Rating: 
Summary: After Innocence
Review: I loved this book, it was my first Joyce book, and it held my attention the whole time I was reading it. I found myself unable to put it down and do anything other than read, it was so captivating and sensuous, Ms.Joyce has a way with sensual writing that keeps you spellbound and intrigued yet slightly aroused while the whole time telling a story of love and rebelion and lifes quier journey. I will seek out other B.Joyce books, and will read as many as I can find. Although the epilouge did dishearten me somewhat...(which is why this review didn't recieve 5 stars) I would rather see a sequal to innocence, as to where Edana's life goes and what happens to Lisa and her fiance, and what happened between Jake and Suzanne, there are so many unread story lines in this book, that would turn out to be just as provacative and alluring as innocence. I look forward to more enjoyable reading by Ms. Joyce.
Rating: 
Summary: MESMORIZED BY THE DELANZA FAMILY
Review: I loved this book....I had read "SECRETS" first..and what caught my attention with this book was the name DELANZA...I stayed up all night just to finish this book...and I was definately satisfied with the ending...I did wonder about Sofie's sister Lisa and what would become of her...I HOPE that Brenda makes more books about the DELANZA family.. because I just LOVE them.... I DEFINATELY suggest "SECRETS" for those of you who loved this book as much as I did......=0)
Rating:
Summary: MESMORIZED BY THE DELANZA FAMILY
Review: I loved this book....I had read "SECRETS" first..and what caught my attention with this book was the name DELANZA...I stayed up all night just to finish this book...and I was definately satisfied with the ending...I did wonder about Sofie's sister Lisa and what would become of her...I HOPE that Brenda makes more books about the DELANZA family.. because I just LOVE them.... I DEFINATELY suggest "SECRETS" for those of you who loved this book as much as I did......=0)
Rating:
Summary: IT'S WELL WORTH IT
Review: I read this book some years ago and still remember it. Edward and Sophie's story was that captivating. She a great artist in need of discovery and a stronger self a steam, and Edward De Lanza was the first of many to notice her talent and help her become a great artist. As the book came to an end I had a filling of loss, and for some reason I thought that there might be a continuation of the grand-granddaughter Mara buying the painting. What picked my interest was what happened after the auction, where she bought the 'After Innocence'. Her leaving so suddenly and mysteriously reminded me of a European movie, with no ending but the reader's imagination.
Rating:
Summary: IT'S WELL WORTH IT
Review: I read this book some years ago and still remember it. Edward and Sophie's story was that captivating. She a great artist in need of discovery and a stronger self a steam, and Edward De Lanza was the first of many to notice her talent and help her become a great artist. As the book came to an end I had a filling of loss, and for some reason I thought that there might be a continuation of the grand-granddaughter Mara buying the painting. What picked my interest was what happened after the auction where she bought the After Innocence. Her leaving so suddenly and mysteriously reminded me of a European movie, with no ending but the reader imagination.
Rating:
Summary: Wanting More!
Review: I really enjoyed this book! It made me laugh, cry and get steamy! It was just plain good! I would have given it 5 stars except for a few things: is there another book out there about Sofie's sister and fiance'? If there is I want it NOW! Also, who bought the painting at the end? Please, don't leave us hangin'!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, thought-provoking romance novel.
Review: I recently finished After Innocence, which was the second Brenda Joyce book that I've read. I enjoyed both Promise of the Rose and After Innocence, and I admire an author who can write successfully in different time periods. After Innocence seemed reminiscent of Judith Krantz' Scruples series; however, keeping within the boundaries of the romance genre, it had a somewhat softer touch. I enjoy romantic fiction primarily for the more positive outlook on life and the guaranteed happy endings. I became quite absorbed in After Innocence. Joyce kept the story moving so that it was difficult to put down. The difficulties the characters faced primarily resulted from their own flaws. Human shortcomings such as self-absorption, low self-image, and inability to communicate feelings were dealt with in a thought-provoking manner. Although I was frustrated with the many loose ends (it was obvious that a sequel for Lisa's story would be forthcoming), I felt that After Innocence was a surprisingly deep and thorough book for an escapist read. Although this is a minor point, I believe that the book would have been better without the epilogue, which I found distracting rather than satisfying. I would have preferred to have lingered at the turn of the 20th century a bit longer.
Rating:
Summary: Tender Love - Brenda Joyce style
Review: Recently, I discovered Brenda Joyce and her many wonderful romance novels. I have enjoyed all of the books I have read to date and I must say that she is not a writer that writes similar themes in her books. Reading my first four Joyce books, I realize that they each differ greatly - more than any other author I have read. Each has an entirely dissimilar premise. She does not need to borrow from one success formula in one of her books and use it to write another. I chose After Innocence as my fourth Joyce book because it was so highly recommended when I asked about her books on AAR's website. Edward Delanza is a man known for his diamonds. In the late 1800s of New York City, Edward is a man who loves women and women love him. He is a little flashy and selfish but it's okay because he is a man of principal and honor beneath it all. At a country home weekend party, Edward first spots Sofie as she watches him - uhh - how should I say this - as he is spending some time with a female acquaintance. This certainly makes for an explosive beginning and causes Edward to be very curious about the beautiful face he saw watching him and his female friend through the forest greenery. Sofie O'Niel is an extremely talented artist who is attending a weekend party given by her socialite mother. She has no interest in the party but her mother is determined that Sofie will be seen more in society. Her mother realizes Sofie is lame and will never attract the right type of man for marriage and she believes this so deeply that Sofie believes it herself. Sofie is resigned to a life alone but she loves her art and happens to be talented enough to actually make a living selling it. She also has a large trust fund left to her by her deceased father and realizes money will never be a problem for her although she deeply wishes to be independent of her mother. Sofie does not see herself as the beautiful woman she is both inside and out. It takes little to make her happy and she wants mostly solitude. When she first spots an extremely handsome and obviously virile man in the forest with his apparent paramour, she is fascinated with him. She knows she can never attract the attention of such a gentleman but the experience has certainly given her fuel for many dreams in the future. Edward does seek Sofie out. He doesn't realize that she is lame and Sofie is sure that as soon as he discovers her uneven walking that all of this interest will vanish. However, it does not. Edward perceives the twisted hold Sofie's mother has over her and decides he will become her friend and make her see herself as the truly beautiful person she is with only a very minor disability. He likes the sense of purpose it gives him and wants to throw himself into an unselfish project. He has tired of his self-centered life and relishes the thought of helping another. However, to do so, he must disregard his strong attraction for Sofie. Edward and Sofie establish a friendship of sorts and he arranges her first sale of her art to a well-known gallery. Edward is very impressed with Sofie's art and finds that he is a subject she paints again and again. As their friendship deepens, Edward realizes that Sofie has more than friendship in mind. He sees her as beautiful and she blossoms under his kind regard. Although she is falling in love with him, Sofie recognizes that Edward is not the type to settle down - especially with someone like her. Their relationship soon develops beyond that which Edward had so carefully deliberated in his philanthropic plans for Sofie. It brings them to a crossroads that the two see in a totally opposite manner and Sofie runs and Edward is left confused and lonely and more than a little angry. The interaction between Edward and Sofie is priceless. Although a few minor misunderstandings come and go, primarily their relationship is one of truth and respect. Sofie reacts in a flighty immature manner more than once. In the process she loses some of the respect Edward had for her. She, in a misguided loving manner, actually hurts Edward tremendously again and again. But when they are together, the pages sizzle and the pace never slows. The sensual scenes rate about a 4.0 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines). After Innocence is the sequel to Secrets. It is very loosely tied to the Bragg series (his brother married a Bragg in Secrets). But this is a stand-alone book and Secrets does not have to be read first. I highly recommend After Innocence for it's unusual and tender romance line and totally captivating story. Now - to find my next Brenda Joyce book! She certainly has a great backlist to choose from
Rating:
Summary: Tender Love - Brenda Joyce style
Review: Recently, I discovered Brenda Joyce and her many wonderful romance novels. I have enjoyed all of the books I have read to date and I must say that she is not a writer that writes similar themes in her books. Reading my first four Joyce books, I realize that they each differ greatly - more than any other author I have read. Each has an entirely dissimilar premise. She does not need to borrow from one success formula in one of her books and use it to write another. I chose After Innocence as my fourth Joyce book because it was so highly recommended when I asked about her books on AAR's website. Edward Delanza is a man known for his diamonds. In the late 1800s of New York City, Edward is a man who loves women and women love him. He is a little flashy and selfish but it's okay because he is a man of principal and honor beneath it all. At a country home weekend party, Edward first spots Sofie as she watches him - uhh - how should I say this - as he is spending some time with a female acquaintance. This certainly makes for an explosive beginning and causes Edward to be very curious about the beautiful face he saw watching him and his female friend through the forest greenery. Sofie O'Niel is an extremely talented artist who is attending a weekend party given by her socialite mother. She has no interest in the party but her mother is determined that Sofie will be seen more in society. Her mother realizes Sofie is lame and will never attract the right type of man for marriage and she believes this so deeply that Sofie believes it herself. Sofie is resigned to a life alone but she loves her art and happens to be talented enough to actually make a living selling it. She also has a large trust fund left to her by her deceased father and realizes money will never be a problem for her although she deeply wishes to be independent of her mother. Sofie does not see herself as the beautiful woman she is both inside and out. It takes little to make her happy and she wants mostly solitude. When she first spots an extremely handsome and obviously virile man in the forest with his apparent paramour, she is fascinated with him. She knows she can never attract the attention of such a gentleman but the experience has certainly given her fuel for many dreams in the future. Edward does seek Sofie out. He doesn't realize that she is lame and Sofie is sure that as soon as he discovers her uneven walking that all of this interest will vanish. However, it does not. Edward perceives the twisted hold Sofie's mother has over her and decides he will become her friend and make her see herself as the truly beautiful person she is with only a very minor disability. He likes the sense of purpose it gives him and wants to throw himself into an unselfish project. He has tired of his self-centered life and relishes the thought of helping another. However, to do so, he must disregard his strong attraction for Sofie. Edward and Sofie establish a friendship of sorts and he arranges her first sale of her art to a well-known gallery. Edward is very impressed with Sofie's art and finds that he is a subject she paints again and again. As their friendship deepens, Edward realizes that Sofie has more than friendship in mind. He sees her as beautiful and she blossoms under his kind regard. Although she is falling in love with him, Sofie recognizes that Edward is not the type to settle down - especially with someone like her. Their relationship soon develops beyond that which Edward had so carefully deliberated in his philanthropic plans for Sofie. It brings them to a crossroads that the two see in a totally opposite manner and Sofie runs and Edward is left confused and lonely and more than a little angry. The interaction between Edward and Sofie is priceless. Although a few minor misunderstandings come and go, primarily their relationship is one of truth and respect. Sofie reacts in a flighty immature manner more than once. In the process she loses some of the respect Edward had for her. She, in a misguided loving manner, actually hurts Edward tremendously again and again. But when they are together, the pages sizzle and the pace never slows. The sensual scenes rate about a 4.0 out of 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines). After Innocence is the sequel to Secrets. It is very loosely tied to the Bragg series (his brother married a Bragg in Secrets). But this is a stand-alone book and Secrets does not have to be read first. I highly recommend After Innocence for it's unusual and tender romance line and totally captivating story. Now - to find my next Brenda Joyce book! She certainly has a great backlist to choose from
Rating:
Summary: A BOOK YOU CAN'T PUT DOWN!
Review: The story of Sophie & Edward is a definite page turner. This book keeps your interest from beginning to end. I hope Brenda Joyce writes a sequel.
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