Helpful Score: 4
I read this book as a favor to my wife. She had read it and was so impressed she asked me to read it. Since I don't read "those books" I went into the read with some pre-conceived notions. After all, it was a Jude Deveraux book which meant romance which meant that I would not like it at all. At least that's what I thought.
I would have been satisfied to have read only the first chapter and if I never read the rest of the book, I could not have been more impressed. I really like this book. It is written in such a way as to give the reader the impression that they were the main character in the story. I wasn't outside reading about the character, I was the character. I haven't had that happen to me in a long time.
Regardless of the genre that you are interested in or the kinds of books that you read, this is worth the time that it will take you to pick up the book and read the first sentence. Highly recommended.
I would have been satisfied to have read only the first chapter and if I never read the rest of the book, I could not have been more impressed. I really like this book. It is written in such a way as to give the reader the impression that they were the main character in the story. I wasn't outside reading about the character, I was the character. I haven't had that happen to me in a long time.
Regardless of the genre that you are interested in or the kinds of books that you read, this is worth the time that it will take you to pick up the book and read the first sentence. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 3
A little mystery, a lot of romance...interesting characters. Jude Deveraux knows how to write a story that keeps your interest page after page. This is a good curl-up-by-the fire with a cup of coffee and spend the day kind of book.
Helpful Score: 3
This book was full of surprises and romance. Well written with a different twist- a must read!
Helpful Score: 1
A fun, mystical read! Very different. I very much enjoyed this book.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great "ghost story" with lots of mystery. Once I picked up the book I had a hard time putting this one down.
Helpful Score: 1
Mystery and romance as only Jude can write. A great novel with characters that are memorable. You won't regret getting and reading this book.
Helpful Score: 1
Not to be missed novel that will keep you on the edge of your chair.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book...great humor and a very interesting story line. romance thrown in and it's a hit!
Helpful Score: 1
Romantic story which is a great book for a snowy day, or a day at the beach when you can lose yourself in it.
Helpful Score: 1
story combining romance, family mystery, and supernatural
Helpful Score: 1
Very GOOD book!! has it all, love, murder and paranormal...
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked this book. A windowed writer hires an assistant to help him write, and gets involved in a case involving the devil and a woman who loved him. Plenty of twists and turns and a devil like you have never read about before!
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book I have ever read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It is an emotional book but in a subtle way. I wasn't sure I wanted to part with this book by posting it.
Helpful Score: 1
witty and captivating. many twists and turns keeps you turning pages late into the night.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a bit different from other Deveraux novels...but most enjoyable. It is about families, some good, some unbelievable! It will have you laughing (thankful you don't have relatives like that!) crying, and holding your breath. It is a story of a famous author whose wife dies, and with her death, ability to write stops. He meets and hires an spunky assistant, and together they stumble upon a town secret that no one wishes to remember. It's a page turner!
absolutely one of her best!
Puzzling little book. Devereaux can't decide whether she's writing a horror story, a psychological study, or a wacky romance, and tries to combine them in an ungainly, uneven tale. A writer of popular fiction has been blocked since his wife's death and hires a spunky young woman with a story of the occult that he thinks he wants to research further, but it takes turns neither of them could have predicted.
I thought this was a great book! It had everything I like, humor, romance and mystery.
Loved by readers and critics alike for her "golen touch' (Publishers Weekely), Jude Deveraux has once again created a story that pulls at readers heartstrings, titillates their imaginations, and uncovers a long- buried passion that far surpasses the boundry between life and death.
Its Jude Deveraux book, you know you'll not be disappointed!!
Its Jude Deveraux book, you know you'll not be disappointed!!
I love Jude Deveraux's books. She makes you feel like you want to get to know her characters better.
This story starts out with the typical love story for Ford Newcombe and the tradgedy of a love gone wrong for Jackie Maxwell. The book develops an unusual twist after Jackie and Ford pair up to go to Cole Creek. A good read!
I really liked this book for the start. It captured my attention from the start. I would highly recommend this book.
This is an audio cd. I have not listened to this cd. Allthough I do like Jude Deveraux, she is a very good writer.
An author who has lost his creativity is helped by a lovely assistant and a mystery of a woman's, who was rumored to have loved the Devil.
This is a Large print Book ! Forget garden-variety ghosts and poltergeists-the devil himself makes an appearance in bestseller Deveraux's latest romantic suspense novel. When famed mystery writer Ford Newcombe loses his beloved wife, Pat, he can't bear the thought of writing without her. Six years later, Ford is moving from one small town to another in an attempt to cure his writer's block when he hears the story of a woman who was murdered because she loved the devil. Fascinated by the tale, he decides that he must investigate it and approaches Jackie, the storyteller, to offer her the job of assisting him. Needing a change of pace, Jackie agrees to accompany him to Cole Creek, N.C., and strange things begin to happen when they arrive-Jackie instinctively knows her way around the town, she begins to have frightening premonitions that come true and the townspeople insist that the devil tale is just a rumor. Not one to give up, Ford continues to investigate and discovers an article about a 20-year-old murder. As he uncovers more gruesome details, he begins to suspect that Jackie may have somehow been involved in or witnessed the murder. Meanwhile, Jackie meets a man who seems too good to be true, who is also interested in the devil story. As Ford and Jackie work their way closer to the truth, it becomes clear that the story about the devil may be horrifically true. Deveraux's writing is sloppy ("I tried to pep Jackie up because she was looking as forlorn as an abandoned puppy"), but her plotting is effective, and she does a superb job of building up to her chilling conclusion.
rint Book.....I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK !!!!!! GREAT STORY _COULDN"T PUT IT DOWN !!!!!
rint Book.....I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK !!!!!! GREAT STORY _COULDN"T PUT IT DOWN !!!!!
This is the first book I've read by this author. I found it to be a very unique story. It kept me enthralled to the end, although I did think after such a steady build up, it came to a rather abrupt end. I enjoyed the characters and wanted to know more about them as the story came to a crest.
The way the characters met and the interaction were enjoyable. The story they were checking out took a twist that made it interesting. A good listen.
Forget garden-variety ghosts and poltergeists-the devil himself makes an appearance in bestseller Deveraux's latest romantic suspense novel. When famed mystery writer Ford Newcombe loses his beloved wife, Pat, he can't bear the thought of writing without her. Six years later, Ford is moving from one small town to another in an attempt to cure his writer's block when he hears the story of a woman who was murdered because she loved the devil. Fascinated by the tale, he decides that he must investigate it and approaches Jackie, the storyteller, to offer her the job of assisting him. Needing a change of pace, Jackie agrees to accompany him to Cole Creek, N.C., and strange things begin to happen when they arrive-Jackie instinctively knows her way around the town, she begins to have frightening premonitions that come true and the townspeople insist that the devil tale is just a rumor. Not one to give up, Ford continues to investigate and discovers an article about a 20-year-old murder. As he uncovers more gruesome details, he begins to suspect that Jackie may have somehow been involved in or witnessed the murder. Meanwhile, Jackie meets a man who seems too good to be true, who is also interested in the devil story. As Ford and Jackie work their way closer to the truth, it becomes clear that the story about the devil may be horrifically true. Deveraux's writing is sloppy ("I tried to pep Jackie up because she was looking as forlorn as an abandoned puppy"), but her plotting is effective, and she does a superb job of building up to her chilling conclusion.
this book was good reading. It's for an evening,snuggled by the fire.
Jude Deveraux is one of my favorite authors and once again she has provided a great romance read. When he lost his wife, Ford Newcombe's world changed drastically. Many of these changes are not at all what he expected.
Enjoyed this book about a spunky woman who is an assistant to a famous writer.
This book was a little more supernatural than her last books. Of course it is romance....
Ford Newcombe has. For years, he loved his wife, Pat, more than anyone--and anything--in the world. She came into his life when he was just an inexperienced college student with big dreams of becoming a published author. With love and humor, she guided him down the path that would eventually lead him to more success than he ever dreamed possible. Since Pat's death six years ago, Ford has lived a life of solitude, barely able to put pen to paper, and rumors are flying that it was Pat who actually created the books the world so loved. If there's one thing that Ford needs it's inspiration, and it finally comes in the guise of Jackie Maxwell--a smart, sassy university researcher with just enough attitude to match Ford's sharp intellect. But it's her intimate knowledge of the story of a young woman's friendship with the devil--and what the townspeople did to her--that persuades Ford to hire Jackie as his assistant and to move to Cole Creek, North Carolina, where the story is said to have taken place. They soon learn that even though the inhabitants of Cole Creek try to deny it, they are still plagued by the consequences of the otherworldly tale of passion and death. As Ford and Jackie work to unravel the truth, they discover a connection between their lives and the past. A connection that not only helps them solve a long ago crime but offers the promise of new love.
A woman is crushed to death after having a love affair with the devil. Years later, her niece falls in love with a mysterious man only she can see...
Since his wife death,world-famous author Ford Newcombe has lived a solitary life, void of creativity-or love.Then Jackie Maxwell tears down the walls of his isolated world with her sassy wit and fierce intelligence. Ford's heart is touched by his vivacious assistant-and his imagination sparked by her knowledge of a strange story that drives them to a small North Carolina town brimming with secrets There, they will trace the mystery of a woman said to have loved the devil himself...and discover not only the truth about a crime from the past-but a passion that holds the promise of a new life together.
I loved it! The first eighty pages were slow, but it sure picked up interest after that. This is a book that I would read again, slowly.
More Stephen King than romance. Excellent book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book can bring out a lot of emotions in a person. I cried, laughed, and loved throughout the book. I found the begining to be a little slow, but once I got into the meat of the book it turned out to be really good. I could really picture all of the characters, which I love. The ending wasn't what I expected at all!
A wonderful book. Jude is a great writer....
Forget garden-variety ghosts and poltergeists-the devil himself makes an appearance in bestseller Deveraux\'s latest romantic suspense novel. When famed mystery writer Ford Newcombe loses his beloved wife, Pat, he can\'t bear the thought of writing without her. Six years later, Ford is moving from one small town to another in an attempt to cure his writer\'s block when he hears the story of a woman who was murdered because she loved the devil. Fascinated by the tale, he decides that he must investigate it and approaches Jackie, the storyteller, to offer her the job of assisting him. Needing a change of pace, Jackie agrees to accompany him to Cole Creek, N.C., and strange things begin to happen when they arrive-Jackie instinctively knows her way around the town, she begins to have frightening premonitions that come true and the townspeople insist that the devil tale is just a rumor. Not one to give up, Ford continues to investigate and discovers an article about a 20-year-old murder. As he uncovers more gruesome details, he begins to suspect that Jackie may have somehow been involved in or witnessed the murder. Meanwhile, Jackie meets a man who seems too good to be true, who is also interested in the devil story. As Ford and Jackie work their way closer to the truth, it becomes clear that the story about the devil may be horrifically true. Deveraux\'s writing is sloppy (\"I tried to pep Jackie up because she was looking as forlorn as an abandoned puppy\"), but her plotting is effective, and she does a superb job of building up to her chilling conclusion.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
I thought the book was really interesting, a quick read! Deals with super-natural, but different than all the ghost stories.
Very fun, supernatural, yet human romance/mystery. Loved it a lot and read it very fast!
Ford has lived a solitary life since his wife died. Then Jackie his assistant tears down the walls of his isolation. She has a strange story of a small town in N.C. There they trace a woman said to have loved the devil himself, and discover not only the truth about a crime from the past but a promise of a new life together.
Since his wife's death, world-famous author Ford Newcombe has lived a solitary life, void of creativity-or love. Then Jackie Maxwell tears down the walls of his isolated world with her sassy wit and fierce intelligence. Ford's heart is touched by his vivacious assistant-and his imagination sparked by her knowledge of a strange story that drives them to a small North Carolina town brimming with secrets. There, they will trace the mystery of a woman said to have loved the devil himself...and discover not only the truth about a crime from the past-but a passion that holds the promise of a new life together.
I am a huge fan of Jude Deveraux from way back, but this was NOT even close to one of my favorites from her. The story was pretty good but it just didn't have the same feel as most of her other work. I'm glad I read it, but I wouldn't read it again.
Since his wife's death, world-famous author Ford Newcombe has lived a solitary life, void of creativity--or love. Then Jackie Maxwell tears down the walls of his isolated world with her sassy wit and fierce intelligence. Ford's heart is touched by his vivacious assistant--and his imagination sparked by her knowledge of a strange story that drives them to a small North Carolina town brimming with secrets. There, they will trace the mystery of a woman said to have loved the devil himself...and discover not only the truth about a crime from the past--but a passion that holds the promise of new life together.
Have you ever lost someone who meant more to you than your soul? Ford Newcombe has. For years,he loved his wife Pat, more than anyone-and anything-in the world. She came into his life when he was just an inexperienced college student with big dreams of becoming a published author. With love and humor, she guided him down the path that would eventually lead him to more uscess than he ever dreamed possible. Since Pat's death six years ago, Ford has lived a life of solitude, barely able to put pen to paer and rumors are flying that it was Pat who actually created the books the world so loved. If there's one thing that Ford needs its inspiration, and it finally comes in the guise of Jackie Maxwell-a smart sassy university researcher with hust enough attitude to match Ford's sharp intellect. But it's her intimate knowledge of the story of a young woman's friendship with the devil-and what the townspeople did to her that presudes Ford to hire Jackie as his assistant and to move to Cole Creek, North Carolina, where the story is said to have taken place. They soon learn that even though the inhibitants of Cole Creek try to deny it,they are still plagued by the consequences of the otherwordly tale of passion and death. As Ford and jackie work to unravel the truth, they discover a connection between their lives and the past, a connection that not only helps them solve a long-ago crime but offers the promise of new love.
I just loved it! It is a real "Love Conquers All" book. It is actually brand new - I read a paperback copy and didn't realize that I had a new hard back. Perfect condition - actually nice enough to be a gift!
Ok, so I love Jude Dev's books, but I just could not get into this one. Weird plot and it took FOREVER to get going.
Bleh!
Bleh!
Romance novel from New York Times author Jude Deveraux.
Very different and intriguing story than previous Deveraux books.
Really great story, very well written.
Very good!!
Another good one from Jude Deveraux ~ quick read!
Have You Ever Lost Someone Who Meant More to You Than Your Own Soul?
Ford Newcombe has. For years, he loved his wife, Pat, more than anyone -- and anything -- in the world. She came into his life when he was just an inexperienced college student with big dreams of becoming a published author. With love and humor, she guided him down the path that would eventually lead him to more success than he ever dreamed possible.
Since Pat's death six years ago, Ford has lived a life of solitude, barely able to put pen to paper, and rumors are flying that it was Pat who actually created the books the world so loved. If there's one thing that Ford needs it's inspiration, and it finally comes in the guise of Jackie Maxwell -- a smart, sassy university researcher with just enough attitude to match Ford's sharp intellect. But it's her intimate knowledge of the story of a young woman's friendship with the devil -- and what the townspeople did to her -- that persuades Ford to hire Jackie as his assistant and to move to Cole Creek, North Carolina, where the story is said to have taken place. They soon learn that even though the inhabitants of Cole Creek try to deny it, they are still plagued by the consequences of the otherworldly tale of passion and death. As Ford and Jackie work to unravel the truth, they discover a connection between their lives and the past, a connection that not only helps them solve a long-ago crime but offers the promise of new love.
Ford Newcombe has. For years, he loved his wife, Pat, more than anyone -- and anything -- in the world. She came into his life when he was just an inexperienced college student with big dreams of becoming a published author. With love and humor, she guided him down the path that would eventually lead him to more success than he ever dreamed possible.
Since Pat's death six years ago, Ford has lived a life of solitude, barely able to put pen to paper, and rumors are flying that it was Pat who actually created the books the world so loved. If there's one thing that Ford needs it's inspiration, and it finally comes in the guise of Jackie Maxwell -- a smart, sassy university researcher with just enough attitude to match Ford's sharp intellect. But it's her intimate knowledge of the story of a young woman's friendship with the devil -- and what the townspeople did to her -- that persuades Ford to hire Jackie as his assistant and to move to Cole Creek, North Carolina, where the story is said to have taken place. They soon learn that even though the inhabitants of Cole Creek try to deny it, they are still plagued by the consequences of the otherworldly tale of passion and death. As Ford and Jackie work to unravel the truth, they discover a connection between their lives and the past, a connection that not only helps them solve a long-ago crime but offers the promise of new love.
Recently widowed, Ford Newcombe, a famous author, decides to explore new subject matter when he overhears researcher Jackie Maxwell tell about a woman stoned for loving the devil. To seek the truth, off they go to rural North Carolina--where they become embroiled in a mystery.
I think I shall try and read this, while it's waiting to be requested. Rarely read horror, so will give it a try, and update my review in time.
This book was given to me by someone who had already read it. I did not get a chance to read it.
