Rating: 
Summary: Bodice-Ripper Exceeds Expectations
Review: As a writer, I naturally read a lot. Normally I do not read romance fiction or time travel books. However, after reading a list of "best romance fiction" as chosen by romance writers themselves, I decided to sample some of them. I was skeptical when I came across the premise of "Outlander", but decided to give it a go anyway. After all, I hope people will read what I write, giving the author the benefit of judgment after the fact, not before. I was most pleasantly surprised. Not only was the history accurately portrayed, but the story was funny, interesting and captivating. While I would never rank any book with a perfect "5" (except of course my own!), this was a fun read. The characters are human, hilarious and haunting. The book is filled with humor and Gabaldon has a light touch that made me laugh out loud. Now I'm planning on tackling the second of the series to see if it matches the quality of the first!
Rating: 
Summary: Can it be me?
Review: Its hard to believe I could be so popular
Rating:
Summary: What an escape!
Review: I read the 4 books in this series in a whirlwind! I read them slower the second time around. I read them again to my husband, he loved them! I read a chapter or 2 every night to help set the mood for my dreams. There are literally thousands of people that have read these books and are discussing the characters as we speak, just check out Ladies of Lallybroch! If you've read the series and feel alone with your obsession for Jamie and Claire Fraser, don't fret, there are others that want to here from you. This is a series that won't soon be forgotten!
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Summary: Not one for historical romance...
Review: Not one for historical romance, this novel grabbed me and I read this and the subsequent three novels all in one month. I can't remember the last time I sequestered myself in my room, reading up to 6 hours a day. I even irritated (oops and neglected) my family with my passion for these books. Although there is some violence, especially with "women's issues", they fit the violent times in which the novel was placed. Claire is a spunky, no-nonsense person who gets lost in a fantasy... what an escape... for Claire as well as for me!! I've passed the series on to my ENGLISH mother-in-law, who is now a fan as well!
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Summary: Ignore the fact this is marketed in the "romance" section
Review: Utterly mesmerizing - the saga of a WWII nurse thrown back in time to what appears to be the pre-Culloden Scotland Highlands. Knowing what she does of history, what is a compassionate Englishwoman to do?Engulfed with the sweeping panorama painted by Gabaldon, you will find yourself cheering for the characters. Clare, the heroine, is down-to-earth, but doesn't really believe this 18th century stuff is all real. Jamie, the hero, is painted to be the man most women would want without being artificial (a remarkable feat!). All of the cast of characters are well developed. The pace varies from sedate to heart-thumpingly fast. The history and representation of Scottish/English relations appear fairly accurate to a moderatly-well-informed critic. Outlander has a unique conclusion (for a 'romance' novel). This book stands by itself. You don't need to read the other Gabaldon books to appreaciate this one. In fact, not knowing there are other books lends an even sweeter sorrow to this story. Ignore the fact this is marketed in the "romance" section of book stores, and simply accept it as an utterly delightful romp through history with a powerful romantic element woven into the war, politics, intrigue, accusations of witchcraft, treason, and personal drama.
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Summary: A complete surprise
Review: I have never been a 'romance' fan, and have actually been a non fiction or war/military reader most of my life. This book was suggested to me by a co-worker and I hurumphed at the idea. Imagine my total surprise when I was nearly at once mesmerized by this story. What initially inspired me to even give it a glance was the fact that the heroine was a WWII nurse....nothing less would have even enticed me to look at the back cover. However, the humor, the sexiness, the intrigue won me. This is one sexy novel, but also funny, readable, and so enjoyable. This non romance reader found a real treasure in this story. Do not be timid about giving it a try. Like me, you very well may just find yourself quite surprised!
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Summary: STUNNING!
Review: If you want a run-down synopsis, read the other reviews. I simply want to add my voice to the multitude in expressing how much I and all my friends loved this book. It's not fair that it is placed in the 'romance' genre alone, because Gabaldon completely transcends the bounds of her genre. No wishy-washy, silent, incompetent heroines that have no ability to stand up for themselves here! Claire is not the heroine who lets the classic romance hero, a brooding yet gorgeous jerk, walk all over her. Claire is refreshingly vocal and intelligent, which is something I cannot say for 99% of other romances. You can always trust her to get the job done. Jamie is as stunning as Bronte's Heathcliffe, and even more loveable. He encapsulates a sense of honor and duty that is (forgive me male population) so lacking today. I could go on and on, but let me just say that, after reading Outlander, the girls I roomed with threw away their list of requirements for 'the one,' and tacked up on the fridge a piece of paper that simply read, "JAIME FRASER!" You will read all 800 pages in one sitting. And you will LEARN. Gabaldon's historical accuracy is impeccable, and so brilliantly recaptured- well, it's been two years since I've read the series, and I can still tell you the date, the people, who-what-when-where-why of various scottish battles, weaponry, clothing, etc. She makes it fascinating. One of the few books where you will be continually engrossed in clever plot twists. Just to give you an idea of how much my friends and I covet these novels- when they did an internship during college, they actually had a time system: who could have which book for two hours *only*, and then must pass it on to the next roommate, on pain of death. The other books in the series are just as satisfying. Read it. You won't be disappointed.
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Summary: Be Still My Beating Heart
Review: Who ever had the audacity to say that books two, three and four of this series were not as good as the first must get their head examined. I read all the time, my favorite type of novel being the "historical romance type". Never in any book that I have ever read have I gotten so completely swept away. These four books are one giant masterpiece, and I fear that ABC will not remotely do this story justice when they make the made for T.V. mini-series. Diana Gabaldon is a genius and master story teller. These books are a must read.
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Summary: An Exceptional Read
Review: My mother brought this novel home from the library one day. She never got to read it. It totally and completely absorbed me and has had the same effect upon legions of women. This was the first novel in which I felt so moved by the characters that I wanted to be the heroine and was so entranced by the time-travelling theme that it inspired many a late-night fantasy about Scotland. The book revolves around the life of Claire Beauchamp, a former World War II nurse, who, during her vacation with her husband, Frank Randall, in the Highlands of Scotland, gets transported back in time to the 18th century. "Outlander" details Claire's adventures in Scotland, her relationship with James Fraser and her struggles against her husband's ancestor, "Black Jack" Randall. This book has everything I admire: a strong, intelligent heroine; a valiant and charismatic hero; a nefarious villain that I loved to loathe; a cast of supporting characters that contributes to the development of family, a sense of humor, and various political machinations; a historical backdrop full of intrigue and legend; a well-written story that challenges the reader's mind and tempts our imagination; a stunning climax and a happy ending. I absolutely loved this book.
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Summary: Enthralling!!
Review: Diana Gabaldon is truly an excellent author! She is able to create characters that are very vivid and real and intertwine many events and characters into a constant chain of excitement and interest that keep the reader enthralled until the very last word! More than mere romance, this book is masterpiece that combines historical details and real life that makes you hold your breath. I can't wait to finish the series so that I can start the series over! (The series follows in this order: Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn. Also, Diana is now working more books to add to the series.)
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