From the Heart

Rating:
Summary: Early attempts at writing shows
Review: "From the Heart" is a nice collection of 3 stories from earlier in Nora's career.

"Tonight and Always" tells the tale of an anthropologist (Kasey) who goes to work with a writer (Jordan) while he researches his next novel. Other than a couple of oddities (like how a 25-year-old woman is "renowned" in her field!), it was a very enjoyable, even unique tale. Jordan's young niece, for whom he is guardian, figures prominently into the story and it is nice to see a couple dealing with not just their own feelings but those of another as well.

"A Matter of Choice" is the story of an antique-shop owner (Jessica) who is wealthy by upbringing, and an NYPD cop (Slade) who is sent in to "protect" her and keep his eyes open as the FBI tries to uncover the head honcho in a smuggling operation that is making use of the shop. It's kind of a stretch but it doesn't really matter -- the relationship that develops between the pair is snappy, fresh, and also tender.

"Endings and Beginnings" is about 2 Washington-based reporters. Liv works for the local affiliate and T.C. Thorpe works for the national network. Their relationship takes longer to develop than some others in NR's works, but it's also quite a bit more realistic. Liv has been hurt in the past and is not eager to open herself up again. Thorpe, being persistent, won't accept no for an answer.

All three of these stories are easy reads but I wouldn't call them "frothy" or "light", which implies they have no substance. NR fans should enjoy them, as should fans of the more typical "romance" novel.

Rating:
Summary: couldn't even finish it
Review: All three stories were obvious, with cliche dialogues and simply BORING. I am a Nora Roberts fan and for the first time in my life I couldn't go past page 20 on each story. Nothing against the characters or the plots themselves... they simply didn't catch me at all.

I am glad I got checked out this book from the library and didn't waste money on it.

Rating:
Summary: 3 Satisfying Stories
Review: I have noticed quite a few negative reviews for "From the Heart" and several complaints regarding the fact that it is re-issue. Well, I only discovered Nora Roberts about a year ago, and since then I have read every book of hers I can get my hands on. However, Nora's older works are incredibly tough to find, so I really appreciate it that they have re-issued some of her older works so that I can enjoy them all these years later.
Personally, I really enjoyed the three stories that make up "From the Heart".
The first story, "Tonight and Always" was probably my favorite of the three. Kasey, a renowned anthropologist, comes to work for Jordan, a successful author, in order to help him write his latest book. Kasey is a wonderful and lovable character. She is eccentric, energetic, and compassionate. Jordan is a dashingly handsome hero, who learns a whole lot about himself from the outgoing and outspoken Kasey. The romance between these two is fresh and fun. Jordan is also the guardian of his deceased brother's 11 year old daughter, and her incorporation into this story added a whole other element to it. I thought the storyline involving Jordan, his niece, and Kasey was touching and well-written.
The second story, "A Matter of Choice" introduces the reader to Slade and Jessica. Slade, a cop, has been assigned to protect Jessica from the smugglers who the police believe are operating out of her antique shop. Slade thinks Jessica is going to be just another spoiled rich girl, but it only takes one meeting to change Slade's view completely. This story is lots of fun and is full of murder and mayhem!
The final story "Endings and Beginnings" is about two reporters, T.C. Thorpe and Liv Carmichael. These two keep stepping on each others toes professionally, but they soon find it hard to deny their attraction to each other. The romance in this story does not develop as quickly as in the previous two stories because Liv has a painful past that she has still not gotten over. Thorpe, however, is a wonderful hero, and his patience and understanding with Liv show just how sweet he really is.

These aren't serious, heavy stories, but they are fun and entertaining and I think they are most definitely worth reading. So sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: 3 Satisfying Stories
Review: I have noticed quite a few negative reviews for "From the Heart" and several complaints regarding the fact that it is re-issue. Well, I only discovered Nora Roberts about a year ago, and since then I have read every book of hers I can get my hands on. However, Nora's older works are incredibly tough to find, so I really appreciate it that they have re-issued some of her older works so that I can enjoy them all these years later.
Personally, I really enjoyed the three stories that make up "From the Heart".
The first story, "Tonight and Always" was probably my favorite of the three. Kasey, a renowned anthropologist, comes to work for Jordan, a successful author, in order to help him write his latest book. Kasey is a wonderful and lovable character. She is eccentric, energetic, and compassionate. Jordan is a dashingly handsome hero, who learns a whole lot about himself from the outgoing and outspoken Kasey. The romance between these two is fresh and fun. Jordan is also the guardian of his deceased brother's 11 year old daughter, and her incorporation into this story added a whole other element to it. I thought the storyline involving Jordan, his niece, and Kasey was touching and well-written.
The second story, "A Matter of Choice" introduces the reader to Slade and Jessica. Slade, a cop, has been assigned to protect Jessica from the smugglers who the police believe are operating out of her antique shop. Slade thinks Jessica is going to be just another spoiled rich girl, but it only takes one meeting to change Slade's view completely. This story is lots of fun and is full of murder and mayhem!
The final story "Endings and Beginnings" is about two reporters, T.C. Thorpe and Liv Carmichael. These two keep stepping on each others toes professionally, but they soon find it hard to deny their attraction to each other. The romance in this story does not develop as quickly as in the previous two stories because Liv has a painful past that she has still not gotten over. Thorpe, however, is a wonderful hero, and his patience and understanding with Liv show just how sweet he really is.

These aren't serious, heavy stories, but they are fun and entertaining and I think they are most definitely worth reading. So sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Good collection
Review: I was a bit surprised at the not-so-great reviews this collection of Nora Robert's old romance novels got. I borrowed this book from a friend a couple of years ago even though I don't usually read Nora Roberts as I'm not really into the romance/suspense genre. But when I found a copy at a used bookstore recently, I bought it because I remembered how much I loved the first story, "Tonight and Always" and the third one, "Endings and Begininngs". I can't even decide which of these stories I like better than the other but I have to say they're one of the best stories I've read so far. The only reason I'm not giving this book a 5-star rating is because I seriously did not enjoy the second story, "A Matter of Choice". The plotline, dialogue and characters are predictable, overused and just plain boring.

If you're wondering whether you should buy this book, I'd suggest you scour the used bookstores first to get a real worth for your money or I guess you can find the individual books. One way or another, "Tonight and Always" and "Endings and Beginnings" are MUST-READS for all romance fans.

Rating:
Summary: Not Worth Buying...
Review: It's a waste of money. I went through the first story. It was pretty okay to be honest with you. But the characters seem a little...cold. Unfeeling. I realize that the collection of story was her rookie story but c'mon it could have been a lot better than it is now. Gimme a break, I couldn't even tell if it was Nora Roberts! The second and the third story I didn't even bother to finish after the first few chapters. It made me sick. It was corny and unbelievale. I kept on asking myself, 'Is this really Nora Roberts?' or 'Why do I bother reading this?!'
This book was nothing but a disappointment. I thought it would be fun to read the first stories of a fiction phenomenon but it turn out to be a disaster. From now on, I'll just read the new ones, the one from 1990 and up I'll be sure to check out the publish date before anything else. But if you're a person who likes to read old stories from Nora, I suggest Blithe Images. It's pretty good.

This book doesn't diserve a star at all. Period. But if I don't Amazon won't let me review. SO this concludes my review. DON'T BUY IT! IT'S A WASTE OF 8 DOLLARS!