Customer Reviews

Stealing Sophie

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

 

 

It's always a gamble trying a new or unfamiliar author, but I'm delighted to predict that Sara Gabriel won't be unfamiliar to romance readers for long. STEALING SOPHIE takes the favorite story of a stolen bride and makes it special, with a great hero and heroine and plenty of plot twists to keep things moving. Yet despite the fast pace and action, the author still manages to give us a vivid glimpse of the Scottish highlands. Brava, Miss Gabriel -- I'm ready for more!

I Love Highland Romances! Julie Garwood, Sue Ellen Welfonder, Karen Marie Moning, ect. And I can appreciate all of the different tones or writing styles authors have without giving the book a bad review. I hate to say it, because I always get "flogged" on the voting button when I give a negative review, but this book was difficult to finish. It starts out interesting enough with Sophie's abduction, we really start to care about the characters, and then they get back to his "Castle in Ruin." (Because his home has been taken by an enemy). This is where it starts to fizzle. I liked this hero well enough, but fierce Highlander he's not, which is okay, just a little boring. Our hero basically acts as a patrol, thwarting the efforts of the English building roads through Scotland. Running and hiding when these soldiers spot him, he comes off more as a prankster, than a force to be reckoned with. And the scale of the "Drama" is minimal. The climax reads as a minor "scuffle." As for our heroine, I really liked her, but her character fell flat for me after we're told of her special "fairy" blood that gives her special powers, which she's not even sure of. Apparently, these "powers" differ between each person in her family, and all our heroine can do is encourage growth in plants and vegetables, even where land is virtually barren and without hope... Yes, that's it. It's not even like one day there are just rocks and the next we have a bloom filled garden, no, they're all amazed by a little bit of sprouting. Why bother, I kept waiting for something more, and it never comes. Till the end even the hero's not sure if he's a believer of her "Gift." (Possible spoiler?) At one point the hero talks to her about it (yes, they only talk of her abilities once) and he tells her that maybe her gift prevails itself where she directs her love, that maybe because of her love of gardening, her powers are shown to her. So, then you think, "Okay, when he needs her she'll be able to heal him, or whatever, because she loves him..." Yea, well, that never happens either. Like I said, this was boring and difficult to finish. I really hate to give negative reviews, but I also hope that by reading my review your able to say a.) These things wouldn't bother me; I'll give it a go. Or b.) Thank goodness, I can save my $6, and my time.

This is what I have to call a great find! STEALING SOPHIE is a fun read, and just a pleasure from start to finish. Connor MacPherson kidnaps the wrong bride, and gets Sophie MacCarren, fresh from a convent, a sweet but feisty lass who refuses to give in easily when the handsome brigand steals her from her escort by mistake. She stands up to him, and he growls at her, and it was just fun to read. I loved it. The dialogue sparkles, the chemistry is great, sexy, fast moving and never predictable.

Sarah Gabriel combines classic historical romance elements with a dash of humor, a litte magic, a sexy hero who plays fiddle and isn't really the bad guy he wants people to think he is, and a charming heroine who has a little secret that has to do with her clan's legends. The humor in this was a nice surprise. I don't usually leave reviews, so you know I'm excited about this one. I bought it for the interesting story, the beautiful cover, and because I love Scottish hstoricals, and I was pleasantly surprised to find something outstanding. Brava, Ms. Gabriel, I will definitely be looking for your next book!

I was reading along feeling that this might be an allright book and then whamo! the big surprise. We find out (and I'm not sure Connor ever did) that Sophie isn't a virgin. Had sex with a "friend" when she was younger. No big deal. Yes it was. She wouldn't have just done that in this time period. I felt like the author just couldn't have a virgin heroine, so she plunked down the friend story. It was so unbelieveable. It ruined the book for me right then. I just felt this book had no validity. I don't recall if she ever told Connor about this incident. This book just entered TSTL territory for me. Don't waste your time or money on this one.

I don't usually find myself reading much in the way of romance these days, but a friend recommended that I read "Stealing Sophie" and I am so glad that I did! The description doesn't do the book justice.

It is gleefully suspenseful and written with great detail and texture. You can practically see Connor's linen shirt draped over his muscular physique and feel the beat of his passionate heart. I really admire the strong female lead, Sophie, in the book- her witty nature makes her a fascinating character to follow. I also really enjoy the amusing descriptions of some of the other characters. Somehow Sarah is able to imbue even the most insignificant characters with personality and it makes the story so much more real.

What I love the best about the book are the mystical twists that are woven into the story. Romance can sweep us away but it is the kiss of the supernatural that gives it permanence.

If you would enjoy a fun, romantic and suspenseful romp in the Scottish highlands, definitely read Stealing Sophie by Sarah Gabriel. We all need a little magic in our lives and thank you Sarah for bringing it to life in your writing!

CONNOR MACPHERSON, A HIGHLAND LAIRD TURNED OUTLAW MISTAKENING KIDNAP THE WRONG LADY, WHICH WAS SOPHIE, BUT OF COURSE, HE DIDN'T KNOW THAT, TILL AFTER HE WEDDED AND BEDDED HER. DUE TO THINGS OUT OF THEIR CONTROL, THE TWO FELLED MADLY IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER. WONDERFULLY WRITTEN LOVE STORY WITH ADVENTURE AND PASSION!!!

Sarah Gabriel's debut effort "Stealing Sophie" was a sweet romance set in the Scottish Highlands but it was not a story without a few problems. All in all this was a good debut and I look forward to reading Ms. Gabriel in the future.

Conner MacPherson has made a promise and when Conner makes a promise...he keeps it. He is a displaced Viscount's son. He is now considered an outlaw and with no place to call home he must see through his promise. He must steal a bride, marry her, and keep her safe from a bad alliance. Everything goes according to plan until he finds out he has wedded and bedded the wrong sister! Now what should he do? Honor the marriage that his heart has become in engaged in or annul the marriage and steal the right sister.

Sophie is on her way to her betrothed when she finds herself taken by a dark highlander. She at first is unaware that she is in fact the target of an bride stealing. She is by turns upset and accepting of her situation. Connor makes her heart pound and her legs turn weak and this is just from his kisses. But Sophie thought she had been in love once before and the end result has turned her almost against the tender affection. Can she trust or more importantly risk her heart one more time with Connor? Or will circumstances change the future once again.

Connor and Sophie are compelling characters. I loved the background history of Sophie's stay in Brugge, Belgium. Their love story was sweet and tender and at the same time lacked...something. I would have liked to have seen these two characters fleshed out just a little bit more. Each had their own secret that they held on to just a little to long. Overall as a vehicle for keeping our lovers apart it was rather weak. Still the story was compelling enough to keep me engaged. There were a few slow spots I confess to skimming but they were few and far between. For a first time novel Ms. Gabriel has penned a story that will be entertaining for readers but she still has room to grow. I look forward to her next effort.

Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com

I don't usually like Highland novels, but the description of this one sounded interesting. But there was very little of "using her sweet disposition, and making a heavenly home" involved. At least not consciously on Sophie's part to protect herself. It had some magic, which redeemed it, but the descriptions should match the books closer, I think.

This is a wonderful, wonderful book! A genuine Highland adventure, filled with magic and love. I see that Sarah Gabriel is a new author -- I can't wait for her next book, this was a real find. Take a chance like I did, you won't regret it!