Customer Reviews

Irish Thoroughbred (Nora Roberts Large Print Collection)

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

 

 

"COME TO AMERICA. YOUR HOME IS WITH ME NOW." Adelia Cunnane's uncle had written her. So Adelia had left Ireland to join him on what he had discribed as the finest horse farm in Maryland. Adelia agreed with her uncle about the farm. But what should she think about its owner, Travis Grant? She knew she could master his strongest horse. She had seen his eyes soften at the birth of a foal. Yet his lips on hers demanded a submission she wasa not yet ready to give- atleast not until he had spoken the words she had to hear.

No, it's not Roberts' best -- but IRISH THOROUGHBRED is still enjoyable, and very worthwhile for a look at the evolution of a writer! Check this one out back-to-back with its sequel, IRISH ROSE (written some 7 years later), and you'll see how much Roberts grew in that time. IRISH THOROUGHBRED's main character Adelia is a plucky girl, but IRISH ROSE's Erin is more of a grown woman. Then sit back, hold on to your hat, and read steamy IRISH REBEL, published in 2000. It gives us Adelia's daughter and the man she falls in love with, going head-to-head as equals and as lovers. Adelia develops as a stronger character in the subsequent books as well. The reviewer who appears below me (Wendy Meade) is right when she calls IRISH THOROUGHBRED conventional, but it WAS Roberts' first published book, and those WERE the conventions of romance novels when it was written. (Check out those Harlequins of the '70s!) We've come a long way, baby, and Roberts is one of those who helped contemporary romances get to where they are now. IRISH THOROUGHBRED also began Roberts' tradition of lovable Gaelic characters, especially Adelia's Uncle Paddy. The polish may not be there yet, but the warmth is, and that's what keeps us coming back for more of her books 20 years later!

This Nora Roberts book is fun to read - there's not a better way to describe it than that. It's not a story that requires a lot of time and mind energy but instead takes the reader on a pleasant journey.

Adelia (Dee) Cunnane goes to live with an uncle in America after the death of her aunt who she lived with in Ireland. Dee has struggled to keep the family farm and finally agrees to sell it and goes to see her Uncle Paddy. He's a thoroughbred trainer at Royal Meadows, reportedly one of the finest horse ranches in America. When Dee arrives, she whole-hearted agrees with that account and takes a job as a groomer. She's as happy as she's been in years, until she meets the owner, Travis Grant.

They have the usual romantic struggles until Uncle Paddy has a heart attack. Both of them would do anything for Paddy, on his deathbed he asks that they marry so he can die a happy man. They concede, get married, and a miracle happens - Uncle Paddy makes a miraculous recovery (so is he as conniving as Daniel MacGregor?). Dee figures the marriage will end in divorce soon since Travis only married her to make his horse trainer happy. What she doesn't figure into the equation is that Travis has fallen hopelessly in love with her. The rest of the story is how they discover the other's feelings and understand that this is a love that was meant to be.

This is a typical happily-ever-after romance but what makes it fun is the interaction between Travis and Dee, who has a temper that won't be leashed. While reading this book, I found myself laughing out loud in some places and smiling in others.

Nora Roberts captures the reader's attention with wonderful descriptions of not only Royal Meadows and the surrounding areas, but also of the racetrack and all that goes on behind the scenes. She has created two vivid characters who show up again in the sequel to this book, IRISH ROSE, but only in very minor roles. However, with her Silhouette book, IRISH REBEL, Roberts once again brings Grant and Dee to the forefront.

If Roberts continues to write these fascinating stories about the Grants, they could enjoy the popularity that the MacGregor clan now enjoys. For those who aren't Nora Roberts fans, the MacGregors are her most loved fictional family - full of fun, laughs, and pranks. I only hope there are more adventures in store for the Grants in the future.

I'm a big fan of Nora Robert's and live nearby her too. So when I heard about this first novel I missed I had to get it. Terrific story and well written. Shows even as Nora began her writing career, she was blessed with the gift of verbiage!

I am a Huge fan of Nora Roberts- and writing as JD Robb. But I have found I just don't find the " Series of " Irish Based Books". To my enjoyment. As I have most all of her other books. I will continue to check out any new material she offers- she is one of the most talented writers- I have found- and I have become totally taken by the Eve Dallas Series. And can't wait for the next issue. My statement is just my opinion and certainly doesn't criticize anyone who does enjoy these books. As the saying goes " To Each His Own".

The book arrived in a timly manner and is in beautiful condition. I am glad I found this copy of the story. I had checked local book stores and no one had it or even knew what the book was. I love this story.

I thought it would be in better shape. According to the description the binding had wear, but other than that it was good. It was more than a simple bend and it looked to have been used numerous times. I realize it is an older book, but the product description should have been more accurate.

I enjoyed reading Nora Robert's first book, The Irish Throughbred. The book holds the promise of this at one time unknown author who is now a world renowned author. I enjoy reading first books because they often show the author's future potential.
As an avid fan of Nora Roberts and her J.J Robb's books as well, it's fascinating to me to see how she started.
The novel is all about a young girl's fascination and introduction to horses and horse racing. The subject matter is well researched and it shows Nora's long time interest in horses and the racing community. Nora went on to write 2 more books on this same subject with one sequel to the original book that is fast forwarded to when the young woman becomes the matron on the same horse ranch. It was a good read and I recommend it. Virginia Degner, author of Without Consent, due to be released by Eloquent book in the fall of 2010.

this book will lift your spirits and help wash away your your stresses for a little while. Enjoy!

Written first in a spiral bound notebook when ever she had the chance, Nora Roberts strived to finish and publish this book, of course, then that was all a dream. Well, she has now woken up, from this book on she has been captipulted into reader's hearts everywhere. Read this, her first, and you'll be hooked for life. Take it from me, i have all of her yet published books and can't ever wait for her new releases! Hard to find, but when you do, it's worth it! :)