Average customer rating:
- Emma's Secret
- Good, but missing characters
- I Thought the Book Was All-Around Interesting
- Disappointed
- Still good ...
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Emma's Secret
Barbara Taylor Bradford
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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A Woman of Substance
ASIN: 0312985738
Release Date: 2004-11-02 |
Book Description
Paula O'Neil has inherited her grandmother Emma Harte's dream for success-a magnificent business empire in London shared by Paula's daughters, Linnet and Tessa. Yet their future is far less secure than any woman imagines. For beneath the dazzling surface, flares a rivalry and discontent that leave them vulnerable to the dreams of others.
Into the fray arrives enigmatic American fashion designer Evan Hughes seeking employment. But her interest in the Harte dynasty is a personal one. Bearing a striking resemblance to the Harte lineage, Evan's arrival begins to unravel a mystery that hides in the family's shadows, and that waits to be revealed in Emma's long-lost diaries.
Now as the past unfolds, so emerges an extraordinary tale of money and power, passion and revenge, and survival and triumph at any price-one that will irrevocably change the lives and loves of four women and shake an empire to its very foundation.
Customer Reviews:
Emma's Secret.......2007-02-16
This is the kind of book, that you feel you know these people like they are part of your family.
Can not wait to read the next one to see what happens to my favorite characters.
Good, but missing characters.......2006-05-29
After I found out there were more books to the series, I went back and re-read the first three. The first is by far the best. However, it seems that some things in this fourth book are different....the characters of Alexander and Francesca have been eliminated from the story. Sure, the reasons why they are not prominent are in To Be The Best, but to dismiss them? In one story regarding Jonathan and his history with Paula, they changed the characters in the initial confrontation to him. Originally, it was Sandy, Emily and Paula. All of a sudden in this book it is Paula and her father? I wish that BTB would have gone back and read her own book before she wrote this one. There is a great family tree in the beginning of the book, but Alexander, Francesca and Patrick are not listed. At least they explain what happened to Patrick. So strange. But, I love the story of these people and will read the entire series.
I Thought the Book Was All-Around Interesting.......2006-05-11
I read the Woman of Substance and all of the other books following it until this one, which I have finally read. I thought it was done well, contrary to other opinions on here, and stayed engrossed.
It begins with Evan Hughes, the grandchild of Glynnis, who is dying at the beginning of the story. She tells Evan to go seek Emma Harte, and that she is the key to the future for her. So curious as to what her grandmother means, she looks up Harte's department stores and seeks a job there. Finding that Emma has been dead for many years, she gets hired by Paula, and makes a wonderful employee. But Paula is curious who she really is since she shows a strong family resemblance to them. The secret may lie in the diaries she found buried in a storeroom of Emma's. But it takes some time before she puts the puzzle together.
Linnet, one of Paula's daughter's is the one who does a wonderful job in the store, and the one, whom much to her older sister Tessa's dismay, the whole dynasty will be left to. Tessa has her share of abusive marital problems and tries to hide it well. So you have to feel sorry for her in this story, hoping she and her young daughter escape from Mark London.
Also in the background here is Jonathan Ainsley, the family troublemaker and he is not through with his revenge for Paula. He is back in London, and out for trouble, monitoring Paula's every move, waiting to strike her down. It's only a matter of time.
The book also flips back to Emma Harte and her story in an abbreviated version. So it goes back to the time of 1940 when Emma was young and raising her family. It speaks of her past husbands, mainly Paul of whom she grieved terribly over losing when he had killed himself. She always carried Paul with her.
Then there is Edwina, the child that was Emma's "accident," and has always felt as though she never belonged. She rarely comes up in this story at all.
There is many characters in the book, but in the beginning there is a tree so it is easier to follow. I am anxious to see what happens in the two sequels ahead.
Disappointed.......2006-02-09
This was my first Barbara Taylor Bradford book to read. I've heard great things about her books, but this one is very disappointing. I'm over half way through the book, but I don't think I will be able to finish it. There are so many characters that I can't keep up with who's who! Also her writing seems more like "filler" than actual fiction. I'm afraid I can't recommend this book to anyone.
Still good ..........2006-01-20
Sorry to read that some people didn't like this book. As with all the books about Emma Harte's family, I loved it. One gets to know the family well. They are undeniably wealthy English folk, who have a large, complex family. When Ms. Taylor-Bradford writes about them, she purposely lets us read about the elaborate homes, the clothes, the ultra fashion of the family. That's just all part of it. I feel as though I am "right there," and I love her detail to the intricate dealings of this complex family. If one really wants to do this book justice, however, all of the books about Emma Harte and her family should be read in sequence. It then makes every so much more sense.
Average customer rating:
- Hot!!!!!!!
- Get this -- if only for Emma Holly's novella!
- A Cross Between Romance and Black Lace
- Get this one for The Love Slave
- Desiree' Lindsey's debut novella, ENSLAVED is a sensation!!!
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Secrets, Vol. 4
Jeanie Cesarini ,
Susan Morgan ,
Susan Paul ,
Desiree Lindsey ,
Betsy Morgan , and
Alexandria V. Kendall
Manufacturer: Red Sage Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0964894246 |
Customer Reviews:
Hot!!!!!!!.......2005-01-09
I just love this series & was so pleased to read Jeanie Cesarini's story, "An act of love". It's a must just for that story alone. It follows on from her earlier story "The spy who loved me". Shelby, was mentioned in the previous story finally got her own story & it was brilliant. It was great to see Paige & Chris again.
The others are equally as brilliant, I was not disapointed with any of the stories.
They are:
Enslaved - Desiree Lindsey
The bodyguard - Betsy Morgan & Susan Paul
The love slave - Emma Holly.
Get this -- if only for Emma Holly's novella!.......2004-05-17
I skipped over a couple of installments because Emma Holly is featured in Secrets Volume 4. I am a big Emma Holly fan and I've devoured everything she's written. The Love Slave, her novella in this anthology, is so hot it sizzles! Set in make believe times, Princess Lily has to choose three gorgeous men to attend to all of her needs. While she revels in the attention of two of the slaves, it is the tall, dark, gorgeous and mysterious Grae that refuses to submit to her desires. Not only is he rough and insubordinate, he has a painful secret that keeps him at bay. This is a beautiful erotic story that awoke my senses as well as my intellect. Emma Holly has done it again!
Desiree Lindsey's Enslaved is my second favorite. This is a wonderful novella of dark desires and exquisite building of tension. Nicholas Summers is one of the most insatiable heroes I've ever read and the scenes are smoldering and delicious. I'm not familiar with Ms. Lindsey's work, but I'll be sure to look for her stuff in the future. The other two novellas, An Act of Love and The Bodyguard, are contemporary romanticas that failed to spark my interest. I guess I was in the mood for some fanciful stories. The Love Slave and Enslaved more than satisfied my craving for the same. I recommend Secrets Volume 4. Emma Holly's delectable story is well worth the cover price!
A Cross Between Romance and Black Lace.......2003-07-02
Anyone who had read the Black Lace books will recognize Emma Holly's name. She is one of the best writers of erotica that I've come across. On my quest to collect everything ever written by her, I found Secrets vol. 4. Let me say that I was pleasantly surprised by the other stories in this collection.
Each story is based on a romantic premise, so readers of romance novels will enjoy this book. The "steam" factor has been pumped up, so readers who don't like graphic love scenes should avoid these stories. However, people looking for one-handed reading would do well to remember that these stories have PLOTS. That said, I enjoyed every one - but especially Emma Holly's.
Others have done a wonderful job reviewing the contents of this book, so I won't rehash. This review is just to emphasize how much you will NOT regret purchasing Secrets vol. 4. :-)
Get this one for The Love Slave.......2002-10-09
A good anthology, but flawed by "The Bodyguard," which seemed cobbled together, and suffers from an absolutely terrible ending that had my mouth falling open in disbelief. Not what I expect from the series, at all!
"An Act of Love" is entertaining and steamy, a good contemporary romance that apparently picks up a character from a previous volume. Made me want to get the original!
"Enslaved" was OK, but the heroine annoyed me, which wrecked the story. That's more personal bias than any fault of the author - I need a really strong female protagonist in period romances.
"The Love Slave" was AMAZING, the best story I've read in the Secrets anthologies. I read it twice through in two sittings. The sci-fi premise is similar to another novel I read by a different author but the characterization and romance are so much stronger I found myself thinking, "This is the book the other author was trying to write." Terrible, I know, but honest!
Steamy, steamy, hot erotica - heart-tugging romance - Emma Holly is my new hero. lol I'd recommend this volume on the strength of this one story alone.
Desiree' Lindsey's debut novella, ENSLAVED is a sensation!!!.......1999-01-05
Romance Comm says, "In ENSLAVED Lindsey adds a unique twist to a classic plot creating a passionate story of love lost and found. Her characters live and breathe in this appealing tale producing a powerful impact not soon forgotten. Exquisite, erotic love scenes sear the senses. ENSLAVED will take your breath away. Hot! Hot! Hot! ~
Book Description
Jane Austen's Emma has been a favorite novel for Austenites since 1816. In the mid-1990s it became a favorite movie for millions of new admirers.A key reason for Emma's success is that the story has two heroines-Emma Woodhouse and Jane Fairfax. In Austen's novel, Jane's backgound is left obscure, and the turmoil underlying her current reduced circumstances in mysterious.At last we learn her whole story in Joan Aiken's superb retelling of Emmathis time from Jane Fairfax's point of view. When Jane Fairfax was published in hardcover, Aiken's wit, style, and skill prompted Booklist to say, "Brilliant....extraordinarily will done and highly recommended."This worthy companion to the great original is for the first time now available in paperback.
Customer Reviews:
A Satisfying Read.......2007-01-06
Probably one of the best Jane Austen sequels I've read and just re-read. I keep very few books, but this is one of five. Despite a few problems, the interior monologue rings true to the original tale.
If anything JANE FAIRFAX is more entertaining than the original EMMA--Ms. Austen forgive me--but perhaps only because one can enjoy the comparisons between the stories.
Are you new to Jane Austen sequels? Then this is a good place to start as are all of Aiken's novels. If P&P is your all-time favorite, then I also recommend The Bar Sinister (which now goes by another name in second printing). But I recommend restraint in buying the sequel of Bar Sinister, as it pretty much stinks.
Excellent close reading of Emma.......2006-12-05
Joan Aiken's Jane Fairfax was a real suprise to me since I never really enjoyed Jane Austen characters with other writers. The fact that the book involves a relative existence in time with Emma which is one of Austen's most detailed books is hard enough but the author seems to capture several nuances of the experience of a relatively minor character. The author's close reading of Emma allows readers to enjoy Emma more after reading this novel. She posits that Emma's jealousy of Jane began when they were children and Emma's mother encouraged Jane's musical talent. This is very perceptive and interesting hypothesis and an excellent example of Aiken's subtle and sensitive observation.
Jane Fairfax was never so interesting!.......2006-01-15
I have read Jane Austen's Emma many times since I was a child. I always wondered about Jane Fairfax, a character I always despised. Until now.
From the first paragraph of "Jane Fairfax", I was enthralled. It is written like an Austen, and the heroine, Jane, becomes interesting. It is explained that she and Emma's lives are explicable entwined; Jane wears all of Emma's hand me down clothing, and the whole town knows it.
I have read tons of Austen sequels, and this novel is much more a retelling of Emma, rather than a sequel. This was well writen, and one of the better Austen immitations.
The Secret Keepers.......2005-09-09
As a fan of Jane Austen, I am often curious about authors who use her characters as spin-offs for their writings. "Jane Fairfax", by Joan Aiken, is a commendable look into the life of the little-known character from Jane Austen's "Emma". Austen devotes little time to Jane Fairfax, the young woman destined to be a governess who forms a secret engagement to Frank Churchill; but Joan Aiken takes readers into the background of this fictional character, from youth to marriage, with generally pleasant but uneven storytelling.
In "Jane Fairfax" we are introduced to a young Jane of about six years old. Destined to befriend the rich Emma Woodhouse, Jane dreams of a close relationship, but these are dashed by Emma's snobbish and superior attitude. Jane is taken to live with the Campbells, friends of her deceased father, and is brought up as their second daughter, enjoying a sisterly relationship with Rachel Campbell. It is through the Campbells that she first encounters Frank Churchill and agrees to a secret engagement before she makes her return to Highbury; this proves difficult for Jane who is now unaccustomed to the ways of Highbury, how every word and action are watched and nothing remains secret for long.
Joan Aiken doesn't quite deliver on the premise of "Jane Fairfax". While she does an admirable job of fleshing out Jane's early life and her inner thoughts, the pace is uneven. Lengthy amounts of narrative are devoted to frivilous stories while her attachment with Frank and the denouement of the book happen at a lightning speed. She spends a good section of the book on Jane's childhood, but quickly passes over five years in two paragraphs. There even seemed to be a four page spell when Mr. Knightley was narrating the story rather than Jane. I enjoyed the book since I love the characters Jane Austen created in "Emma", but by no means should this be considered the definitive look into the life of Jane Fairfax.
Wish they'd make this into a movie!.......2005-01-17
What a wonderful book. No, it is not in the style of Jane Austen, but if that is not important to you then it is a great book for you to read. It takes you back into the beginning when Emma and Jane were little playmates. If you read Emma and wondered what her childhood was like, then you will love this book. You can discover the real reason why Emma dislikes Jane.
What is so terrific about this book is that you fall in love with Jane, she really is the second heroine of the novel. It is wonderful to be inside her head and find out why she had a secret engagement with Frank Churchill. She is such a sweet and endearing heroine, and in addition she is strong, intelligent, and loving. You will grow to like her and grow to dislike Emma. Which makes you wonder, isn't that the way it is supposed to be? Jane Austen's own words were that she created a character that no one but herself will like. Furthermore, it follows Jane's life you learn what happened in Weymouth, and who the Dixon's are. You go on an emotional journey with her. Her struggle with being poor and her love for her aunts.
If you root for the under dog then this is the book for you. Or if you loved the movie Emma, you love this too, you will wish that they will make it into a movie someday.
Average customer rating:
- I felt like I was there...
- Susanna Kearsley as Emma Cole
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Every Secret Thing
Emma Cole
Manufacturer: Allison & Busby
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0749081473 |
Product Description
When an old man strikes up a conversation with her on the steps of St. Paul s and makes a mystifying mention of murder and an oddly familiar comment about her grandmother, Kate Murray is intrigued. But she never gets to hear the rest of Andrew Deacon s tale. Shocked by his unexpected death, she wonders whom this strange, old man is, and what the odd reference to her grandmother could mean. Interest piqued by the story never told, Kate becomes drawn into an investigation, uncovering secrets about the grandmother she thought she knew and a man she never did. Soon she is caught up in a dangerous whirlwind of events that takes her back into her grandmother s mysterious wartime past and across the Atlantic as she tries to retrace Deacon s footsteps. Finding out the truth is not so simple, however, as only a few people are still alive who know the story...and Kate soon realizes that her questions are putting their lives in danger. Stalked by an unknown and sinister enemy, and facing death every step of the way, Kate must use her tough journalistic instinct to find the answers from the past in order to have a future.
Customer Reviews:
I felt like I was there..........2007-10-03
From the moment I opened this book I was transported to a different place and different time. Every page is filled with evocative descriptions and every character beautifully developed. I learned from this book and was entertained as well. What a perfect combination! I look forward to this author's next book under Emma Cole or Susanna Kearsly!
Susanna Kearsley as Emma Cole.......2006-11-24
If you enjoy Susanna Kearsley's books then you will not want to miss her newest. Although written by Kearsley "Every Secret Thing" has been published under the name Emma Cole as, unlike her other novels, there is no supernatural presence. Other than that, this book is in the same style as her other novels, a "historical" mystey, this one relating to WWII, combined with a modern thriller that takes you from England to North America and then to Portugal. Readers of Kearsley's other novels will enjoy the cameo appearance of a character from one of her earlier books and, as always, her prose is beautifully written - a joy to read and re-read.
Book Description
While in the "Secret Service" as a "Spy," which is one of the most hazardous positions in the army-she penetrated the enemy's lines, in various disguises, no less than eleven times; always with complete success and without detection. Her efficient labors in the different Hospitals as well as her arduous duties as "Field Nurse," embrace many thrilling and touching incidents, which are here most graphically described. -from the original "Publisher's Notice" It sounds like the stuff of pulp fiction, but it's all true. Or mostly true, at least. Sarah Edmonds, disguised as "Franklin Thompson," enlisted in the Union Army in 1861; saw combat at the Battle of Blackburn's Ford, First Bull Run/Manassas, the Peninsular Campaign, Antietam, and Fredericksburg; and sometimes served as a spy "disguised" as a woman! Afraid of her secret being discovered, "Franklin" went AWOL, and Sarah rejoined the cause as a nurse. These thrilling adventures of a daring woman in the Civil War have been accused of being "fanciful," but that's just the beginning of their charm. SARAH EMMA EDMONDS SEELYE (1841-1898) was born in New Brunswick, Canada, ran away from home at 17, disguised as a boy. An 1884 congressional bill recognized her service to the Union and granted her a military pension. She died in Texas, and her remains today are housed in a Grand Army of the Republic plot in Houston.
Book Description
As I sought to educate myself about sex addiction, I learned that its potential for devastation is at least as strong as that of other, more familiar addictions, such as drug, gambling or alcohol addiction. A diagnosis of sex addiction is dependent on whether the behavior is destructive, persistent and escalating. There are estimated to be 16,000,000 people who exhibit this addiction. These addicts are attempting to manage feelings of anger, loneliness and emptiness. Those who are in a relationship with such an addict will find them to be selfish, needy and preoccupied. This book offers hope.
Customer Reviews:
My Secret Life with a Sex Addict.......2007-07-29
Very well written true experience by the writer. Too few books of it's kind for the person who has to live in this type of situation. She tell's it with utmost candor and clarity. I highly recommend it to anyone who either feels or knows they are living with a sex addict. She proves there is hope. Very good read!
If you're worried that you're married to a sex addict..........2005-12-03
Then you owe it to yourself to find out. This book was written by one woman who lived it, learned from it and now helps others who suffer and need to recover from it. There's no teacher like experience, and Emma Dawson lived it and now is in a positition to help others. Let her help you!
Praises for Emma Dawson!.......2005-05-04
Emma Dawson has written a groundbreaking book that shares her story of liberation from the silence and shame of being married to a sex addict. It is a powerful account of one woman's journey from the depths of silence to a celebration of a powerful voice of healing. It is an inspiration for any woman who has ever found herself in a position of isolation and low self-worth due to being a "keeper" of the secret of addiction. You will experience a sense of community as you read Emma's story and feel the relief of knowing you are not alone. Emma has learned to value her experience and found a wonderful way to share that with others!
Book Description
Becoming Ursula's slave was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to Emma. She is whisked away to the confines of an English country residence, where beautiful but cruel mistresses preside over a bevy of young and wayward girls. This corrective regime demands the ultimate sacrifice in return for the forbidden pleasures of absolute fulfilment.
Book Description
Felicity Wishes is planning a party for her birthday. She's sent invitations to all her friends. There will be games and decorations galore, and of course Felicity needs a new party dress. There is so much to do! Readers will love to peek inside fairy invitations, lift the many flaps and enjoy the fairy surprises, and help Felicity try on sparkly party dresses. Happy birthday, Felicity!
Book Description
Twelve-year-old Emma Farley has a secret hope-but in 1832, in the rough frontier city of Cincinnati, will she ever be able to live her dream? The odds are against her, considering society's views of "women's work," as well as the more immediate and frightening problems she face-a massive flood of the Ohio River and an epidemic of cholera. Using actual historical events to tell a compelling coming-of-age story, Emma's Secret shows young readers that God-given dreams are meant to be followed. Combining fiction with real events is an ideal way to teach history and faith- especially at this price!
Customer Reviews:
When you believe in God, good things may really happen.......2006-04-15
Twelve-year-old Emma Farley worries if her family will survive the cholera outbreak that was caused by the terrible flooding of the Ohio River. Emma wonders if her dreams of becoming an animal doctor will ever come true, because in Cincinnati in 1832, girls have to become wives and mothers instead of having careers. Emma tries to keep her dreams and her family alive during this hard time. What will happen to the people of Cincinnati and how will they ever get this mess cleaned up? Find out in this exciting story called Emma's Secret.
Emma's Secret is one of the many wonderful books in the Sisters In Time series. Emma's Secret kept me up all night long and I liked reading about this time period in history. Emma's Secret is a faith-based book that shows you how sometimes when you believe in God, good things may really happen. I think that this story could be improved by having more adventure and additional things happen. I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to kids ages 9-12.
Reviewed by a student reviewer for Flamingnet Book Reviews
www.flamingnet.com
Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews and recommendations
Customer Reviews:
Adolescent Historical Fiction.......2000-03-30
"Where Duty Calls: The Story of Sarah Emma Edmonds" is a recently published, fictionalized account of the life of Union spy Sarah Edmonds. The plot of the story itself is quite interesting, chronicling the adventures of a female who poses as a male spy during the Civil War. The book, although not noted as relevant to a certain age category, is more suitable for younger children. Although it includes excerpts from Edmond's autobiography, and does well in sticking to the facts, it reads like a young adventure novel. It is definitely a more fictionalized account of Edmonds life, and doesn't go into the more intellectual and historical issues of gender roles and Union spies. If you would like a well-written, simplistic overview of Edmonds' life; or if you know a young child who likes to read about real life spies, then "Where Duty Calls" is the book for you.
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