Customer Reviews

Once and Forever

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

When I first picked up this book, I thought "WOW! this story could be about me!" Having just had my own forty-something identity crisis I, too, went "joyriding" to Europe for a break from the difficulties in my life. That being said, after the first two chapters, the story became a little more fluffy and in parts I found it very preachy about belief systems. This author was recommended as a fine example of time travel but I have to say that the time travel element didn't work for me in this book. There was no purpose to the change in time and the transitioning between time periods seemed a little abrupt. Add to that the unlikely meeting with people that I suppose were reincarnated centuries later ... it didn't work for me. On another point - the twin flame idea was interesting although driven home a little too hard. I had to finish this book on a lunch hour at work (I was on the last chapter - epilogue) and someone interupted me which prevented me from finishing it. I never did finish it because I discovered that I didn't care how it ended from there. She could have left that chapter off entirely. In summary - is it a good read? Well it had some thought provoking writing, so I wouldn't say to take a pass on it. I got through it easily enough (until the ending) but I don't know that I would recommend it either.

Maggie, our heroine, is recently divorced, out of a job, and at a low point in her life. Her aunt Edithe invites her to England for a retreat. While there, she travels back in time to 16th century. She's mistaken for Lady Margarite, who is to marry Lord Ashford. But she find her soulmate in Nick, Ashford's enemy. Nick is there there at the request of Ashford's mother for the betrothal banquet. Or something like that. Nick has waited eons for Maggie.

In any case, the first 3rd of the book is on how miserable Maggie is in her present life and how she tries to convince the people in the 16th century she is not lady Margarite and is from the 20th century. She basically falls in love w/ Nick once they stared into each other's eyes.

There really wasn't much development of the either characters. The author didn't spend enough time describing the character, especially Nick. There are too much internal dialogue on how they loved each other. It was sweet, but a little too much. I would have liked to know how great Nick was as a poet and musician, his temperament, his status (knight? noble? you're never sure how important or un-important he was), etc

It was written with her usual magical talent. The characters were great. I just had a very difficult time staying with this one written in the time period is was in..Anyone who enjoys the 16th century writings will love it. But I will continue to read all of her novels becuase she is a fantasic writer.. Hope to enoy her next on as much as I did "Heaven on earth"

Being a person never willing to read, never mind buy a romance novel...on the suggestion of a friend I read this one, and became a fan of Ms O'Day...reading all her books..even taking the time to get out of print ones such as Sunsets and Seasons. She not only shares a joy of life and love in her books, but adds spirituality, stength and individuality to her characters, and allows us to 'soar' with them...in spirit {for those that can't in mind} Thanks for all your work Connie!

Being a person never willing to read, never mind buy a romance novel...on the suggestion of a friend I read this one, and became a fan of Ms O'Day...reading all her books..even taking the time to get out of print ones such as Sunsets and Seasons. She not only shares a joy of life and love in her books, but adds spirituality, stength and individuality to her characters, and allows us to 'soar' with them...in spirit {for those that can't in mind} Thanks for all your work Connie!

I am a major science-fiction reader and, in fact, never read romance novels. My usual response to those books? Ewwwww, they're so sweet they'll put me in a diabetic coma. Then I came upoon Ms. Flannery's books. My response to them? WOW, these are good! I found Once and Forever to have the perfect mix of romance, adventure, sensitivity, and spirituality. The themes in the book are deep and thought-provoking. Now, if only Ms. Flannery could send me back in time to meet my Nick. :)

I am a huge fan of well written, believable romantic writing. Though usually, I do not read a lot of time travel romance, this book may change that. I do believe in destiny, and this book offered just the right mix of destiny, chance, realism and fantasy to draw me into the characters and into the realm of time travel that Constance O'Day Flannery writes so well. I have read several of her books over the past few months and am looking forward to the next one... True romantic's, and I know there are many of you out there, will enjoy this book tremendously...

Like most of Constance O'Day Flannery's books, this one had an intelligent, thought provoking theme along with a great romance. How many of us have faced a mountain of bills, feeling like we are worthless and not living up to the American dream? The heroine in the story, Maggie, faces just such a pass, and learns to live in the present moment. What she discovers is true love, and her own self worth. What could be better?

I really wish I had read the reviews on this book before I bought it; then I would have saved my money! I normally dislike time travel romances; they're awkward and unbelievable, but I decided to give this one a chance because it looked interesting. Was I ever wrong! Maggie was obnoxious and Nick was the classic hero, blond, strong, and gorgeous, but lacking any endearing features. The "eternal love" they claimed for each other throughout the novel wasn't evident to me. The whole book lacked substance and depth, and I kept putting it down before I FINALLY got through it. All in all, a huge reminder why I don't read time-travel romances all that often. Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time(and money! )

Thank you Constance O'Day Flannery for the wonder that you shared, for the beauty of your giving. I was delighted by the head strong Maggie, enchanted by the love of so many strong characters such as Lady Elthea/AuntEdithe. I found myself enchanted with the open, unreserved glory of Nicholas. How could this lyrical poet help but fall prey to the delighfully reluctant Maggie. She, unable to allow herself true joy, until she released the safety net of false knowing and allowed Nick's kiss, to revive her 'Sleeping Beauty's' soul and awaken her to this bliss. My word's of thanks, for your sharing, dear author, are inadequate. How may one thank a goddess who, with 'pen' for shuttle and paper and ink her loom and glorious threads, has woven this devine tapestry of wondrous comfort, reassuring all spirits that love is indeed eternal.