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Summary: My Good Fortune
Review: It was indeed good fortune to discover this highly entertaining and moving novel. Set in the late 19th century, a young 15 year old upper class girl comes of age. Olympia is bright, beautiful, mature beyond her years - in short, someone everyone notices. John Haskell and his wife and family come to visit for the summer. He is a doctor and ministers to and champions the cause of poor factory workers. His writings intrigue Olympia. He is immediately attracted to Olympia and she to him.As they come to know each other, the attraction overtakes them and a passionate love affair begins. No good can come of it, however, and eventually they are found out. Many lives are ruined upon this discovery and the ultimate realization that she is with child.
Shreve makes you care about every character and tells this story so well that you don't want it to end. And even though one can sometimes predict what is going to happen next, she ultimately surprises and perhaps shocks you with the plot twists. Highly readable, most enjoyable and worth your time and effort.
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Summary: A Big hit for Anita Shreve
Review: I have not read all of Shreve's books, but I have read a lot of them. They seem to be a hit or miss and "Fortune's Rocks" is a definite hit. In my opinion it is her best book to date. In the summer of 1899, Olympia Biddeford is summering with her parents in Fortune's Rocks, New Hampshire. At 15, she is just beginning to feel like a women who is becoming what she will one day be. John Haskell is a 41 year old married man. When he first lays eyes on Olympia, he knows, without knowing why, that there is something special about her. They begin a passionate affair that they know can only lead to heartbreak. This is a book about a true, but forbidden love and all it's consequences. While the thought of a 15 year old and a 41 year old is a bit unsettling, you can't help but hope for the best between these two. Shreve has developed two wonderful and unforgettable characters that will at times break your heart. If you have ever enjoyed Shreve's books, then there is no question you will absolutely love this one.
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Summary: One of the Best Novels I've Read
Review: I could not put this book down. The story is engrossing and the prose is beautiful. The topic - forbidden love - is an enthralling premise in and of itself. Anita Shreve pulls the reader in even deeper by writing in the style of the late 19th century. It is an amazing read which ranks in my personal top 5.
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Summary: Just Wonderful!
Review: This book was captivating to say the least. I did not want it to end, and when it did, I was left hungry for more. I am not a fan of sequels, however, I feel this story has much left to be told and can only wish that the author will choose to continue the story. I highly reccomend this novel to anyone who loves period pieces such as Jane Eyre. The first 1/4 of the book is a touch slow as you learn about the characters and environment, but well worth the time spent. After that, it's totally addicting.
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Summary: Enthralling!
Review: Anita Shreve has hit the jackpot with this book. It is beautifully written, and, if you can get past the present tense prose, it will suck you in and not let you go until you are finished. The main character is strong and consistent, and the story is sound and brings the reader back to the customs and social mores of the turn of the 20th century. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a book with a strong literature feel combined with the escape value of a good romance novel. It is emotional, educational, erotic, and, quite simply, enthrallilng!
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Summary: Wonderful narration by Blair Brown
Review: I enjoy Shreve's works, but tend to feel I am reading a romance novel once removed; As I read or listen I'm enthralled by the passion and prose, but finish feeling as though the plot or theme was missing something -- like a point. But I thoroughly enjoyed Blair Brown's reading of this novel, it brought to life characters that otherwise may have been drab in my own reading.
Rating:
Summary: As Strong As It Can Get
Review: Fortune's Rocks is the story of transcending love. In this case, the difference of the ages between the lovers is transcended by their passion to and understanding of each other. The length of the book is right and you feel there are not any issues that are not covered by the author that is of any consequence. Strongly recommended.
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Summary: Classic Romance
Review: The rich setting for this story brings it alive. I can drive anywhere on the NH coast and imagine a fit for this story. The main character is endearing, and supported by an interesting array of friends and family. If you've exhausted your supply of classic romance, this one's for you.
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Summary: Shreeve's Virtuousity
Review: Fortunes Rocks succeeds in reminding the reader of the compelling nature of love in an unforgiving time when the transgression of society's mores brought total ruin and shunning for the transgressors. One is shown the power of the need for the beloved and the sense that no price is too great to pay for the stolen moments they can find. It has the authenticity of the passion of first love, and once again Anita Shreeve has explored the concept that it is entirely possible for a man to love more than one woman at a time in very different but still honest ways. This is my favorite of her books.
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Summary: This was a page turner......
Review: I haven't read a book in a long time that made me actually gasp out in surprise at the outcome of some of the stories. This was an excellent book, I wish it would have never ended. Although the ending did suprise me quite a bit. I loved this book. I think Anita Shrieve is one of the best writers I have read in a long time and will continue to finish all of her works.
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