Rating: 
Summary: Modern Tale of Running Away
Review: Please don't shy away from the cover - yes it looks like a bit like a bodice ripper, but this engrossing story is perhaps the perfect way to "run away" - albeit vicariously. Claire leaves behind an unsympathetic fast life of drinking and waking up beside the wrong person (as well as a rather mysterious dark history) to live alone in an isolated cottage in Scotland. To my way of thinking, it was far better to endure some of her hardships vicariously, but the isolation and beauty will rub off on the reader, who hopefully won't have to endure a damp, cold cottage or other deprivations. The author develops the characters in a richly believable manner, and paints the landscape with loving simplicity. As Claire embarks on her journey of discovery, the reader will have some eye-opening moments and perhaps even an epiphany as well.
Rating:
Summary: Modern Tale of Running Away
Review: Please don't shy away from the cover - yes it looks like a bit like a bodice ripper, but this engrossing story is perhaps the perfect way to "run away" - albeit vicariously. Claire leaves behind an unsympathetic fast life of drinking and waking up beside the wrong person (as well as a rather mysterious dark history) to live alone in an isolated cottage in Scotland. To my way of thinking, it was far better to endure some of her hardships vicariously, but the isolation and beauty will rub off on the reader, who hopefully won't have to endure a damp, cold cottage or other deprivations. The author develops the characters in a richly believable manner, and paints the landscape with loving simplicity. As Claire embarks on her journey of discovery, the reader will have some eye-opening moments and perhaps even an epiphany as well.
Rating:
Summary: Sighhhhh
Review: Since I seem to be reading Raife's novels backwards, I was thrilled to see Clare and Donald of "Belonging" in this earlier work, so that I could savor the beginnings of their romance. And it was fascinating to see Trudy and Una at earlier stages as well; along with "Belonging," this book made me want to pack up my earthly possessions and move to an isolated cottage in the Highlands at once. Like all of Raife's works, this novel is more than a romance. It's a true love letter to Scotland--its terrain, its people, its way of life. I have never been to the Highlands, but I've been in love with (and in) Scotland, and this novel gently conveys a sense of such peace and pleasure as we watch Clare mellow and grow from a spoiled city girl to a strong, loving woman whose eventual happiness is well deserved. I highly recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: Sighhhhh
Review: Since I seem to be reading Raife's novels backwards, I was thrilled to see Clare and Donald of "Belonging" in this earlier work, so that I could savor the beginnings of their romance. And it was fascinating to see Trudy and Una at earlier stages as well; along with "Belonging," this book made me want to pack up my earthly possessions and move to an isolated cottage in the Highlands at once. Like all of Raife's works, this novel is more than a romance. It's a true love letter to Scotland--its terrain, its people, its way of life. I have never been to the Highlands, but I've been in love with (and in) Scotland, and this novel gently conveys a sense of such peace and pleasure as we watch Clare mellow and grow from a spoiled city girl to a strong, loving woman whose eventual happiness is well deserved. I highly recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: A satisfying read for a rainy/snowy day...
Review: This is the first book I read by this author. She has a very light humourous prose. This is not a typical *romance* novel. The characters are well-developed and by the end of the book you feel like you know them and that you might drive around the little town where this takes place (outside of Fort William in Scotland) and be able to point out key landmarks. Donald and Clare, the main characters, are very human and likeable. Clare makes a journey to find herself and finds love, family, and a sense of inner confidence that she was lacking. This is a very rewarding and satisfying read. Many readers may find their own journeys and struggles mirrored in Clare's.
Rating:
Summary: Sense of belonging
Review: What a wonderful, wonderful book! I can't believe it is out of print; I bought it two months ago from....ummmm....well, not from Amazon. The (unnamed) store had several copies in stock. What I liked about it, more than the romance, which is quite sweet but rather commonplace to novels, was the evolving story about Clare finally finding a "home." Made me wish I could move right over there and find a village just like that, where people care about each other and are willing to be honest with one another. So rare nowadays.
Rating:
Summary: Sense of belonging
Review: What a wonderful, wonderful book! I can't believe it is out of print; I bought it two months ago from....ummmm....well, not from Amazon. The (unnamed) store had several copies in stock. What I liked about it, more than the romance, which is quite sweet but rather commonplace to novels, was the evolving story about Clare finally finding a "home." Made me wish I could move right over there and find a village just like that, where people care about each other and are willing to be honest with one another. So rare nowadays.
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