Rating:  Summary: Not really great Review: I can not believe that reviewers liked this book. It is contrived and unbelievable. Even in her far off island, Joya would not be so uninformed about English cutoms. She may not have been "up to snuff" om everything, but she would have known considerably more than she does. It certainly doesn't make me desire to read other books that she has written. It doesn't deserve even one star!
Rating:  Summary: spectacular! one of the best books I've ever read! Review: I could barely put this book down! It's most definitely one of my most favorite stories! Jill Marie Landis is my favorite historical romance writer and she did not disappoint me at all with "The Orchid Hunter", which as she wrote in the back of the book, is "a story that will make you laugh and cry", which it did. Not many books can make me cry but parts of this one did! Ms. Landis made me feel everything that the main characters (Janelle, Joya and Trevor) were feeling. This book had everything---adventure, mystery and romance. And unlike some of the romance novels I've read, this one truly showed the love that grew between Joya and Trevor. The characters had life, nothing was terribly unrealistic, and this very well-written story was never boring for me. I loved everything about this book. High up on my recommended list!
Rating:  Summary: spectacular! one of the best books I've ever read! Review: I could barely put this book down! It's most definitely one of my most favorite stories! Jill Marie Landis is my favorite historical romance writer and she did not disappoint me at all with "The Orchid Hunter", which as she wrote in the back of the book, is "a story that will make you laugh and cry", which it did. Not many books can make me cry but parts of this one did! Ms. Landis made me feel everything that the main characters (Janelle, Joya and Trevor) were feeling. This book had everything---adventure, mystery and romance. And unlike some of the romance novels I've read, this one truly showed the love that grew between Joya and Trevor. The characters had life, nothing was terribly unrealistic, and this very well-written story was never boring for me. I loved everything about this book. High up on my recommended list!
Rating:  Summary: the orchid hunter Review: i have been disappointed in the last two books by landis. give us more of "come spring" and "last chance". Her last two books have been boring and over long. i feel like there are several "books" in each one and can't quite get into any one story line.
Rating:  Summary: Wildly romantic Review: I loved this book. The idea is so intriguing and the characters so endearing that I devoured it in two sittings (interrupted only by my own call of the wild, my garden). The interplay of the unschooled Joya and very proper Trevor made for perfect chemistry. Part "African Queen," part Cinderella, and wholly entertaining. Give yourself a treat and read this book.
Rating:  Summary: Not one of Landis's better books Review: I've read and loved every one of Landis's books, but this one is the worst. It's slow-moving, downright boring in parts, and sometimes unbelievable. I don't like weak heroines, and this one is a gullible twit. I couldn't even finish this book.... the last seven chapters were only skimmed. The only thing that kept me from abandoning it altogether was the fact that I can't stand leaving a book unfinished.
Rating:  Summary: Not one of Landis's better books Review: I've read and loved every one of Landis's books, but this one is the worst. It's slow-moving, downright boring in parts, and sometimes unbelievable. I don't like weak heroines, and this one is a gullible twit. I couldn't even finish this book.... the last seven chapters were only skimmed. The only thing that kept me from abandoning it altogether was the fact that I can't stand leaving a book unfinished.
Rating:  Summary: A haunting historical romance Review: In 1850 Joya Penn loves living on Matarenga but it sometimes gets very lonely being the only white woman on the African island. Though she is for the most part content with her life, Joya feels a deep need to go to England, the home of her parents. She feels that part of her, the girl she always draws pictures of, resides in England. However, Joya feels her chances of going to the land of her ancestors is remote. It is even less likely that she will be marrying anyone since most of the islanders feel uncomfortable around her and her father would forbid it anyway. Everything changes when Trevor Mandeville arrives on the island seeking the perfect orchid for Her Majesty, Queen Victoria. He realizes that Joya is the lost twin of his adopted sister. Joya accompanies Trevor back to England where she is joyfully united with her sibling. Joya falls in love with Trevor. However, he is a stickler to convention, but the only conventions she knows are African not English. Unless love finds a way, this culture-crossed duo is doomed to a lifetime of unhappiness. Jill Marie Landis paints two wonderful landscapes as a part of mid nineteenth century Africa and England vividly come to life in THE ORCHID HUNTER. The entertaining and often humorous story line features two notable lead characters, but clearly the tale belongs to the joyous Joya whose uninhibited nature takes Victorian London by storm, sending the "White Man's Burden" into clear disarray. The secondary romance starring Joya's sister adds to the overall fun. Ms. Landis has scripted a sensual storyline filled with vibrancy. This author creates some of the best historical romance writers' on the market today. Harriet Klausner
Rating:  Summary: A great read. Review: Ms. Landis always writes a wonderful book, but this one was really special, and a little different for this writer. For one thing, it was funny, which reminded me of an early Julie Garwood. The part about the rules was a riot, in the marriage night scene was one of the best I've read. I also enjoyed the other characters in the story. The book was written in a simple style and was easy to read. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a beautiful story with charm and humor. It's a definite keeper.
Rating:  Summary: The Orchid Hunter Review: Ms. Landis has written a wonderfully refreshing romp that has proven her versatility as a talented writer. This novel has something for everyone. The exotic jungle setting will capture the interest of the adventurous reader. And the compelling characters and storyline will satisfy fans of her earlier works, such as WILDFLOWER and JUST ONCE, which also had fun and fiesty heroines like the free-spirited Joya of THE ORCHID HUNTER. This book has now become my #1 all-time favorite by Jill Marie Landis.
|