Customer Reviews

Miracle

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

 

 

I started reading Deborah Smith's work with BLUE WILLOW, and from there, moved backward in time to her other books. Both MIRACLE and BLUE WILLOW have a permanent place on my bookshelves, and I doubt I'll ever loan them out, either, since I'd be afraid to lose them. Even now, I sometime reread portions just as one would revisit a good friend. This book has been out a while, so at some point it's likely to go out of print, which will be too bad. It's a long and satisfying romantic tale of suffering, renewal, and redemption, with believable characters, deeply rooted passion, and a well-researched plot and setting. It is not the sort of book that one reads in one setting; plan on giving it the time it deserves. If you like a full-bodied romantic novel that leaves you feeling like you've shared a part of the characters' lives and loves, buy this book and keep it.

Like many other romance readers, I cut my teeth on Danielle Steel and while continually drawn to them, found them emotionally exhausting! I was really delighted in this, my first (but not last) book by Deborah Smith - engaging, well developed characters, good writing, and a nifty story. I think this book was written in a style similar to Danielle's books, but I didn't feel wrung out at the end, thank God. For the past 10 years, I've moved on to other types of fiction, reading few romances, and have developed little patience for under-developed characters and an uninspired plot. I've also come to dread insipid, cutsey conversations between romance characters - but guess what? With the exception of maybe the last few pages, I saw none of this. I will probably hold other romance books up to this standard. Enjoy!

Deborah Smith made her way into my bookshelf with "Alice at Heart." I found it such a delightful read that I searched for more books by this author. Next came "Miracle."

"Miracle" should come with a warning. "Warning: Reading this book will become habit forming."

Don't read this book if you're looking for a simple romantic love story.

Don't read this book if you want a bit of escapism and don't want to get emotionally involved with the characters.

Don't read this book if there is no time in your life to stop what you're doing and do nothing else but read this book!

"Miracle", the ten year saga of a young girl fighting her codependency and desire to be loved and a frenchman embattled with bitterness and nearly incapable of expressing and showing love, will sneak into your life and demand to be read during meals, while sitting at stop lights, or in line at the bank.

I dare you to try to casually read "Miracle."

After reading ON BEAR MOUNTAIN, I decided to read more of Deborah Smith's books. I had no idea when I started MIRACLE that I would be unable to put it down until the following afternoon when I reached the end. It is not filled with sappy weak characters. Instead, the book deals with characters who are dealt strong emotional blows and their struggle to overcome them. Sure, in the end they are stronger and wiser, but, hey, don't we all need a happy ending in this day and time? It is how they get there that makes this book worth reading.

Deborah smith found her way to my bookshelf about 6 years ago when I took a chance and read her book "When Venus Fell". I searched for everything I could find on her material and have found many and have them all now. Check out her website : http://deborah-smith.com. "Miracle" Is a spell binding, Laugh so loud people look at you like your nuts and then want to be in on the joke, tear your heart out pain, cry your eyes out from the pain and cry your eyes out for joy! This book does it all for you. The characters are fabulous and believable. You will not be able to put the book down and it is a big book.. I'll share my reading secrete with you for getting through this book.
You read through part one before bedtime, Cry your eyes out and go to sleep. Wake up the next day and make sure you have nothing to do but read for the next few hours because you won't be able to tear yourself away and put the book down.
It is simply a great read!
Enjoy and it is a keeper. I have read this book 3 times in the last year!
Happy Reading!

This is the second book by Deborah Smith that I have read. I didn't think "A Place to Call Home" could be equaled, but it was with "Miracle". A most unlikely couple, respected French heart surgeon, Sebastien De Savin and the comedic country girl, Amy Miracle, are both tragic in their own right. They find in each other something that no one else has been able to give them - hope. This book had it's sad moments, but also had lines that made me laugh out loud. Deborah Smith has managed again to create the best of tragic heroes. Another winner!

I wish I could give this novel more stars because Ms. Smith is evidently an intelligent and cultured writer whose style is very promising. However, that promise is exactly why I was so dissapointed. This novel is so dark, depressing, and melodramatic that it's a wonder the characters are able to function without medication and therapy. Sebastien loses his mother and two elder siblings in a suicide/car accident. One brother dies as a result of a tragic illness, his father and brother in law as a result of a plane crash (which cripples his only remaining sister) and his wife has countless miscarriages. He falls in love with an 18 year old who has her own issues (her mother died giving birth to her and her alcoholic/drug addict father resents her and abuses her). They spend 10 years and most of the novel apart, during which time she... [got together] with his "friend" and gets involved with a drug addict she tries to save from himself. The love scenes are scarce, non-descriptive, and bland. The ending is as dissapointing as the rest of the novel, the epilogue includes more death and does not give a true sense of a happily ever after. I like deep, dramatic, emotional stories, but this was too much. This was the first novel by Ms. Smith that I read, but I'm not encouraged to try another one, I don't want to end up using Prozac.

I'm thrilled to find another winner amongst Deborah Smith's books! All the elements of great romantic storytelling are here, and Smith has created a comedic heroine to express all of her trademark humor. I also appreciated the unapologetic look at medicine and surgeons; the book was well-researched. Only 2 issues: a lot of obvious typos and a rushed ending after such methodical pacing. No spoilers here ... but I gotta say it is a great book that's hard to put down for the night. Definitely worth a re-read :)

This book is dramatic and sad most of the time. Actually, it's quite unrealistic because there is always something going wrong. When the main characters get close and things seem to be working out, the author kills someone off and it gets depressing again. But, it can get pretty emotional and sweet. I think it's a good read. A few minor flaws were that: there were an amazing amount of typos in my copy. That doesn't take away from the story, but I would think they could come up with better editing. The sex is not very descriptive, which is a plus to some and a minus to others. I thought if they tried to put it in at all, it should be quality. And the story goes around in circles sometimes, using the same setup or material more than once. I didn't notice while I was actually reading, but I did when I thought about it afterward. This book is worth trying. I got into the book, and got a little teary at times. I recommend borrowing it, not buying it.

This is a wonderfully entertaining book. So few authors can portray human emotion as eloquently as Deborah Smith. Miracle has a realistic, enthralling plot that keeps the reader glued to the book.