2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Try Something Else, January 3, 2009
This novel was, unfortunately, the first and last book I read of the English Garden Series. I do not discourage against any of the other books, as I have not read them, nor do I discourage a reader from trying out Lori Wick. I am an avid reader of Christian fiction (perhaps TOO much!) and my rating is based off of similar books of Christian historical fiction.
There were several things that encouraged me to give this novel a 1-star rating. First, there were a confusing abundance of secondary characters. One may argue that by reading the first two books, keeping track of the extra (often seemingly insignificant secondary characters) would have been easier. Of course, that is true, but Wick also never allowed a me to even get a glimpse of who these other people were. The book is noted by many reviewers as a "stand-alone" novel. It didn't feel like it, I felt like an outsider constantly looking in.
The plot became fairly plodding and boring with little action beyond the self-conscience struggles of the protagonist, Cassie. It's Cassie, I believe, that really failed this entire book for me. Wick fell into a trap that some authors (too often, Christian fiction authors) fall into - that being that their female characters are beautiful, pious, gentle and all-around perfect. Wick, though, gives Cassie one "fatal" flaw: she has red hair. Unfortunately, that is the main problem holding Cassie and Tate apart. Her hair.
The novel is sweet, perhaps, and the idea of the plot (a young woman reading to a blind man and falling in love) is nice. But when one of the primary conflicts of the book arise from the color of Cassie's hair... well, I can admit that it doesn't make for the most thrilling or even self-reflecting read. I felt myself distanced from Cassie - how can any human being only have one tiny, tiny flaw? As a reader, you need to identify with the main characters to create true empathy for them - in this case, I saw a porcelain doll with no flaws who bemoans the fact that they don't like the color of their eyes or their feet are too small.
If you want to read Lori Wick, she does have some excellent novels - most published earlier in her career such as The Donovans or A Yellow Rose Trilogy. Also, I have a great love of Deanne Gist and Lori Copeland.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sweet, July 2, 2003
This review is from: The Visitor (English Garden, Book 3) (Paperback)
If you've read and enjoyed any of Jane Austin's novels, you will delight in Lori Wick's "The Visitor." This is the third book in her "English Garden" series and although it easily stands alone, readers will be enticed to read book 1 and 2. Wick's characters and dialogue are realistic and appropriate for the 1812 period of time in England. This is my first Lori Wick novel but It made me a fan and I intend to seek out more from this accomplished author.
Beverly J Scott
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Blind Love...., February 17, 2003
This review is from: The Visitor (English Garden, Book 3) (Paperback)
A tale of two sisters: one who falls in love with a blind man and one whose romantic interest is blind to her love. The story begins with the first sister reading daily to the man who, on his doctor's advice, has sought a quiet retreat, hoping the rest will help regain his sight. The second sister's heart throb is in Africa with a her brother. Another brother, at home with the sisters, is blind to how his shyness affects those around him. Once aware of the consequences of his shyness, he turns to God for help. Interwoven subplots reinforce the theme of God's love.
This book is written in a style that fits the historical scenario (1812 in the English countryside), but is not as interesting to me as some others by Lori Wick. My favorites by Lori Wick include The Princess, Song for Silas, and Sophie's Heart.
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