Customer Reviews

Heaven and Earth: Three Sisters Island Trilogy #2

5 star:		(64)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Love the books. First was unexpected. Last few books were eh! As good as the Born in series. Can't wait for last in trilogy. WTG

For a review to get 5 stars doesn't mean it's perfect, and of course this book is definitely not perfect. IN this book we're dealing with Ripley, the witch who doesn't want to admit that she is one. She battles her attraction to Mac, the hot "Indiana Jones" type paranormal scientist. Ripley is a fascinating character, who really comes alive in this book. In the first one she seemed more closed off and brooding. However the book is not without flaws, as Ripley becomes a stronger character in the next book, which is where Roberts made the mistake. If Ripley had grown as she did in the first part of the third book in the second instead, I think the book would have been that much more interesting. Oh well. A wonderful series none the less, on to the last book!

I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I find the characters basically believable; I enjoy the elements of magic and wiccan references and in general the writing is excellent. On the other I feel as if her writing could be A LOT more, more depth, more intensity. I feel that as a writer she has much more potential than I have found in the few books of hers that I have read.

(...)

Three Sisters is a small, rocky island off the coast of Massachusetts. Legend has it that the island was once a part of the mainland. Back in the late 1600s, during the Salem witch trials, three sisters, good witches all, known as Fire, Earth and Air, conjured the island and made it a haven against persecution. Unfortunately, the sisters did not fare as well as their island. All three were doomed by unfortunate relationships and a misuse of power. Before the last sister died she cast a spell to keep the island safe for 300 years. At that time she prophesied a reunion of three sisters, descendants of the original three, who would join together to redeem their ancestors, right the wrongs of the past and save their home from destruction.

Fast forward 300 years to Three Sisters Island. Ripley Todd is the town's deputy sheriff and she's an earthy, practical, no nonsense kinda gal - not at all the type one would peg for a witch. And make no mistake, Ripley is a witch although she tries very hard to deny her powers. Handsome, scholarly MacAllister Booke comes to the island to research the legend and to interview the one inhabitant he knows possesses magical powers - Mia Devlin, owner of the local bookstore cafe, and direct descendant of the original sisters. Booke has studied, recorded and witnessed the impossible for over 12 years. "He'd interviewed witches, ghosts, lycanthropes, alien abductees and psychics. Ninety-eight percent of them were delusional or con-artists. But the remaining two percent...well, that kept him going." Imagine his surprise when he discovered that Three Sisters Island is the home of three witches, all descending from the original line - Nell Channing Todd (Ripley's new sister-in-law), Ripley and Mia.

He is immediately attracted to Ripley, who goes out of her way to be disagreeable to him. She wants nothing to do with magic or with anyone who is interested in the supernatural. However, the island's 300-year anniversary is coming up and Ripley has to come to grips with the powers that terrify her if she is going to help break the centuries-old curse and save her beloved home. Dr. Booke, Mia and Nell are behind Ripley all the way as she learns to manage her energy and fear.

"Heaven and Earth" is Nora Roberts' second book in the Three Sisters trilogy. You don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one, although it is a delight to continue with the story of Nell, Mia and Ripley. Ripley is a more difficult character than the other two sisters. She is abrasive, stubborn and initially did not fit my image of a witch. However, once the story is underway and Ripley's frailties are exposed, she becomes quite believable as a woman and a sorceress. Ms. Roberts creates a wonderful relationship between Ripley and Mac, as well as between the three woman. I wish the source of evil, thrills, chills and suspense were more original, and not something/someone dredged up from book one. The plot works well enough as is, but the novel would have been so much better with a new villain. The novel still makes for a wonderful light read, perfect for a rainy evening.
JANA

Ripley Todd was so stubborn, but she couldn't deny what she really was in this one! The magic of these witches was fantastic! Each chapter was exciting! I love this stuff! This was the best of the three!

After reading the first in this Trilogy I was compelled to read the second book. I was disappointed to the point of boredom. The storyline was shallow and basically did not differ to the 1st book. I won't read any more of this author. Still in saying that if you want a simple read with not brain power required then this is the book for you.

This book was not as good as the first in the series (Dance Upon the Air) but it was still a great read. I do recommend it in addition to Dance Upon the Air.

Paranormal romance, and especially witches are my favorite kinds of romances. I guess I watch too much Charmed. This novel is the second in a series about three witches descended from three sisters who escaped the Salem Witch Trials by creating there own island.

Ripley was my favorite of the three sisters, and this installment of the series is my favorite too. Ripley is funny, tough, and beautiful. Her sense of justice is what makes her a no nonsense deputy sheriff. Ripley's love is a real "opposites attract" story.

Macalister Brooke is a nerdy professor of the paranormal who comes to the island to study the legend, and the new witches. Ripley wants nothing to do with his research, or her gifts as a witch.

Mac and Ripley seem so unsuited for each other, but they are so right together. I love they way Ripley always knows what Mac is looking for (he looses everything).

The magic is more important in this book as well, but it is not silly. Very sensationalized, but not silly.

A great romance from my favorite writer.

The second in Nora Roberts wonderful Three Sister Island Trilogy, "Heaven and Earth," takes us back to that wonderful little island just off the East coast of the USA. Ripley is a strong woman, as she says "My inner woman is lean and mean..." Well thats Rip for ya. A dedicated cop, surving along with her brother as law and order on Three Sisters Island, Ripley has given up that part of herself that see things that others do not. Now it is Ripley's turn to face what hunts her "sisters" and her home. Ripley will find that love will drive her to protect those she loves, the man she loves with her life if necessary. The question isn't wether or not Ripley is strong enough to fight, it is if she is strong enough not to fight. Ms. Roberts creates for us a world in which it isn't the magic of spells and potions that must win this battle...but of the heart. This is Ripley's fight and she's a woman with a temper who isn't afraid to fight, but can she fight with heart instead of the spells and potions she has forsaken for many a long year?

This was a superb book. I started teh trilogy with this book and i do not regret it at all. Roberts does a great job presenting love,compasion and justice in it's most elemental yet most powerful ways. Ripley is truly a heroine. She's very down to earth, and stubborn as a mule, but you really love her from the 1st moment, b/c she's real she feels and bleeds and loves with an intense immensity. Mac is a perfect hero. He's not the perfect "Stud" as in many romance novels, he's so very real, and yes he's handsome to the bone, but he's not perfect which makes him even more appealing. He forgets things all the time yet is so sensitive so smart. He doesnt feel threatened by Ripley's authority and respects her. He doesnt mind her taking control, but he's no fool. And the Magik in the novel was greatly presented. I've read many things from the Wiccan and kept myself informed with their rituals and way of life and i beleive that ROberts does a great job at portraying many real things inside the fantastic. In short, I loved this book, from the cover to the back! I would give it 100 stars if i could.