More Than You Know

Rating:
Summary: Long Time Jo Goodman Fan
Review: I just finished More Than You Know and I must say that I was thoroughly pleased. It was not of the typical romance genre, it actually makes the reader feel intelligent. Rand and Claire pulled my heart, I was filled with angst and hope for them. Ms. Goodman's plots are intriguing and unique, none of the usual shenanigans seen in lesser romances. The character Rand is strong but soft enough to express what he loves about Claire and has the ability to grieve. Claire on the otherhand is not afraid to show that she is vulnerable and witty. There is a little shocker that is disclosed early on in the novel but I don't want to give too much of the story away. But you must trust me that this is a keeper. I have been a fan of Ms. Goodman's for over 10 years. Her earlier works, especially Passion's Sweet Revenge and Wild Sweet Ecstacy are to die for, if you can get a hold of a copy it will well be worth your time and money. I can't wait for the next enstallment, I personally felt that the last couple of novels prior to this one have not been Ms. Goodman's best but it seems her beautiful touch is back.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable read
Review: Jo Goodman, one of my favorite authors, has once again written the beginning of a series that will surely please her faithful readers and attract an even new group of fans.

Desperate to rebuild his Charleston plantation, Rand Hamilton goes to London to find someone to finance his search for a long lost treasure. When his fiancer insists that he must bring along his god-child Claire Bancroft he refuses.

Claire is desperate to go on the journey to the South Pacific. She must find her father and brother and unlock the secrets of her past. Persuading Rand wasn't easy, but once persuaded she doesn't look back.

Rand and Claire make the journey of their lifetime in search of a treasure that is shrouded in secrets and riddles. During their journey the two fall in love, but can they unlock the secrets of Claire's past?

I enjoyed More Than You Know and I'm anticipating the continuation of this series. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Superb Writing
Review: This book is a gem. Set in the context of a treasure hunt through, of all places, the Polynesian Islands, it tells the story of a developing relationship between Claire Bancroft, daughter of an eccentric British naturalist, and Rand Hamilton, the last surviving son of a Charleston family devastated by the Civil War. Claire and Rand are thrown together by a two-part riddle that ultimately requires both their combined knowledge and skills in order to solve. The book stands out not only because of the unique premise, but also especially because of the characters, which are very well developed, with depth and believability. Their conversations are wonderful, and it feels like one is actually watching two real people fall in love slowly and deeply. Ms. Goodman manages to infuse the story with tenderness, sensuality, and humor all at once! The growing romance between Rand and Claire is also told in a manner that is refreshingly free of pettiness and artificial fights, because Claire has a condition which forces her to deal with the world without the usual coquettishness, and Rand won't let her feel sorry for herself. Instead, Ms. Goodman's writing manages to convey, in Rand's character, deep devotion without too much machismo or posturing.

The mystery is kept secret till near the end. The setting is unusual and somewhat exotic. I know I will want to read this book again, to catch all the nuances I missed the first time. I recommend it highly.

If you do get this book, read chapter 10 slowly and carefully. Hidden within it, in an almost off-hand interchange between Rand and Claire, is a powerfully beautiful and intense declaration of love that doesn't come along very often.

Rating:
Summary: Superb Writing
Review: This book is a gem. Set in the context of a treasure hunt through, of all places, the Polynesian Islands, it tells the story of a developing relationship between Claire Bancroft, daughter of an eccentric British naturalist, and Rand Hamilton, the last surviving son of a Charleston family devastated by the Civil War. Claire and Rand are thrown together by a two-part riddle that ultimately requires both their combined knowledge and skills in order to solve. The book stands out not only because of the unique premise, but also especially because of the characters, which are very well developed, with depth and believability. Their conversations are wonderful, and it feels like one is actually watching two real people fall in love slowly and deeply. Ms. Goodman manages to infuse the story with tenderness, sensuality, and humor all at once! The growing romance between Rand and Claire is also told in a manner that is refreshingly free of pettiness and artificial fights, because Claire has a condition which forces her to deal with the world without the usual coquettishness, and Rand won't let her feel sorry for herself. Instead, Ms. Goodman's writing manages to convey, in Rand's character, deep devotion without too much machismo or posturing.

The mystery is kept secret till near the end. The setting is unusual and somewhat exotic. I know I will want to read this book again, to catch all the nuances I missed the first time. I recommend it highly.

If you do get this book, read chapter 10 slowly and carefully. Hidden within it, in an almost off-hand interchange between Rand and Claire, is a powerfully beautiful and intense declaration of love that doesn't come along very often.

Rating:
Summary: DON'T MISS THIS ONE!
Review: This is without question Goodman's Best Work yet! Her story touches all the familiar areas of a great Romance novel, adventures with locales that are enthralling, intriguing villians, full-bodied and emotion inspiring secondary characters, love with such amazing sensitivity that you'll never forget Rand and Claire, and a story-line that keeps you flipping pages until the last. I don't want to give away any of this amazing plot with it's constant twists and surprises so let me just simply say you DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE !

Rating:
Summary: Interesting and Absorbing. -- ** Grade: A- **
Review: This was a really good book - a splendid read. I think the reason it was so good - was the fact it was loaded with a storyline. Reader boredom is not an option! Jo Goodman can tell a story and I had no idea where this tale was going and I loved it!

Rand Hamilton is the last male in the powerful Hamilton family. A family cursed, yet lured by a long-lost treasure. Claire Bancroft's godfather, has agreed to finance the Hamilton treasure expedition. However, Rand Hamilton must bend to one reluctant term. He must allow Claire Bancroft to accompany him on his crusade. Claire Bancroft is determined to unlock the haunting secrets of her past, but first she must convince Rand Hamilton to allow her participation.

Jo Goodman takes her reader on a wondrous nautical journey. The author begins her story in damp misty London, travels to beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, and then sails onward to the sun islands in the South Pacific. Ms. Goodman unfolds a magnificent descriptive voyage, a voyage that enables two people to fall in love.

MORE THAN YOU KNOW has one astounding element. Creating a unique twist, Goodman reveals her shocker earlier on and I refuse to expose the startling surprise. I wasn't expecting it, it caught me off guard, and I will not spoil Goodman's coup for another reader. This was a GOOD writing ploy, Jo Goodman!

Ms. Goodman writes a romance/adventure - a treasure hunt, and what is a treasure hunt without a villain? But is the obvious villain the villain? The uncertainty constantly intrigued me. Yes, the story is a fine mystery and an enjoyable read. Goodman's heroine, Claire Bancroft, was a wonderful creation. She is feisty, yet vulnerable, and at first, Rand Hamilton was the typical composed hero. However, in the end, he was loving, he was protective, and he was Claire Bancroft's friend.

My sister recommended this author to me, and I thank her. Yes, MORE THAN YOU KNOW is a good read; however, as a reader I felt the ending was open. Jo Goodman didn't seal it; she left loose ends. Could it be the author wanted us to track down the sequel, Bria Hamilton's story, MORE THAN YOU WISHED? Could be? All I know is - I will be looking for Bria's book! Grade A-

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

Rating:
Summary: I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Review: This was such a great story! It was definitely one of the best books I have ever read, and it was the first I've read of Jo Goodman. It was a very sophisticated story that does not insult your intelligence with the usual "I love you; I hate you; I love you" garbage that you read in so many romance novels! Rand and Claire were a wonderful couple who never tried to hide or deny their feelings and for that reason alone, it's worth the read. You won't be sorry you read it.

Rating:
Summary: Did not hold my interest
Review: While the setting and the riddle would seem to make for a very good read, I was very disappointed. I knew that I was not making progress in this book when by page 42 it was a chore to read. Somehow I plodded on, but this was one romance that did not spark my interest. Yes, it is well written, yes, the characters are nice. But it lacked the zest and energy that many romance novels possess.

Rating:
Summary: Did not hold my interest
Review: While the setting and the riddle would seem to make for a very good read, I was very disappointed. I knew that I was not making progress in this book when by page 42 it was a chore to read. Somehow I plodded on, but this was one romance that did not spark my interest. Yes, it is well written, yes, the characters are nice. But it lacked the zest and energy that many romance novels possess.