Comments on: REVIEW: Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas

By: Kathleen MacIver

Kathleen MacIver — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:05:41 +0000

I liked it and didn’t like it. The full reasons, (if you’re interested and don’t mind spoilers) are posted in the last review thread.

Would anyone here like me to pass on my copy to you? It’s in pristine shape. I’ll drop it in the mail media rate if someone wants to give me your address. (Use the contact form on my website, please.)

By: Jayne

Jayne — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:04:29 +0000

It never read that way to me either Jackie. It has such polish and assurity (is that a word?).

By: Jackie L.

Jackie L. — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 01:16:08 +0000

What I loved about the book was the way the problems I have with historical novels in general were solved. Most of the heroes seem too American for an Englishman to me. In this novel, the problem was solved by having a hero who lived in America for 10 years.

And the deft way the big misunderstanding was handled was fabulous. By the time I figured out the big mis, I was already involved in the novel and sympathetic to the characters. The gradual way it was revealed was like peeling back layers so the big mis seemed so much more believable than many I have read.

It certainly doesn’t read like a debut novel to me.

By: Jennie F.

Jennie F. — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:09:58 +0000

I didn’t have a problem with the separation at the end, because I thought the reasons behind it were proof that the heroine really had grown up and repented her previous actions. I think perhaps she was afraid to be “selfish” because of the disastrous consequences she’d suffered the first time around with Camden.

By: EC Sheedy

EC Sheedy — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:53:15 +0000

I’ve already praised this book on Sybil’s blog, but I’m happy to chime in again. I finished this book last night. It was a non-stop read for me, and I loved every page of it. I agree, Jayne, the language is beautiful.

I’ll definitely be watching for Sherry Thomas’s next book!

By: carolyn Jean

carolyn Jean — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:36:56 +0000

I can see what you mean about the false barrier. It didn’t seem to come from the emotional core of the story like other elements did.

By: Bonnie Dee

Bonnie Dee — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:19:52 +0000

I’ve read enough reviews of this book now that I’m convinced. It sounds like a thoughtful, intelligent read and I’m buying a copy.

By: Janine

Janine — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:23:11 +0000

Very nice review, Jayne. LOL re. doing cartwheels over prose -- yes, I have been known do that sometime and I really adored the writing in this book. As I am just discussing with Robin/Janet, I didn't feel that the separation at the end was extended in a contrived way. It worked for me, and I explain why over on the comment thread for Robin's review.