Thee I Love [Paperback]

Annette Blair (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Kensington (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821763555
• ISBN-13: 978-0821763551
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,676,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dear Reader,

I finally became a full time writer in 2006 after retiring from my job as a Development Director. I didn't always know I wanted to be a writer, but I discovered Jane Eyre soon after I got my first library card. I was eleven and put a romantic spin on every story I read. I wrote romances about friends and their boyfriends. Racy stuff for which my friends' mother's did not thank me. I could title that time in my life 'THE FIRST TIME A GOODY TWO SHOES GETS IN TROUBLE-YAY!" When my children were young, I jotted plot ideas on corners of envelopes, recipe cards, and such, and threw them in my nightstand.

After discussing a romance novel with my high-school aged daughter, she challenged me to write a romance of my own. That day, I sorted through my plot ideas, picked one, and started. I didn't know what I was doing, but I had a good time. I made my first sale in 1998. I have since moved from Regency England and settled in twenty-first century Salem, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; Mystic, Connecticut; with mysteries and romances and a host of sassy, sexy witches who tantalize and torment the men in their lives. Hopefully those same characters will sprinkle some magic dust and get a laugh or three out of you.

I have recently seen the re-release of JACOB'S RETURN and BUTTERFLY GARDEN, both Amish Historicals set in Pensylvania & Ohio. Recently, my 4th Vintage Magic, a paranormal cozy mystery series, set in Mystic Connecticut, SKIRTING THE GRAVE followed the release of VAMPIRE DRAGON my 3rd Works Like Magick Novel set in Salem MA.

I'm currently working on my 6th Vintage Magic Mystery, OPERATION PETTICOAT, and the 1st SISTERS OF SPIRIT Anthology both due out next year (2012) along with CLOAKED IN MALICE, my 5th paranormal cozy mystery. Meanwhile, watch Kindle for a new series of magical books in the months to come.

Some of my favorite authors are: Ruth Cardello, Hannah Howell, Nora Roberts, Janet Evanovich, Linda Wisdom & Madelyn Alt.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Embarrassed Me, November 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Thee I Love (Paperback)

I am not a fan of romance novels, but this one came so highly recommended by a friend that I made an exception. I was reading Thee I Love on an airplane when I started weeping uncontrollably. (This is very hard for a grown man who's a bit sheepish about reading a romance in the first place.) This is one of the three or four books I have read in my life that moved me to tears.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BETTER THAN FIVE STARS, October 2, 2000

By 

romance lover (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thee I Love (Paperback)

This is a story I read in one evening because I couldn't put it down. The Amish way of life is beautifully and realistically portrayed. Don't judge this book by its cover; allow yourself the pleasure of reading it. You won't be sorry.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for a Reviewer's Choice Award, August 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Thee I Love (Paperback)

THEE, I LOVE pulled me into another world, making me a part of the community, making me love and care about its members, making me rejoice and making me cry. It's a moving, powerful story.

Jacob Sauder returns to his Amish home, bringing his motherless twins to be raised in a safe and decent place. He had left in despair after his mother's funeral when his brother, Simon, told him Jacob's beloved Rachel wished to be released from their engagement. Jacob finds welcome; his family and community give his children all the love he could wish. Even when he and Rachel, now Simon's wife, realize they were the victim's of Simon's lies, they put the past behind them in respect for Rachel's marriage vows. But Simon's actions make that difficult. He becomes increasingly abusive, berating Rachel for her barrenness. When Jacob finds Rachel hurt in the barn one night, he means only to give her comfort, but his comfort goes too far.

The Amish community Annette Blair describes is a wonderful place with a strong spirit and sense of family, one where children are surrounded by love. She peoples the pages of her book with realistic portrayals of good people with faults, but with real faith. The dialogue and interactions of her characters make the reader a part of it all. There is a wealth of color and detail in her delineation of the culture and daily life of the community.

The plot is an absorbing one of family love and betrayal, of faith and transgression. Above all, it's a tale of love between a man and a woman and their need for forgiveness. The transgression committed by Jacob and Rachel brings anguish to all involved, and yet they are entirely sympathetic characters. Even Simon, who began the trouble with his jealousy and lies, is understandable.

THEE, I LOVE is Annette Blair's third book. She showed promise in her first two, but this book displays a major new talent. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Reviewed by Lily Martin for Romance Communications

www.romcom.co