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May 19, 2010 Crista rated it it was amazing

I almost gave up on this book. I literally put it down and was going to stop reading when for some reason I decided to keep going. Am I ever glad I did! If I would have stopped reading, I would've missed one of the greatest romance novels that I have ever read.

The thing that separates this novel is the idea of timeless love...and a love that will not be denied. The beginning starts out slow. There are 2 parts to this story...the first being their younger beginning years, and the second being wh

I almost gave up on this book. I literally put it down and was going to stop reading when for some reason I decided to keep going. Am I ever glad I did! If I would have stopped reading, I would've missed one of the greatest romance novels that I have ever read.

The thing that separates this novel is the idea of timeless love...and a love that will not be denied. The beginning starts out slow. There are 2 parts to this story...the first being their younger beginning years, and the second being when they are 5 years older.

Jessalyn falls in love with McCady Trelawny when she is 16 years old. She loves him with an intensity that goes so far beyond just a "school girl crush". She knows that she will never love another, and in one of the most endearing speeches I've ever read, declares her love, loyalty, and devotion to McCady.

McCady is a tough one. Born of a family of "losers" (aka womanizers, gamblers, drinkers..ect) he thinks of himself no higher. He doesn't believe in love or his ability to be good for anyone. In order to "save" Jessalyn from being corrupted and tainted by him, he walks away from the gift of herself that she offers him.

Five years later nothing has changed...she loves him and he is absolutely obsessed with her. Many obstacles stand in their way of being together. Debts needing to be paid, jealous others, duty and obligation are just some of the hurdles that need to be overcome, but like with all romance novels....the ending is so sweet and satisfying that you'll be laughing through tears.

I couldn't recommend a book any higher. If you love this book..check out Tapestry by Karen Ranney...another excellent example of a timeless love.

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Feb 24, 2012 Regan Walker rated it it was amazing

Heart Rending Story of a Truly Great Love!

If you've read KEEPER OF THE DREAM, you're already a fan of Penelope Williamson. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, which was her next book is equally wonderful—and it's one of my Top 20. It's the story of unrequited love that refuses to die no matter the tests it must endure. And nobody does unrequited love like Williamson.

The story was inspired by the love of Williamson's grandparents who were kept apart for 6 years, but then came together to love for another 65 yea

Heart Rending Story of a Truly Great Love!

If you've read KEEPER OF THE DREAM, you're already a fan of Penelope Williamson. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, which was her next book is equally wonderful—and it's one of my Top 20. It's the story of unrequited love that refuses to die no matter the tests it must endure. And nobody does unrequited love like Williamson.

The story was inspired by the love of Williamson's grandparents who were kept apart for 6 years, but then came together to love for another 65 years. Here's what she had to say about them (get out the Kleenex):

"It was in 1902 that Elizabeth and Peter first met and fell in love. But Elizabeth's father forbade the match for six long years, until Peter could prove himself good enough for his daughter. Together at last, they had nine children and sixty-five wonderful years as husband and wife. They died in their nineties, within two years of each other, as much in love as they had always been. A love that wouldn't give up…"

The story of ONCE IN A BLUE MOON begins in 1815 when Jessalyn Letty is 16—a wild flame haired girl raised by her grandmother on the Cornish highlands above the sea, a young woman of character with a brave heart that never varies throughout the story. I loved her for that.

While Jessalyn is still a tall gawky teenager, she meets McCady Trelawny, then in his early 20s, and youngest brother of the infamous Trelawny noblemen, known for living lives of debauchery and dying young and in debt. McCady was wounded while becoming a war hero defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. He returns home to Cornwall with a vision for a steam locomotive that can carry passengers, but he's too poor to invest much in the idea. His cousin, Clarence, who could be his illegitimate half brother, joins McCady in the venture, but stands in McCady's shadow, determined to one day gain great wealth that will bring him the status he craves and the woman he wants—Jessalyn.

Once Jessalyn meets McCady, her heart is lost forever to the handsome dark haired rogue. And though McCady wants Jessalyn, he is too poor to have her and too honorable to take what he knows she would give. Jessalyn's love will be tested by years of separation and so much more.

This is a compelling, well-told tale with many twists and turns, all woven in with great characters and details set against the beauty of Cornwall. You will feel like you're living it. You will laugh at Jessalyn's 16 year old antics, and you will cry as you endure her years of loving and losing McCady.

You simply must read this one. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! It's a 5 star novel from the queen of unrequited love.

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Here's the second 400+ page book I've picked up thinking, just gotta get through this first.

And again...I read a lot today. Generally, they don't make them like this anymore. A meandering complex plot, a hint of a forbidden dynamic, and lordy time to develop. IT's just the best old school-ish has to offer in romance all wrapped up in a silver bundle. Super charming principals and dimensional villains-just good stuff.

Looking forward to more of Williamson's books.

Here's the second 400+ page book I've picked up thinking, just gotta get through this first.

And again...I read a lot today. Generally, they don't make them like this anymore. A meandering complex plot, a hint of a forbidden dynamic, and lordy time to develop. IT's just the best old school-ish has to offer in romance all wrapped up in a silver bundle. Super charming principals and dimensional villains-just good stuff.

Looking forward to more of Williamson's books.

...more

Heart Rending Story of a Great Love!

If you've read KEEPER OF THE DREAM, you're already a fan of Penelope Williamson. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, which was her next book after KEEPER is equally wonderful. It's the story of unrequited love that refuses to die no matter the tests it must endure.

The story was inspired by the love of Williamson's grandparents who were kept apart for 6 years, but then loved for another 65 years. Here's what she had to say about them:

"It was in 1902 that Elizabeth and Peter

Heart Rending Story of a Great Love!

If you've read KEEPER OF THE DREAM, you're already a fan of Penelope Williamson. ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, which was her next book after KEEPER is equally wonderful. It's the story of unrequited love that refuses to die no matter the tests it must endure.

The story was inspired by the love of Williamson's grandparents who were kept apart for 6 years, but then loved for another 65 years. Here's what she had to say about them:

"It was in 1902 that Elizabeth and Peter first met and fell in love. But Elizabeth's father forbade the match for six long years, until Peter could prove himself good enough for his daughter. Together at last, they had nine children and sixty-five wonderful years as husband and wife. They died in their nineties, within two years of each other, as much in love as they had always been. A love that wouldn't give up…"

The story of ONCE IN A BLUE MOON begins in 1815. Jessalyn Letty, a wild flame haired girl raised by her grandmother on the Cornish highlands above the sea, is a young woman of character and a brave heart that never varies throughout the story. I loved her for that. When she is still a tall gawky 16 year old, she meets McCady Trelawny, then in his early 20s, and youngest brother of the infamous Trelawny noblemen known for living lives of debauchery and dying young and in debt. McCady was wounded while becoming a war hero defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. He returns home to Cornwall with a vision for a steam locomotive that can carry passengers, but he is too poor to invest much in the idea. His cousin, Clarence, who could be his illegitimate half brother, joins McCady in the venture, but stands in McCady's shadow determined to one day gain great wealth that will bring him the status he craves and the woman he wants--Jessalyn. But once Jessalyn meets McCady, her heart is lost forever to the handsome dark haired rogue. Her love will be tested by years of separation and much more.

This is a compelling story and very well told with many twists and turns, all naturally woven in with great characters and well developed details that make you feel like you're living it. You will laugh (her 16 year old antics are quite incredible), you will cry as you endure her years of loving and losing McCady.

You simply must read this...and trust me, you won't be disappointed! It's a 5 star novel from the queen of unrequited love.

Here's the backlist of her incredible historical novels (all are excellent):

Beloved Rogue (May 1988)
Hearts Beguiled (June 1989)
Wings of Desire (August 1989, written under the name Elizabeth Lambert)
A Wild Yearning (1991) - Winner of RITA Award
Keeper of the Dream (April 1992) - Winner of RITA Award
Once in a Blue Moon (May 1993)
Hearts of the West (April 1995)
The Passions of Emma (September 1997) - Nominated for RITA Award

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Feb 22, 2015 Foxfire rated it it was ok

Finished with some skimming. Although the writing is lovely, it does get bogged down with too much description and very slow pace.

Some aspects of the story did not work for me.

1. The heroine at 16 becomes instantly besotted with the hero. She throws herself at him, begs him to kiss him, is perfectly willing to have sex with him. In a rare noble gesture, the hero rejects her. To me, it's tacky for a woman, particularly a young girl, to chase a man with such an open an obsessive lust. She doesn't

Finished with some skimming. Although the writing is lovely, it does get bogged down with too much description and very slow pace.

Some aspects of the story did not work for me.

1. The heroine at 16 becomes instantly besotted with the hero. She throws herself at him, begs him to kiss him, is perfectly willing to have sex with him. In a rare noble gesture, the hero rejects her. To me, it's tacky for a woman, particularly a young girl, to chase a man with such an open an obsessive lust. She doesn't seem to give any thought to what might happen to her if he took her up on what she is offering. In those days an unmarried woman who had a fling was ruined.

2. The love triangle. Sometimes in romance novels, the heroine is torn between two men - one practical and solid and dependable but a little dull (usually blond) and another, dark and reckless and dashing and dangerous (usually dark). Why is it that the dark reckless one is always portrayed as the better choice? I'd love to read a story where the heroine realizes that a steady, dependable man is in fact a better bet for a happy life. In this book the author has given the steady blond man a nasty dark side, which justifies the heroine's choice.

3. The hero. Why is it that when a rake finally falls in love and treats one woman well because she is the love of his life, the said rake suddenly becomes an honourable person? All those women he used in the past, all those broken hearts and broken lives he left in his wake are not repaired by his love for the heroine. They remain broken, and his newfound honour does not absolve the past wrongs he has committed. Also, it annoys me when it is made out that the rake was not responsible for his wild and debauched and cruel ways, but he was made that way because something that happened to him when he was growing up, and hence he is not to blame.

4. The relationship between the hero and the heroine. They betray other people, and yet they always only focus on their own suffering in their turbulent relationship. They could have committed to each other early on if they had chosen. Instead, they keep apart, and in the process they cause untold hurt to other people. The hero marries a wonderful, beautiful young woman for money. She loves him, and he brings about her death. And yet, after she dies, with their unborn son, he never gives her another thought. Within days, he is having sex with someone else. Same goes for the heroine. She professes her love to the hero and has sex with him while engaged to another man. I can't help feeling that the hero and heroine have acted without honour. I guess the idea is that if you have that kind of mad, burning love for someone, it justifies just about anything, including trampling over the feelings of other people who happen to get in the way.

So, not a story for me, despite the beautiful writing.

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Dec 17, 2015 Melissa rated it really liked it

You know that line in the Carly Simon song about how melodrama doesn't make her weep anymore? Well, I guess it does still make me weep. Or at least get a little teary-eyed. This book was an emotional roller-coaster ride, featuring six years of heartwrenching drama for the hero and heroine before their HEA. I enjoyed it a lot.

Penelope Williamson is a really good writer. She and Patricia Gaffney have been my best discoveries of the year by far. Both make me feel wrung out and emotionally exhausted

You know that line in the Carly Simon song about how melodrama doesn't make her weep anymore? Well, I guess it does still make me weep. Or at least get a little teary-eyed. This book was an emotional roller-coaster ride, featuring six years of heartwrenching drama for the hero and heroine before their HEA. I enjoyed it a lot.

Penelope Williamson is a really good writer. She and Patricia Gaffney have been my best discoveries of the year by far. Both make me feel wrung out and emotionally exhausted by the time I finish their books. I mean this as a huge compliment! Nothing beats having the heart ripped out of you by a long, sweeping, well-written historical romance. Unlike Carly, I have got time for the pain. ;)

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Feb 14, 2011 Denise rated it it was amazing

Jessalyn Letty falls in love with McCady Trelawny the summer of her 16th year. McCady becomes obsessed with her, but tries to show indifference. Every Trelawny has died in debt and in utter disgrace so he avoids his feelings for her. He has had a terrible life so far. His father ( a complete cad) dies when he was about 10 and he was forced to live with his older brothers who taught him nothing but the worst vices while he was so young. You get the impression that he was violated but it is never Jessalyn Letty falls in love with McCady Trelawny the summer of her 16th year. McCady becomes obsessed with her, but tries to show indifference. Every Trelawny has died in debt and in utter disgrace so he avoids his feelings for her. He has had a terrible life so far. His father ( a complete cad) dies when he was about 10 and he was forced to live with his older brothers who taught him nothing but the worst vices while he was so young. You get the impression that he was violated but it is never exactly spoken. When it is time for him to leave and rejoin his military unit, Jessalyn declares her love for him and begs him not to leave her. But he breaks her heart and leaves..
When they meet again, it is 5 years later and she has grown into the woman he knew she would be. This is a compelling story of deep love that no matter what comes in between the lovers, and there are many many things thrown in their path, their love holds strong and true. There are no easy paths for these two, their way to each other is difficult and strewn with obstacles. There are many twists and turns,and great characters that are well developed. The unrequited love they have for each other is at times heart wrenching. This is one of those books that you will rethink some of the other stories that you gave 5 stars to.. somehow they don't all hold up to this one. ...more

Apr 18, 2011 Sharon rated it it was amazing

I read somewhere in the story that it begins in the late 1700's, but I couldn't find it again. That kind of information is always interesting to me, helps to clarify the pictures in my mind as I read. Anyway,

This story is divided into 2 parts, separated by 5 years in the lives of the characters. In the 1st half, the young 16 year old red haired, freckled face, long legged, wild as the Cornish Moors, laughing, high spirited (h), Jessalyn Letty, plows head first into the life and heart of the dark

I read somewhere in the story that it begins in the late 1700's, but I couldn't find it again. That kind of information is always interesting to me, helps to clarify the pictures in my mind as I read. Anyway,

This story is divided into 2 parts, separated by 5 years in the lives of the characters. In the 1st half, the young 16 year old red haired, freckled face, long legged, wild as the Cornish Moors, laughing, high spirited (h), Jessalyn Letty, plows head first into the life and heart of the dark, sexy as hell (H) McCady (Mack) Trelawny, literally. This 1st half concentrated imo on Jessa who progresses to fall deeply and irrevocably in love with McCady.

The author defined Jessalyn Letty so intricately well, she has become my new favorite heroine. I absolutely loved her character.

On the other hand, what I got to see in this 1st half regarding McCady Trelawny was a sexy, virile, extremely shadowed and scarred alpha, who likewise is drawn and obsessed to the young Jessa. We readers get a pretty good picture of his past and what he is presently facing. He really doesn't open up that much otherwise. Nevertheless, this man is hot, hot, HOT... (sigh)

At the end of the part I, he sails away, taking Jessa's heart with him.

Well written heartbreak of first love.

5 years later, Part 2, MacCady returns. Jessa has changed and is no longer that wild carefree child he left. She is now the beautiful woman, who he knew she would become.

Jessa tries to fight it, but she ultimately acknowledges that she loves him just as fiercely and whole heartedly as she did 5 years prior.

This second half is filled with all the angst and heartbreak of a good ole BR as well as intrigue, deception, violence, revenge, attempted murder and general mayhem. Also the man, MacCady, is unwrapped and gives us, too, a chance to fall whole heartedly in love with him.

Fun and lovable secondary characters as well as twisted, vengeful, murderous, hate filled, obsessive secondaries.

5+ Star rating
Worthy of any Keeper Shelves

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Another keeper from what I have come to think of as one of the best romance writers of all time. There is literally nobody I can compare her to. One of the remarkable things about this book is that she threw in every contrivance in the book to keep the H&H apart and I couldn't have stopped turning pages if I wanted to - I was THAT hooked. Things happen in it that I typically don't care for in a romance, but Williamson writes so incredibly well that I just didn't care about anything but getting t Another keeper from what I have come to think of as one of the best romance writers of all time. There is literally nobody I can compare her to. One of the remarkable things about this book is that she threw in every contrivance in the book to keep the H&H apart and I couldn't have stopped turning pages if I wanted to - I was THAT hooked. Things happen in it that I typically don't care for in a romance, but Williamson writes so incredibly well that I just didn't care about anything but getting to the HEA. I'm not sure that it's going to suit everyone. I think it will push a few buttons, as it does contain elements that usually don't work for me in a good romance. I was able to live with them in this case, but one woman's keeper is invariably another's wall-banger. All I can say is that I loved this book, so I have to recommend giving it a try. If you are more concerned with the quality of the writing than any other element, you can truly do no better than Penelope Williamson. Her love stories transcend the romance genre and stand up well as quality literature.

Sensuality Rating: R

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Dec 31, 2021 Kitcatscratch rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The Outsider remains my favorite Penelope Williamson book. However, this book clearly shows that she is quite a talented author. The H, Mac, is a hard man to like. When he meets Jess, they feel an immediate attraction/connection. However, despite being disreputable and coming from a line of very disreputable family members, he actually holds back because of Jess's age (she's 16). Meanwhile, Mac is a driven man. In a time of the growing industry, he is determined to create a train/rail system tha The Outsider remains my favorite Penelope Williamson book. However, this book clearly shows that she is quite a talented author. The H, Mac, is a hard man to like. When he meets Jess, they feel an immediate attraction/connection. However, despite being disreputable and coming from a line of very disreputable family members, he actually holds back because of Jess's age (she's 16). Meanwhile, Mac is a driven man. In a time of the growing industry, he is determined to create a train/rail system that will be efficient (and profitable). Profitable being the key word as his family, despite their names and lineage, has basically bankrupted. Meanwhile, Jess is no simpering miss. She knows what she wants and it's Mac. Fast forward 5 years. Mac is making progress with his rail project and Jess has grown up. Yet, still Mac holds back because he feels that he's really not very good for her. However, she works on him until he starts to thaw and just when it seems they will get together, bam. He gets married to another woman. The reason is clear to all, including his wife: he is marrying her for the money (she brings money, he brings a title). He needs the funding for his rail project and as he's bankrupt and facing debtor's prison, this is the only way. Part of the condition is that they also beget a child within the first year of marriage for him to get the rest of the money. Wife gets pregnant and Jess (and the reader) is crushed because the author does a great job of showing Jess' heartache as they live in the same village and she has to see them often (and by her attempts, at a distance only). I confess, at first I detested the H. How COULD he marry this other woman AND get her pregnant? While Jess remains a spinster with no real prospects (well, not actually true as Mac's cousin and possibly half-brother is in love with Jess and wants to marry her desperately AND he has tons of money). However, I decided after a bit to forgive the H because it is obvious that he is trying very hard to be nice to his wife (and faithful). It's also obvious that he is in fact tormented because he does NOT love his wife and loves Jess whom he can never have now. What's more, his wife knows this too (and his wife also is in love with him knowing it's futile). In fact, the wife and Jess actually do like each other except each can never TRULY like each other (if you get my meaning) because they both love the same man and know it. The difference is they both know that he loves Jess and not the wife. But as the wife points out, she IS his wife in the end and Jess is more of an obsession (well, I don't think that's true but I'm sure it eases her heartache some so I'll let that one go). Tragedy strikes (because you know, that's what happens in these books) and Mac and Jess finally see a way to be together now. Only, Mac is still broke and is still facing debtor's prison and guess who holds all the notes? Why, it's his cousin/half-brother and he'll absolve Mac of his debts if Jess marries him. So in a turnabout of fair play, it's Jess who will marry and leave Mac behind. I think it was at this point that I forgave Mac his marriage because we see the same thing happening but in reverse. Only this time, we get more of what Jess is going through and bargaining with and realize that Mac must have gone through the same thing. Well, ok, to be fair he did it for his project/bankruptcy woes and Jess is doing it for Mac but that's quibbling. It's obvious that they were made for each other. While he was everything nice and kind to his wife during his marriage, the problem is that he is NOT nice and kind by nature. So he could not be himself. Whereas with Jess, he could be coarse and crude and his REAL self. So could Jess with her tart tongue and sharp comebacks. In other words, they could be themselves with each other which made their feelings more real. In one candid moment, Jess and the wife discuss Mac and the wife says that he's always kind and polite to her. That at times she has purposely tried to make him angry to get some real feelings from him but that he never got angry. He just continued being nice and unmoved to extreme emotion. But that one evening, she overheard how he was yelling at Jess with anger and their argument and how she was jealous because that revealed to her where his true emotions lay.

There is an HEA for them so there is that. However, it does come at the tragic expense of the secondary characters. Again, one of those stories where the H and h are so wrapped up tightly with each other that everyone around them suffers but it makes for dramatic reading.

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Another tough one from Penelope Williamson. While I appreciate Williamson's talent with words and her flair for creating gripping drama, it's almost too much at times. While I ached for McCady and Jessalyn, I also found myself furious with all the melodrama and set-backs. The chemistry was spot-on, which was, I suppose, another reason to feel so horribly gut sick for these two characters who so obviously belonged together. Williamson's knack for character building is fantastic, her heroes are fu Another tough one from Penelope Williamson. While I appreciate Williamson's talent with words and her flair for creating gripping drama, it's almost too much at times. While I ached for McCady and Jessalyn, I also found myself furious with all the melodrama and set-backs. The chemistry was spot-on, which was, I suppose, another reason to feel so horribly gut sick for these two characters who so obviously belonged together. Williamson's knack for character building is fantastic, her heroes are fun, her villains are downright vile, and her stories jerk you all over the place. I just sometimes wish it didn't take quite so long to get to the point. ...more

Jul 16, 2020 .phoebe. rated it did not like it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Imagine if your partner loved you enough to marry someone else and have a baby with them. That is true love. Hell is hot, Penelope Williamson. This book made me want to rip my hair out. HOW DARE HE DO THAT TO HER? HOW DARE HE MARRY SOMEONE ELSE? I literally cannot wrap my head around that. He almost had a baby with another woman. I just can't. Penelope Williamson Penelope Williamson Penelope Williamson I will probably come back to edit this review every now and then so you understand how much I Imagine if your partner loved you enough to marry someone else and have a baby with them. That is true love. Hell is hot, Penelope Williamson. This book made me want to rip my hair out. HOW DARE HE DO THAT TO HER? HOW DARE HE MARRY SOMEONE ELSE? I literally cannot wrap my head around that. He almost had a baby with another woman. I just can't. Penelope Williamson Penelope Williamson Penelope Williamson I will probably come back to edit this review every now and then so you understand how much I DESPISE this book. ...more

Oct 30, 2019 Gaby rated it it was amazing

I started reading romance novels at 14 and at that time johanna lindsey set my heart aflutter it's been a long time I'm 36 since I've had a book make me feel so intense...yes the first pages were like oooohhhkkk but once they met it was like a page tuner till the last sentence...I laughed I cried and I screamed through the whole book. I loved the characters I loved the story this is by far the best I've read in a very long time and I loved everything about it. I started reading romance novels at 14 and at that time johanna lindsey set my heart aflutter it's been a long time I'm 36 since I've had a book make me feel so intense...yes the first pages were like oooohhhkkk but once they met it was like a page tuner till the last sentence...I laughed I cried and I screamed through the whole book. I loved the characters I loved the story this is by far the best I've read in a very long time and I loved everything about it. ...more

Need safety info first.

H marries ow and has a baby with ow?? Wtf..

20 years ago I probably would have loved this book but I find my taste have changed some over the years and I found it difficult to keep reading at times. The print was microscopic and that didn't help. (Yes, I have glasses). I just felt there was too much going on to truly enjoy it. Too many obstacles in the way and bad decisions on the part of the hero and heroine. Becka was a jewel, though. I loved reading about her and her little romance. 20 years ago I probably would have loved this book but I find my taste have changed some over the years and I found it difficult to keep reading at times. The print was microscopic and that didn't help. (Yes, I have glasses). I just felt there was too much going on to truly enjoy it. Too many obstacles in the way and bad decisions on the part of the hero and heroine. Becka was a jewel, though. I loved reading about her and her little romance. ...more

Oct 10, 2011 Patrid rated it it was amazing

I loved this book! I love this author! Only in Goodreads would I have found this great book. I'm working my way through all Penelope Williamson's books, I know they are older but the way she writes bring you into the story I wanted it to continue. I liked Jessalyn character, no wimpy Miss here! Give her books a chance you won't be sorry. I loved this book! I love this author! Only in Goodreads would I have found this great book. I'm working my way through all Penelope Williamson's books, I know they are older but the way she writes bring you into the story I wanted it to continue. I liked Jessalyn character, no wimpy Miss here! Give her books a chance you won't be sorry. ...more

May 26, 2017 Trish rated it it was amazing

It's embarrassing to admit that I sometimes read romance novels. But I do.. and this one is the best. I somehow grew up with Penelope Williamson's romance novels, and they are wonderful. This one and Heart of the West are my favorites. In fact I think both would make excellent movies or TV shows. There are great characters in these books. Gripping stories. Yes, and passionate love scenes. But really.. I've read other romance novels. No one comes close to Williamson. If you ever crave a good love It's embarrassing to admit that I sometimes read romance novels. But I do.. and this one is the best. I somehow grew up with Penelope Williamson's romance novels, and they are wonderful. This one and Heart of the West are my favorites. In fact I think both would make excellent movies or TV shows. There are great characters in these books. Gripping stories. Yes, and passionate love scenes. But really.. I've read other romance novels. No one comes close to Williamson. If you ever crave a good love story, try this book.

Or maybe it's just nostalgia because I really did grow up with her novels, which I found just by accident in a little bookstore on Guam when I was younger. But unlike many old favorites that don't stand up at all to rereading as an adult (I'm looking at you, Flowers in the Attic), this re-read was not at all disappointing. It just makes me sad that Williamson didn't write more novels.

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Dec 13, 2014 Nova rated it it was amazing

One of the book that left you with a satisfying smile after finished it. It gave you a great story full of twist, interesting characters that makes you laugh and cry with them, tragedy, hope, heartbroken, love and happy ending :). And the best character for me is Jessalyn Letty of course. The strong woman with a heart and soul so big and kind, loving his man forever even when he keeps leaving and hurting her again and again. And after everything, she finally live a happy life with the love of he One of the book that left you with a satisfying smile after finished it. It gave you a great story full of twist, interesting characters that makes you laugh and cry with them, tragedy, hope, heartbroken, love and happy ending :). And the best character for me is Jessalyn Letty of course. The strong woman with a heart and soul so big and kind, loving his man forever even when he keeps leaving and hurting her again and again. And after everything, she finally live a happy life with the love of her life. ...more

Aug 15, 2011 Erica rated it it was amazing

When I was 13 I discovered historical romances and I was hooked. They are just like candy to me. Since then I have read at least one a week sometimes more for 20 yrs now. I read this as a teenager and loved it.Ever since than it has been one of those books that I reread at least once a year and really that is the biggest compliment you can give a book.

Another great book by Penelope Williamson. This woman knows how to write a wonderful love story. I haven't been disappointed with any of her books yet. She has quickly become on of my favorite authors and her heart warming stories will stay with me for years to come. Another great book by Penelope Williamson. This woman knows how to write a wonderful love story. I haven't been disappointed with any of her books yet. She has quickly become on of my favorite authors and her heart warming stories will stay with me for years to come. ...more

May 27, 2012 Mary23nm rated it it was amazing

Great read. 4.5/5 stars. (view spoiler)[ Surprised that the hero and heroine would make love on the same day the hero buried his wife and child. I know they needed each other but does that seem okay to you? (hide spoiler)] Great read. 4.5/5 stars. (view spoiler)[ Surprised that the hero and heroine would make love on the same day the hero buried his wife and child. I know they needed each other but does that seem okay to you? (hide spoiler)] ...more

May 25, 2017 Jessa rated it liked it

3.5. Lord, there's a slow burn and then there's a slow burn. This was almost too much for me. These poor people had to go through so much before they finally got together, including a marriage of convenience to a pregnant wife. 3.5. Lord, there's a slow burn and then there's a slow burn. This was almost too much for me. These poor people had to go through so much before they finally got together, including a marriage of convenience to a pregnant wife. ...more

Jun 05, 2012 Mermarie marked it as to-read

When I think of Blue Moon, I think of booze. That wouldn't be too bad, about now. Those are so tasty. :D When I think of Blue Moon, I think of booze. That wouldn't be too bad, about now. Those are so tasty. :D ...more

Nov 02, 2015 Tara rated it really liked it

wow! finally a romance author who actually develops the characters! i mean really well. none of that i know we just met but i love you bullcrap. A charged and emotional book. i loved it!

Oct 15, 2016 BR11 rated it it was amazing

Awesome book by Penelope Williamson. I love this author.
Highly recommend

Good book. Tons of sexual tension! Holy cow!

Aug 21, 2010 Jenny rated it it was amazing

very good........but didnt get good till 2nd half

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. In Williamson's mind it was well thought out but the execution of the book is not done properly in my opinion. Too long , overly and unnecessarily melodramatic with a snivelling heroine and a loser hero who took too long a time to reach from point A to point B while I was still not convinced about their romance. Reason, when the heroine kept declaring her love like on every other page from the hero all I get is lust and the excuse is he cannot express himself very well.. how convenient! He was n In Williamson's mind it was well thought out but the execution of the book is not done properly in my opinion. Too long , overly and unnecessarily melodramatic with a snivelling heroine and a loser hero who took too long a time to reach from point A to point B while I was still not convinced about their romance. Reason, when the heroine kept declaring her love like on every other page from the hero all I get is lust and the excuse is he cannot express himself very well.. how convenient! He was not very well drawn…not well explained why the hell he is the way he is! All we know his father died when he was 10ths old and went live with his brothers and then something happened that made him the way he is..what is it? So I kept on thinking why does she love him so much,even when he married someone else and had a baby with her for money ? And in the end why the heck did she change her mind?..because nothing was changed, except very conveniently the wifey died with baby too never to be spoken of and 80% of the book is over and they are still not together. So the end felt rushed too but the writing is very good, that's what made this book not DNF-ing worthy. ...more

Jun 28, 2022 Sahara rated it really liked it

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was a very intense love story with very well developed and layered characters. I LOVED Jessalyn as a heroine. She was smart, innocent and yet so firm in her love for McCady that it was amazing to watch. McCady was an idiot to say the least but his motives and I guess general bad luck excused a lot of that for me. He also wised up towards the end so it is very difficult for me to dislike him. I took a star off because at times I felt the plot line was unnecessa I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was a very intense love story with very well developed and layered characters. I LOVED Jessalyn as a heroine. She was smart, innocent and yet so firm in her love for McCady that it was amazing to watch. McCady was an idiot to say the least but his motives and I guess general bad luck excused a lot of that for me. He also wised up towards the end so it is very difficult for me to dislike him. I took a star off because at times I felt the plot line was unnecessary slow but I loved the writing style and the chemistry that the writer created between the main characters. I was utterly convinced of their love for each other even when they were denying it. Which is a MUST for me.

I will definitely be rereading this in the future!

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Nov 09, 2018 LOVEROFBOOKS rated it really liked it

A long story that made me sigh at times due to the H&H unable to get their HEA when *I* wanted it, but I truly loved both characters. Yes, there is a lot of heartache in this novel, but also a lot of love and passion. I liked that this was a solid story in a different vein than the 'normal' romance story; that being the Hero was trying to fulfill his vision and dream of a world of steam engines and railroads. He was full of honor and pride and duty. The heroine was full of love, patience and sac A long story that made me sigh at times due to the H&H unable to get their HEA when *I* wanted it, but I truly loved both characters. Yes, there is a lot of heartache in this novel, but also a lot of love and passion. I liked that this was a solid story in a different vein than the 'normal' romance story; that being the Hero was trying to fulfill his vision and dream of a world of steam engines and railroads. He was full of honor and pride and duty. The heroine was full of love, patience and sacrifice. Both very good for each other!

Very much worth taking the time to read and enjoy!

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Penelope Williamson is an internationally renowned author of historical romance and suspense. Penelope Williamson was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and spent the first eleven years of her life as an US Air Force brat. She has a B.A. in history, an M.A. in broadcast journalism, and was in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years, where she reached the rank of Captain. She has more than 1.8 million books in Penelope Williamson is an internationally renowned author of historical romance and suspense. Penelope Williamson was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and spent the first eleven years of her life as an US Air Force brat. She has a B.A. in history, an M.A. in broadcast journalism, and was in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years, where she reached the rank of Captain. She has more than 1.8 million books in print, including The Outsider, Heart of the West A Wild Yearning, Once in a Blue Moon, and Keeper of the Dream. Penny is a past winner of the Romantic Times' Best Historical Romance of the Year award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA awards. Penelope Williamson lives with her husband in Mill Valley, California.

pseudonyms: Elizabeth Lambert, Penn Williamson

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"Kindness! I think that it is possible
to kill with kindness...." — 2 likes

"I couldn't let him have you, Jessalyn," he said, his throat raw. "I know that I am worthless, a degenerate Trelawny buried in debts. But you're all I've ever wanted out of this life, the only thing I will ever need. Without you I have no reason to live." He held his hands up to her, spreading them in supplication, and they shook as if he had an ague. "I have no pride left. You have it all." — 0 likes

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