The Outsider

Rating:
Summary: TOO GOOD FOR WORDS!
Review: My first Penelope Williamson book and I bought it used. This is one of those can't-get-it-out-of-your-mind stories. Rich characterizations, beautiful descriptions of the land and way of life, a moving heroine faced with impossible decisions and a bad boy hero who needs love. This one even has a kid and a dog, but they definitely don't steal the story - although they do add a lot to it. Don't miss this one. It is a KEEPER and a moving story of forgiveness, love and redemption. Exquisite!

Rating:
Summary: Questioning beliefs for love!
Review: Penelope Williamson completely captured my attention with this novel. Rachael (main character) helps an outsider who was left for dead. With compassion for his soul, Rachael nurses him, but with tenderness she falls in love. The outsider doesn't share her belief of being plain. With a dreadful past the outsider opens her heart and loves her son (recently without a father). The falling-in-love of Rachael and the outsider is fresh and poignant. Other characters bring this book to life. "The Outsider" has a surprising and very moving ending. This book will be a definite second-reading for me.

Rating:
Summary: SO MUCH MORE THAN A ROMANCE NOVEL
Review: PENELOPE WILLIAMSON WILL HAVE YOU LIVING WITH RACHEL AND FEELING HER CONFLICT IN WANTING TO LOVE THE OUTSIDER BUT NOT WANTING TO GO AGAINST THE TEACHINGS OF THE PLAIN PEOPLE. ON THE OTHER HAND YOU'LL UNDERSTAND WHY THE PLAIN FEEL THE WAY THEY DO. YOU'LL COME TO FEEL WHAT PREJUDICE IS AND UNDERSTAND THAT GETTING TO KNOW THE REAL PERSON AND NOT THE PERSONNA IS THE BEST WAY TO OVERCOME PREJUDICE. THERE'S SO MUCH TO BE LEARNED FROM THIS BOOK, WITH A SURPRISE ENDING THAT WILL KEEP YOU TURNING THE PAGES.

Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed this book immensely.
Review: The way Ms. Williamson described the Plain people was wonderful. The love that plain Rachel and Johnny Cane build together is breath taking and heart lifting. The faith that is foremost in your thoughts as you read this book are very uplifting. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely MAGNIFICANT!!!
Review: This is one of the best books I've ever read in my life. I don't usually like historical but this one is different. The story was gripping till the end. You'll love Rachel and Cain. Definitely a keeper and I would like to recommend this to anyone!

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, Thoughtfull, Excellent
Review: This is the 2nd book that I have read by Ms Williamson and she has an enviable talent. The story grabs your attention and the emotions of all the characters leap off the page at you. This is not a romance novel it is truly a love story. Not just the 2 main characters but the love of a father and son, mother and daughter are all felt in this story. I liked the way that Williamson was able to depict the harshness of the lifes of people in these times but also the need (sometimes)for that harshness and their acceptance of it. A beautiful story. Be adventurous and give a go. I can guarantee satisfaction.

Rating:
Summary: Edgy, Intense Version of "Witness"
Review: This story is an edgier, intense version of "Witness". Rachel struggles with her passion for Johnny and her strict, "Plain" upbringing. I only gave it four stars because I felt that it was about 200 pages too long. There were many places which had too much superfluous information or description that would have been best left out.

Rating:
Summary: Hallmark
Review: This story was made into a movie by Hallmark Entertainment...Rachel is played by Naomi Watts and Johnny by Tim Daly. I thought the movie did a pretty fair adaptation of the book which is an outstanding read!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Williamson has a way of grabbing hold of your heart without you being aware of it. You'll find yourself laughing and crying for her very real characters that she creates. She finds the little things about people that make you fall in love with them...with each other. Her books don't ooze with emotional drivel,like some romances, but shimmer with ordinary everyday feelings that we all live and relate to. I was riveted.

Rating:
Summary: An interesting, worthwhile read....
Review: Wow. This really was interesting. I loved learning about the different way that the characters within this story lived their lives. I also enjoyed watching Rachel and Johnny getting to know one another. As much as I enjoyed this, though..I had a few quibbles...first and foremost, I wanted Johnny's point of view. The book went into everyones head but his( except for a short while near the ending) and this disappointed me. Also, while I enjoyed the depth to which I was introduced to secondary characters, sometimes I felt like the focus of the central players got a lost a little bit simply because there were so many other people within this story. With that said, I have to move on and say how much I adored this book.....and even though I couldnt get enough of the h/h, I have to admit my favorite character was Benjo. Never have I read a sweeter character. This is a book that I would definitely recommend.