book to encompass. Each character was well developed and extremely realistic. During portions of this book I felt as if I was essentially surviving the situations along with the character. I got so involved in the book that I was on the edge of my seat foir hours just dying to know what would happen next. The twists and turns along the way made it easier to stay attached to the book. There wasn't a moment when I wasn't trying to hypothesize what would happen next. Overall, it was a very evocative story. It dealt with so many issues that are worth consideration; "I do not know why we delude ourselves that life is predictable and safe, when it's really just a carton of eggs - always just one stumble away from being scrambled" (The Carousel). It truly captured the spirit of the season and warmed by heart. Though happiness many not always surround the characters in this book, it is evident that they always keep it in mind. "There would be less suffering in this world if hummanity would learn this one truth: It is not what we recieve, but what we give that heals us" (The Carousel). If you didn't realize that happiness and love are the main theme of the holiday season before, you certainly will after reading this fabulous book. "We want to believe that we have control of our lives, but we don't. We can't even promise our time. The best we can do is promise our hearts. And the most we can hope for is to live each moment as if it's our last" (The Carousel). If nothing else this book is wonderful life lessons just waiting to be discovered and acted upon.
Rating:
Summary: Heartwarming
Review: A very heartwarming book about life's ups and downs. This is my second Richard Evans book - my first was the "Last Promise" and I was looking for more. I wasn't disappointed by this one - I feel like I know the characters in this book. The style of writing is great and while I'm not a puritan, I do appreciate the fact that Evans keeps it clean without a lot of gratuitous sex or bad language that seems to be creeping into everything nowadays. I noticed one of the "professional" reviewers said it's not the great American novel but I heartily recommend this book as a nice read.
Rating:
Summary: After reading this book. You heart will still ache
Review: Although the title is a medifore. The Carousel is truly a love story. You see the young man, Mike so in love that he is willing to allow the women he loves, Faye to pursue a career in medicine that will make her family happy even though they dispise him. You see Faye make real adult decisions for the first time in her life even though she knows that it will her relationship with her father. There is caring and compassion all the way around in the story whether it involves our young couple, the sick and dying Micheal cares for at the hospice and even the young woman and child Faye befriends. If life is really like a carousel; then any reader of this book will truly enjoy the ride.
Rating:
Summary: BUY THIS BOOK!
Review: Each Fall I await two things--the turning of the leaves and a new book from Richard Paul Evans. The leaves are obvious, so I call around to make sure that Mr. Evans' new book is out, and am delighted when I find outthat it's time to buy it!I bought one copy of THE CAROUSEL for myself, and 12 more to put away for holiday presents (no one is ever disappointed when they open up a gift and it's one of his books). The best treat is to have the time to sit down and read it all in one sitting--and this year I put aside a day to do justthat. Was that ever a good way to spend an afternoon/evening! Once again, while reading one of his books, I laughed and I cried, and did it all over again. I came away from this book feeling a renewed faith in love. I looked around att hose I love and wanted to share so many emotions with them--and I did. I took extra time to tell my family I love them and have been thinking on ways I can be a better person. This book is a great love story. The writing is beautiful, and I just wish there were more love stories with this much LOVE!!! Thank you Mr. Evans for another great read!
Rating:
Summary: a breath of fresh air........
Review: Here is another one you will not want to put down! The story line is captivating and many of the dilemmas are those we all relate to. You will be a better person after reading this book. Despite the lack of foul language and profane sexuality, this book is amazing! I am a nurse practitioner and share the sentiments of the main character. Try this one, you will be glad you did. This is my first book by the author, will not be the last.
Rating:
Summary: My Heart Beat Fast With Each Turn of the Carousel
Review: I can't begin to explain how I just couldn't put this book down! I have read other books by Richard Paul Evans in the past, but this one touched my heart in places deeper than the other books seemed to go. I felt for Michael, in every instance, and felt myself rooting for him with each turn of the page. A must read and a great Christmas gift that truly captures the spirit of that season: Love.
Rating: 
Summary: Boring
Review: I can't believe anyone would give this five stars. It is kind of "Mickey Mouse" and has all been said before. Very predictable. Not much imagination. Liked some of his other books but this one is a real bore.
Rating: 
Summary: Not What I Expected
Review: I eagerly awaited the released of "The Carousel" as I have all of Mr. Evans' other books. However, "The Carousel" fell short of my expectations. It didn't have the intense emotional impact of "the Christmas Box", "The Letter", and "The Locket". But the biggest disappointment was the ending, in which all loose ends were conveniently connected. The manner in which Blythe was "disposed of" was very blunt, not in character with Mr. Evans' writing, but perhaps he has another story in mind for her, which would make her rather abrupt dismissal in "The Carousel" not as harsh. The summing up in one paragraph of how the little girl and her mother stayed in Ogden, the mother was persuaded to press charges against the restaurant manager, and how the financial settlement made a comfortable life posssible for them, just is not traditional Richard Paul Evans writing.
Rating:
Summary: Great reading
Review: I enjoyed it so much I could not put it down. I finished the book in Two days! I think Richard Paul Evans writes very well. What really attracts me to his books is the fact that the chapters are short and the Font in the book is big enough for tired eyes. He is very descriptive in his writings as well. He makes you feel that this could really happen in real life. It can come true for people that true love will prevail over anything that can come between them. I enjoyed it and cant wait for a new book from him soon.
Rating:
Summary: Bravo!!
Review: I must admit that I am a fan of love stories and a good book with a great ending. The Carusel gave me that. The characters are courageous, committed, and willing to sacrifice anything for the people they love. Richard Paul Evans thanks for giving us hope, and thanks for letting us know that there are still courageous, committed people who are willing to sacrifice something in their life because of there love for another human being. BRAVO!!
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