Rating: 
Summary: as pre-packaged as it gets
Review: I have nothing against "fluff" novels and am in no way trying to hold this book up against weightier peers. However, even in the fluff genre, this book was disappointing. I have to admit that I read this book because I really enjoyed Greyson's second book, The Observatory, which was much stronger overall and less predictable. This book felt contrived from the beginning: a man shows up in Abby's office with a briefcase and a story to tell. Plus, the whole novel is supposed to take place while Abby is sitting in her office listening to Martin's tape of his story of eternal love, but the narration is not written anything like a recording. In other words, this book is no "tape" -- it is just a novice author's attempt at trying to come up with a novelistic device to narrate a story in typical prose very much unlike a tape. Although the devices used have a pre-packaged feel, I did enjoy much of the plot. Who doesn't take some joy in the rich boy overthrowing his autocratic parents (talk about stereotyping though!) and moving to Europe where he achieves his lifelong goal of becoming a famous chef? If you are looking for a quick read and a nice story, you won't be disappointed. I would recommend Greyson's second book though much more strongly than this one which I found dull by comparison.
Rating: 
Summary: My favorite Grayson novel
Review: Although I've only read The Gazebo and The Fountain, The Gazebo is by far my favorite. I adored this book and got so caught up with the characters and their lives. I cried for Martin and Claire and their love story and for the surprises along the way. In fact, I cried throughout most of this book. This book touched me with its love and tenderness and the way that Martin and Claire continued to meet every May at the gazebo and I hope that many more people enjoy it the way I did.
Rating:
Summary: Stuck in the Gazebo
Review: This novel was a QUICK read, so I don't feel as totally manipulated as I would have had this taken days to read. The story and characters were pleasantly enough presented if not a little bland. I didn't quite feel transported back to another era, though. The main character, Martin, must have been created by poll of what woman wish for in their dream man in 2004 not mid 20th century:
Sensitive, thoughtful, rich (though willing to leave it all for love), indulgent, and he can cook! (Although he seems to be only able to cook in London!!)
The other half of this duo is the codependant, martyr Claire. The only thing I found that made her unique from most of these romantic heroines was that she "never wore a hat" (which is ironic because Martin's family made their fortune selling hats).
But apart from the nice descriptions of Europe and the non offensive main characters, the story became increasingly one dimensional....you are supposed to shed tears for these two and the author tries to pull at every available heartstring. Thus, the author walks the fine line between drawing empathy and outright manipulation. In my case, she crossed it.
******SLIGHT PLOT REVELATIONS*****
I find that marrying someone who will always be a distant second and taking one special day a year to make it abundantly clear to the second fiddle is almost as cruel as Martin's oh-so stereotyped father. How would any reader feel if he/she were Martin or Claire's spouse?? Be truthful!
Frankly, Martin chose his career over Claire and Claire chose her family over Martin. All choices limit us although Martin and Claire never really accept this sad fact of life.
***END SLIGHT PLOT REVELATIONS***
I don't believe that showing up at a "gazebo" once a year is any more a manifestation/celebration of trandscendant love than changing one diaper a year indicates a devoted parent.
Rating:
Summary: could have been really good
Review: This book was recommended by one of the women's magazines...either Cosmo or Mademoiselle and I was looking forward to reading it. However, from the very beginning I was extremely turned off by Ms. Grayson's writing style. I felt as if Abby was not a character at all, and she did not even need to be there. I also feel that if they were that much in love that they would have been together, but then the book would not have been The Gazebo. I felt that it was written in a much too narrative form, and that it lacked a maturity, in a way, as if it were written for a four year old. Once upon a time, boy met girl. Then they did this, then they did that, etc. Ms. Grayson did not dig deep enough into the minds of her characters, and it seems as if she added Abby as an afterthought, because she needed something, no matter what it was, to put the story together. Good story, had wonderful potential, unfortunately Ms. Grayson lacked the experience or knowledge to put it together the way it should have been.
Rating: 
Summary: Fluff, but entertaining enough
Review: Obviously the author enjoyed the play/film Same Time Next Year as she liberally borrows the premise, but with out the humor or emotional depth. At the same time, The Gazebo is moving. The begining with the briefcase and the interruptions to present day are slow moving, but the love story was poingnant. I found myself wishing that these two could just take the risk and be together instead of limiting themselves to a bittersweet reunion each year. The characters were well drawn, but I just kept asking- Why can't they be together? Probably best for fans of the Notebook and the rest of the genre.
Rating: 
Summary: This was the first book from this Author that I read
Review: I like the book, it was well written in the beginning when they
were describing the love between the two main characters. I didn't like they way the Author jumped thru some parts of the story that I thought could have been written in more detail and feeling. I wanted to scream to Claire- one of the main characters to WAKE UP a few times. I couldn't take her "thick-headedness" and that
she would sacrafice her life the way she did. I would have like to have read it get into more details in some areas, and a better ending.
Rating:
Summary: An easy to read, fast and moving story¿
Review: I understand this was Emily Grayson's debut novel released in 2000, but I just got it given to me and was delighted that I enjoyed it so much. It is a story of love, loyalty and life-time commitment. It's a little like the movie "Same Time Next Year" but without the comedy. Martin and Claire first meet as teenagers at their hometown's focal point, the gazebo, in 1949 and fall in love. Although they are from opposite ends of the social spectrum, their desire to spend their lives together inspires them to leave Longmont Falls and pursue their own lives, in spite of their families objections - he to become a chef, instead of running his fathers successful business, and she to sculpt and study the arts in Europe. The reader gets drawn into their love story and becomes frustrated that they never get to marry. Just before their planned wedding in England, Claire is called home to care for her dying mother, intending to return to Martin and her planned future, but it just never happens. One thing after another prevent them from marrying until they inevitably marry other people and begin their lives apart from each other, yet meeting once a year at the gazebo of their hometown on May 27th, the day they first met. A lot happens to both of these people and their families, which keep the reader hooked, and the ending is the best part. If you liked The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, you'll like this. A well-written book, and a good choice for a short vacation or long weekend, as you'll read it fast and enjoy every minute.
Rating:
Summary: Hearthrobbing-Compassionate-Fireside Novel
Review: I am a die-hard REAL romance, REAL compassion, and REAL values reader. I rank this story alongside of The Notebook, The Girl from the Lion Dior, The Girl with the Pearl Earring, Madame Bovary, Anna Karenina, etc.,to name just a few. I have read ALL of Emily Grayson's novels. Among the dissilusionments of life it is good to be able to dwell in thought on pure affections and scenes of happiness. There are no words adequate enough to express my feelings as I read this heartfelt story. Dwelling on details within the novel, my heart throbbed within as I sat reading by an evening fire, wandering in private places. Time was forgotten as the hours slipped by. I was drawn to thoughts of long before...dim,far off memories...and I became enmeshed with interpreting my feelings. It was an incomparable feeling! It was one of very few novels that I have read straight thru in one evening's time. I wanted it to go on and on and on. I was left with a sensation of being ensnared...a feeling of being swept away. "The heart that has truly loved...never forgets!"
Rating:
Summary: A PLEASANT SURPRISE
Review: I ran across this book in a close-out book store in a small community close to Christmas last year. After reading the first few pages, I decided to purchase it, as well as the second book by Ms. Grayson, THE OBSERVATORY, that I found the same day. I have to admit it was one of the best purchases I have made in a very long time! I simply adore both of these books, but I have to say THE GAZEBO is definitely my favorite. I bought five of both of these books to give as Christmas presents to my friends, and each of them feel the same. Ms. Grayson definitely has a new set of devoted fans. If you enjoy reading a book that leaves you feeling good, this is a must read! I simply cannot say enough good things about this book...just please read it!
Rating:
Summary: A story that tugs your heart
Review: It was just a book picked up casually from the library. The synopsis and writing style of the book appealed to me and it met my need to have light book to read then. I like the book very much. Partly because the story 'talks' to me and touches me. I can relate to the carefree days and having each other as their world during their travels and the separation across an ocean. It brought back familiar and buried feelings. A light and easy read but the story will haunt you. The repercussions of the choices we make now can define the rest of our life. Sometimes, the best choices need a little selfishness and loads of courage.
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