Blue Willow

Rating:
Summary: A beautifully written story!
Review: I came across this book by accident in a library book store. After buying it, I left it on my book shelf for several months before coming around to reading it a few days ago. After reading, the only thing that went through my mind was why I waited so long to read this beautiful story. Every character in the story was fully developed. You can feel their anguish, fustration, sorrow and happiness. I especially loved Artemas. Sacrificing your own happiness for your family's sake is a real selfless act and not much of us can really say that we can do that. I loved Lily's courage and strength. She's one of the toughest heroines I have ever came across in literature. Their story is really heartbreaking but beautiful. The secondary characters are just as lovable and for some, hateful. This was my first Deborah Smith novel and needless to say, won't be my last. If you have not read this story, do it. It will draw you in and not let go.

Rating:
Summary: Enthralling, a truly beautiful story of love and family
Review: I emensely enjoyed "Blue Willow" by Deborah Smith. Smith has the ability to make her characters seem like an actual part of the reader's life. However, I found the book terribly difficult to read due to the monstrous amount of cosmetic errors. I do not blame the poor editing on Deborah Smith however, she is a talented author. This problem is the fault of her editors. All in all, a great read, just try and overlook the minor flaws.

Rating:
Summary: Enthralling, a truly beautiful story of love and family
Review: I emensely enjoyed "Blue Willow" by Deborah Smith. Smith has the ability to make her characters seem like an actual part of the reader's life. However, I found the book terribly difficult to read due to the monstrous amount of cosmetic errors. I do not blame the poor editing on Deborah Smith however, she is a talented author. This problem is the fault of her editors. All in all, a great read, just try and overlook the minor flaws.

Rating:
Summary: GOOD READ.
Review: I enjoyed this book, but there were parts that were trite and certainly childish fantasies indulged of the handsome prince and the poor maiden hooking up. Oh well, it was good nonetheless and I still stayed up late reading it to find out what would happen with Lily and Artemus.

Rating:
Summary: Good Story, but....
Review: I like Deborah Smith as an author. She has a way of creating believable characters and stories, with plots that can alternately tug at your heart strings and make you smile. I liked Blue Willow, but I found the characters hard to believe, thereby causing the entire story to be unbelievable. I know, it's fiction and I should probably lighten up, but the reality of a character is what often drives a novel. It seemed incredibly far-fetched that Artemus Colebrook could have such a powerful drive to overcome his parent's shadow, be the strong leader of his siblings, and turn around a failing business into an international powerhouse. Not that that kind of strength and integrity isn't possible, but all before he turned twentyfive! I also found it unreal for such a handsome, rich, powerful man to harbor feelings for a child he'd seen, what, two or three times? A young girl he faithfully corresponded through the mail for several years? Come on.
I also found the Stepford-like loyalty of the Colebrook clan to be unreal as well as a little scary. Six brothers and sisters who can't see further than the bounds of their family is more than a little bizarre.
And for Lily to simply stand by and say nothing when evidence came to hand that aleviated the blame the Colebrooks placed on her deceased spouse? Give me a break! If I were Lily, I would want the world to know the blame for the tragedy the story is centered around was shared with the Colebrook sibling running the project. Especially after Colebrook International sued her dead husband's firm, causing her to lose her home and all of her worldly belongings. Heck, I'd call a press conference. If Artemas had to do what he had to do, so should have Lily. Better yet, Artemus should have done the honorable thing and informed the public of his sister's involvement.
Oh well. That's just me.
This is a good read for the most part, if you can past the inane behavior of many of the characters.

Rating:
Summary: Good Story, but....
Review: I like Deborah Smith as an author. She has a way of creating believable characters and stories, with plots that can alternately tug at your heart strings and make you smile. I liked Blue Willow, but I found the characters hard to believe, thereby causing the entire story to be unbelievable. I know, it's fiction and I should probably lighten up, but the reality of a character is what often drives a novel. It seemed incredibly far-fetched that Artemus Colebrook could have such a powerful drive to overcome his parent's shadow, be the strong leader of his siblings, and turn around a failing business into an international powerhouse. Not that that kind of strength and integrity isn't possible, but all before he turned twentyfive! I also found it unreal for such a handsome, rich, powerful man to harbor feelings for a child he'd seen, what, two or three times? A young girl he faithfully corresponded through the mail for several years? Come on.
I also found the Stepford-like loyalty of the Colebrook clan to be unreal as well as a little scary. Six brothers and sisters who can't see further than the bounds of their family is more than a little bizarre.
And for Lily to simply stand by and say nothing when evidence came to hand that aleviated the blame the Colebrooks placed on her deceased spouse? Give me a break! If I were Lily, I would want the world to know the blame for the tragedy the story is centered around was shared with the Colebrook sibling running the project. Especially after Colebrook International sued her dead husband's firm, causing her to lose her home and all of her worldly belongings. Heck, I'd call a press conference. If Artemas had to do what he had to do, so should have Lily. Better yet, Artemus should have done the honorable thing and informed the public of his sister's involvement.
Oh well. That's just me.
This is a good read for the most part, if you can past the inane behavior of many of the characters.

Rating:
Summary: A Gem
Review: I've read this book 3 times within 6 months. When I lend the book to my aunt, she read it and fell in love with it just as I did. I can't stop my tears when Lily waits for Artemas in the lobby of his building and was not allowed to see him when she needed him most. A must read.

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!!!!! The best in the joys and tears of the heart!!
Review: In Blue Willow, Artemis is a very strong man that is that loves so deeply and completely to the one woman who shows great stength in her fears, saddness, and love in her character. The best book I have ever read that went straight to my heart. I recommend it! ^_~

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites
Review: Once again, Deborah Smith has written a powerhouse of a book. It will not bore you - it is quick moving and surprising. Her characters are memorable as usual. She has a wondrous imagination and I love her style of writing.

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites
Review: Once again, Deborah Smith has written a powerhouse of a book. It will not bore you - it is quick moving and surprising. Her characters are memorable as usual. She has a wondrous imagination and I love her style of writing.