Rating: 
Summary: A Struggle to Finish
Review: I read Into the Wildnerness in November 1999 and liked it so much that I did something I've never done before ... I went to Amazon.com and looked up the author and discovered that the sequel was on it's way! I actually marked "March 2000" on my calendar to remind myself to reserve the first copy the library had. What a disappointment! I found the first 1/3 of the book very tedious and hard to follow; I couldn't follow the Scottish dialect easily, which forced me to re-read entire paragraphs. It seemed very disjointed, with characters thrown in almost as footnotes, and I found it funny that one of the characters, midway through the book, actually admitted that SHE didn't understand the connection of all the people involved. Me neither! The whole premise for the voyage to Scotland and the insistence of the Earl that Nathaniel and his father come there was anti-climatic and lame. I expected much more drama. No doubt this plot was rooted in complete historical accuracy (for isn't truth stranger than fiction?), but it wasn't, in my opinion, riveting enough to immortalize in a novel.
Rating: 
Summary: I also wonder why this book is not on the bestseller list
Review: This is a wonderful book that held my attention from the beginning to the end and consider this: English is my second language. The strong charaters, well researched facts and simplistic "words" made this book an excellent read. Sure, E's and N's characters dwindled a little bit in quantity terms, but their emotional connections had not strayed. Other characters such as Hannah and Curiosity had given this book well balanced perspectives. I can't wait for the third book of this series. I recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: Dawn on a Distant Shore
Review: I was hoping that this would be a great sequel, but was very disappointed. The characters, except for Hanna did not develop at all. Nathaniel and Elizabeth had the beginning of a relationship in the first book and their characters were well developed, but they were very two dimensional in this book. That said I await the next book because I trust Ms. Donati will continue the story without destroying the characters.
Rating:
Summary: what a story
Review: The kind of book that makes you turn off the phone and ignore the kids. Those two reviewers here who said "boring"? I'm wondering if they read the same book. I suppose they need a nuclear explosion or the like to keep them happy. What I like is, interesting characters in challenging situations, and you've got that here in abundance. The first one was very good, but this one is even better. More tightly written. Miss Donati has come into her stride. Bring on Hidden Wolf!
Rating: 
Summary: Wake Me When It's Over!
Review: Like all the others, I couldn't wait for the sequel to "Into the Wilderness." The bond between Elizabeth and Nathaniel was obviously growing strong and I was ready for late night reading. But when "Dawn on Distant Shore" arrived I felt as if it distanced itself from the characters. Keep in mind you HAVE to read "Into the Wilderness" first or else you'll have no appreciation for the characters! Donati assumes too much for the new reader to know. Encouraged as I was to see little Hannah blossom into a curious, independent child, I was disappointed that Elizabeth and Nathaniel's relationship remain as stagnant as a relationship can get after little ones arrive. The characters seemed to be caught in a bad nightmare and just wanted to wake up back in Paradise. Obviously the third book will bring us back to real issues that Elizabeth and Nathaniel faced -- trying to live peacefully in a community that has its own issues with diversity. I'm afraid this second book is a distraction to a story that still wants to be told back in Paradise! Bring back Richard Todd and Judge Middleton!
Rating:
Summary: A Beautifully Written Sequel!
Review: Sara Donati has become one of my favorite authors. This second novel is every bit as well written as the first one was. Ms. Donati takes you back in time and you enjoy the scenery and adventures. I think that Ms. Donati should be on the best seller list. If you have not read "Into The Wilderness" please do yourself a favor and read it! Then enjoy "Dawn on a Distant Shore". You will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Waiting for the Next Installment!
Review: After reading "Into the Wilderness", I couldn't wait to get my hands on "Dawn on a Distant Shore". It was definitely worth the wait! I've read many good romance novels, but very few authors can blend romance, adventure and history with the depth you'll find in this book. The description is so detailed and thorough that the reader can actually "see" Elizabeth, Nathaniel and the rest of the characters. I was sorry that the story had to end (for now), and I'm certainly looking forward to "Hidden Wolf".
Rating:
Summary: Great sequel
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was like visiting with old friends. The story was exciting- not a sleeper at all. I could relate to the strong emotions shown by the charactors towards their children. I love a good historical novel with an intelligent love story and this series is one of the best. Bring on the next book, Sara!
Rating:
Summary: An historical and sometimes erotic roller coaster ride!
Review: I loved the book! However, it was quite different from Into The Wilderness. Into The Wilderness was an introduction to the people and life in the Endless Forest. This book examined the primal instincts human beings have when protecting their children and loved ones. In this book we get an inside look at Nathanial and Elizabeth's relationship. Their complete and unconditional acceptance of each other, shines through. As a reader, I could actually feel their need to keep their family and each other safe. Characters such as Aunt Merriweather and Will Spencer are no longer in the background. They become important, lovable and filled with humor. Nathaniel's daughter Hannah, becomes a very complex and unusual girl. I look forward to watching her grow up into a very interesting woman in the upcoming books. The ending of the book was my favorite part, and left me with a warm feeling and wanting much more. I guess there is no hope for me now that I am addicted to yet another series of historical fiction.
Rating:
Summary: A+++
Review: Patrick O'Brien meets Sherlock Holmes meets James Alexander Thom, with some romance to add spice. Better than the first one, for my money.
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