Staying On: A Novel (Phoenix Fiction Series)

Book Description

In this sequel to The Raj Quartet, Colonel Tusker and Lucy Smalley stay on in the hills of Pankot after Indian independence deprives them of their colonial status. Finally fed up with accommodating her husband, Lucy claims a degree of independence herself. Eloquent and hilarious, she and Tusker act out class tensions among the British of the Raj and give voice to the loneliness, rage, and stubborn affection in their marriage. Staying On won the Booker Prize in 1977 and was made into a motion picture starring Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson in 1979.

"Staying On far transcends the events of its central action. . . . [The work] should help win for Scott . . . the reputation he deserves--as one of the best novelists to emerge from Britain's silver age."--Robert Towers, Newsweek

"Scott's vision is both precise and painterly. Like an engraver cross-hatching in the illusion of fullness, he selects nuances that will make his characters take on depth and poignancy."--Jean G. Zorn, New York Times Book Review

"A graceful comic coda to the earlier song of India. . . . No one writing knows or can evoke an Anglo-Indian setting better than Scott."--Paul Gray, Time

"Staying On provides a sort of postscript to [Scott's] deservedly acclaimed The Raj Quartet. . . . He has, as it were, summoned up the Raj's ghost in Staying On. . . . It is the story of the living death, in retirement, and the final end of a walk-on character from the quartet. . . . Scott has completed the task of covering in the form of a fictional narrative the events leading up to India's partition and the achievement of independence in 1947. It is, on any showing, a creditable achievement."--Malcolm Muggeridge, New York Times Book Review

Customer Reviews:

Excellent, Most recommended. .......2006-05-11

Paul Scott at his best. If you appreciated and was moved by The Raj Quartet, you'll find this book no less inspiring.

Drifting Away.......2005-11-28

Tusker and Lucy Smalley chose to "stay on" in India at the end of the British Raj in 1947. It's now the 1970s and they are in their dotage, residing in Pankot, as insecure tenants of the capricious Mrs Bhoolabhoy and her hen-pecked downtrodden husband. The Smalleys' last days are destined not to be serene, as plans are afoot to redevelop the area in which they live, and Mrs Bhoolabhoy has her eyes on making some quick money.

"Staying On" is a short, tightly controlled and highly skilled piece of writing: sad, satirical and at times very funny. As the novel unfolds we learn more of the Smalleys' married life: their strange coexistence and how they survived together, or perhaps in spite of each other. The delicate (and not so delicate) tensions within Pankot society are slowly revealed too.

The Smalleys' tragedy is that the end of Empire left them stranded - as part of British India, but not part of Britain, nor part of the new independent India. They were too old to change yet too young to retire.

This is a multi-faceted novel, with well-rounded characters, drawn with insight and sympathy - to the end the Smalleys discover new things about themselves and each other, and it was a pleasure to read that process.

G Rodgers

Defective construction of book.......2005-08-31

I didn't notice this until it was too late to return it to Amazon, but my new copy of this book was defective. A large section of the book appeared twice, and another section was not included at all. If you buy this book, I'd recommend checking your copy promptly to see if it has the same problem while there is still time to return it.

Touching the very strings of our soul's harp..........2005-05-11

In his sequel of The Raj Quartet Paul Scott depicts the life of two of the minor characters Tusker and Lucy Smalley. This is the appealing story of the last surviving members of the old school of British in Pankot, a town in India, 24 years after the Independence. Covering only a few months, it makes us witnesses of a whole lifetime. Frankly told, often causing us to feel a lump in our throats, Scott's novel skillfully pictures the emotional impact the débãcle of the British imperialism in India has on a family who chose to stay on.
It took me a while to become fully immersed in the book due to its unusual beginning. The very first page tells of the death of Tusker Smalley, which, in fact, is also the end of that elegiac psychological novel. As I read pretty much the same description of the very same episode at the end of the book, I felt something totally different. Since Tusker was already a friend of mine, his ways not just a weird old man's habitudes, his life not merely a consecution of events, but the result of unfavourable circumstances and crucial decisions, his death grieved me deeply.
The divergence between the story and the plot draws us into a mazy time puzzle, which we have to arrange for ourselves. We are shown into the all-embracing socio-historical setting both before and after the Independence in 1947 through the eyes of Mr and Mrs Smalley, their servant Ibrahim, and the manager of the hotel where they live, Mr Bhoolobhoy. The various perspectives contribute to the comprehension and comprehensiveness of this fading Anglo-Indian portrait of a whole civilization in miniature.
The character of Lucy Smalley is similarly developed through a number of retrospections. In her imaginary conversations with the young Englishman Mr Turner she looks back with bitterness on the days of the raj, most of which pass under the sign of the imposed British hierarchy. Just when she achieves the aspired position of Colonel's Lady "the old hierarchy collapsed and a new one, the Indian one, took its place". Thus, nothing changes for them because the new race of sahibs and memashibs places them as far down in the social scale as the Eurasians in the days of the raj.
The changes brought about by the Independence estrange Lucy and Tusker even more than before. The lack of communication cuts them off from one another and makes them live separate lives under the same roof. He has a rude awakening when he realizes that the huge rise in the cost of living in England prices them out of the home market and they must stay on in India. This leads to his "personality change", as Lucy calls it. She, for her part, is terribly lonely because in this new world she has become "a black sheep in reverse exposure". She fears the moment when her ill husband will pass away and she will be destitute because, `She would be alone in a foreign country. There would be no one of her own kind, her own colour, no close friend by whom to be comforted or on whom she could rely for help and guidance."
Staying on is not a novel of action, but one of contemplation and speculation. Its very title implies passivity. It however, turns out to be misleading for in Tusker and Lucy's case staying on in India requires strong will and endurance. In fact, this paradox makes Tusker and Lucy analyze and reconsider their lives; makes them realize that their happiness was sacrificed part because of circumstances, part for habits' sake. The profundity of their psychological portraits, the moving episodes, even the purifying humour turn this novel into a quest for our own inner selves. Thus, even though the end of Staying On is well-known from the very first line, it still strikes us with its poignancy for we have changed our perception and have turned into Tusker and Lucy's best friend who knows all they've been through,
So when Lucy sits on her "throne" in the bathroom, appealing to Tusker:
...Tusker, I hold out my hand, and beg you, Tusker, beg, beg you to take it and take me with you. How can you not, Tusker? Oh, Tusker, Tusker, Tusker, how can you make me stay here by myself while you yourself go home?
what I hear is the echo of the record Lucy loves best, Chloë:
Oh through the black of night, I gotta be where you are. If it's wrong or right, I gotta go where you are. I'll roam through the dismal swamplands, searching for you. If you are lost there let me be there too...

Self-Deception.......2004-04-20

This is a coda to the wonderful RAJ QUARTET. It is nearly as good as the other four novels. Tusker Smalley dies of a heart attack. At the the time of his death Mrs. Bhoolabhoy owns Smith's Hotel. Tusker and Lucy stay in a lodge on the property. The hotel is no longer the grand place it used to be. Now the Shiraz, a newer enterprise, is the really stylish establishment.

Paul Scott portrays Mr. Bhoolabhoy in hilarious terms. Mr. Bhoolabhoy functions as management at his wife's place of business and also considers himself Tusker's best friend. Just before his death Tusker Smalley fired his servant Ibrahim. Ibrahim had been fired on other occasions by either Tusker or his wife, Lucy, but of course in this instance the action is final.

The Smalleys are the last of Pankot's permanent retired British residents. Hearing of the death of Colonel Layton in England, Lucy commences to write to Sarah Layton. It is learned subsequently that Sarah married Guy Perron and a friend of theirs, David Tucker, is scheduled to visit Pankot and complicates the action by causing Lucy to make provision for his stay under the circumstances where she does not truly understand Tusker's careful stewardship of the couple's rather limited resources.

Customer Reviews:

Gals and Their Horses... What a Combo..........2006-05-03

This book has a little bit of everything -- young gals and middle-aged women; bi-racial couples; straights and lesbians. It is a well-written story about women in horse country. It centers around Rachel Duncan, a straight woman rancher who has her sights set on winning a grueling horse race with her mare, Kestrel. Rachel has never know romance, but keeps her life busy and fulfilling with her horses.

In walks the town's new vetrinarian, a beautiful lesbian who isn't looking for love. In fact, she moved to the remote area to ensure she wouldn't run into "ms. right." A skeptical Rachel soon begins to trust this woman. That trust quickly turns into love.

Helping the story along is Rachel's young hired hand, Kate, who accidentally exposes her own lesbian relationship to her employer.

This book is well written, but I didn't find myself anxious to read the next page. I merely enjoyed the journey with the author and her characters. I recommend you read it then pass it along to friends to enjoy. It won't be a permanent addition to my personal collection.

Strong characters and exciting story.......2005-11-24

Strong characters and exciting story

The writing was excellent. It seemed so low key and natural and yet full of emotion. The characters were so strong and utterly endearing. It's not your typical romance and is quite heart dramatic.

The world of horse racing and the American West are not your typical story settings which made this an even more delightful story.

The writing was so excellent I found the author's other book and wish she would publish more.

from the publisher's web site - Grown-up lesbians have a novel about girls and horses they can call their own in this literate, ovable western set in the bis sky, "no whiners" country of Montana. Rander Racel Duncan and the new vet from back East, Dr. Margaret Carson, are as tough as the horses they ride.

Postive Flow of Energy.......2000-08-26

Franci McMahon has done a terrific job drawing believable characters and creating an intriguing story of suspense. The horses are simply beautiful--the author writes about them with such care that I, who never knew horses, gained an immense respect and admiration for them. There's a positive flow of energy that moves powerfully through the book--made me feel good about being lesbian, about loving one, about simply being alive. Wish there were more books like that. And movies. Wouldn't this make a great movie?

McMahon is the man!.......1999-12-24

Franci McMahon does a great job of connecting the world of distance riding with the world of lesbians. And she does it in a way that a reader of any age and background could relate to one of the characters. The book is exciting and moving which makes the reading effortless. I love Franci McMahon.

Staying in Touch: A Novel Idea for Sex Education at Home and Family Relations

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Staying in Touch: A Novel Idea for Sex Education at Home and Family Relations
D. R. Hall
Manufacturer: Dorrance Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0805938028

Staying Power (A Kate Power Crime Novel)

Average customer rating:

engrossing but flawed
good read all-around
fine British police procedural

Staying Power (A Kate Power Crime Novel)
Judith Cutler
Manufacturer: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0340707232

Book Description

Detective Sergeant Kate Power of Birmingham CID has had bad luck with romance, so when a polite stranger flirts with her on an airline trip home from Florence, she's more than a little suspicious. She gives the man her business card and forgets all about him. Two days later he's found hanging from a canal bridge-with Kate's card in his pocket the only means of identification.

The easy conclusion for the investigating officers is suicide, but Kate isn't convinced. As her subsequent investigations prove, the cause of Alan Grafton's death-and it's consequences-are more serious than she and her colleagues could have imagined. Still regarded as a newcomer in the Birmingham police force, still battling against prejudice and intimidation among the ranks, still fighting to prove that she's got what it takes, Kate is determined to stick to her guns until she finally uncovers the shocking truth.

Judith Cutler's keen insight into the contemporary police force and her winning sleuth Kate Power are a recipe for excellent crime fiction, and Staying Power is the second compelling novel in a gritty modern cop series that's been praised by critics and fans alike.

Customer Reviews:

engrossing but flawed.......2004-06-21

I would have preferred 3 1/2 stars, if I could give them. I agree with other reviewers that the character of Kate is interesting and feels "real", and I enjoyed the book enough to read others in the series. However, I thought the ending was very abrupt and not really satisfying. I think too much was left to the reader to infer -- I never did really understand the fate of the original corpse. I think the strands should have been tied up a little more. I agree with the reviewer who didn't understand Kate's relationship with her boss, or the boss himself, for that matter. He spent the book being moody, which was attributed to having an awful wife -- but this is 2004 -- it is hard to believe that a man with no children would stay with a wife so (apparently) hostile and unsympathetic. I wanted to slap him. Finally, although I read a lot of books by british authors, I am absolutely stumped by the meaning of the term "Gaffer". Different superior officers were called "Gaffer" throughout, much to my puzzlement.

good read all-around.......2004-05-30

When Detective Sergeant Kate Power takes the call to investigate a man found hanging from a canal bridge, she's shocked to discover that she recognises the dead man as the helpful and talkative person, Alan Grafton, who had been seated next to her on the flight back from Florence. And although the autopsy strongly indicates that Grafton had committed suicide, Kate has her doubts. For even though she had been battling a cold and a congested ear, she's sure that Grafton, from the bits of conversation she could hear and remember, was the last person to take his own life. And so, with her boss's blessing, Kate starts doing a little digging, little realising the extent of human cruelty and frailty that she would unearth...

"Staying Power" was a good read in spite of the fact that 1) it took a while to pick up and 2) I spent quite a bit of time trying to piece together what had happened in the earlier installment, "Power on Her Own." For other readers who, like me, haven't read "Power on Her Own," Kate Power asked for a transfer from the Met (London) to Birmingham CID following the death of her lover and partner, a married policeman. And while she's proved that she's worthy of being on the fast track to promotion ("Power on Her Own"), Kate still has to battle a few of her colleagues' misogynistic attitudes. (Kate also got a little too addicted to drink during her period of mourning and still has to watch her alcohol intake). But to get back to "Staying Power," the novel was a very absorbing and engrossing one, even if it did take a while to unfold. However, Judith Cutler's flawless execution and wonderful prose style made the book such a compelling one that I felt that I had to read every single word. Fortunately, the pace picked up about a third into the novel. The story was a good one and not very gory, and Kate Power was such an engaging, compassionate and intelligent character, that I quite understood why quite a few of the men in the book seemed to develop instant crushes on her. And if I couldn't quite figure out Kate's relationship with her boss, DCI Graham Harvey, I'm sure future installments in this excellent series will spell things out adequately. All in all, a truly worthwhile read.

fine British police procedural.......2004-05-26

After the death of her lover and partner, Detective Sargent Kate Powers transfers from London to the Birmingham police force, but also takes a much needed vacation in Florence. On the flight back she sits next to bubbly Alan Grafton. He is exhilarated because his trip was a success buying leather goods and clothing to sell to distributors. Not long after landing, Kate investigates a suicide in a very public place.

Kate is shocked to see that the dead man is Alan who was so excited over the money he expected to make on the goods. She is granted permission to find out if this was a murder made to look like a self-termination. She discovers that Alan was bankrupt thanks to a powerful business leader who used fraudulent means to achieve a line of credit for shell companies. To bring this man to justice, she has to have hard evidence because if he walks, his wife and son will be his next victims.

This British police procedural is slow moving, which lets the readers to know the characters on an intimate basis. A secondary sub-plot involving sexism and racism in the police department and how it is handled makes STAYING POWER a cut above the average police procedural. The heroine is depressed after the loss of her lover and lonely because she hasn't made many friends in her new location but when it comes to fighting crime, she doesn't let her personal feelings get in the way. Fans of Patrice Hall and Ian Parker will want to read this tantalizing novel.

Book Description

Join Max in this challenging new topical Bible study based on his best selling book, "In The Grip of Grace." Excellent for personal, small-group, or classroom settings. Studies on grace.

Customer Reviews:

Lucado does it again.......2000-10-27

Max Lucado is always such a simple writer, working with such complex subject matter. He makes learning about Christ, easy and understandable. I am getting this book for my mother for Christmas, she will love it.

$With Open Arms: Song Of The West\Her Mother's Keeper (Silhouette Single Title)$
Average customer rating:

Boring!
Open Arms
I can't believe this book was written by Nora Roberts
Couldn't even finish...
Fluff

With Open Arms: Song Of The West\Her Mother's Keeper (Silhouette Single Title)
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0373285043

Book Description

Available for the first time in over a decade, two classic novels of heartwarming romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts

Song of the West

The towering mountains and windswept plains called to her. But she'd never intended to stay forever -- until Jake Tanner stirred her emotions like a summer tornado and made it impossible for her to leave. But no man was going to seduce Samantha Evans to give up her dreams. Even a cocky cowboy who made her blood go hot . . .

Her Mother's Keeper

She'd left town a starry-eyed innocent headed for the big city. Now Gwen Lacrosse returned home a savvy, sophisticated woman. But her mother's maddening new boarder enticed her as no one had before. Luke Powers was reputed to be an expert in both words and women -- and soon he was turning Gwen's cool reason into something else entirely . . .

Customer Reviews:

Boring!.......2007-08-01

Both of these short stories are basically the exact same down to some of the dialogue used in each. Don't waste your time.

Open Arms.......2007-04-04

Dear Ms. Nora Roberts:
I am a sophomore at Lee Davis High School and loved your book. I thought this book was the most interested yet by far a great book I have read in the past month. This book kind of sent out a message about love and stuff she didn't want to do. The first story I'm going to talk about is called Song Of The West. I loved what you have done to make it seem so real to people who might want to read this or have already read it. It's like she didn't want to leave because somebody has swept her off her feet. It was like it was to impossible for her to leave or saying goodbye to him would just hurt them both. The next story I'm going to talk about is called Her Mother's Keeper. This one right here was good also but I just didn't quite get it when she moved back to her old city. When she moved back she found love and happiness in a guy that she had been introduced to when she came back. It's like he had the way with the lady's and always said things to make her feel good inside. Well thanks for listening and keep up the good work and I wish nothing but the best for you in the future.

I can't believe this book was written by Nora Roberts.......2005-02-22

The stories, and especially the dialogues, are absolutely ridiculous. The only redeeming and worthwhile parts were the vividly described, luscious settings.

1. Song of the West: The description off the back cover is so inaccurate it's like they are talking about a totally different story. For example, I wonder what dream Jake was trying to seduce Samantha into giving up for him?

Samantha came to Wyoming to look after her pregnant twin sister, who was on medically prescribed bedrest. While she was there she fell in love with the wide-open spaces, the country air, and the lifestyle on the Wyoming ranch. She wanted to remain in Wyoming permanently, but what made it impossible to stay was that she also fell in love with the rancher next-door. She thought he was committed to a more sophisticated woman, and she couldn't bear to stay while he made a homelife with someone else, so she decided to leave as soon as possible. (The opposite of what the back cover says) It's hard to imagine that someone as strong and as self-sufficient as Samantha would walk away from the challenge of another woman being interested in the man she loved.

One thing I find very annoying in romance novels is incessant and unnecessary bickering between the characters, supposedly representing sexual tension or a conflict. Samanatha started off as a giving and unselfish woman, yet I was immediately turned off by her antagonistic and hostile reaction to Jake. Yes, he was very flirtatious, but definitely not the arrogant condescending playboy he is made out to be, and Samantha seemed to overreact in such a silly negative way to his charm. In the end, Jake became quite aggresive in his pursuit of her, but quite frankly it was a welcome break in the plot, and the only way he'd get through her stubborness and they'd finally come together and resolve their conflict.

2. Her Mother's Keeper: I enjoyed this story a little more than the first one, and at least the back cover described it accurately. I found the entire concept upon which the story is based, that Gwen left her job in NY and came home to New Orleans to break up an assumed affair (which turned out to be unfounded) between her 47 year old mother and a 35 year old writer, to be totally proposterous. Why should this bother her, and what business it is of hers???

With the same annoying bickering as in the above story, Gwen immediately responded to Luke with undeserved harsh animosity, judging him without knowing anything about him, or having the facts straight. Gwen was so quick to assume the worst about him (she was also too quick to have sex with him, especially while proclaiming to dislike him so much). Luke summed it up best when he told Gwen that one day, she just might be the woman her mother is, one who looks for the good in everyone and finds it.

Couldn't even finish..........2004-09-04

Ususally i love Nora Roberts, but I couldn't even finish these stories. Especially " Her Mother's Keeper", because in the beginning, Gwen doesn't like the idea of her mother dating a man twelve years younger than her, but she herself is 12 years younger than Luke. She's very hypocrytical.

Fluff.......2004-08-06

Nora sure knows how to describe the men. I can understand how the "cowboy" got and kept his alluring shape, but how did the novelist in the 2nd story do it? Occasionally chopping down a tree? I found it difficult to remember Gwen's mom was stated as being 47. Her mannerisms and expressions and behavior spoke of someone at least 20 years or more older. Do 47 year old women go around calling 35 year old male boarders darling? And everyone was dear with a pat on the hand. I have a 47 year old daughter and she certainly doesn't act like that, nor do I. Yes what was the reason to republish these 2 old novels in a new book?

With Open Arms: Catholics, Divorce, & Remarriage

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With Open Arms: Catholics, Divorce, & Remarriage
John Hosie
Manufacturer: Liguori Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 089243810X

The complete works series - The Land Question What it involves and how alone it can be settled / Property in Land A passage-at-arms between Duke Argyll & Henry George / The Condtion of Labour Open letter to Pople Leo X111 by H George with encyclical let

Average customer rating:

The complete works series - The Land Question What it involves and how alone it can be settled / Property in Land A passage-at-arms between Duke Argyll & Henry George / The Condtion of Labour Open letter to Pople Leo X111 by H George with encyclical let

Manufacturer: Doubleday Page & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H5HUX8

Facing the threat of nuclear weapons (The Jessie and John Danz lectures) With an Open Letter on the Danger of Thermonuclear War from Andrei Sakharov

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Facing the Threat of Nuclear Weapons

Facing the threat of nuclear weapons (The Jessie and John Danz lectures) With an Open Letter on the Danger of Thermonuclear War from Andrei Sakharov
Sidney D Drell
Manufacturer: University of Washington Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Arms Control | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

International Law | Law | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0295960833

Customer Reviews:

Facing the Threat of Nuclear Weapons.......2001-07-19

The author of this book, an internationally acclaimed theoretical physicist, desires that the public develop a better understanding of nuclear weapons and policy and offers his book as a tool for learning. He discusses the moral issues surrounding nuclear war, proposals in nuclear disengagement, and the importance of a public constituency that will thoughtfully and carefully address concerns related to nuclear weapons and policy.

I Love Lucy Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz , 2 Statuette Dolls & Clothes ( # on Cover 2101 : 25 ) Paper Doll Book with Charactrers on Front Cover Lucy in Blue Dress ARMS Folded , Ricky in Bathrobe with Purple Silk Trim & Sash, Lot of Daytime & Party Clothes t

Average customer rating:

I Love Lucy Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz , 2 Statuette Dolls & Clothes ( # on Cover 2101 : 25 ) Paper Doll Book with Charactrers on Front Cover Lucy in Blue Dress ARMS Folded , Ricky in Bathrobe with Purple Silk Trim & Sash, Lot of Daytime & Party Clothes t
Tape on Tear on Inside Edge When You Open it Up Where Cutouts are Kept
Manufacturer: Whitman Publ. Wisc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unbound
ASIN: B000JD4BIA

Mississippi Weddings: Unforgettable/To Love Again/With Open Arms (Inspirational Romance Collection)

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Mississippi Weddings: Unforgettable/To Love Again/With Open Arms (Inspirational Romance Collection)
Janet Lee Barton
Manufacturer: Barbour Publishing, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

Contemporary Romance: Once you reach the shores of Magnolia Bay, you'll never want to leave. Here you'll find Meagan Evans, a woman torn between her old flame, Nick Chambers, and the man who waits for her back in Texas; the recently widowed Ronni Melrose, whose determination never to open her heart again is tested by Cole Bannister; and Dani Phillips, who loves her job as city manager but begins to see red when Thad Cameron is hired to help save Magnolia Bay's flagging economy. Let yourself be swept away in these tales of three southern belles who take the "Miss" out of "Mississippi."

Average customer rating:

A long time coming...
This Book is ALL~Good!!!
Sensational
This was a Captivating story...I loved it!!!!!
Love Conqures All

With Open Arms (Arabesque)
Kim Louise
Manufacturer: Kimani Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1583146628

Book Description

Morgan Allgood and Van McNeil think that a one night stand means exactly that . . . one night. However, their one night turns into several days on the road from Chicago to Atlanta. When everything that can go wrong does, this hero and heroine realize that along with the wild adventure, the best thing that could happen has . . . they've fallen in love.

Customer Reviews:

A long time coming..........2005-08-26

Tired of trying to climb the ladder to being a top model, Morgan Allgood realizes because of her age, gigs are becoming few and far between. While watching a football game, she wonders if she has the potential to become a sideline commentator. After researching the possibility, Morgan travels to Chicago for an interview with ESPN. Having just left the interview, she spots the dashingly handsome weatherman Van McNeil. It has been eight long months since their last encounter, one she has never forgotten.

Van had been a child when he first laid eyes on Morgan, and from that day on he knew that she would become his wife. So when Van sees her again, memories of him walking out on their first date resurface. His problem--will Morgan forgive him for his past mistakes. Once he regains her confidence, they share a night of intimacy but this time when all is said and done, Morgan walks out of his apartment and his life. Knowing she has made a big mistake by sleeping with Van, Morgan seeks refuge at her friend's clothing design studio. To keep from thinking about him she channels all her energy into making a wedding dress; she has been procrastinating about for months, for her sister. With wedding dress in hand, Morgan dashes off to the airport to catch a flight home to Atlanta. However, when her flight is delayed indefinitely and there are no rental cars available, her only recourse is to ask Van for a ride.

Kim Louise's latest installment in the Allgood series is one that is sure to please. Morgan and Van's story was very realistic. Their trek home was heartfelt, funny, adventurous and full of zany characters they encountered along the way. Although, I own several of Ms. Louise's novels, this is my second in the Allgood series. If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry and then laugh some more, then WITH OPEN ARMS is just for you.

Reviewed by Pamela Bolden
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This Book is ALL~Good!!!.......2005-08-02

This book has got to be one of the best I have read this year! It was romantic, sexy, funny and downright entertaining. The characters and situations were so real you could imagine being there. Some of the situations you never expect to read about in a romance had me laughing out loud and bringing back memories of the same thing happening to me.
This was by far my favorite of the Allgood series. If you enjoyed the previous ones you will absolutely love With Open Arms. Two thumbs up to Ms. Louise and I know she will not disappoint us, so I look forward to reading Brax's story in the near future. Buy the book you will not be sorry!

Sensational.......2005-07-22

I wait a long time for this book and when it arrived yeasterday, I read it in one day. Ms. Kim you have really out done yourself with this book and this series. I loved Morgan and Van story. This is one book I would read over and over again. I am sad to see the Allgoods go, but it was fun while it lasted. To everyone who has not read the book or the series please read it. The first book in the series is "Destiny's Songs" Xavier story. I promise you you will not be disappointed.

Renee'

This was a Captivating story...I loved it!!!!!.......2005-07-22

When I heard Kim Louise had another book coming out about the Algood's I couldnt wait to read it. I must say it was definitely worth the wait. I am so glad I dont allow other people to determine what I want to read. I thought Morgan and Van's story was sweet and hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud. There was adventure, romance and comedy my three favorite ingredients for a books. I thought Van and Morgan were cute and they complimented each other. The book didnt bounce all over the place like a couple of reviewers would have you believe. There was a logical progression and I thought it was important that Ms Louise give the history between Van and Morgan. I liked Destiny's Song, True Devotion and A Love Their Own, but I have to say I think With Open Arms is by far the best. AAll I can say is Bravo Ms Kim Louise you have truly outdone yourself this time!!!!!!!!!!!

Love Conqures All.......2005-07-18

Morgan Allgood, is nearing forty and the end of her modeling career. While in Chicago on a work assignment and to design and make her sister's wedding gown, she begins contemplating changes in her career and personal life.

Meteorologist, Van McNeil is a storm chaser. And he's in Chicago to attend a conference on what else, the weather.
Van is also known as a player and he's not ready to rip up his player card. Or is he?

Van has been fantasizing about Morgan since childhood, when they met briefly on the set of a commercial they were both shooting.
Morgan has never forgiven him for standing her up on their first date, a year ago.
A chance meeting brings Morgan and Van back into each others lives.

Before leaving Chicago they spend one lustfully, passionate night together. Van's fantasies are finally a reality. And the reality is, she rocked his world. Can he let her walk out of his life, again?
As for Morgan, well let's just say he had her singing, real loud. Will she be able to stop her mind from replaying that night over and over?

When Morgan's flight is canceled due to a high security alert at the airport, Van offers to drive her to Atlanta, which she reluctantly accepts.
It's during this road trip that they begin to face their true feelings for each other.
Will Morgan be able to see beyond his reputation as a player and see Van as a man who wants to love only her? I suggest you buy the book and go along for the ride. And what a funny, hot and adventurous ride it is.

This is the fourth story in the Allgood series and in my opinion the best. I smiled and laughed a lot while reading this book. And you will too. Hopefully this is not the end of this series, because Morgan has to have a wedding gown too.

This is Miss. Louise's first time venturing in romantic comedy and I say a job well done.

With Open Arms (Candlelight Romances (Supreme, No 111))

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With Open Arms (Candlelight Romances (Supreme, No 111))
Kathy Aldering
Manufacturer: Dell Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Regency | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0440196205

With Open Arms (Harlequin American Romance, No 148)

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With Open Arms (Harlequin American Romance, No 148)
Sandra Kitt
Manufacturer: harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0373161484

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