Tag Archives: Nora Roberts

The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts – a Review

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The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
Long ago, Arthur Poole built a grand house overlooking the turbulent ocean, in a Maine village that bore his name. Today, Sonya MacTavish lives in that manor that has been cursed for generations. Within its walls, she has witnessed the deaths of seven brides and the thefts of seven wedding rings. And now, to break the curse and banish a malevolent spirit once and for all, a difficult task must be completed.

After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see—and feel—the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens and their anger is renewed. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story, putting the picture together, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place—to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.

But the enemy in the black dress continues to hover, to come at her in frightening forms. They may be illusions—but illusions can be powerful enough to wound and kill. She feeds on fear, and lies are her weapon. This dark-hearted witch wants to be mistress of Poole Manor, at any cost. And Sonya will need to fight a battle across two realms to finally take possession of the house on the clifftop—and of her own future…

 

 

 

Review:

The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts is the third and final book in her wonderful Lost Bride Trilogy. Refresher: Sonya MacTavish inherited a magnificent, haunted manor with a heartbreaking history.  Over a period of years, seven brides came to the mansion, and seven brides died at the hands of Hester Dobbs, an evil witch spirit, who sent each of them to their deaths, in a jealous fit of rage: thereby cursing the house and all future brides.

Sonya is a descendant of the Poole family, along with Owen Poole; as she has the gift of sight, enabling her to see through the mirror, learning about the past brides and ghosts.  Sonya and her three companions (Cleo, Trey and Owen) continue to search to find the stolen wedding rings.  Sonya and Cleo look into the furniture/rooms to restore everything to its former glory; Trey and Owen also spend nights at the mansion, with both very much in love (Trey with Sonya, and Cleo with Owen). With new revelations, as well as light, laughter and love; which will bring happiness to the group; but they still need to deal with Hester’s constant evil dangerous rage.

Sonya searches all the various rooms, to find clues to her family’s past, putting pictures/photos, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. Sonya with help from Cleo, were determined to  fix up this haunted manor, with people, life and hope, once again. I loved Clover, who was great with her songs.  I adored Yoda (dog) playing with Jack; and got a kick out of Molly, always cleaning things up. I did adore all the dogs and the cat. 

The Seven Rings was an emotional ghost story, and the ties bonded them together. It was a story of good and evil, romance, heartwarming, fiction and thrilling. The Seven Rings was so very well written by Nora Roberts.   It was a great read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
Natural Resources police officer, Sloan Cooper, and her partner had just taken down three men preying on hikers in the Western Maryland mountains. Driving back, she pulled in at a convenience store—and walked right into a robbery in progress. One gunshot from a jittery thief was about to change her world.

After being shocked back to life on the operating table, she has a long recovery ahead, so she moves back to her parents’ peaceful house in Heron’s Rest. As for the boyfriend who dumped her via text while she was in the hospital, good riddance.

She may be down, but she’s not out. So when a woman vanishes, leaving her car behind in a supermarket parking lot, Sloan searches online for similar cases. She finds them, spread across three states. Men and women, old and young—the missing seem to have nothing in common. And the abductions keep happening.

Luckily, the new man in her life shares her passion for solving this mystery. But it will take every ounce of endurance to get to the dark heart of this bizarre case—and she’s willing to risk her life again if that’s what it takes to stop the horror.

 

 

Review:

Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts is a fantastic standalone novel. We meet our heroine, Sloan Cooper, who is a respected police officer in the Maryland Natural Resources.  She has just finished an operation with her partner, capturing dangerous hikers in the mountains.  She stops in a convenience store, and is gunned down by an armed robber; almost dying before being shocked back on the operating table multiple times. Sloan moves back home to Heron’s Rest, staying with her family’s resort, to recuperate for her long recovery ahead.

While she becomes bored during recovery, Sloan hears about a case of a missing women, and is drawn to this intriguing case, as the women was abducted from a grocery store parking lot. She begins to research on her own and soon discovers that other missing people from other areas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virgina that have disappeared.  Sloane discovers a chilling pattern, with multiple people of different genders having disappeared abandoning their cars; suggesting a serial killer. The deeper she investigates, she suspects that maybe she would be on the killers list.

I really loved how Sloan’s family and friends were so great, including her parents and sister, Drea.  We meet both Nash and Theo Littlefield, who moved from New York, with both leaving behind their careers, and forming a handyman business, The Fix-It Brothers. In a short time, their business begins to escalate, and Sloan having bought a house, hires them to fix her place. Sparks spark between Theo and Drea, as they both find themselves falling in love.  Nash finds himself intrigued with Sloan, especially helping her on some of the cases; with Nash realizing that he is also falling in love with Sloane, as she also has strong feelings.

The antagonists were chilling, as well as evil. Especially killing the victims who all had survived near death.   Sloan and Nash find themselves working together to uncover the truth about the killers.

Hidden Nature was a fantastic intriguing thriller, that was a blend of suspense, romance, mystery and action-packed.  Sloan was a terrific heroine, who was dedicated, tenacious, decisive and gripping. Hidden Nature was so very well written by Nora Roberts.  I suggest you read Hidden Nature, which was an exciting thriller.

Reviewed by Barb

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The Mirror by Nora Roberts – a Review

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The Mirror by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
When Sonya MacTavish inherits the huge Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine, she has no idea that the house is haunted. The footsteps she hears at night, the doors slamming, the music playing, are not figments of her imagination. In her dreams she sees glimpses of the past. In the present she finds portraits of brides. And when she has visions of an antique mirror, she is drawn to it, sensing it holds dark family secrets.

Then one night the mirror appears and Sonya glides through this looking glass, into the past—and sees a bride murdered on her wedding day, the circle of gold torn from her finger. It is a scene that will play out again and again—a centuries-old curse that must be broken—and a puzzle she must solve if there is any hope of breaking the curse.

 

 

Review:

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is the 2nd book in her The Lost Bride Trilogy. The Mirror picks up immediately after the ending of the first book, Inheritance. Sonya MacTavish, our heroine, begins to settle into her daily life with her best friend Cleo; as they both adjust to the ghosts of brides, as well as the evil murderer Hester Dobb, who murdered all 7 brides.

Trey and Sonya are even more romantic now, as their relationship become more serious.   Cleo and Owen also became a couple; especially with all four of them constantly together. The Lost Bride Manor includes many deaths, with all the brides killed on their wedding day, centuries ago.  Now in present time, Sonya is determined to find a way stop Dobbs, and find all the missing rings from each bride, to force the end of the curse.  Other than Dobbs, the other ghosts are always helpful with both Sonya and Cleo; one sings songs, someone else makes the beds, cleans the kitchen, and even a young boy ghost, loves to play with Sonya’s dog.  Dobbs was always causing temper tantrums, with slamming doors, loud noises, her evil laughter and flying objects.

Sonya will learn more about the history of each bride, especially when she gets to enter into the mirror, finding herself decades in the past, witnessing live the happy days of each bride, before it ends in tragedy at the murderous hands of Dobbs.  Sonya also got to see Dobbs ripping off each of the wedding rings from each of the brides.

Sonya and Cleo were both strong and independent women; I loved their friendship, as they were always, they’re for each other.  I also loved both Trey and Owen, as they made wonderful couples, with the men both sweet and supportive. I adored the dogs that played a major part of the story, with Yoda, Mookie, Jones and Pye, Cleo’s kitten who became part of the group.   

The Mirror was another fantastic addition to this trilogy, with suspense, paranormal, romance, ghosts, supernatural, and an evil murderer. The Mirror was so very well written by Nora Roberts.  I loved the book, and cannot wait for the final book in the Lost Bride series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Mind Games by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Mind Games by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb.

Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened.

The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career, find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her, and though Grammie calls it a gift, it feels more like a curse―because the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability. Thea can hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts from miles away. He knows it, and hungers for vengeance. A long, silent battle will be waged between them―and eventually bring them face to face, and head to head…

 

 

Review:

Mind Games by Nora Roberts is a fantastic standalone suspenseful novel, that had me unable to put the book down.   No surprise, as Nora Roberts/JD Robb never fails to disappoint.  With school out for the summer, the Fox family travels to Kentucky, so that the kids (12 year old Thea and 10 year old Rem) can spend two weeks with their Grandmother Lucy.  They love being there with the animals, gardens, mountains, and their Grammie.  Their mother and father return home to Virginia, giving them their own vacation; which leads them into a terrible tragedy about to happen. 

Thea awakens from a nightmare, as she saw her parents murdered, and she runs to her grandmother, only to realize that she saw the same nightmare. They both share a gift that is part of the female women in their family, which have the ability to see unique sights. Thea remembers everything about that nightmare, including the killer.  The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, the man who killed their parents has been captured and will spend the rest of his life in prison, with no parole.  Thea learns quickly that the killer also has the same gift, using his gift to tie himself to her; which over 15 years becomes a continual mental battle between the two of them. Thea’s gift is very strong, which allows her to help two detectives to find a missing girl.  Both of those detectives will come to Thea over the years asking for her help.

Thea was a fantastic heroine, as she was smart, strong, dedicated and determined to be one stop ahead of Riggs.  I loved her relationship with Lucy (her grandmother) and Rem (her brother).  It was heartwarming to see how they always there supported each other, including Lucy’s two older sons. All the characters were great, including her best friend Maddy.  Ty (a well-known musician) came into the picture about half way through with his young son, Bray; and in a short time, they both had strong feelings for each other. I loved Bunt, Thea’s dog. & his love of Bray. 

Thea was very good at her designing her own video games, getting hired by a firm to create those video games.  She manages to stop Riggs attempts to get through to her, but she wants a life without this evil villain, who always is trying to get into her head.  Thea decides to create a different kind of final game, just for him, as she knows how to mentally deal with him and closing his mind forever.

Mine Games is a fascinating and suspenseful story, that deals with drama, family, murder, psychic abilities, evil villain and romance. Once again, Nora Roberts gives us a fantastic story that has us unable to put the book down from start to finish.  Mind Games was so very well written by Nora Roberts.  You need to read this book, as it was great.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Inheritance by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Inheritance by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…

Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about―and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulates she must live in it for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth―and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.

Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya’s unease―and acknowledges that yes, the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds objects moved and music playing out of nowhere. She sees a painting by her father inexplicably hanging in her deceased uncle’s office, and a portrait of a woman named Astrid, whom the lawyer refers to as “the first lost bride.” It’s becoming clear that Sonya has inherited far more than a house. She has inherited a centuries-old curse, and a puzzle to be solved if there is any hope of breaking it…

 

 

Review:

Inheritance by Nora Roberts is the first book in her new trilogy, The Lost Bride. I am a big fan of anything by Nora Roberts/JD Robb, and I was excited to start the first book in her new The Lost Bride trilogy, since I always love her trilogies. Inheritance does not disappoint, as it was a fantastic read.

The story starts in the past, in 1806, taking place in Maine, with Astrid Poole, preparing for her wedding ceremony, when a jealous woman stabs her to death; stealing her wedding ring. We will learn from the present, that this evil woman put a curse on all future brides of the Poole family.

In the present time, we meet our heroine, Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish, who is engaged, and discovers her fiancé and cousin having sex, and breaks up the with her fiancé, and gets her mother to cancel all wedding plans. With her life falling apart, Sonya receives a call from a lawyer, telling her that her uncle (whom she did not know about) has left everything to her, including a Victorian mansion in Maine.  Sonya, as well as her mother, are surprised that her late father, who was adopted had a twin, Collin Poole.

Sonya decides to move to Maine and the estate, to start her life over, and knows the stipulation that she must live there for at least three years.  She learns quickly from the lawyer, that the history of this house is haunted; with lost brides. Sonya is happy, as she loves the mansion, and in a short time she gets used to some of the ghosts, whom she doesn’t see, but they play fun catching songs, rearrange their clothes, put away dishes and shopping bags, make the beds, etc. But one of them does not want her there, and make sounds such as doors slamming. Sonya begins to learn that the spirit of the lost bride needs her help to stop the curse.

Fortunately, Sonya is not alone, as she has made friends, especially helping some businesses to create and set up their computer sites. Her best friend, Cleo will soon move in with her, and Sonya becomes close to Trey, her lawyer’s son, and they soon become lovers.  Owen will join the three of them, in helping solve the mystery.  Anna, Bree, and many others are all fantastic and wonderful secondary characters. I enjoyed the friendship, camaraderie, support from all the characters who were all very likable.  Besides Sonya, Trey, I loved Cleo, who was such a great friend, and very supportive.  I also loved Yoda and Mookie, who were the cutest dogs.

Inheritance was a fantastic addicting start to a fantasy, gothic, historical story that kept my attention from start to finish. Sonya was terrific heroine, as was Cleo, both being strong and courageous; and a wonderful friendship. As we get closer to the end, Sonya dreams of many of the deceased brides and how they died by the hand of the evil witch.  Because of the wonderful main characters, the story was a fantastic read.  I do not want to say too much more, as it will ruin it for you.

Inheritance was very well written by Nora Roberts, which is no surprise, and I have always loved her trilogies, and can’t wait for the next two books.  There is however, a cliffhanger at the end; leaving us hanging and anxiously waiting for the next book.  I highly recommend that you read The Lost Bride series, and read the first book, Inheritance.

Reviewed by Barb

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Identity by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Identity by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
A new thriller about one man’s ice-cold malice, and one woman’s fight to reclaim her life.

Former Army brat Morgan Albright has finally planted roots in a friendly neighborhood near Baltimore. Her friend and roommate Nina helps her make the mortgage payments, as does Morgan’s job as a bartender. But after she and Nina host their first dinner party—attended by Luke, the flirtatious IT guy who’d been chatting her up at the bar—her carefully built world is shattered. The back door glass is broken, cash and jewelry are missing, her car is gone, and Nina lies dead on the floor.

Soon, a horrific truth emerges: It was Morgan who let the monster in. “Luke” is actually a cold-hearted con artist named Gavin who targets a particular type of woman, steals her assets and identity, and then commits his ultimate goal: murder.

What the FBI tells Morgan is beyond chilling. Nina wasn’t his type. Morgan is. Nina was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. And Morgan’s nightmare is just beginning. Soon she has no choice but to flee to her mother’s home in Vermont. While she struggles to build something new, she meets another man, Miles Jameson. He isn’t flashy or flirtatious, and his family business has deep roots in town. But Gavin is still out there hunting new victims, and he hasn’t forgotten the one who got away.

 

 

 

Review:

Identity by Nora Roberts is a standalone romance suspense thriller.  I love all of Nora Roberts books, being a big fan of her In Death/Eve Dallas series, as well as her wonderful trilogies; I thought Identity was one of the best romance suspense thrillers I have read, which kept me glued to my kindle from start to finish. 

Morgan Albright, our heroine, lives in Baltimore, working two jobs; hoping to save enough money to open her own place.  Nina is her roommate, who is like a sister to Morgan, helping share expenses of the mortgage payments.  At night, Morgan is a bartender, making fantastic drinks, and always friendly; one night she meets a charming man, who is in town for a short time.  After a few visits to the bar, Morgan invites him to a dinner with her friend Nina and her boyfriend. A couple of days later, when Nina is home sick, Morgan comes home to see her back doors smashed, her cash, jewelry and car missing and Nina dead in her office.

Morgan learns from the FBI that the man whom she just met, was a serial con artist and a murderer.  His real name is Gavin, and he targets women (similar to Morgan’s looks), steals their assets and identity, and ends up killing them.  She lost everything, and when the FBI agent explains that she was the real target, she decides to leave Baltimore and return home to Vermont, to try and restart her life.  The agent does warn her that since she is the first person who ever survived, Gavin may still have thoughts of finding her again, being the ‘the one that got away’.

When Morgan moves home to Vermont to live with her grandmother and mother, she is happy to be with them; though she still has nightmares thinking about Nina.  Soon, Morgan happily gets a new job, in a popular resort, with her taking over as the nightly bartender/manager in the fancy Apres Bar of the resort.  She gets to know the entire Jameson family, who run the resort; and they all know about what happened to her in Baltimore.  The resort has a top-notch security system, and they implement plans to make sure who does not leave at night without a guard.  In a short time, Miles Jameson stops by each night, and makes sure she is safe, which leads into a slow burn romance. 

I loved Morgan, who was a fantastic heroine, as well as very loyal and loving with her mother and grandmother; she was also a terrific bartender, with many different concoctions. Miles was a bit gruff early on, but in a short time, he began to have feelings for Morgan, as she did for him.  I adored Howl, the dog, who fell in love with Morgan.  The Jameson family were all amazing people, and they were all so wonderful; I enjoyed their family meetings.  I did get a kick out of Jen, the fitness instructor, who trained Morgan how to defend herself; something that would come handy later on.

Gavin, the evil thief/murderer, had a few POV’s as we saw him constantly find victims and kill them.  He still had Morgan as his target for one day in the future.  This escalated as we get closer to the last ¼ of the book, which was very intense and suspenseful.  I will not say more, as you really need to read this book from start to finish.  Identity was a fantastic read, with a bit of romance, family, love, and suspense.  Identity was so very well written by Nora Roberts.  This is a do not miss.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Choice by Nora Roberts – a Review

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The Choice by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
Talamh is a land of green hills, high mountains, deep forests, and seas, where magicks thrive. But portals allow for passage in and out–and ultimately, each must choose their place, and choose between good and evil, war and peace, life and death…

Breen Siobhan Kelly grew up in the world of Man and was once unaware of her true nature. Now she is in Talamh, trying to heal after a terrible battle and heartbreaking losses. Her grandfather, the dark god Odran, has been defeated in his attempt to rule over Talamh, and over Breen–for now.

With the enemy cast out and the portal sealed, this is a time to rest and to prepare. Breen spreads her wings and realizes a power she’s never experienced before. It’s also a time for celebrations–of her first Christmas in both Talamh and Ireland, of solstice and weddings and births–and daring to find joy again in the wake of sorrow. She rededicates herself to writing her stories, and when his duties as taoiseach permit, she is together with Keegan, who has trained her as a warrior and whom she has grown to love.

It’s Keegan who’s at her side when the enemy’s witches, traitorous and power-mad, appear to her in her sleep, practicing black magick, sacrificing the innocent, and plotting a brutal destruction for Breen. And soon, united with him and with all of Talamh, she will seek out those in desperate need of rescue, and confront the darkness with every weapon she has: her sword, her magicks–and her courage…

 

 

Review:

The Choice by Nora Roberts is the 3rd book in her fantastic,The Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy.  I loved the previous two books in this series, and could not wait to read The Choice.  Needless to say, I also loved the finale of this trilogy. Of course, this is the norm as Nora always creates such wonderful trilogies.  Refresher: Breen Siobhan Kelly grew up in the human world, unaware of her true nature, a daughter of the Fey. Her grandfather, is the evil dark god Odran, who plans to destroy the realm of Talamh, and over the last two books, Breen has suffered grief and heartbreaking losses.  She has learned everything about the realm of Talamh, filled with magic, fairies, witches, dragons, etc; she continues to train on using her magical powers, to be ready to fight the evil god, Odran and save Talamh and the Fey.

Keegan and Breen’s relationship continues to grow, though he is constantly pushing her to use more of her powers. Keegan (the Taoiseach) is always by her side when the enemy tries to kill her using black magic. The evil forces (those who have joined the evil Odran), continue to show up to kill, with some losses along the way.  Breen is determined to defeat Odran, and save all her family and friends, as well as Talamh, as she needs to be able to use every weapon & powerful magicks to confront the darkness.

I really loved Keegan and Breen together, they were so perfect for each other. I love all the wonderful secondary characters who play such a large part of this story, supporting Breen every way; such as Marco, Nan, Sedric, Morena, Harken, Aisling, Brian, Tarryn, her Dragon Lonrach, just to name a few.  I enjoyed seeing how Marco was always there for Breen, and loved all his cooking; it was nice to see him fall in love with Brian.   But most of all I loved love Bollocks, her wonderful dog, who was so much fun, and always ready to fight and protect her from evil.

Throughout the story, we get to spend time for joyous holidays and celebrations in Talamh and Ireland. Breen also continues to write her books about Bollocks, as well as a fantasy novel, which her agent will like. In between the hard training, and terrible fighting, she manages to enjoy herself with walking with Bollocks, learning from Nan, enjoying Marco’s cooking, and just the fun of being with her true family and friends.

As we race to the climax, and epic battle begins with everyone in Talamh fighting against a terrible evil, and Breen rising up to fulfill her heritage to defeat Ordan.  Will Breen Survive? 

What follows is another fantastic story, so very well done by Nora Roberts.  I love the world of Talamah, with so many wonderful secondary characters, and a fantastic heroine and hero. I will not give spoilers, as you need to read this book from start to finish, but if you have not read the previous two books, then please start with the first book, The Awakening, then to The Becoming.  I loved everything about this book, as I devoured it from start to finish. Bravo to Nora Roberts who gives us another fabulous trilogy, which is not to be missed.

Reviewed by Barb

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Nightwork by Nora Roberts – a Review

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Nightwork by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
Harry Booth started stealing at nine to keep a roof over his ailing mother’s head, slipping into luxurious, empty homes at night to find items he could trade for precious cash. When his mother finally succumbed to cancer, he left Chicago—but kept up his nightwork.

Wandering from the Outer Banks to Savannah to New Orleans, he dons new identities and stays careful, observant, distant. He can’t afford to attract attention—or get attached. Still, he can’t help letting his guard down when he meets Miranda Emerson. But the powerful bond between them cannot last—because not all thieves follow Harry’s code of honor. Some pay others to take risks so they can hoard more treasures. Some are driven by a desire to own people the way they own paintings and jewels. And after Harry takes a lucrative job commissioned by Carter LaPorte, LaPorte sees a tool he can use, and decides he wants to own Harry.

The man is a predator more frightening than the alligators that haunt the bayou—and when he strongarms Harry into robbing a Baltimore museum, Harry abandons Miranda—cruelly, with no explanation—and disappears. But no matter what name he uses or where he goes, LaPorte casts a shadow over Harry’s life. To truly free himself, he must face down his enemy once and for all. Only then can he hope to possess something more valuable than anything he has ever stolen…

 

 

Review:

Nightwork by Nora Roberts is another one of her wonderful standalone novels.  We meet our hero, Harry Booth, who at the age of 9, began a career of being a thief.  Harry’s mother had cancer, and together with his aunt Mags, they struggled to help his mom, and be able to pay the bills, from doctors, hospital, treatment, as well as mortgage payments.  Harry started with pick pocketing to pay the bills, but that was only the beginning; as he migrated into slipping into wealthy people’s homes to steal valuable jewelry or paintings. 

After a number of years, his mother succumbed to cancer, and Harry left his home town of Chicago, and continued his ‘nightwork’, traveling to different countries, becoming the best thief in the world.  Harry always followed the rules, never hurt anyone, be non- threatening, and steal from the very rich. Over the years, it was great to watch Harry visit so many places during this journey; Europe, Outer Banks, Savannah, and New Orleans; always changing his identity.  In New Orleans, Harry met some wonderful people, and became close to Sebastian, and seeing his aunt Mags, who also travelled a lot. With Sebastian’s help, Harry takes a lucrative commission from a man (Carter LaPorte), which is successful, but LaPorte will become obsessed with owning Harry for himself.   Harry changes his name again and moves on to go to school, and meets Miranda Emerson, with both being very attracted to each other, but when LaPorte finds him, he knows he must run away again, leaving Miranda heartbroken.

What follows years later, Harry has managed to hide from LaPorte, as well become a chameleon working mostly in Europe, until he spots LaPorte’s enforcer.  This forces Harry to return to America, and take a job as a teacher, not doing any kind of nightwork.  Harry loves his job, working with the kids, and is happy.  Then one day, using another name, he comes face to face with Miranda, who has become a successful writer. I really loved Miranda and Harry (now called Booth) together, as well as his Aunt Mags, Sebastian and many of the secondary characters.  I was happy that slowly Miranda will begin to learn the truth about Harry’s life, and if they want a normal life, without danger, they must work together with him to find a way to defeat LaPorte. The last third of the book was intense and exciting climax

Nightwork was a wonderful amazing uplifting story that held my attention from beginning to end; as Harry’s life totally captivated me.  Nightwork had a bit of everything, romance, suspense, mystery, family, friendship, as well as the many exciting adventures along the way. Though he was a thief that started when he was a child helping his mother, Harry was always a good guy.  Nightwork was so very well written by Nora Roberts.  I wholly suggest you read this fantastic book.

Reviewed by Barb

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