Customer Reviews

Casa Grande

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I happen to be a "true-blue" Deveraux fan. This book probably in it's day was excellent. It reminds me of the "Judith Michael" books or perhaps "Janet Dailey" the sweeping novels of the 80's. She describes a fictional place in New Mexico to a "T". What I did not like about this book was.... as someone mentioned the way it ended. There were some loose ends that were tied up but done so in the last 4 pages which gave me a "let-down" feeling. The characters were engaging but some things that happened in the book just didn't make much sense so I'm glad I have it to add to my collection but I would really like to caution someone if you are just purchasing it to add to your collection hold off and wait to get it at a reasonable price. Because in my opinion the story is not worth the price that I have seen on auctions.

I can tell this is one of her earlier works, perhaps written before The Enchanted land, but published after it. And finally having gotten hold of a copy, I can see why it was allowed to go out of print.

I'm glad to own a copy, and will probably never relinquish it, because I wanted the complete Deveraux collection, and this one marked its completion. However, I have to admit a serious disappointment, especially since I prefer her earlier works to her later ones.

To forewarn all the romance fans--this is not a romance. It's a grand story of a woman who grows up and discovers herself, and a fantastic tale of the business she starts, but overall, it's rather drawn-out and the conclusion seems anti-climactic.

Anyone who wants the complete collection should buy this, definitely, and even read it through, but I doubt it'll be a favorite.

I WAS LUCKY TO FIND THIS BOOK IN MY LOCAL LIBRARY. I HAVE READ ALL OF JUDE DEVERAUX'S BOOKS (22) I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR IT FOREVER. IT IS NOT HER USUAL STYLE, BUT I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH IT. AS A MATTER OF FACT, I HAD TO RATION IT OUT SO THAT I WOULD NOT RUSH THROUGH IT AND MISS SOMETHING. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

Jude Deveraux's first book, to me, left a lot to be desired. As usual the description is wonderful, but the story was a bit lacking. The ending left me wnating more and trying to figure it out. Other of her novels, especially the historical ones seem to be the best.

If you can get a hold of this book, read it! It is not her best work, but you can see the talent. The story is good, but the total book is lacking her normal style.

Too many characters are described, the title of the novel suits well.
The one night weakness of the heroine is not something common we can find on other novels from Jude Deveraux.

the reviews have it! this book is most definitaly her first work. while i got the book to complete my collection, it is still
a good read for the lovers of that style (which for me is hard to describe).

I'M A BIG FAN OF JUDE DEVERAUX, AND HAVE BEEN FOR MANY YEARS. I RECENTLY DID A SEARCH OF HER WORKS AND CAME ACROSS THIS BOOK--WHICH I FOUND ON AMAZON, AND BOUGHT. IT WAS AN INTERESTING BOOK, WITH A GOOD STORY LINE.

I have the author's entire collection and this was the only one that was missing. I can't say enough good things about Jude Deveraux books. They are absolutely fabulous.

From the back of the book:
She came home a small-town celebrity but the dream she fought for made her a woman of the world . . .

Determined to repay those who have sacrificed much for her, Laura Taylor turns her artistic vision to a fabulous dream. From the ruins of a Spanish mission, she will build a splendidly luxurious pleasure resort, frequented by the world's most glamorous people.

A woman of indomitable passions and remarkable strength, she is forced to deal with the jealousies and deceptions of those nearest her, and the crushing loss of the husband she adores. But, overcoming the setbacks life throws at her, she is, first and foremost, an artist, creating grandeur and elegance. And her finest masterpiece by far is the woman she makes of herself . . .

The inside reads:
Laura Taylor
She changed the lives of all who knew her

Clarry Taylor - The sister who was always envious of Laura - and used her own striking blonde beauty to get revenge.
Garrick Eastman - He would always want Laura, but he married her sister out of spite.
Ross Kenyon - He was there when Laura needed him most, and his devotion would cost him his life.
Julia Kenyon - The daughter who bitterly resented growing up in Laura's shadow and became her most implacable rival.
Brad Northrup - The architect who wanted Laura - but was tenaciously pursued by her daughter.
Jack Galloway - The syndicate money-man who used his charm and looks to try to destroy Laura.
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Casa Grande is not a typical Jude Deveraux novel and it's not really a romance novel. It's a story about a girl who turns into a woman throughout the course of the book. I thought that Laura was a good character, but I felt that JD strayed away from her as the novel went on. The novel did end rather abruptly, but all in all it was good book, not her best nor her worst. I'd recommend giving it a read, but it might not be a keeper.
3.5 stars