Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: As an avid reader of Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, etc. I was rather disappointed in Ms. Fobes attempts to combine them into one novel. From the viewpoint of a Historical Romance it was disappointing on several counts. First, you never really felt you were in a specific time-period except for the occasional references to costumes (usually mentioned only in repeated reference to their removal), the off-handed mostly ignored references to the mores of the time such as a lady not being in a gentleman's quarters without chaperone and Anne sounded more like a woman of the 1960's not the 1860's. One would suspect there should have been a NOW button somewhere in her valise of fancy underclothes and a copy of Betty Friedan's book The Feminine Mystique on her Victorian nightstand. The descriptions and actions of the heroine were too obviously written by someone from our time trying to imagine what a woman of that time would go through and think, without really having a good feel for the time period itself. Secondly, although the Historical Romance genre has a predictable formula of presentation, many of the better authors can turn that formula into a cohesive flow of heroines, heroes, trials, tribulations, sex/erotica, salvation and happy endings into an organic flow so that the reader understands why the characters are attracted to each other, the difficulties are germane to the story or period, the sexual tension and the moments of sexual fulfillment belong to that point in the story relieving the reader as well as the characters, and the salvation and happy ending are understood because everything before that point makes sense to the outcome. None of this happens in this book. Though the characters have much potential they were not developed enough to see them as real living beings and not constructs of ideals or archetypes. If a character has been made real enough, the reader wants to cry with them, laugh with them, and feel embarrassed for them or in other words root for them as they progress through the tale. For example in this book, instead of building the character so the reader understands Anne's dual needs for recognition and femininity, Ms Fobes portrays the idea through the device of matronly outer clothing and fancy underclothes. Instead of Michael seeing this in Anne herself, he is forced to see it by finding the lost valise of undergarments. The sexual scenes are contrived as well, plopped into the plot like they were spaced out by page numbers and not by progression of the story. If this book had been strictly a romance novel it would have been mediocre at best, but the author compounded the problems by trying to make it into something more by combining it with a different genre: paranormal science fiction/fantasy. Few authors can do this well, especially combining such vastly different genres. Many of the arguments above also apply to the fantasy group. Anne has this special ability to touch a plant and understand how the plant feels. So what? How does it really add to the plot? Could the same plot be developed through a more plausible means? Why would Lord Connick need her ability for his experiments? None of this is really developed. A good paranormal device should make the reader either desire it or fear it. Michael is referred to as the `Green Man' because he spent years living in the woods. So did the hermits in the Arthurian tales they at least turned mad or wise. Sir Gawain's Green Knight had a reason for being. The author never took the potential of having this character in her book to expand it into a fantasy being, only as a pseudonym for being a less than proper or uncivilized Victorian. As a villain, Lord Connick runs a bit thin too. The tension building of the stalking plants gets more than a little redundant and the outcome falls flat. There isn't enough in the book to be called science fiction or fantasy and not enough paranormal to matter. Readers are better off seeking old copies of books by Celeste de Blasis, Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey or Stephen King all masters, in turn, of romance, science fiction, science fantasy and horror.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: As an avid reader of Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, etc. I was rather disappointed in Ms. Fobes attempts to combine them into one novel. From the viewpoint of a Historical Romance it was disappointing on several counts. First, you never really felt you were in a specific time-period except for the occasional references to costumes (usually mentioned only in repeated reference to their removal), the off-handed mostly ignored references to the mores of the time such as a lady not being in a gentleman's quarters without chaperone and Anne sounded more like a woman of the 1960's not the 1860's. One would suspect there should have been a NOW button somewhere in her valise of fancy underclothes and a copy of Betty Friedan's book The Feminine Mystique on her Victorian nightstand. The descriptions and actions of the heroine were too obviously written by someone from our time trying to imagine what a woman of that time would go through and think, without really having a good feel for the time period itself. Secondly, although the Historical Romance genre has a predictable formula of presentation, many of the better authors can turn that formula into a cohesive flow of heroines, heroes, trials, tribulations, sex/erotica, salvation and happy endings into an organic flow so that the reader understands why the characters are attracted to each other, the difficulties are germane to the story or period, the sexual tension and the moments of sexual fulfillment belong to that point in the story relieving the reader as well as the characters, and the salvation and happy ending are understood because everything before that point makes sense to the outcome. None of this happens in this book. Though the characters have much potential they were not developed enough to see them as real living beings and not constructs of ideals or archetypes. If a character has been made real enough, the reader wants to cry with them, laugh with them, and feel embarrassed for them or in other words root for them as they progress through the tale. For example in this book, instead of building the character so the reader understands Anne's dual needs for recognition and femininity, Ms Fobes portrays the idea through the device of matronly outer clothing and fancy underclothes. Instead of Michael seeing this in Anne herself, he is forced to see it by finding the lost valise of undergarments. The sexual scenes are contrived as well, plopped into the plot like they were spaced out by page numbers and not by progression of the story. If this book had been strictly a romance novel it would have been mediocre at best, but the author compounded the problems by trying to make it into something more by combining it with a different genre: paranormal science fiction/fantasy. Few authors can do this well, especially combining such vastly different genres. Many of the arguments above also apply to the fantasy group. Anne has this special ability to touch a plant and understand how the plant feels. So what? How does it really add to the plot? Could the same plot be developed through a more plausible means? Why would Lord Connick need her ability for his experiments? None of this is really developed. A good paranormal device should make the reader either desire it or fear it. Michael is referred to as the 'Green Man' because he spent years living in the woods. So did the hermits in the Arthurian tales they at least turned mad or wise. Sir Gawain's Green Knight had a reason for being. The author never took the potential of having this character in her book to expand it into a fantasy being, only as a pseudonym for being a less than proper or uncivilized Victorian. As a villain, Lord Connick runs a bit thin too. The tension building of the stalking plants gets more than a little redundant and the outcome falls flat. There isn't enough in the book to be called science fiction or fantasy and not enough paranormal to matter. Readers are better off seeking old copies of books by Celeste de Blasis, Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey or Stephen King all masters, in turn, of romance, science fiction, science fantasy and horror.
Rating: 
Summary: Praise for "FORBIDDEN GARDEN"
Review: Forbidden Garden by Tracy Fobes March, 2000 Pocket Books Historical Romance Reviewed By Ballston Book House If you're looking for new talent within the romance genre look no further then Tracy Fobes. Tracy burst on the scene in 1998 and has just produced her third hit! Forbidden Garden is a perfect mix of an erotic romance with a suspenseful paranormal twist that will make the reader breathlessly anticipate the next page. Ms. Forbes story telling gift lies within the ability to create a tale of the unthinkable while featuring characters so grounded that you can actually believe in the story being told. Anne Sherwood, a talented botanical illustrator, had a special "gift" that allowed her to capture the true essence of the subject she was sketching. Anne's fondest wish was to make her presence known within the scientific community. Although she deserved recognition in her own right, her professional illustrations were never accredited to her. Instead, her late husband had used her talent for five long years and took all of the credit himself. When Lord Connock, a well know botanical scientist, approached her with an offer to come to Ireland and illustrate a new species of tree how could she refuse? A new species that has never been documented would prove her worth as an illustrator and she would finally gain the acceptance and prestige that she craved within the exclusive scientific circles. Soon however, Anne's discovers far more then a new tree within a forest full of dark secrets. Micheal McEvoy had seen it all within the forest's he'd traveled through all over the world. He was a botanical adventurer of sorts and would search the globe for rare and exotic plants that he would bring back to Ireland on behalf of Lord Connock. His early life was hard and difficult circumstances turned him into the fearless adventurer and the ultimate loner that preferred. When he laid eyes on Mrs. Anne Sherwood, he knew deep in his heart that this woman, if given the chance, would be the one that could change his life that he had worked so hard to control. He never expected that the fierce protectiveness that this headstrong woman aroused in him would ultimately lead him to a horrific discovery, one that would rock the very foundation of the botanical world. This is the first book that I have read by Tracy Fobes. I enjoyed it so much that I find myself frantically searching for her two previous titles, TOUCH NOT THE CAT and HEART OF THE DOVE, both within the same "grounded" paranormal vein. Ms. Fobes has secured her place as a master storyteller within the romance genre and will have you anxiously awaiting her next release. As a side note, I guarantee that you will never look at any Ivy plant the same way again!
Rating: 
Summary: Forbidden Garden
Review: In 1860 England, Anne Sherwood lives only for her work. A widow, she resents the fact that her late husband passed off her botanical illustrations as his own work. Anne has an unusual talent; she can sense the emotions of plants. Later she becomes an in-house illustrator for Lord Connock at Glendale Hall in Ireland (he illustrates a new species of tree). Glendale Hall is full of secrets, and the plants give off the oddest emotions she's ever felt. Her stay is complicated by Lord Connock's naturalist, the handsome and glib Michael McEvoy, a botanical adventurer. She's enthraled by him. Later they realize there's something wrong with the garden and that Anne and Michael are facing what could be a deadly enemy. Can love bloom in the forbidden garden of Lord Connock? Paranormal romance is often a difficult genre in which to write, yet Ms. Tracy Fobes makes it look easy. She is one of the most inventive of the authors working in this field. Forbidden Garden is just another fabulous work. Delightfully creepy setting, wildly passionate love scenes, well-organised plot. And most important, Forbidden Garden doesn't follow the standard romance steps, and that makes it more worth-reading.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful paranormal romance
Review: In 1860, Lord Connock visits London's Kew Gardens to meet the Botanical Gardens illustrator Anne Sherwood. Connock thinks highly of Anne's work and hires her to draw a special tree that has grown from a seed world traveling naturalist Michael McEvoy brought home. Anne desperately wants acceptance from her all male peers who do not believe she does her work nor her claim she drew the plates in her deceased husband's work on plants. In Ireland, Anne meets Michael and quickly, to her chagrin, is attracted to the adventurer. He reciprocates, as he fully desires the uptight lady. Both share the ability to know how plants feel and both of them think something is wrong with Connock's garden. As they work together on the collection, they fall in love, not yet aware that an evil essence lurks nearby planning to destroy the duo if they learn the truth about the garden. FORBIDDEN GARDEN is an exciting historical romance. The story line is fast-paced while cleverly showing how ironically the freethinking male elite scorns the possibility of a female being their equal. This obsession to be accepted by the leading thinkers of her time serves as the prime motive for Anne until she meets Michael. Real persona such as Huxley and Darwin add to the nineteenth century ambiance of the novel. Tracy Fobes has provided a triumphant tale that will stimulate sub-genre readers to search for more of her works (see HEART OF THE DOVE). Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Unfulfilled promise.
Review: Mrs. Anne Sherwood was a talented plant illustrator whose late husband had stolen credit for her work. Now she has another chance to be taken seriously by the scientific community. Lord Connock has hired her to draw unusual plants in his property. Michael McEvoy, Connock's official plant gatherer, is in Ireland to help Anne. He also tempts her to come back to life and laughter again. As something evil comes to light at Connock's home, Anne and Michael must reassess their loyalties and fight for their lives against plants not meant to exist. The premise was promising but flat characters detract from the story. The book was very disappointing and loose in structure. The idea of Anne's talent in sensing plant emotions and health was inspired, but wasted.
Rating:
Summary: Unfulfilled promise.
Review: Mrs. Anne Sherwood was a talented plant illustrator whose late husband had stolen credit for her work. Now she has another chance to be taken seriously by the scientific community. Lord Connock has hired her to draw unusual plants in his property. Michael McEvoy, Connock's official plant gatherer, is in Ireland to help Anne. He also tempts her to come back to life and laughter again. As something evil comes to light at Connock's home, Anne and Michael must reassess their loyalties and fight for their lives against plants not meant to exist. The premise was promising but flat characters detract from the story. The book was very disappointing and loose in structure. The idea of Anne's talent in sensing plant emotions and health was inspired, but wasted.
Rating:
Summary: Intriquing Mendelian Little Shop of Horrors
Review: Tracy Fobes continues to broaden the scope of romantic fiction with this innovative new novel for the thinking woman with romantic entertainment that stimulates the mind. It is a love story of two lonely misfits trying to find their niche in a world that doesn't understand them. It is also a dark fantasy that will leave you pondering the question: When does altruism become fanaticism? When do the ends cease to justify the means? The story is set for the most part in Ireland during the Victorian Era (1860). The heroine is Mrs. Anne Sherwood, a young English widow. Though she'd settled for an arranged marriage, the naive girl had expected to be loved. Soon finding that area of the marriage lacking, she contented herself with assisting her husband with his work. She had served as his secretary, copier, and illustrator for his `Encyclopedia of Flowering Plants'. She is particularly talented at illustration and had hoped for recognition among scientific circles. Her dreams were dashed when she found that her husband had taken sole credit for her work. Anne has acquired a position as a botanical illustrator at Kew Gardens. She assumes an austere appearance, drab clothing and severe hairstyles, with hopes of finally being taken seriously. Though her work is remarkable, most are of the opinion that she is merely mimicking her late husband's work. The hero is Mr. Michael McEvoy. Michael had spent his early years poor but happy on his parent's farm in Connaught. Orphaned, while still a lad, by the potato famine that swept Ireland, he was sent to a workhouse. Not even his spirit was fed there. He runs away and spends the rest of his growing years living in the wild. Michael's time in the wild has imbued him with a rare knowledge of plant life and their needs. He was later discovered by Lord Connock, a collector of rare plant species, and now serves as his naturalist. Lord Connock has also learned of Anne's talent for illustration. He invites her to Ireland and offers her a position, drawing his newly acquired plant life. Anne seeking an opportunity to finally achieve recognition for her work; accepts. She encounters Michael for the first time at an inn not far from her destination. On the way she'd been frightened by a strange rustling sound and odd ivy that seems to "grab" her ankle. Michael doesn't find Anne's drab attire very appealing, but soon learns there is more to Anne than meets the eye. Oh yes Anne has secrets! She is also blessed with the gift of seeing plant auras. The colors indicate the general health of the plants. In this manner Anne can sense their needs and is disturbed by the distress radiated by the plants in Lord Connock's forest. Michael is intrigued by her perceptiveness, though she won't explain how she comes by her knowledge. He is in tune with nature due to his background, but Anne is city-bred. She is an appealing mystery. As events unfold Michael becomes very protective of Anne and more than a little attracted. Both notice that something is not right with Lord Connock's supposed plant species. Further encounters with that odd disappearing ivy, mysterious animal deaths, human afflictions, and a number of locked greenhouses lead the two to become investigators. Just what is Lord Connock hiding inside that particularly malodorous one, where strange light and terrifying sounds are emitted? Lord Connock hopes to create an ultimate hybrid that will save the world from ever facing starvation again. He had lost own wife to the famine and is most committed to the cause. Can the pair turn a blind eye to the mysterious occurrences and be grateful for their positions? Will Anne ever trust Michael with her secret? If she does will he scoff or believe? The tension and suspense in this novel is marvelous. The romance is a tender tale about two people who, due to their pasts, are afraid to love. They are deeply attracted to each other but their goals are incompatible. They know their parting is inevitable, but can they be happy apart? What will the future hold for a woman who must live in London to travel to achieve the recognition she craves and a man who wants nothing more than to once again find a home on a little farm in Connaught? Ah but then they say home is where the heart is, perhaps it's true. A little Irish magic goes a long way. I found this story fascinating, a real page-turner. Highly recommended. --Leslie Tramposch
Rating:
Summary: Intriquing Mendelian Little Shop of Horrors
Review: Tracy Fobes continues to broaden the scope of romantic fiction with this innovative new novel for the thinking woman with romantic entertainment that stimulates the mind. It is a love story of two lonely misfits trying to find their niche in a world that doesn't understand them. It is also a dark fantasy that will leave you pondering the question: When does altruism become fanaticism? When do the ends cease to justify the means? The story is set for the most part in Ireland during the Victorian Era (1860). The heroine is Mrs. Anne Sherwood, a young English widow. Though she'd settled for an arranged marriage, the naive girl had expected to be loved. Soon finding that area of the marriage lacking, she contented herself with assisting her husband with his work. She had served as his secretary, copier, and illustrator for his 'Encyclopedia of Flowering Plants'. She is particularly talented at illustration and had hoped for recognition among scientific circles. Her dreams were dashed when she found that her husband had taken sole credit for her work. Anne has acquired a position as a botanical illustrator at Kew Gardens. She assumes an austere appearance, drab clothing and severe hairstyles, with hopes of finally being taken seriously. Though her work is remarkable, most are of the opinion that she is merely mimicking her late husband's work. The hero is Mr. Michael McEvoy. Michael had spent his early years poor but happy on his parent's farm in Connaught. Orphaned, while still a lad, by the potato famine that swept Ireland, he was sent to a workhouse. Not even his spirit was fed there. He runs away and spends the rest of his growing years living in the wild. Michael's time in the wild has imbued him with a rare knowledge of plant life and their needs. He was later discovered by Lord Connock, a collector of rare plant species, and now serves as his naturalist. Lord Connock has also learned of Anne's talent for illustration. He invites her to Ireland and offers her a position, drawing his newly acquired plant life. Anne seeking an opportunity to finally achieve recognition for her work; accepts. She encounters Michael for the first time at an inn not far from her destination. On the way she'd been frightened by a strange rustling sound and odd ivy that seems to "grab" her ankle. Michael doesn't find Anne's drab attire very appealing, but soon learns there is more to Anne than meets the eye. Oh yes Anne has secrets! She is also blessed with the gift of seeing plant auras. The colors indicate the general health of the plants. In this manner Anne can sense their needs and is disturbed by the distress radiated by the plants in Lord Connock's forest. Michael is intrigued by her perceptiveness, though she won't explain how she comes by her knowledge. He is in tune with nature due to his background, but Anne is city-bred. She is an appealing mystery. As events unfold Michael becomes very protective of Anne and more than a little attracted. Both notice that something is not right with Lord Connock's supposed plant species. Further encounters with that odd disappearing ivy, mysterious animal deaths, human afflictions, and a number of locked greenhouses lead the two to become investigators. Just what is Lord Connock hiding inside that particularly malodorous one, where strange light and terrifying sounds are emitted? Lord Connock hopes to create an ultimate hybrid that will save the world from ever facing starvation again. He had lost own wife to the famine and is most committed to the cause. Can the pair turn a blind eye to the mysterious occurrences and be grateful for their positions? Will Anne ever trust Michael with her secret? If she does will he scoff or believe? The tension and suspense in this novel is marvelous. The romance is a tender tale about two people who, due to their pasts, are afraid to love. They are deeply attracted to each other but their goals are incompatible. They know their parting is inevitable, but can they be happy apart? What will the future hold for a woman who must live in London to travel to achieve the recognition she craves and a man who wants nothing more than to once again find a home on a little farm in Connaught? Ah but then they say home is where the heart is, perhaps it's true. A little Irish magic goes a long way. I found this story fascinating, a real page-turner. Highly recommended. --Leslie Tramposch
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Read!
Review: Tracy Fobes has become an auto-buy for me and with her latest release, FORBIDDEN GARDEN, she secures her place in my private library. Michael and Anne's love story is captivating. Add in the paranormal twist, and you end up with an incredible book. I read it in one sitting! My only problem now is waiting until her next book, DAUGHTER OF DESTINY, is published.
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