Lake in the Clouds

Rating:
Summary: A Much Welcome Return!
Review: This book, the 3rd in the Wilderness series, was an extremely welcome return of both the characters and Donati's style and form showcased in the 1st book, but absent in the 2nd. In my opinion, of course. The characters are now back on US soil which makes for a better read. In Dawn on A Distant Shore, most of the story takes place on the high seas and in Scottland which had the characters out of their element. In, Lake in The Clouds, Donati returns readers to Paradise, NY, and many of the original secondary characters reappear. Much of this tale focuses on Hannah Bonner, her medical education, and her journey into womanhood. Hawkeye, Nathiel and Elizabeth Bonner play a major role in the plot surrounding Curiosity Freeman and her family. The pace is fast, filled with danger, villains, and intrigue. Although I was disappointed in the fate of a particular character, Liam Kirby, I was satisfied with the conclusion. This book is a must read for Donati/Wilderness fans.

Rating:
Summary: A Much Welcome Return!
Review: This book, the 3rd in the Wilderness series, was an extremely welcome return of both the characters and Donati's style and form showcased in the 1st book, but absent in the 2nd. In my opinion, of course. The characters are now back on US soil which makes for a better read. In Dawn on A Distant Shore, most of the story takes place on the high seas and in Scottland which had the characters out of their element. In, Lake in The Clouds, Donati returns readers to Paradise, NY, and many of the original secondary characters reappear. Much of this tale focuses on Hannah Bonner, her medical education, and her journey into womanhood. Hawkeye, Nathiel and Elizabeth Bonner play a major role in the plot surrounding Curiosity Freeman and her family. The pace is fast, filled with danger, villains, and intrigue. Although I was disappointed in the fate of a particular character, Liam Kirby, I was satisfied with the conclusion. This book is a must read for Donati/Wilderness fans.

Rating:
Summary: Paradise and More.....
Review: This third book in a series takes a large step in time, but Donati holds true to her grasp of the wilderness and the characters, who fortify her stories with warmth and poignancy.
"Lake in the Clouds" allowed me to see the fruits of Elizabeth and Nathaniel's love. They have been tested, but their courage, strength and playfulness return through their children. The storyline portrays a trying time in U.S. History. Run-away slaves, bounty hunters, fevers, and un-timely death all jockey to reek havoc on the Bonners. The extended family members and towns people are clear characters which drew me deeper into the story. The pace is quick, the love is tender, and the adventrue is un-predictable.
This is Hannah's story, and she is forced to make some life-altering decisions. Nathaniel and Elizabeth gain the grace, through these adventures, to have the faith in their daughter that they posess in each other. Donati pulls well researched history into these challanges, and she weaves them into this un-easy phase for any family. The Bonners story has gracefully been delegated to their children. I can only imagine the grasp this family will have on me when Donati has finished.

Rating:
Summary: Well worth the wait
Review: This third installment in Sara Donati's Bonner series was well worth the wait. I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy the Bonner's and Sara's wonderful writing style. She has given us some great new characters and brought back some of our favorites....Curiosity is one of my favorite supporting characters. I highly recommend the entire series to anyone who has yet to try these wonderfully written historical novels. You will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Beyond the expected
Review: We already know that Sara Donati is an adept researcher and a master storyteller. Her first two books proved that she is all that and more -- there's enough torrid romance and character development for the books to work on a few levels.

So, expect the great research and the carefully plotted storylines, but you're going to get more than that. Donati is no author of bodice rippers. This is a book that explores the damages of society and the implications of that damage on several levels. Through the character of Hannah, Donati explores the issues of slavery, racial and cultural prejudice and the US's policy of westward expansion.

We are left with satisfying resolution to the many plots, and a warm sense that goodness prevails -- at least in Paradise. While her characters triumph, Donati leaves us with the sinking knowledge that the suffering and corruption that we glimpse here are only the beginning.

That's the danger of well-done historical fiction, really. The reader's perspective of "today" becomes the silent character throughout. Donati is a master of the craft.

While a fourth book would be welcome -- it's almost enough to close the back cover of Lake in the Clouds and wish all the characters happiness, love and long life in the wonderful world that has been presented in this trilogy.