Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #518598 in Books
• Published on: 2003-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 768 pages

Customer Reviews

Why was this perfection never put to film?
This story would have been perfect for the old Masterpiece Theatre series on PBS, I can't believe it was never done. I'd give this one ten stars if I could. While it's not quite Gone with the Wind or The Far Pavilions, it's pretty darn close. This is not an "action packed" story, meaning no battles, swords fights, etc. The action is this book is the story of an amazing family, their relationships with themselves and others and most specifically about the maturation of Barbara Alderly, the main character.

The story moves quickly, and we go from the courts of George I to the very risque French courts. While the upper class was very debauched in those times, the sex scenes are not described in great detail. All of the characters are beautifully brought to life (including the cat! LOL), and the author has a wonderful way of showing us the innermost thoughts of all. You will laugh, love, cry and cry some more. Punches are not pulled, people stank, teeth rotted and small pox could wipe out an entire family.

I loved the old Duchess and her cat, Tony's maturation from a chubby teenager to competent and steadfast adult (I so wanted him and Barbara to get together!) Maybe next book. The scheming Diana was a joy to watch, I HATED Phillipe, loved the two elderly aunts (especially after reading of them as young beautiful women in Dark Angels), even the minor characters were a joy to behold and I couldn't wait to see what happened next. LOL, the scene where the old Duchess came to London to rescue Barbara from her scheming mother and aunt -- I will never forget that one.

Every moment and character are to be savored, like a box of fine chocolate or a rich red wine. Highly recommended, and this is a book I will read again and again and again.

Perfect
I've had this book for so many years now and am still utterly enchanted by the characters and the story, which is sheer perfection. Karleen Koen has the ability to move souls and to really bring the characters to life. I loved the rhymes and songs in the book. It's sequel Now Face to Face is equally moving and challenging.
What I like most is that I can read Barbara's story again and again without ever getting bored.

Simply Wonderful
This book was recommended to me by a girl in a bookstore in Chicago. My life has never since been the same.
I could not agree more with fellow reviewer Misfit - it is truely a most wonderful book and why this story has not been made into a movie og theater play is beoynd me.
The story about an intriging family will make you laught, ponder, cry and yes cry some more. Your heart will be broken when the last page is turned and you simply want more. Fortunately we will find out how the story ends for Barbara and do reed the other books - it is simply an amazing triology. I hope you enjoy then as much as I did.