I hate to read reviews...everyone gets different things out of a book and it isn't always what I do.

Furthermore, I have yet to read a Catherine Anderson novel that was less than at least four stars! This rating seems suspect to me.

Stephanie Vogelsong
stephvogelsong@aol.com

If after reading the book you disagree with her rating, by all means write and let her know. I'd like to do it this minute, but in order to establish credibility I think I should read the book before I blast the reviewer's ears off.

We will find out for ourselves when read the book and write our own reviews.

I am probably the worst critic when it comes to writing because it was Catherines books that made me fall in love with historical romance.Catherine we will prove them wrong when we read the book i am sure of that.

I think what happens in romance is that there are trends that follow changes in society and its readers over time. Meaning, the style of romance has changed over the decades, not to mention the trends that cycle. Of course, the plot and conventions are underlying, but certain stylistic and thematic influences all converge---influencing what we as readers desire in a great read, whether we realize it or not. This, unfortunately, can influence negative ratings of new books by our favorite authors.

Catherine's heroines are normally wounded in a major way---often emotionally and/or physically challenged. I think she has done a wondrous job in showing that all people, not just the perfect, are worthy of love and living a full, rich life. This sentiment has resonated with thousands of readers, and has made for great rewarding hours of inspirational reading for all of us.

Having said that, I personally would like to see more heros in need of help----like Rafe, for example. I feel that there are many men out there who are carrying around emotional and physical scars and that suffering isn't limited to females. I feel that true romance is when two people come together and complement each other in the right ways. The love and support of a strong woman has shaped many successful men and continues to do so each and everyday. It's not only the women who need rescued.

I suppose this may debunk traditional romance writing rules, and is not conventional. But I, for one, would like to see more flawed heros find courage to find themselves again after adverse situations. Look around in the media----what if love could have made a difference in many tragic stories---even extreme cases like Mark Madoff for one, who comes to mind.....and as much as this may be controversial, even Jared Loughner. I saw a clip of him playing the sax in his high school band. He looked and performed well....what happened to him? Where did he go awry? I guess what I'm saying is that what if someone could have reached them? Could have real love saved them? Sometimes life circumstances are what they are and nothing can save anyone. And my examples are extreme. Could be that mental illness played a bigger role...or possibly abuse? In both of those extreme cases, abuse probably overrode the chance for love. What a shame. I'm just giving some food for thought in that the power of love can potentially save men, not just women.

Personally, I like any Catherine Anderson romance and when I need that certain fix I reach to my bookshelf and take a much needed pause from the pressures of life and its struggles with one of her beloved titles. Very few write like Catherine can.

Stephanie Vogelsong
stephvogelsong@aol.com

I agree, Stephanie! I am on vacation from now until February 8th. I'm just trying to figure out how to get my hands on a copy so I can snuggle up with it sometime during the next couple weeks.

Stephanie Vogelsong
stephvogelsong@aol.com

I picked up my Kindle to start something else, and nothing looked good...I hate it when I finish a really good book and don't want to start another one.

I had read Susan Elizabeth Phillips new one before this (and she was in FL this past Sunday and Tim & I spend the whole day with her..picked her up at her hotel, took her to lunch with a group of her fans, made a stop at Ron Jon's Surf Shop, the to the book store for the signing and took her to the airport...the whole time Tim was a nervous reck!)....anyways, 2 great books in a rowm now I'm spoiled!

Stephanie Vogelsong
stephvogelsong@aol.com

I never take any of this for granted, and I cherish the feedback from all of you.