Tribute
by Nora Roberts
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Book Reviews of Tribute
Book Review: Been There, Done That...Once Again
Summary: 2 Stars
Tribute felt recycled. Unfortunately, that is how most of Nora's books written over the past few years have felt to me. I have read all of her books and it seems like I am seeing the same three or four characters over and over, with slight variations in background and description. Before even opening one of her books, I can guess what type of characters the male and female leads will be, because it is one of the same three character types she continuously uses.
While likeable and well-developed, the characters in Tribute were also rather boring and predictable. I actually liked the in-depth descriptions of the house renovations and comic book writing. It showed research and dedication by the author. I do not like the direction Nora's writing has taken recently. She seems to have forgotten how to write dialogue, especially complete sentences. She also seems to have a fondness for developing the dog's character into one of the leads. This would not be such a bad thing, if not for the fact that most of the readers like the dog better than any other character. Ouch.
One aspect of the novel that I found amusing as well as annoying, was the name and description of the male lead. Ford Sawyer- Tall, lean, muscular, green eyes, sun-streaked hair, southern drawl. As a big fan of the TV show `Lost', I recognized the description immediately. I was surprised Nora basically took a character from a TV show and transferred him to her novel (with a slight name change). (Actor Josh Holloway plays James "Sawyer" Ford on 'Lost'). While only the name and looks were taken from the `Lost' character, even that seemed like too much. On the other hand, Ford Sawyer could have benefited from some of Sawyer Ford's attitude and edge.
I will continue to read Nora's books. She's a great author, and the only writer to actually make me laugh out loud when reading a book. I hope she gets back to her best with her next novel.
Book Review: Bob Villa/This Old House with a bit of romance thrown in
Summary: 2 Stars
Boring. I too had a HARD time getting through this. It was a chore. I guess I might have learned quite a bit about restoring a house if I'd actually paid close attention to that drawn out part of the story. Oh, and can't forget the graphic novel descriptions. I found the whole premise of the story - the Janet Hardy mystery to be totally dull and I really couldn't care less what happened so many years before. It was simply drawn out, way out and it got old fast for me.
The characters were 2 dimensional. They all talked alike (as is NR's routine these days in her books), so the character development or personalities didn't come out. Ford was supposed to be a nerd, but talked 'cool' like everyone else. Lots of slang. I'm married to a nerd and have known many. They don't talk like Ford. His speech patterns were not any different than Cilla's. AND CAN SHE POSSIBLY WRITE A BOOK WITH COMPLETE SENTENCES, USING 'the's, 'a's', pronouns, etc??? It is unnatural for everyone in a book to speak like that.
I did like Spock, the dog. He was the best character in the book.
I used to be a huge NR fan. I've read nearly all her books. I think this book will have to be the last one for me. I have tired of her, I guess. She doesn't write the way she used to. Some people will argue that it's natural for her writing to evolve and change, but give me the old great Nora Roberts books. Those were great romances. I, myself, don't care for her new writing style she has adopted.
So, obviously I don't recommend this book and I got it from the library.
Book Review: An Unlikely Romance Amid Old Grudges
Summary: 3 Stars
I picked this book up expecting that suspense would be the book's main element. Instead, Tribute is a pretty standard romance involving reasonably original characters, former child star Cilla McGowan turned general contractor and house-rehabber-for-profit and graphic-novel artist and author, Ford Sawyer. The physical attraction is strong from the beginning, and much of the suspense merely relates to when chemistry will overcome caution. In the background, local people hold strong grudges against Cilla's grandmother, Janet Hardy, a star who died from too many pills and too much booze at 39, but who also never saw an attractive man she didn't want, and Cilla's dead uncle who helped some others to an early grave.
The real heroine of the book is Cilla's grandmother's house that Cilla is "restoring" for her own use. If you love the idea of restoring and living in an old family home, this book will probably have above average appeal. If you aren't into home restoration details and graphic novels, you probably won't like this book as much as I did.
Cilla McGowan makes an unusual and poignant heroine. I hope that Nora Roberts will write about her again. I also liked Ford Sawyer. He offers a lot of potential for future books, as well.
The suspense parts of the book were the weakest. In fact, the threats, violence, and problems seemed artificial and the characters' reactions to those events also didn't ring very true.
But all the world loves a lover, and there's a lot to love in this romance.
Book Review: Great Characters and Easy Read
Summary: 5 Stars
Though I see some less than favorable reviews on Nora's latest novel I have to disagree (each to their own, huh?). I thought the story and characters were delightful. Spock (with his happy dance) was the star. I thought Nora developed Spock almost as if he were human and understood what was going on and so one of the secondary characters. He appears in most of the scenes and made me laugh. Ford has some great lines and is a delightful hero. One reviewer said they had enough of the perfect hero. FORD? HE's not perfect; he can't dance or do anything mechanical, even a bit of a nerd, got jealous, but he was just what Cilla needed in her life.
I didn't see this as just a remake of other books she has written. If you look hard enough you could liken some of the characters to other books but when you've written as many as Nora has that is bound to happen. I found it refreshing that the hero and heroine are not in conflict the entire book and fall in love the last chapter-those are the ones that annoy me.
I thought it also refreshing that there were no brutal murders this time around. I thought it an easy and pleasant read and enjoyed it. The only thing I would have liked to know is what happened to the villans of the story after they were found out.
One should read this novel and judge it on its own merits and not compare it to Nora's other works. Has she written better; maybe. Has she written worse; probably! I still think it was an enjoyable read!
Book Review: fascinating tale
Summary: 5 Stars
She was a child star, but when her television show was cancelled Cilla McGowan's Hollywood career was terminated too although as a teen she scored parts in slasher flicks, made CD's, and performed in public. She realized this was not what she wanted to do with her life although her mother, a failed wannabe actress, kept pushing her in that direction. Finally Cilla persuades her mom to sell her, in exchange for money to put on a show in Las Vegas, her late grandmother's farm which she always wanted.
Cilla's renowned grandma Hollywood legend Janet Hardy had her hideaway in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Janet died there under suspicious circumstances. Cilla is determined to restore the place to its former glory. She finds Janet's letters that she was having an affair and the married man wanted to end it. Someone in town wants Cilla to leave and that person tries to intimidate her into fleeing back to the other coast. Cilla refuses to be driven off, but her adversary keeps raising the stakes until her life is in jeopardy.
As always Nora Roberts writes a fascinating tale that her audience will read in one wonderful sitting. Cilla is an obstinate strong person who gained strength with her determination to withstand her mother's pressure and her own fight with stage fright; so is prepared for the most part to deal with the stalker's dangerous intent. This is a strong TRIBUTE to a great storyteller.
Harriet Klausner