A Promise Given

Rating:
Summary: Mildley disappointed.....
Review: This was my first novel by Ms. James and I wasent totally disappointed. The plot was an interesting concept albeit a triffle predictable. There was pleanty of sexual descriptions. The only problem I had with this book it that the ending was a little weak. I would have preferred that Ms. James built more to the climax. I found the book at times a little slow moving and some of the characters, which were elemental in the plot, a tad underdeveloped. Otherwise I did enjoy the book for light reading.

Rating:
Summary: Good story, writing a little lacking...
Review: This was one of the first Scottish romances I bought a couple years back after getting back into reading historical romances...and I have to agree with other reviewers that James' plot and characters are good, but the writing style occasionally veers into the realm of purple prose. Some elements of the prose just got to me...like using the word "Nay" to begin a sentence or a sentiment. Also the ending seemed rushed and some of the lines exchanged between characters during the climax featuring Margaret , Ian and Sabrina just seemed ripped out of a bad TV show. This is a good example of a novel that could have done with a strong-handed editor. I like James' plot ideas, however, and her character development. I will try some of her other books to see if the writing is more satisfactory. Read this book for plot and for some good -- if not great-- love scenes.

Rating:
Summary: Pleasant Surprise
Review: This was the first Samantha James book I have ever read, and it will not be the last. I enjoyed the book from the vary first page. It is a light read, good for a warm summer afternoon on the beach. As is typical of many romance novels, I did get annoyed with Sabrina's lack of faith in her feelings for Ian. All and all, the book was delightful, and I cannot wait to read another Samantha James story.