Customer Reviews

This Side of Heaven (Curley Large Print Books)

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

 

 

I thought this book had everything going for it, and not much lacking. There was a handsome hero, beautiful heroine, lots of adventure, and lots of funny scenes. I liked that the hero and heroine didn't fight throughout the whole book like most romance novels. My favorite scenes were the beginning with the bull, and the love triangle between Matt, Caroline, and Daniel. If you want a book that will not leave you bored, and will provide plenty of romance and plot, this is your book. The only thing I have to complain about is the ending. It was very rushed and leaved the reader wanting more closure. I mean, the rest of the book was very thorough and told the story well, but the end just wizzed by and had the reader scratching their head. It went way to fast and seemed like the author was rushing at the end to meet her deadline. But, that aside, the book as a whole was a good one.

You will want to read this one over and over again. Why has no one brought to light the wonderful characters in this book -- Are there follow-ups?

First we meet the brother Daniel [are these really Puritans?] and then through the entanglement of Millicent and Raleigh [cat and dog would you believe]and the threatening presence of Jacob [the bull] Ephraim "Matt" Mathiason, his two sons John and David and the nasty dominie. His brothers Thomas, Robert and James and his wife Mary and daughter Hope.

[Listen to this description of Matt] ** He was a tall man, taller even than Daniel, with broad shoulders and a wide chest that tapered down to narrow hips and long, powerful legs. ** He was hatless, and his hair was so black that it glinted blue in the bright sunlight. * * He limped, his left leg, apparently unable to bend at the knee, swung ackwardly as he moved. **
His features could have graced a classical statue; his jaw and cheekbones had been chiseled by a master hand.** His eyes were deep set beneath straight, thick black brows. The irises were a brilliant celestial blue, their lightness almost shocking against the sun-weathered swarthiness of his skin. The only note of disharmony was the scar, white and jagged, that sliced across his left cheek. ****
Caroline's description is just as tantalizing. Both have been scarred by life and must make a strong emotional journey to each other to complete their family.
Caroline being Matt's sister-in-law and Matt being soured on marriage cause many problems as Matt tries to control his growing lust for her. [His one besetting sin]

We fell in love with his family and his interaction with his sons, appreciating his deep love for his brothers and his healing brought about by the sass and impishness of Caroline.
And his handling of the villians of the community with tact? and strength of character.

Highly Recommended and rates a rare 5 plus for excellence and is definitely a keeper for our library.

This is one of those books that I would read only if I was bored and had NOTHING else available, and if it was handed to me for free. In other words, definetly don't spend money on it, and waste your time only if you are in desperate need of reading material.

That being said, it's not the worst book I've ever read, but I really can't recommend it at all. It was my first Karen Robards historical romance, and while I'm a fan of her contemporary work, something about this historical novel didn't sit well with me. Normally I am a huge fan of the genre, but this seemed both too dark, and yet also too unsubstantial.

As another reader said, the heroine is treated like dirt for most of the novel. While the hero has moments of kindness, he rarely reprimands his younger brothers and sons for their cruelty, who undeniably look up to him and respect his opinion. It seems as though he might do a bit more to defend her. The heroine's reaction to all of this alternates between being passive and throwing tantrums. I'm not saying I could have done much better in her situation, but the inconsistencies in her behavior made it hard for me to figure out her feelings.

Even after the family accepts her at the end of the novel, there are never any sort of apologies or acknowledgements of their cruel words. I understand this is probably realistic for male/female relations at the time, but in a romance novel, it wasn't very appealing.

The subplots centering around her dead sister and the vindictive townspeople isn't really fleshed out, and yet we are expected to understand how it's a major part of the plot and character motivations.

In fairness, I guess I can see how other readers might like it, as the romance is halfway fun to watch develop. If I'd been in the mood for a glimpse into the misery of women in the colonial period or for witch trials I actually might have enjoyed the detail and depth of this book. But, expecting a romance, I found myself disappointed. I prefer romances that that make me feel warm at the end, not relieved that it's over...

Other than being tall, dark and handsome, Matt was not typical hero one would find in a romance book. He is handsome but limping and scarred, comfortable but not rich as his household had no servants and they all had to work in the fields, widowed and with 2 sons, not very chivalous or gentlemanly. Caroline was beautiful and brave, but she was also a cook, housekeeper and nurse to the household of 6 hostile and distrustful males, doing almost a maid would do and more. Matt was Caroline's brother-in-law and her sister, Elizabeth, had caused enough damage to the family for them to trust anyone related to her. Both had a past that hurt them and not entirely healed from it.

These were unusual background to develop a romantic story. It was refreshing from those rich and powerful hero, smart and brave but helpless heroine. This was no fairytale. But the author managed to weave a story with strong character development. It was more than a love story, more a family story.

Sometime I found the story a tart too slow but the unfolding events were necessary to develop the story and characters: Matt's injury and subsequent recovery under Caroline's care helped to dispell distrust, ignite passions and reveal secrets; Daniel's kiss awakened the feelings, Caroline's kidnap and rescue provided the much needed solitude and privacy for them; and the rescue of Caroline from the fire. Almost all characters emerged stronger and closer from these events.

From the moment I read the first page I could not put the book down. I felt each emotion as if it were my own. A very easy and enjoyable read. I would recommend it to anyone. Karen Robards really captures the readers heart in this wonderful story.

It seems people either love this book, or hate it. I personally enjoyed the book. I laughed myself silly at the self righteous Matt and his horrible singing and banging. I had no problem with Caroline either. Both of them were strong characters and the action was constant.

Not very good. I did finish it but not good.

The heroin is lame. She has these childish tantrums all the time. It's so annoying. I'd not advise it for anyone. Just not good

I just finished This Side of Heaven and enjoyed it very much. Could not put it down from the very first page. Karen Robards is terrific!

I have read this book three times...nd am still not tired of it..each time its new for me.....the brothers r fantastic...nd the chilren lovable.....nd as for the heroine...she absolutely ravishing..!!every girls dream...nd thoughts...a must for all.!!!

I couldn't believe how much I hated this book. I've read all of Karen Robards historical romance novels and a few of them are some of my all time favorite books. I didn't like Caroline - I found her annoying. I also didn't care for the setting and time period.