Customer Reviews

From the Heart: Tonight and Always/A Matter of Choice/Endings and Beginnings

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

"From the Heart" is a nice collection of 3 stories from earlier in Nora's career.

"Tonight and Always" tells the tale of an anthropologist (Kasey) who goes to work with a writer (Jordan) while he researches his next novel. Other than a couple of oddities (like how a 25-year-old woman is "renowned" in her field!), it was a very enjoyable, even unique tale. Jordan's young niece, for whom he is guardian, figures prominently into the story and it is nice to see a couple dealing with not just their own feelings but those of another as well.

"A Matter of Choice" is the story of an antique-shop owner (Jessica) who is wealthy by upbringing, and an NYPD cop (Slade) who is sent in to "protect" her and keep his eyes open as the FBI tries to uncover the head honcho in a smuggling operation that is making use of the shop. It's kind of a stretch but it doesn't really matter -- the relationship that develops between the pair is snappy, fresh, and also tender.

"Endings and Beginnings" is about 2 Washington-based reporters. Liv works for the local affiliate and T.C. Thorpe works for the national network. Their relationship takes longer to develop than some others in NR's works, but it's also quite a bit more realistic. Liv has been hurt in the past and is not eager to open herself up again. Thorpe, being persistent, won't accept no for an answer.

All three of these stories are easy reads but I wouldn't call them "frothy" or "light", which implies they have no substance. NR fans should enjoy them, as should fans of the more typical "romance" novel.

I have noticed quite a few negative reviews for "From the Heart" and several complaints regarding the fact that it is re-issue. Well, I only discovered Nora Roberts about a year ago, and since then I have read every book of hers I can get my hands on. However, Nora's older works are incredibly tough to find, so I really appreciate it that they have re-issued some of her older works so that I can enjoy them all these years later.
Personally, I really enjoyed the three stories that make up "From the Heart".
The first story, "Tonight and Always" was probably my favorite of the three. Kasey, a renowned anthropologist, comes to work for Jordan, a successful author, in order to help him write his latest book. Kasey is a wonderful and lovable character. She is eccentric, energetic, and compassionate. Jordan is a dashingly handsome hero, who learns a whole lot about himself from the outgoing and outspoken Kasey. The romance between these two is fresh and fun. Jordan is also the guardian of his deceased brother's 11 year old daughter, and her incorporation into this story added a whole other element to it. I thought the storyline involving Jordan, his niece, and Kasey was touching and well-written.
The second story, "A Matter of Choice" introduces the reader to Slade and Jessica. Slade, a cop, has been assigned to protect Jessica from the smugglers who the police believe are operating out of her antique shop. Slade thinks Jessica is going to be just another spoiled rich girl, but it only takes one meeting to change Slade's view completely. This story is lots of fun and is full of murder and mayhem!
The final story "Endings and Beginnings" is about two reporters, T.C. Thorpe and Liv Carmichael. These two keep stepping on each others toes professionally, but they soon find it hard to deny their attraction to each other. The romance in this story does not develop as quickly as in the previous two stories because Liv has a painful past that she has still not gotten over. Thorpe, however, is a wonderful hero, and his patience and understanding with Liv show just how sweet he really is.

These aren't serious, heavy stories, but they are fun and entertaining and I think they are most definitely worth reading. So sit back, relax, and enjoy!

I was a bit surprised at the not-so-great reviews this collection of Nora Robert's old romance novels got. I borrowed this book from a friend a couple of years ago even though I don't usually read Nora Roberts as I'm not really into the romance/suspense genre. But when I found a copy at a used bookstore recently, I bought it because I remembered how much I loved the first story, "Tonight and Always" and the third one, "Endings and Begininngs". I can't even decide which of these stories I like better than the other but I have to say they're one of the best stories I've read so far. The only reason I'm not giving this book a 5-star rating is because I seriously did not enjoy the second story, "A Matter of Choice". The plotline, dialogue and characters are predictable, overused and just plain boring.
If you're wondering whether you should buy this book, I'd suggest you scour the used bookstores first to get a real worth for your money or I guess you can find the individual books. One way or another, "Tonight and Always" and "Endings and Beginnings" are MUST-READS for all romance fans.

I was a bit surprised at the not-so-great reviews this collection of Nora Robert's old romance novels got. I borrowed this book from a friend a couple of years ago even though I don't usually read Nora Roberts as I'm not really into the romance/suspense genre. But when I found a copy at a used bookstore recently, I bought it because I remembered how much I loved the first story, "Tonight and Always" and the third one, "Endings and Begininngs". I can't even decide which of these stories I like better than the other but I have to say they're one of the best stories I've read so far. The only reason I'm not giving this book a 5-star rating is because I seriously did not enjoy the second story, "A Matter of Choice". The plotline, dialogue and characters are predictable, overused and just plain boring.

If you're wondering whether you should buy this book, I'd suggest you scour the used bookstores first to get a real worth for your money or I guess you can find the individual books. One way or another, "Tonight and Always" and "Endings and Beginnings" are MUST-READS for all romance fans.

From the Heart was a nice break from the romance/suspense that NR's been really into lately. I enjoyed reading NR's earlier work. Tonight and Always was my favorite of the three.

This is definitely a worthwile addition to your bookshelf if you are an avid collector her books. While I don't find these to be her best, they provide a good comparison to see how much her talents have been honed over the years. As usual, the interplay and dialogue of the characters is excellent.

This book contains three of Nora Roberts earlier novels. As far as I am concerned, all of Ms. Roberts books are so well written, some stories extremely touching and her characters are hard to forget. Ms. Roberts is top of her field. I own a great deal of her novels and have read some of them a second time and enjoy them sometimes even more the second time! "From the Heart" collection is indeed written from the heart. I buy all of Nora Roberts books from Amazon, they seem to have what you want when you want it. Shipping is wonderful!

Slow to start for the first time with Nora Roberts, I have read 46 of her books, but when you got into the story line you got hooked in hook line and sinker. Very good as usual.

All of the stories in this book are wonderful but one, Tonight and Always, ranks with my top 3 love stories of all time! It is beautiful and heartbreaking and makes me cry every time I read it. I have read it almost 30 times now and each time my heart breaks. Nora Roberts creates such beautiful and strong female leads that I can't help but feel each and every emotion Kacy goes through. If nothing else, read Tonight and Always (and then go read Dual Image in her Truly, Madly Manhattan collection).

These stories were just so...lifeless. I just couldn't get into the first one, there wasn't any depth or feeling in the characters.

The second story was worse, and again no depth to the characters.

The third story was okay, but then it became annoying when Liv started acting really rude to Thorpe, whom I found to be a great character. He didn't deserve Liv, she was mean and cold. There was no excuse for her behavior, no matter how bad her past was. She actually told him that he needed to check into a mental hospital, and that was when I gave up on the whole book.