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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Top notch debut, GEM of a book!, March 20, 2001
This review is from: Amethyst (Paperback)
Amethyst is one definite keeper. I should have taken the reviews to heart and read only when I had time to finish, but I couldn't wait. I stayed up till 3 in the morning (and still some way to go) but had to go to work the next day. Still, it was very much worth it. Amethyst (Amy) Goldsmith is a jewelry maker who survived The Fire, aided by the hero, Colin Chase, Earl of Greystone. They had met briefly five years ago in the King's coronation parade. Although there is an instant attraction between them, Colin can't pursue it, as he's already betrothed to a highborn (albeit generously endowed) cold fish, Lady Priscilla Hobbs. He then tries all ways to get Amy off his hands as she's too distracting for his resolve to leave her alone. She, on the other hand, has other ideas and thinks of one excuse after another to put off her departure. Thus started the Earl's downfall (though he thoroughly enjoys it) as he finds himself irrevocably drawn to Amy's charms, warmth and beauty. The story is interspersed with fascinating historical snippets by a deft hand that interest buffs like me. Lauren Royal really knows her craft. Her research was thorough and I was totally immersed in the Restoration period; transported back in time to the tragedy of the great fire, the cultures and elaborate dress of its people. Of course, what made the book so memorable were all the main and equally enthralling supporting cast. Little Mary was a particular favorite. The characters were all well defined. I couldn't agree more that the amazing chemistry between Amy and Colin was a joy to watch - they were practically soul mates (except towards the end, when they were not forthcoming with each other). There were also generous doses of sparkling wit, humor and sensual scenes throughout the book, not forgetting the oneness you feel with the cast. Royal doesn't read like a debut writer at all. If this work is anything to go by, I predict bigger and better things for this bright new star. I'm off to look for the sequel starring Jason, Colin's elder brother. Thank you so much, Lauren.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A very good first book, May 18, 2000
This review is from: Amethyst (Paperback)
Amethyst "Amy" Goldsmith, daughter of a jeweler, is an accomplished and talented jewelry maker who loves her craft and has a great passion for her work but her personal life is hardly as fulfilling. In just two weeks she will be wed to a man whom she does not love - a man who plans to keep her away from her work to make babies and keep his house. Amy longs for love but will not hurt her father by backing out of the unwanted marriage. One day Colin Chase "Earl of Greystone" walks into her family's store and they make an immediate connection but, sadly, he is far out of her league. These first few chapters are wonderful and really hooked me. The historic details are interesting and plentiful and Amy is presented as a likable and compassionate character full of life, dreams and motivation. Then a devastating fire destroys her life and changes everything. She now has the opportunity to take charge of her life but first is rescued by Colin who takes her to his home so she can heal from her physical and emotional wounds. She quickly finds love and acceptance amongst Colin's siblings but receives only the cold shoulder from Colin who wants her gone as soon as possible. Amy decides she wants Colin and comes up with one excuse after another to stick around. It was Colin's attraction to Amy that impelled him to rescue her and it is that same attraction that makes him want her out of his sight as soon as possible. Colin is betrothed to a "titled" woman and has already spent a good portion of the woman's dowry and sees no way to get out of it. And, lets be real, he doesn't want to. For the majority of the story money and titles are more important to Colin than love and it's here that the book lost the most of its appeal for me. Colin and Amy are wildly attracted to each other and obviously belong together but he stubbornly refuses to break off his betrothal. This makes him come across as extremely selfish. Amy deserved so much better. Amy, unfortunately, loses some of her charm because she is forced into the role of pining away for the stubborn Colin instead of concentrating on getting back on her feet. The jewelry crafting, which was such a huge part of her life, takes a back to seat to thoughts of Colin and this was very disappointing. This story is a good choice if you like your books steeped in historic detail and don't mind love-stubborn heroes. The author has an obvious love for her time period and weaves in interesting tidbits whenever possible. Although Colin didn't turn out to be my idea of a hero I do look forward to the forthcoming stories about Colin's siblings who were lovable characters.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Debut!, February 24, 2000
This review is from: Amethyst (Paperback)
Lauren Royal is off to a wonderful writing career with her first book: Amethyst. Tragedy, disappointment and true love fulfilled---what more could a romance reader ask for? Both the main characters and the secondary characters were well written, fun and compelling. The setting and descriptions were mentally vivid. Congratulations to Laurie for a wonderful debut novel. I'm already looking forward to her next book!
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