Customer Reviews

When Venus Fell

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have always loved Ms. Smith's books, her attention to detail and her in depth plots. While I did not like When Venus Fell as much as Miracle, Silk and Stone or Blue Willow, this book did have its own charm and redeeming parts. This is a story of two families who have problems and deficiencies, but who desire so much more for themselves. Everyone has some sort of hurtle to overcome before they can all function as a capable unit. Maybe that is part of what turned me off to this book. EVERYONE had an issue to overcome. I know we are all not perfect and most authors err on that side, making everyone into fairytale heroes, but we have two extremely dysfunctional families here. Yet, like a fairytale, in the end, everyone finds the peace and happiness they want/deserve.

Although Venus and Gib are our obvious leads, this is not a story about how two people find each other and love and then live happily ever after (though there is an element of that). Because we had so many characters, none of them really get to be fully developed. We come to understand why everyone behaves as they do, but I felt we skimmed the surface too much and didn't dig deep enough into any one character.

Be warned for those romance readers out there, this story is more novel than romance. Although I feel this story deserve more than just an average rating (of three stars), I did not feel that it was strong enough for a 4 star rating. If I could, I would give this 3 ½ stars, better than average, but not superb. Get ready to leave reality at the door, because this story could never happen anywhere that I know of.

I first bought this book "because the title sounded good." I had no idea that I would fall in love with Venus and Gib and their complicated, beautiful story. I love the vivid imagery, the "clashing of cultures" and the sardonic, dry humor Venus conveys throughout the story. It is now my favorite book in the entire world! A must-read for anyone who has ever felt different and like they didn't quite belong!

I read this book through in one sitting and then sat down and read it again. Then I searched Amazon to find all the rest of the books this author has written. Deborah Smith is a writer. Her characters are original and three-dimensional, real and engaging. The plot for When Venus Fell is a real page turner -- unpredictable, surprising, and fascinating.

I have read LOTS of books in a long lifetime. Enough that I recognize the usual plot devices at a glance and become easily bored with writing that follows the well-worn ruts of the genre. This book, unlike so many of contemporary books I have read, grabbed me, held my attention, and mesmerized me with its original thinking and story. When Venus Fell is a keeper. So is Deborah Smith. I look forward to her new novel when its published next February and will probably spring for a hardbound copy because I can't bear to wait for the paperback.

If you liked When Venus Fell you'll probably enjoy A Place to Call Home too.

A fun and entertaining read. I wished I lived in that enchanting forest with all those amazing and endearing characters. A book I'll read over and over again just for the pure joy of it.

While WHEN VENUS FELL isn't as long or plotheavy as BLUE WILLOW or A PLACE TO CALL HOME, it is no less a fine example of Ms. Smith's work. The characters are wonderfully neurotic and/or dysfunctional -- and as developed as they need to be, I felt, within the parameters of a book of this length -- the prose is vivid and emotion-provoking, and the love story deeply satisfying.

As with the other books of hers I've read, WHEN VENUS FELL pulls no punches when dealing with the more tragic elements of the storyline -- be prepared for some scenes to make you sick at heart. But there's a lot of humor, too, often popping up at unexpected moments, with just enough mystery threaded through to keep those pages turning.

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

An uplifting and enchanting story of two familys. One so strong nothing could break their love and devotion to each other and the honor they held for past loved ones, another that had shattered through the corse of time and left them grasping onto memories and dignity that had worn and faded away through mistakes and loses, and the binds that brought them together. This book is a classic love story and reminds people of the value of family and the simple things in life. This story shows that there are still people in the world who care enough to defend others and to hold on to faith and hope, because when that's lost, there is no more reason for living. I HIGHLY reccomend this book, I couldn't put it down!!

This is the fourth Deborah Smith's book that I read and once again I struggled to put it down.
I love her writing style, her interesting characters and unusual twists to the story, her detailed description of scenery, emotions and relationships.
I'm already looking for more work from this author

When Venus Fell is easily one of my favorite books, and I have been reading for a very long time. The characters in this book are quirky, odd, lovable but can be found in many and all families. The one real truth that resonated with me from this book is the passion Venus cared for her music. Anyone who has taken music seriously as a musician can totally relate to the intensity that music plays in her life. The give and take in the developing relationship between Gib and Venus is also wonderful to behold, and their capitulation to each other is one of the nicest love scenes in romance literature.
This book is a keeper, and also a re-read time and again. Thank you.

From the very first word to the last word, Deborah Smith takes you on a romantic journey of love. She is not your typical romantic author either ~~ this book is more about relationships between sisters, friends and lovers. And it is a book to treasure!

When the two Arinelli sisters were found by one of the Cameron clan in a smoky bar, they had no idea that their lives were about to be changed. Gib Cameron was a man from their parents' past and what he offered sounded too good to be true ~~ but the sisters took him up on his offer and came to visit the Camerons in the Tennessee mountains ~~ thus beginning an adventure that ended in love for the sisters as well as family ties.

This book is well-written ~~ Smith has such descriptive powers that it is amazing. You as the reader feel as if you're right there in the beautiful mountains ~~ and you're a part of the characters' lives. Venus is a saucy character ~~ one that is tough on the outside (her battles with Ruth, one of the Camerons, are hilarious ~~ she always has a smart aleck comeback for this snooty lawyer) but gentle inside. Ella, the other sister, is a dreamy character who believes in the goodness of life. She influences her sister more than anyone has ~~ till Gib Cameron came into their lives. Gib, a strong man that has endured physical and mental tragedies, is the hero that most women secretly long for. Flawed and yet strong.

This isn't a book to be forgotten ~~ like I mentioned earlier, it is a really fun and romantic novel. Smith is really a wordsmith of the human relationships and I can guarantee that you won't regret picking this book up!

10-29-02

After reading this book I realized two things. I still like Mrs. Smith's books and the book was not quite wrapped up. The usual attention to detail is present in this story as it is in all of Smith's books. The families portrayed have a large number of problems-and were not all resolved after 446 pages. I know the limitations of character development in a medium size book, but I wish Smith had taken this into account while writing. On the other hand, not all issues in life are resolved. Despite this one complaint I enjoyed the book a lot. The humor is not heavy-handed and did cause me to smile many times and laugh aloud a few more. ... I would prefer this book get 3 1/2 stars instead of 3. The book is worth reading if you are looking for something light and cute.