A Reader's Opinion: KEY OF KNOWLEDGE by Nora Roberts

The Book

AMAZON

From #1 New York Times bestselling author—the second novel in the thrilling Key Trilogy. Fate brings three women together for a chance to unlock their deepest desires. This is Dana’s quest…

Dana Steele has always found her greatest passion in books. But now her boss is making her job as a librarian a living hell. Luckily, she now has a Plan B…

High on a hill overlooking the town of Pleasant Valley, Pennsylvania, sits the Warrior’s Peak estate. It’s where Dana was invited to meet Malory Price and Zoe McCourt—and where they learned that they were destined to find three keys to unlock a box holding the souls of three mythical demigoddesses: one an artist, one a bard, and one a warrior.

With the promise of a million dollars each dangled before them, the women couldn’t refuse. And as Malory found the first key, they formed a fast friendship and decided to go into business together. For Dana, that meant her dream of owning a bookstore was about to come true.

And now, as Dana finds herself on the threshold of some major life changes, it’s her turn to find a key. She has four weeks to unravel a riddle involving her past, present, and future, and to find the truth hidden among deception and lies—or succumb to her worst nightmare.

A Reader's Opinion

This is my second favorite Nora Roberts' trilogy after Irish Born, primarily because I like all of six of the main characters—a lot. Dana Steel, Finn's step-sister, is the right blend of sarcasm, humor, and femininity.  Jordan can hold his own with Dana, and more than anything, he wants to rekindle the fire that flamed between them years before. I love Jordan's character from start to finish. Their combined knowledge and passion for books will the key that unlocks not only the door to their personal future, but to save the lives of the lost souls. 

I'm not a fan of most paranormal books, but Roberts manages to make the paranormal feel like a part of everyday life. The chemistry between Dana and Jordan is spot on, but don't think you won't see the other characters. This trilogy offers up plenty of detail on each couple in all three books. A highly recommended book whenever you're looking for a great story and good entertainment. 

Book Source: Reader's personal collection

Book Format: Paperback

A Reader's Opinion: KEY OF LIGHT by Nora Roberts

AMAZON

The Book

The first novel in the unforgettable Key Trilogy. Fate brings three women together for a chance to unlock their deepest desires. This is Malory’s journey…

Malory Price’s life plan has hit a snag. She’s in danger of losing her job managing an art gallery in Pleasant Valley, Pennsylvania. A welcome distraction comes in the form of an invitation to a cocktail party at Warrior’s Peak, an infamous estate overlooking the town. But no one else she knows has been invited…

There are only two other guests: Dana Steele, a librarian, and Zoe McCourt, a single mother. On the surface, it seems the women have nothing in common, until their mysterious hosts tell them a story—and offer them a challenge.

Legend has it that the souls of three demigoddesses—one an artist, one a bard, and one a warrior—have been locked in a box that has three keys. Now it’s up to Malory and the others to find the keys. Their reward: a million dollars each.

It all seems too bizarre to be true. But none of them can ignore the financial windfall they stand to gain. And now Malory—with her soul of an artist and eye for beauty—must find her key first. She soon discovers that whatever locked the souls away is dark, powerful, and greedy…and it doesn’t want the women to win.

A Reader's Opinion

I originally read the key trilogy not long after they came out, and I've had the books in my collection for a few years. However, when I came across the re-releases with the deckle edges (love that look), I couldn't help but pick up the books and read them again. 

In Key of Light, we're introduced to all of the major players who you'll see through the series, and in a rare event, I happen to like all of them. Usually there's one main character in a Nora Roberts series that I feel so-so about, but not this one (and the Irish Born trilogy). Malory Price is the type of woman I'd probably call a friend if I met her in real life. She's put together, tougher than she seems, has a subtle sense of humor, and great taste in men. Michael Flynn Hennessy, or Flynn as he's called throughout the series is an absolute charmer. Add in his big, slobbery and lovable dog, and you have a winning combo. I like everything about their characters, including how they interact with their close group of friends. 

The story moves along at a nice pace, is an fun escape from everyday life, and an all around enjoyable book. 

As a side note, I also have listened to the audiobook version—abridged version—and although I enjoyed it because I could fill in the gaps, I'd recommend either an unabridged version (if you can find one) or reading the books so you don't miss out on any of the story. 

Book Source: Reader's collection

Book Edition: Paperback (Deckle Edge)

Audiobook Review: Three Sisters Island Trilogy by Nora Roberts

The Books

Dance Upon the Air
When Nell Channing arrives on charming Three Sisters Island, she believes that she's finally found refuge from her abusive husband.... But even in this quiet, peaceful place, Nell never feels entirely at ease. Just as Nell starts to wonder if she'll ever be able to break free of her fear, she realizes that the island suffers from a terrible curse one that can only be broken by the descendants of the Three Sisters, the witches who settled the island back in 1692.

Heaven and Earth
Ripley Todd just wants to live a quiet, peaceful kind of life. Her job as a sheriff's deputy keeps her busy and happy. She's perfectly content, except for one thing: she has special powers that both frighten and confuse her and though she tries hard to hide them, she can't get them under control.... Distraction soon arrives in the handsome form of MacAllister Booke a researcher who's come to investigate the rumors of witchcraft that haunt Three Sisters Island.

Face the Fire
Mia Devlin knows what it is like to love with your whole heart and then watch your love walk away. Years ago, she and Sam Logan shared an incredible bond built on passion, legend, and fate. But then one day he fled Three Sisters Island, leaving her lost in memories of the magic they shared and determined to live without love. The new owner of the island's only hotel, Sam has returned to Three Sisters with hopes of winning back Mia's affections. She ll need his help and his powers to face her greatest, most terrifying challenge.

A Reader's Opinion

Story: This is one of my favorite Nora Roberts trilogies, and I've read it half a dozen times. The story is fun, mysterious, has a nice dose of dry humor, plenty of romance and suspense. Set on a picturesque island off the coast of Massachusetts, Three Sisters is quintessentially New England. The characters in all three books are well written and developed, though I have a special fondness for Nell and Zach in book one, and MacAllister in book two. Ripley (book two) and Sam (book three) are also delightful. Mia (book three) is the only character I never quite enjoyed, no matter how many times I've read the books, but don't let her stop you from enjoying a great trilogy. 

Narration: Sandra Burr did a great job narrating these books, and though the male voices left something to be desired, she can't be faulted for not pulling off the sexy male voices I hear when reading the dialogue. I was easily caught up in the story rather than be distracted by the voices, which in my opinion, is a mark of a good narrator. The sound quality was excellent.

Overall: Recommended. 

Edition: I listened to the abridged version of this collection read by Sandra Burr. If you have read the trilogy, you'll be able to mentally fill in the gaps. If you haven't read the trilogy, I strongly recommend getting the unabridged version, which is now available. The abridged version cuts out what I believed were valuable glimpses into the characters' lives.

Source: Purchased by Reviewer

Format: CDs (non-streaming)

Publisher: Brilliance Audio 

A Reader's Opinion: THE LIAR by Nora Roberts

The extraordinary new novel by the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Collector.  

The Book

Shelby Foxworth lost her husband. Then she lost her illusions...

The man who took her from Tennessee to an exclusive Philadelphia suburb left her in crippling debt. He was an adulterer and a liar, and when Shelby tracks down his safe-deposit box, she finds multiple IDs. The man she loved wasn’t just dead. He never really existed.

Shelby takes her three-year-old daughter and heads south to seek comfort in her hometown, where she meets someone new: Griff Lott, a successful contractor. But her husband had secrets she has yet to discover. Even in this small town, surrounded by loved ones, danger is closer than she knows—and threatens Griff, as well. And an attempted murder is only the beginning...

Hardcover: 512 pages 
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons; First Edition edition (April 14, 2015)
ISBN: 978-0399170867

Available at Amazon and wherever books are sold.

A Reader's Opinion

Nora Roberts has created some of her best characters in The Liar. Griff Lott is an absolute charmer. A Southern gentleman who happens to be from the north, he doesn't give in, walk away, shirk responsibility, and he exudes the non-annoying confidence I love to see in a hero. Shelby has had way too many issues in her personal life, and I kept thinking, "Give this girl a break!" In the end, she got more than her break—she found the life she always wanted. Shelby's daughter, Callie, is cute-as-a-button darling, and steals more than her fair share of scenes with her endearing personality. Shelby's family is a riot, though I'll admit I was partial to her brother, Forrest. 

Now, the story. It's great, and where some may say it resembles other books she's written, I wouldn't know because I haven't read her books for a few years. From start to finish I was interested in the outcome, and invested in all of the relationships—including those of the characters I didn't like. Parts of the story were a little drawn out for my tastes, and so I skimmed over a few pages here and there without losing any of the story. The dialogue is snappy, fun, and emotional. I did guess who did what (the bad guys), but the relationships kept me going until the end.

Having spent time in the South, I could feel the humid heat, see the fireflies, and enjoy the simplicity of small-town life and Southern hospitality. 

Content Notes: My only disgruntlement with this book is the language. It's one of the reasons I'd stopped reading Roberts' books a while back. I must live under a rock, because I've never been around people who swear that much. We're talking the F-word—A LOT. There are a couple of steamy scenes, but those were well done, and the chemistry was perfect between Griff and Shelby.

Book Source: This opinion is based upon the hardcover edition owned by the reviewer.