The Gazebo: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Refreshing and Poignant
Review: Of course this book is going to be compared to Bridges of Madison County and on some levels it is valid. The book was the wonderful break I was looking for to start my summer reading. The words flowed, I could envision the town, the Gazebo and even see the food Martin would cook. It was a delightful way to start my summer reading.

Rating:
Summary: Love as it should be!
Review: I was completely enveloped by the story of the lives of Claire and Martin. Two very real characters, who's life-long love translated through time. Emily Grayson was a real treasure find for me. I can't wait until her next novel-whatever it may be. One of the few American writers that I would compare to Rosemunde Pilcher. If you read no other book this summer-please read the Gazebo. It will enchant you!

Rating:
Summary: A perfectly heartbreaking love story
Review: It's been many, many years since I've read a book that had me in tears. Realizing the kind, gentle Martin was destined to suffer, I read faster, hoping against all hope, for a happy ending. This book is perfect for anyone who has ever imagined where a fulfilling love can take you.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, haunting love story. I loved it!!!
Review: Because I also teach fiction writing, I'm so particular about the fiction I choose. I hated putting this book down--warm, moving, involving, well written--a keeper. It should be picked up as a movie. Better than "Bridges."

Rating:
Summary: This book was emotionally satisfying!!
Review: I generally don't read fiction books because they rarely satisfy me. I've read Message in a Bottle and The Bondmaid and was VERY disappointed. The Gazebo, however, was wonderful! Before I read this book I had already planned on donating my copy to my local library when I was finished (so that others could enjoy it), but now I find I'm unable to let this book go. This is one book that's worth your time!

Rating:
Summary: Definitely worth the read
Review: I've read _Bridges_, I've read _The Notebook_ and _Message in a Bottle_, and now I can say I have read this lovely book. It kept my attention from beginning to end and brought familiar tears to my eyes as the other books like this have done. This book is definitely worth the read! I look forward to seing what Emily Grayson has in store for us next!

Rating:
Summary: a beautiful, heartbreaking romance
Review: I don't normally read books like this, but I was totally hooked on the first page. By the end I was bawling. The best love story I've read since, well, Love Story!

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't sleep whole night
Review: I think it's the most beautiful people's most beautiful story. They know what really love is. But most people forgot that. I didn't read a love story. I've read a life of people who know their destiny. please read the most fascinating story!!!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: THE GAZEBO by Emily Grayson
September 19, 2004

For those who love the books of Nicholas Sparks, THE GAZEBO by Emily Grayson covers familiar territory. The star-crossed lovers are Claire Swift and Martin Rayfiel, and their story is told through tape recordings made by Martin, telling the story that spans fifty years. He has asked the editor of the Longwood Falls Ledger to print their story in the paper, but when she refuses, he leaves Abby Reston, the editor of the paper, a briefcase full of cassettes and mementos that tell the tale of Claire and Martin.

The love story starts on May 27, 1949, the day the two meet. They are young adults, both about to make that change from teenager to responsible adult. Martin is about to leave for college at Princeton, and Claire is expected to stay in town and become a secretary or possibly help out with her father's business. They are from opposite sides of town. He is part of the wealthy families living at The Crest, and Claire's family is working class. The two are expected not to associate with one another, so it is an event when the two meet by chance. Martin had just received a beating by a group of boys in town, and Claire sees him sitting at the gazebo that sits in the middle of town, and offers to take him to her house to do something for his black eye.

That fateful day begins the lifelong relationship between the two, and as all love stories, theirs is not an easy road. The reader may or may not buy into the choices made by Claire regarding their love affair, but this reader feels that it made a lot of sense. The ending was expected, but nevertheless it warrants a box of tissues. A very fast read, anyone that loves this type of story will enjoy THE GAZEBO.

Rating:
Summary: Good but predictable
Review: And sometimes good and predictable is just what the mind needs in this hectic crazy world of ours.

So yes, it's a bit of Bridges of Madison County, The Notebook and others like it. And yet, does anyone ever wonder why these books are bestsellers? Why people come back for more? Because sometimes we need reminders that love eventhough it's not perfect is still everlasting and strong.

Based on this, I recommend this book. If you are looking for a comforting, enjoyable book that is a quick read, this book is for you.