Great Love

Rating:
Summary: Charming Romance
Review: Great Love begins with the full-figured heroine, Sam, believing that she doesn't need anyone but Molly, her faithful pooch. Over the years she has convinced herself that no one would ever want her or love her for herself. Then she meets Jon, a charming man who sees her for the beauty she is. But even with his love she still has trouble seeing herself as lovable; a common problem with women of size or any woman not fitting the Hollywood ideal. Admittedly, I am not much of a romance reader, but I enjoyed this sweet tale of a woman's self-realization. Sam is fun, sweet, witty and real. With a heartbreaking past, she has more to deal with than just the issue of weight, and it is this other dimension that adds true credibility to her lack of self-esteem and eventual blossoming into a confident woman.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT . . . STORY
Review: Sam is a woman you have to love. She's so real. And Jon is the kind of guy we all look for in love. He knows what he wants & he's not afraid to spell it out.

I found this to be a topnotch, well-written romance from an author that I hope we hear much more from. Sam becomes a model not only for full-figured women, but for ANY woman who doesn't happen to fill the so-narrow, "traditional" romance novel heroine --& in reality, few of us do, for one reason or another. I applaud Rida Allen for taking on the challenge & doing so w/heart & humor. Sam & Jon's story draws in the reader & as we turn the pages, we hope it turns out positively for such a beautifully-developed couple.

This is a book for all women. Read it & see yourself in its pages.

Rating:
Summary: GREAT . . . STORY
Review: Sam is a woman you have to love. She's so real. And Jon is the kind of guy we all look for in love. He knows what he wants & he's not afraid to spell it out.

I found this to be a topnotch, well-written romance from an author that I hope we hear much more from. Sam becomes a model not only for full-figured women, but for ANY woman who doesn't happen to fill the so-narrow, "traditional" romance novel heroine --& in reality, few of us do, for one reason or another. I applaud Rida Allen for taking on the challenge & doing so w/heart & humor. Sam & Jon's story draws in the reader & as we turn the pages, we hope it turns out positively for such a beautifully-developed couple.

This is a book for all women. Read it & see yourself in its pages.

Rating:
Summary: Romantic Times BOOKClub Magazine offers 4 star review!
Review: Samantha Velmar has been on her own for a long time. She's been disappointed in love too many times, her self-image is low and she does not believe in fairy tales. Or she didn't until meeting Jonathan Edwards. Jon takes her totally by surprise with his charm and the different ways he has of trying to show her she is beautiful.
Jon has a dilemma, though: He must marry and start a family or he'll lose control of his father's company.
Sam cannot believe Jon loves her and when her trust is betrayed, she is devastated. Jon knows that keeping the stipulation of his father's will under wraps was wrong, and now he does not want to lose the one woman he loves.
Allen is at the top of her game, creating a realistic heroine who is far from just a head on a Popsicle stick. The author takes care in proving that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and creates a hero who allows his heart to lead him. I enjoyed this witty and heart-touching tale of true love and real life.
Faith V. Smith

February 2003 Issue #228

Rating:
Summary: Great Love is great reading!
Review: This book offers a fantastic romance with a full-figured heroine in the spotlight. Women everywhere can identify with Samantha because she has imperfections and yet still finds romance.