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2.0 out of 5 stars
Didn't really cut it, May 4 2004
This is the only LaVyrle Spencer book that I was ever unable to finish! I tried several times to become engaged in the story (a nun falling in love with a father, etc., seems like it would be engaging enough!!), but always found myself putting the book down and forgetting about it. I think a Spencer fan should attempt this book, as others seem to like it, but should probably already enjoy the author before they try it. The only reason I did not give it 1 Star is because I respect the author and her attempt too much for that.
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Just didn't hit the right note!, Mar 1 2004
While I've enjoyed every Lavryle Spencer book that I've read, I did not enjoy Then Came Heaven nearly as much! The book is about Eddie who has lost his wife and is trying to get on with his life and raise his two girls who are 8 & 9 years old. Eddie is the local Catholic school's janitor and he becomes quick friends with the girls teacher, Sister Jean. While Sister Jean adores Eddies girls, Anne and Lucy, she is not allowed even to touch them to comfort them in their mothers death. Slowly, we start to see Sister Jean become unhappy with her life as a nun and question her decision to ever become one. While the description for this book had me very excited to read it, it just didn't live up to my expectations or Spencer's other books I've read (such as Seperate Beds, Small Town Girl and Twice Loved). I think it was an interesting premise, but it just fell short. I had a very hard time liking the characters. They just didn't seem "real" to me. And I had an even harder time getting into the relationship between Eddie and Sister Jean. I just didn't feel the chemistry. There were even parts in the book I was feeling a bit bored with the story. Overall, this was not Spencer's best book, nor was it worthy for her very last writing effort. I'd recommend another of her books before this one, That Camden Summer, Seperate Beds, Small Town Girl or Twice Loved- those were all excellent!
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Overall good read, Sep 15 2003
By A Customer
Quite a well written book. I did find it a bit slow at times but the plot was still very interesting and it did keep me up til two this morning finishing it. I did enjoy getting a peek into the lives of nuns, I never knew how restricted it was before reading this book. For instance, the rules of limited personal conversation and no physical contact even with children. Reading the book, I felt the anguish and frustration of Regina. A few things were disturbing. For instance, I was quite impressed when Regina applied to complete her masters degree in child psychology after she left the convent, but was disappointed that she just dropped the idea totally when marriage was proposed. There was no mention of doing it in the future or anything. Also, I didnt't like when she got married and wanted to do some of the same things Eddie's deceased wife used to do, such as making chokecherry jam, etc. I did think the courtship was rushed. I would have preferred if they dated a while rather than him proposing on the third date. It grabbed me as needy and desperate. He often focussed on how he needed a mother for his children, in my mind it looked like he wanted a housekeeper. But then again thats small town culture i suppose. I would have freaked out at a proposal at such an early stage in the game. I was also quite surprised that the hometown accepted the idea of the ex-nun and janitor so easily. i would have expected them to be more gossipy and scandalous. All in all I did enjoy it.
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