Customer Reviews

Emerald Windows

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was my first foray into Christian since sometime in the early 80's. I read another reader's review that the scandal between the teacher and the student doesn't wash, and I was going to write in agreement of that but state other good qualities of the book. But then I had a thought. Okay, so the whole teacher/student thing was kind of soft-soaped, but the book itself is full of sexual tension, or for want of a better term, romantic tension. The tension between Brooke and Nick was probably stretched as tight in high school as it is when Brooke returns home. I could feel the sparks between them. They were seen at several places outside of school, in unusual circumstances, and they were observed by another student in a rather intimate, although purely artistic, moment. I could feel Brooke's reluctance; I could feel Nick's desire for resolution. If you like a good romantic STORY, and can do without the trappings of your common romance novel, you'll probably like this book. This is about LOVE, plain and simple.

Terri has, once again, drawn depths of emotions from deep within me to the surface. From the deep anger directed at Abby Hemphill and her obnoxious attitude and constant torment of the stories main characters, to the deep profound message of Christ's love revealed with each new conflict and resolution, I couldn't stop until I had devoured each and and every word. The warmth of lost-love found was not wasted, or lost, on this reader. I look forward to more from Terri.

Fans of Teri Blackstock's upbeat style won't be disappointed by her latest work. The scripture "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" is proved out by the account of former art teacher Nick Marcello, who is fired from his job over the mistaken assumption that he and his student Brooke were having an affair.

Abby Hemphill is credible as a villainess only because Blackstock makes sure to give us a glimpse of what makes this mean-spirited woman tick. There is no joy in this woman's life, and because of that, she is determined to steal joy from others rather than try to find some of her own. And as in real life, Mrs. Hemphill is so busy sticking her nose into other people's lives that she can't see her own family falling apart around her.

I enjoyed the theme of redemptive love woven throughout this book; Brooke finding the courage to return home and face the gossip when she is commissioned to work with Nick on a career-making project and also to renew the broken relationship with her younger sister.

This book held my attention to the end; my only complaint was that I wanted to see more of Sharon Hemphill (Abby's estranged daughter). Otherwise, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good Christian romance.

This is an awesome book. I read Terri Blackstock's "Newpointe 911" series and enjoyed it immensly, and I also read her "Cape Refuge" series and loved it. I thought she could never possibly write anything better. Well, she wrote Emerald Windows, which I just recently read and it was a whole new spin that was very enjoyable. I liked the romantic, yet real enough to believe story line, and I love her description of every aspect of the story!

Eighteen year old Brooke Martin leaves her small town Hayden for seven years, after the principal's wife Abby Hemphill spreads rumors through the whole town in the newspapers about a new 24 year old art teacher's romance with his student.

None of this was true. Brooke was Nick's favorite student because she was very talented, and he was helping on her project several times outside of school, where Abby Hemphill saw them together, started this rumor, and fired Nick.

After seven years the pastor of Hayden's church hired her to design new stained glass windows for Hayden's Bible Church. When she comes she realizes that it was Nick's idea to hire her, and now she has to make a decision. If she takes the job she will let the rumors start all over again, and if not, this will be the second time Nick looses her job because of her.

I enjoyed this book a lot! And I highly recommend it to everyone!

TO tell you the truth when i picked up this book i was not sure what to expect. but when i got home the day after Christmas i cracked open. and it was likeso goodthat could not stop reading. the plot was very organised, the charactors were so real the one thing that i always look for in agood book is a good fast moving plot, sold charactors, and of course christian based. so if you so if your like and you can't wait to get your hands on a awesome book be sure to check out Emerald windows trust me you won't be disappointed with a good writer like Terri Blackstock you well be wanting more of her books and in enjoying to the fullest.

I just finished reading Emerald Windows and was once again disappointed with Terri Blackstock.
The book was full of stereotypes and was just too predictable for my taste. I kept waiting for a surprise to happen and instead I got a modern retelling of "The Gift of the Magi" and saw the events happening pages before they did.
For people who want good Christian fiction, I would recommend Blackstock's Sun Coast Chronicles--for those who just want a nice story, this is probably as good as any.

I really can't say anything more than if you haven't read any Terri Blackstock books you've got to start! She is a terrific writer, definitely using her books to God's glory. She writes incredible murder mystery series but some of her books are not murder mysteries and are just as good. I loved some of her series and then I read Covenant Child which is an incredible book that I gave to 4 people for Christmas 2002. THis was also very very good, but then, I don't think I have actually read a Blackstock that I didn't like.

As other reviewers have said, the story is improbable. In my opinion, Terri Blackstock's characters have a tendency to behave in ways that make no kind of sense.

The most important part of this review, however, is in reference to the audiobook. Stephanie Brush is extremely annoying. I'm trying to decide what is most obnoxious . . . I think it's the way she pronounces the letter d as a very strong t. The more I hear, the more it bugs me. Anyway, there are two audio versions, so I strongly suggest that, if you decide to buy it, you buy the one that ISNT'T read by Stephanie Brush.

Terri Blackstock is tops in her Christian suspense stories. This time we have more of a straight romance and therefore of less interest to most male readers, but those who will read it will be rewarded with its look at the harm that unbridled gossip can cause innocent people. As usual, the author's characters are portrayed with compassion, even including those governed by hate and maliciousness. And also the Christian message of love and compassion in all circumstances and situations is highlighted.