Customer Reviews

Treasured Past

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

 

 

I don't expect a vampire chronicle to make me laugh, or a mystery to turn me on. Genre fiction is what it is, and if a book delivers exactly what it promises -- be it a passionate romance or a blood-sucking thriller -- then that's what I judge it by. Even Naiad's detractors can't seem to stop themselves from reading more, and I believe that's because we get what we expect, often what we need, and more rarely, something beyond our hopes.

Treasured Past is another of Linda Hill's quiet romances. At least I think of them as quiet, because they come off the page so gently that the characters have possessed my imagination before I realized I have been completely drawn in. Once I've been drawn in the flesh and heart of her characters begin to beat with real life. Before I now it I'm wishing I lived next door to these women. It happens that way in every Linda Hill I've read. I'm seduced before I even realize I'm being courted. That's probably what makes us wish real life was more like a romance novel, and why we keep reading.

I also highly recommend her Class Reunion, which is on the part of my shelves I reserve for books I intend to reread.

Attorney Katherine Brennan is enamoured of antiques and Annie Walsh, owner of the Cambridge, Massachusetts antiques store, The Treasured Past. When Kate's senior partner orders her to handle the divorce of his son, she is upset, but agrees to do so. When she meets with him, he tells her that he is adamant that he wants the couple's house. In the meantime, her relationship with Annie blossoms as the two begin decorating Kate's bare-as-bones house. This is another in a very long line of Naiad's formulaic publications - it hasn't varied in over two dozen years - so there were no surprises, the relationship is the same as any book published by Naiad in the last twenty-five years - different names, different occupations, and different locale, but it is the same book that Naiad always publishes. If you've been reading Naiad books for any length of time, and like the formula, by all means buy this book. But if you're looking for more, look elsewhere.

I don't want to say a lot about the storyline in the book, because that would give too much away. It's fairly predictable as it is, so any surprises the book can give you should be left intact.

What I will say is that it's a romance about a lawyer and an antiques dealer. It's also about trust, choices and career vs. love.

I liked the feel you get for the main characters, although the supporting cast is somewhat sketchily drawn. It's a fairly short novel with few surprises, but it's romantic and sweet with the ubiquitous angst and heartache. This won't be your favourite book of all time, but it's sure to provide a few hours of reading pleasure without challenging the genre boundaries.

An easy read but I had the whole plot figured out early in the story.

This book flows really nicely and is easy to just keep reading. The conversations seem real and are often funny. I like a book with humor, and this book doesn't disappoint. From reading the back of the book I at first wasn't very excited to start it. I mean, how exciting can antiquing possibly be if you're not into it? But it doesn't go in so such immense detail that you get bored (unlike some other books I've read). It tells you enough so you get a clue, then goes on what you really care about -- the story. It's probably why this book is a little on the thin side (as well as Peggy Herring's books), and Karin Kallmaker's books tend to be thick... Kallmaker pads hers with a lot of details that, if you are unfamiliar with the area or the trade, would be completely boring and tedious to read. But Treasured Past suffered very little of this. The characters are all entertaining, with easily likeable or hateable personalities. It my first Linda Hill book, and I'm definitely going to be looking into her other books...

This is a little better than your typical Naiad Romance before the turn of the century. It's short but does contain good story development.

It is told from one character's point of view. Kate Brennan, a corporate attorney. She was once a divorce attorney and handled a few cases involving women whom left their marriages after discovering they were lesbians. This, being the 1980's often involved Kate losing the cases for her lesbian clients. So she takes a break to do corporate work.

The character of Kate was more developed, since this was from her point of view.

The other main character, Annie Walsh, owns an antique store. Kate starts out as Annie's nemesis, as Kate is often bidding on the same items at estate sales.

There are a few dramatic moments when Kate is representing her boss' son in a divorce. The son is your typical sleazy character who wants to get even with his wife after discovering she is a lesbian. There is a BIG story twist involving this case.

Annie has her own problems with her business and dealing with a broken marriage.

The attraction and romance between Kate and Annie does develop slowly, and is believable. Over all, this was a decent read and well written. Three and one half stars and I'm averaging it out to four.

Once again, the skillful Linda Hill draws you into this story about two women who love antiques and grow to love each other. I grew up with antiques, as my mother collected them, so I understand what a lot of the items the characters collect. The story starts off slowly, and her style of writing is such that you want to savor this book, take your time reading it, because it so enjoyable and you don't want it to end too soon. This one has a few interesting twists; some are predictable, but they are presented in such a skilful way, they appear fresh and new. I am a great fan of Linda Hill's novels, and this one is a winner.

To be honest, I really like Linda Hill's writing. Her books are always pleasant, well-rounded, feel good romances, and I'm never sorry I read one. 'Treasured Past' is no exception. Kate Brennan is burned out from practicing family law and takes a job as a Corporate lawyer. She is forced to represent her employer's son in his nasty divorce. She also meets Annie Walsh, a local antiques dealer who turns Kate's world upside down.

The characters have depth and dimensionality, are likable, and best of all are believable. The only thing this reader couldn't understand is the lack of trust on Annie's part. (Read it, I'll not be a spoiler.) Many Naiad romances focus on the main characters and a narrow storyline. The special aspect of this book is the supporting cast. The characters - Kate's best friend, father, employer, client - all play important roles, giving the book it's own dimensionality. I do agree with E. B. Mulligan and wish Hill had elaborated a little more on Kate and Annie's relationship at the end.

It's not a book that will stick with you for weeks. However, this is a pleasant read that will put you in a good mood and add a spring to your step for a few hours. Take the time to enjoy this story, you'll be glad you did.

Wonderful story for a lazy afternoon

I loved all the detail that went into describing the characters and their surroundings. I only wish the novel was longer to develop the relationship between Annie and Kate after their issues are resolved. Annie's story really touched me and would like to get to know more about her. I am glad to add this to my book collection.

Very enjoyable book...needed something to read at 4am, finished it by 7am and was in a good mood when I got up. What more could one ask for?