A story of morality and love. Highly recommended!
936004
A courtesan and a priest. A story about religion and morality. When does love cross the line?

"My mother used to say that the eyes were the doors to the soul, the eyes held no secrets. They told everything about a person - love, fear, hate, desire. She always warned me to never let a man look at my eyes. She said it brings out emotions too rampant for virtuous girls to know."

No man had ever caught Catalina Cosme's eyes. That is until Father Benedict Mortimer crosses her path - during her confession! At first, she may have gone all out to prove that even holy men can fall, but all that changes when Catalina herself starts falling for the priest. I found myself liking the high-society-mistress for her boldness. Not only was she inquisitive, she was an honest person. I could only imagine the pain and agony that Benedict Mortimer had to endure whenever Catalina was near him - taunting him, daunting him, challenging him. A man of God, but tormented by his own demons, he finds salvation in the one thing that is shunned by society - Catalina.

This book was brilliantly written and the narrative had just the right tone. There were conflicts. There was humour. There was a plot. Above all, the characters were so wonderfully portrayed, making me believe they were real.

Instead of just saying 'I loved this book' or that 'It's a page turner', I'd like to say that this is one of those stories that'll stay with me for a long, long time. Who would have thought of making a priest and a courtesan fall in love? Regina Mhairi did. I could not put the book down, even when I thought I needed a break or some sleep.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something different. When or where does one draw the line? Apparently, when it comes to love, there is no line.
1905696
In "The Cider House Rules", author John Irving weaves an engrossing and thought-provoking story of morality, choice, and responsibility. Using the story of orphan Homer Wells (a true  "stranger in a  strange land") to illustrate personal choice  versus public responsibility (focused mostly on the issue of abortion),  Irving introduces us to complex, three dimensional characters whose choices  may not be the best, but are understandable and realistic.  Well-balanced  in the controversial areas, this is an uplifting novel that intertwines  Dickens, "Jane Eyre", and medical terminology to illustrate the  impact one individual -- or in this case, two: Homer Wells and Dr. Larch --  can have on countless people.  I cried several times, because I came to  care for these characters, even if I didn't always agree with them.  The  use of real historical events only adds to the imaginary world that Irving  masterfully creates.  I highly recommend it!
586023
The book has a clever premise and was nicely structured. The characters felt real and their struggles were involving. I couldn't wait to find out how the girls and the Graces were freed from their entrapments. Nice blend of history, myth, and present day! It added a lot of texture and depth. Truly a story told with love and compassion for the characters!
4966465
This is a tale of historical content, rape, war, death, the occult fringes, prostitution, loss, gain,hopeless times; and this is mostly a story about the many places in the heart, mind, body, and soul where love  finds a way in. It is not a story for the weak or childish, nor to the  prejudiced. I, however,highly recommend it to those with an open mind and  an open soul. The story is long, yet the reader flies through this  spellbinding story. Read it!
2923332
This is a type of story that is both captivating and has a great moral. I enjoy books that inspire and make one think. I was very impressed as it wasn't at all what i expected. the story ran smoothly and kept me interested to the point i could hardly put it down to work. i hope to read more of the authors books! Keep them coming! P.J.
1058696
This novel is a compelling story from the very first page until its gripping ending. At the novel's core is love, and multiple stories about love, but as all love is in some way mysterious, so is this novel. We have many questions as the novel unfolds...not just about a way of life that to a reader like me is mysterious, because it is unfamiliar, but also about Grace and her origin, and about the nature of religious vocation, and many others along the way. Reading this is a treat, not just because of the rich and lilting language of St. Chris, but because it introduces such resonant and intriguing characters, and takes us to so many different and fascinating places. If you love to be swept away by a far-reaching story, this is the book for you!
1262796
Montgomery Mahaffey has created a deep and engaging story that is both entertaining, as well as rich with thought provoking metaphors that parallel the internal psychological complexities of the human heart. This is a story of a young girl who, in the midst of her pain and sorrow, makes a very costly and irreversible choice that will forever change her destiny, as well as the destinies of the people she encounters. With this one choice, she becomes both the heroine and the villain, forever blurring the lines between good and evil. I doubt there is a woman alive who doesnt find herself cheering for Ella Bandita at least once in this story, or wishing that they had her power. And I doubt there is a man alive who doesnt see a part of himself mirrored in the eyes of the men who love her. Well worth the read!
655470
This beautiful and romantic story is suitable for any age and anyone who knows or wants to understand true, endearing love. It is so rare to read a novel that is absent of vulgarity! So refreshing to use your own imagination based upon the beautifully written text! I wish now that I had not given 5 stars out before, because this outshines them all.  I hated to have the book end, which it did perfectly.
4890111
Truly a touching story for anyone who loves animals. What a lesson in love and loyalty! Don't miss this opportunity of having your heart stirred. One of the best animal-human films I've ever seen. I know it is a true story, and in a distinct way I can identify. I've known animals that expressed such love for it's masters (here, I hesitate to call an animal "that" or "it," for in this story especially, the dog seems almost human). Loved it; loved the acting; and especially loved Hachi! I highly recommend. NTM
4345862
This is a story of love, understanding and courage. It has its fairs share of bad guys who come into the story from time to time, create havoc and send the story charging down a different path. You never know what is going to happen next to our loved up couple, but from all the pain and horror they succeed.
I could tell you all about the story but it would spoil it for you, just read it you will agree with me I am sure. Happy reading!
935695
One  of the many ah ha moments this author reveals in this amazing story. This thoughtful author challenges acceptable mainstream moralist ideas and made those character s real people. "walking in their shoes".  Provoking thoughtful consideration on so many levels along with a story about love and compassion in it's many shades and human nature. ALL I CAN SAY IS WELL DONE! Penelope Douglas is a gifted writer and one that you can't go  wrong buying her books.
Ms Douglas please tell Damon's, Kai's  and Will's story-I'm hooked!!
918753
A story about love, loss, pain, companionship, loyalty, doubt, and what it means to be noble. All woven into wonderful entertainment! I couldn't put this book down.
3331091
Easy to read and understand.  Not a very long book when it comes to getting hooked on every page and capturing the reader.  Finished it in less than 10 days!  Great character selection.  It's all about having an open creative mind to see the story clearly and falling in love with it.  The details helped me understand the moral of the story.  The choice selection for the right actions to take for the main characters was amazing! If only people could see that there is always an honorable way of living life rather than fighting evil with evil.

Loved the fact that even being a fiction story, the bonding of the hearts is so real with when it comes to your soul mate.

A must read,  had a copy on my kindle but had to have  the Hard cover.  Now my daughter is taking it to school to share with her teachers and school mates.  Full of good morals, Purity, and virtue.  Cant wait to read book two.  We need more books like Time Masters.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Call-Time-Masters-Book-One/dp/1583851917/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Call (Time Masters, Book One)</a>

Lizbeth Hale
3607666
I loved this book, which tells the story of two wonderfully flawed people, mismatched to the core, who hurt each other deeply by desperately trying to convince themselves otherwise.  All the characters are beautifully drawn and oh so human as they evolve from their earnest and foolish youthful selves to their mature truer versions.  The book is well crafted and nicely paced.  This is a true love/sad story, cautionary/redemptive tale - not heavy but fulfilling and though provoking.  This is Mr. Thomson's first novel, and I am looking forward to his next.
427674
What an endearing tale of love and devotion.  A wife fighting for her life and watches as her best friend and neighbor falls in love with her sexy husband.
The devotion of both husband and Eva, friend and neighbor is so heart warming. A touching story about love, loyalty and guilt and the struggle to be constant and true.  The graphics are really excellent and being a comic strip format it is a quick read while dealing with life, death also the mechanics that goes into a intimate relationship.
814741
A beautiful story centred on a young woman called Taite, who finds herself pregnant, seemingly alone and very confused.

Set in present day, but blended carefully with a tale of times long past, the author, with rare honesty confronts some of the hard issues that we currently face in our world today. Namely abortion and stem cell research.

Very well written, the book holds your attention, and touches your heart as Taite works through deeply felt hurt, resentment and unforgiveness.

It is both a modern day love story, (yes, in the end she does marry the young man she loves - the father of her child) and an encouraging tale about a painful, very personal journey which brings much needed healing and restoration.

Throughout the book, the reader is reminded of the importance of life and family, as one regularly meets Taite's naini (grandmother - also a key figure in the book) and her mother. As the storyteller dives into Wales - centuries past, we learn lessons from relatives long ago about faith and love.

I say "go out and buy this book". It is a good love story, with very `human' imperfect characters who struggle through some of the present day issues that all Christians need to address. Throughout the book, we see the Lord at work bringing His love, restoration and healing.

Well done - Mrs Noble.
2640477
Absolutely marvelous! This simple story induces you to think about morals, existence, and adventure. By having virtue, anyone can lead a life filled with wonderful encounters and a way of life that can only lead you to a good future.