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First Impressions
A contemporary novel of romance and renewal from perennial bestseller Jude Deveraux, First Impressions is an emotionally charged story of one woman's bid to start over.
Eden Palmer knows how to make it on her own. The forty-something single mother has worked hard to raise her beloved daughter, but sooner or later a woman must come into her own, and that's what Eden tries to do when she moves to Arundel, North Carolina, to take ownership of Farrington Manor. Arriving in the South's prettiest small town, Eden quickly learns that looks can be deceiving when her move is met with delight in some quarters and jealousy in others. Pursued by two eligible bachelors -- the rugged Jared McBride and Braddon Granville, small-town lawyer and town catch -- Eden is flattered and more than a little suspicious. Juggling the attentions of two men is hard enough, but soon Eden's bid to start over plunges her in the middle of a mystery that threatens not just her reputation, but her very life. Can she use one man to save her from the other?
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
284 people are currently reading
1398 people want to read
About the author
Jude Deveraux
200 books7,067 followersJude Gilliam was born September 20, 1947 in Fairdale, Kentucky. She has a large extended family and is the elder sister of four brothers. She attended Murray State University and received a degree in Art. In 1967, Jude married and took her husband's surname of White, but four years later they divorced. For years, she worked as 5th-grade teacher.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
She began writing in 1976, and published her first book, The Enchanted Land (1977) under the name Jude Deveraux. Following the publication of her first novel, she resigned her teaching position. Now, she is the author of 31 New York Times bestsellers.
Jude won readers' hearts with the epic Velvet series, which revolves around the lives of the Montgomery family's irresistible men. Jude's early books are set largely in 15th- and 16th-century England; in them her fierce, impassioned protagonists find themselves in the midst of blood feuds and wars. Her heroines are equally scrappy -- medieval Scarlett O'Haras who often have a low regard for the men who eventually win them over. They're fighters, certainly, but they're also beauties who are preoccupied with survival and family preservation.
Jude has also stepped outside her milieu, with mixed results. Her James River trilogy (River Lady, Lost Lady, and Counterfeit Lady) is set mostly in post-Revolution America; the popular, softer-edged Twin of Fire/Twin of Ice moves to 19th-century Colorado and introduces another hunky-man clan, the Taggerts.
Deveraux manages to evoke a strong and convincing atmosphere for each of her books, but her dialogue and characters are as familiar as a modern-day soap opera's. "Historicals seem to be all I'm capable of," Jude once said in an interview, referring to a now out-of-print attempt at contemporary fiction, 1982's Casa Grande. "I don't want to write family sagas or occult books, and I have no intention of again trying to ruin the contemporary market." Still, Jude did later attempt modern-day romances, such as the lighthearted High Tide (her first murder caper), the contemporary female friendship story The Summerhouse, and the time-traveling Knight in Shining Armor. In fact, with 2002's The Mulberry Tree, Deveraux seems to be getting more comfortable setting stories in the present, which is a good thing, since the fans she won with her historical books are eager to follow her into the future.
Jude married Claude White, who she later divorced in 1993. Around the same time she met Mohammed Montassir with whom she had a son, Sam Alexander Montassir, in 1997. On Oct. 6th, 2005, Sam died at the age of eight in a motorcycle accident.
Jude has lived in several countries and all over the United States. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and has an additional home in the medieval city of Badolato, Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
November 24, 2015
First Impressions by Jude Deveraux is a light read. I did not really become engaged with the characters and thought much of the plot unrealistic. 2.5 stars
May 13, 2021
Kad izvēlējos šo grāmatu bibliotēkā, cerēju uz kārtīgu lubeni, nu tādu, lai var atslēgties. Šajā ziņā saņēmu vilšanos, jo romantika bija fons detektīvgabalam. Beigās jau bija pietiekami izklaidējoši, bet ne tas ko gaidīju.
October 18, 2010
This was my first Jude Deveraux book and to be honest it will probably be my last. I only finished because I was reading it for a challenge. Put it down numerous times and really had to make myself pick it up again to continue reading. This will be going straight into the box for the second hand bookstore.
November 2, 2018
An entertaining novel of romance and mystery.
The charcters are well defined and the story revolves around an old country manor house in North Carolina.
Deprived of love as a child and finding herself pregnant at seventeen Eden is turned out of her home.
Taken in by a Lady of the Manor Eden manages to raise her child in relative comfort until tragic events once more force her to flee her new home.
When the old lady dies and leaves everything to Eden the mystery of the place becomes a national inquiry and two men strive to be her hero.
Flattered and over-whelmed Eden is not sure which is lying and to whom she should give her heart.
The story is interesting and intriging but towards the end the final search, in the woods, for the killer becomes a little confusing as to where the living find themselves.
Thank goodness for the Epilogue which brings it all to a tidy end.
The charcters are well defined and the story revolves around an old country manor house in North Carolina.
Deprived of love as a child and finding herself pregnant at seventeen Eden is turned out of her home.
Taken in by a Lady of the Manor Eden manages to raise her child in relative comfort until tragic events once more force her to flee her new home.
When the old lady dies and leaves everything to Eden the mystery of the place becomes a national inquiry and two men strive to be her hero.
Flattered and over-whelmed Eden is not sure which is lying and to whom she should give her heart.
The story is interesting and intriging but towards the end the final search, in the woods, for the killer becomes a little confusing as to where the living find themselves.
Thank goodness for the Epilogue which brings it all to a tidy end.
September 15, 2015
This miserable book started out with 32 pages of exposition, setting up a ludicrous situation with two dimensional characters, served with steaming piles of cliché. It only got worse in the second chapter. I gave this my minimum 50 pages and DNF'd on page 56 upon reading this from the main love interest's POV: "The women he liked were very understanding and tolerant of what he did for a living, but none of them were cooks. It seemed to be a law of life that women who took their clothes off for a living didn't cook, while women who went to church did." This while ogling her ass and grumbling about being ordered to seduce information out of her.
July 7, 2013
It was a fun and quick beach read, which I really needed between some of the bigger books that I had been reading.
The relationship between Eden and Braddon was really odd to me. I couldn't figure out what she really saw in him beyond him being the stereotypical idea of having a perfect little life in the traditional town. It didn't seem to make sense compared to how Eden was described during the rest of her life.
The mother/daughter relationship was one of the very interesting parts of the book, but again odd as it felt like it randomly changed whenever convenient for the plotline.
This book was about what I expected - quick, fun, and not requiring too much brainpower.
The relationship between Eden and Braddon was really odd to me. I couldn't figure out what she really saw in him beyond him being the stereotypical idea of having a perfect little life in the traditional town. It didn't seem to make sense compared to how Eden was described during the rest of her life.
The mother/daughter relationship was one of the very interesting parts of the book, but again odd as it felt like it randomly changed whenever convenient for the plotline.
This book was about what I expected - quick, fun, and not requiring too much brainpower.
January 18, 2011
I had a hard time getting through this book. There wasn't anything about it that made me want to keep reading it. I did because I was curious about the mystery, but other than that it was pretty weak. Not one that I would read again, and makes me question whether or not I would want to read another book by Deveraux.
December 15, 2020
If you read First Impressions then you must read Wild Orchids because there is a connection. I can't believe I didn't write a review before, that was a mistake. Anyway, Eden is wonderful and learns so much when she moves to North Carolina. Different town name but the same town as in Wild Orchids.
December 2, 2017
This Book had so much potential cause the story wasn't boring but it was a miss.
Liked Eden and even understood some of her worries/behavior concerning her son-inlaw and daughter, even finding herself suddenly "wooed" by two good looking eligible bachelors was entertaining. But forgiving or ignoring/nullify the basic need to seek justice - knowing full well who raped her and where to find him wasn't logical - taking into consideration that were r now talking about a grown woman, that has seen and lived a full life and knows what's what - i.e. that a rapist doesn't stop after one rape (that's if hers was the first) and to justify her not seeking justice by saying "i'm not into revenge." or "There's nothing that needs to be done. I assume that man has grandchildren now and lives a normal life." or the worst sentence by far "Maybe he had something happen to him that day and he took his anger out on me" each and every sentences and the ramification r just mind boggling, and other than herself and her daughter doesn't she feel any need to protect other girls that find themselves in a similar situation?!? Can't find any justification for this attitude and i guess that's why, there is - later on in the book a "scene" where her daughter gets in-touch & meets up with her biological father and that doesn't end well.
Other then that, there a more holes in the story and i don't know if it's something bungled up by the writer or the editors - i.e the fact that Bard tells Eden that he was the one that helps Mrs. Farrington dig up all the silver including the "big find" the silver teapot by Paul Revere. But when they find the missing necklace and the letter written and left for Eden, Mrs. Farrington doesn't even mention Brad, until the end and that also in a vague way telling Eden that maybe she should hook-up with one of the younger Granville boys, saying maybe one of them may be good in the sack as her Granville boys. Which keeps me wondering what and if he has an ulterior motive - maybe he isn't a good-guy.
The other big blunder is the book Eden wrote, it hasn't been published but everyone seems to have a copy?!? what? how?
Donno, this had potential but it just deflated by the end and even though Jared got his girl and i was happy for him, wasn't elated.
Liked Eden and even understood some of her worries/behavior concerning her son-inlaw and daughter, even finding herself suddenly "wooed" by two good looking eligible bachelors was entertaining. But forgiving or ignoring/nullify the basic need to seek justice - knowing full well who raped her and where to find him wasn't logical - taking into consideration that were r now talking about a grown woman, that has seen and lived a full life and knows what's what - i.e. that a rapist doesn't stop after one rape (that's if hers was the first) and to justify her not seeking justice by saying "i'm not into revenge." or "There's nothing that needs to be done. I assume that man has grandchildren now and lives a normal life." or the worst sentence by far "Maybe he had something happen to him that day and he took his anger out on me" each and every sentences and the ramification r just mind boggling, and other than herself and her daughter doesn't she feel any need to protect other girls that find themselves in a similar situation?!? Can't find any justification for this attitude and i guess that's why, there is - later on in the book a "scene" where her daughter gets in-touch & meets up with her biological father and that doesn't end well.
Other then that, there a more holes in the story and i don't know if it's something bungled up by the writer or the editors - i.e the fact that Bard tells Eden that he was the one that helps Mrs. Farrington dig up all the silver including the "big find" the silver teapot by Paul Revere. But when they find the missing necklace and the letter written and left for Eden, Mrs. Farrington doesn't even mention Brad, until the end and that also in a vague way telling Eden that maybe she should hook-up with one of the younger Granville boys, saying maybe one of them may be good in the sack as her Granville boys. Which keeps me wondering what and if he has an ulterior motive - maybe he isn't a good-guy.
The other big blunder is the book Eden wrote, it hasn't been published but everyone seems to have a copy?!? what? how?
Donno, this had potential but it just deflated by the end and even though Jared got his girl and i was happy for him, wasn't elated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2023
A contemporary romance - a single mom starts over after many years of just being a "mom" - plot has mystery - murder - romance - family issues along the way - just a cozy, fun fast read.
January 10, 2009
A little romantic escapism set in a fictional North CArolina town. I did like the bits about gardening. Little to recommend it otherwise, IMHO.
From the Publisher
A contemporary novel of romance and renewal from perennial bestseller Jude Deveraux, First Impressions is an emotionally charged story of one woman's bid to start over.
Eden Palmer knows how to make it on her own. This forty-five year-old single mother has worked hard to raise her beloved daughter. Melissa, Eden's daughter, has long been the jewel of her life but there comes a time when a mother must come into her own. So Eden moves to Arundel, North Carolina to take ownership of Farrington Manor. Torn between the desire to stay with her daughter and the need to build a separate life on her own, Eden opts for some much needed perspective.
Her move is met with delight in some quarters, and jealousy in others. Pursued by two eligible bachelors, Eden is flattered, and more than a little suspicious. Juggling the attentions of two men is hard enough, but soon Eden's bid to start over plunges her in the middle of a mystery that threatens not just her plans and reputation, but her very life. Can she use one man to save her from the other?
From the Publisher
A contemporary novel of romance and renewal from perennial bestseller Jude Deveraux, First Impressions is an emotionally charged story of one woman's bid to start over.
Eden Palmer knows how to make it on her own. This forty-five year-old single mother has worked hard to raise her beloved daughter. Melissa, Eden's daughter, has long been the jewel of her life but there comes a time when a mother must come into her own. So Eden moves to Arundel, North Carolina to take ownership of Farrington Manor. Torn between the desire to stay with her daughter and the need to build a separate life on her own, Eden opts for some much needed perspective.
Her move is met with delight in some quarters, and jealousy in others. Pursued by two eligible bachelors, Eden is flattered, and more than a little suspicious. Juggling the attentions of two men is hard enough, but soon Eden's bid to start over plunges her in the middle of a mystery that threatens not just her plans and reputation, but her very life. Can she use one man to save her from the other?
January 11, 2019
Some of the worst writing I've read recently. Truly, I barely managed to keep picking it up over the months and haven't been able to finish it because it's that bad. Today, a few hundred pages in, I have to throw in the towel and put this miserable book down for once and for all
Let's go over the major failures of the book so far
1)The plot is conceived in the StUPidEst most random, sudden way. I honestly have to laugh the way Deveraux introduces the conflict. Which goes like this:
An aging single mother, Eden, who's had a hard hard life ;((( *boohooo* inherits an old mansion from an elderly coot who left it for her in her will. Eden's name becomes linked to a BAD man and she gets investigated. The town lawyer and FBI man fight over her (YAY im so desirable and relevant!) but im going to solve the mystery first all by myself (bc im smahrt 2)!
This is how the book starts off, at the FBI bureau
"Remember that agent we found out had been a spy for the last fifteen years?
...a few months ago theyd found out he'd been feeding information to his mother country"
This unknown, no-name, who we found out later is simply 'Applegate' AKA
"[guy] who has been spying on the US for umpteen years" (4) swallowed Eden's written name...
They then send Jared on his mission (wine n dine her for info). May i just say, HOW FVCKNG VAGUE this whole thing was introduced ??? Lol, we know NOTHINg about Applegate, his motivations, really just a flat flimsy excuse to orchestrate the whole problem into motion. His name is tossed in here in there to half-heartedly give a sense of purpose to all of the lame events, to no real avail
2) RepetitiveRepetitiveRepetitive *YAWNNNN*
pgs.68-70
"Jared listened but his temper didnt abate"
"He listened
"Jared stopped talking and listened
"Jared took a breath to listen
"Jared listened to Bill
The above was only sampled from a span of 3 pages! Obviously, the author is unable to keep unnecessary details ("he/she said; Jared did _this_") out of her writing or even make the call to delete or simply abbreviate doldrum dialogue. Moreover the lack of diversity in style and word choice really makes me want to hit myself. Sometimes it feels like im reading the same thing over again, so i skip large chunks because life is too short to waste upon this dumb novel
Moreover, major repetition is evident within larger description of sequences. To the point where you just want to bang your head each time Deveraux feels the need to needlessly wheedle in poor Eden's sob story, especially concerning her experience as a survivor of sexual assault in her teens. The real event is seldom delved into (save for one brief account) which the author conveniently skirts around bc it is too 'painful' for Eden to recall. She only brings it up to recount her material suffering (leading to meeting Farrington), justify beating up Jared McBride, whine about being a young single mother, or get sympathy for her life circumstances. Not to define her trauma as an experience of growth, or stimulate a real discussion about rape, which is mostly well covered up and glossed over. "She'd been leaped on by a man, thrown down, and ... She'd never been able to remember what happened after that."
3) Bad, confusing writing.
Had to re-read sections many times, just awkward choices here and there. Read for yourself.
4) Protagonist created by author for ego reasons, probably.
We like reflections of ourselves, Jude deveraux a little too much if i had to guess. They seem annoyingly similiar in terms of phsyical descriptions, (petite, blond, annoying looking). But guess
what? the main character's occupation is editing. Hmmmm.
In her free time she sifts through manuscripts and writes. Hmmm
The character is honestly not very relatable at all in general (hobbies, experiences, personality). & I have the unshakable conviction the author's inspirations were probably herself (?), which just doesn't go well with me
5) Research + incorporation is so CRINGEY
God it honestly was integrated/formatted like a 5th grader's report. This is for all the info researched about victorian/period architecture and 1800s gardening. WTF. Not only is it soooo fvcknh LAme that you have to read pages of irrelevant blegh on that stuff (Eden's obscure knowledge and INFATUATION of a forgotten gardening style), but also have to re-read the same shitty little phrases and nuggets of information. the phrase 'eighteenth century gardens' came up at least 7 trillion times in league with obscure terms, structural plans, and flower species names NO ONE CARES ABOUT! (*I garden, and personally enjoy Botany, however most people DONT FRKNG care. Especially not when you drone on for pages. Helllooooo, eden makes no attempt to be an interesting relatable character here)
6) The audience is targeted to obviously thirsty old middle aged women
The romance sub plot is meant to compensate for how screwed up the actual story line is! The mystery is quite sloppy and many events feel forced or just orchestrated to happen that way. But we females can brush that fact under the rug if Deveraux presents us swoon worthy love interests, righttttt guyssss?
No. The romance is dumb too: Eden always needs to feel angry at one of the boys in the love triangle, bc they are hitting on her, or she must suddenly feel scared and OBJECT because it is moving along too soon. Its so unreasonable when she's suddenly mad over the dumbest things, when its out of her character in the first place to get angry (think of her interactions with her daughter + stuart). Its extremelly clear the author flings in as MANY meaningless petty little fights as possible so Eden and Jared/Brad can makeup again and keep the romantic tension/possibilities going. Honestly just useless minor conflicts.
alsooooo they are both like middle aged divorcee men, who make a single, old, graying mother like Eden feel young beautiful and again. Im sure this hits the spot for some of ya lil nasties out there (no judgement), and appeals to you as the target audience-- giving you a reason to read on. But for me, absolutley not. Therefore i can look past the pitiful attempt at romance to the real crumblings of this bad bad novel
that is all
The prosecution rests your honor.
Let's go over the major failures of the book so far
1)The plot is conceived in the StUPidEst most random, sudden way. I honestly have to laugh the way Deveraux introduces the conflict. Which goes like this:
An aging single mother, Eden, who's had a hard hard life ;((( *boohooo* inherits an old mansion from an elderly coot who left it for her in her will. Eden's name becomes linked to a BAD man and she gets investigated. The town lawyer and FBI man fight over her (YAY im so desirable and relevant!) but im going to solve the mystery first all by myself (bc im smahrt 2)!
This is how the book starts off, at the FBI bureau
"Remember that agent we found out had been a spy for the last fifteen years?
...a few months ago theyd found out he'd been feeding information to his mother country"
This unknown, no-name, who we found out later is simply 'Applegate' AKA
"[guy] who has been spying on the US for umpteen years" (4) swallowed Eden's written name...
They then send Jared on his mission (wine n dine her for info). May i just say, HOW FVCKNG VAGUE this whole thing was introduced ??? Lol, we know NOTHINg about Applegate, his motivations, really just a flat flimsy excuse to orchestrate the whole problem into motion. His name is tossed in here in there to half-heartedly give a sense of purpose to all of the lame events, to no real avail
2) RepetitiveRepetitiveRepetitive *YAWNNNN*
pgs.68-70
"Jared listened but his temper didnt abate"
"He listened
"Jared stopped talking and listened
"Jared took a breath to listen
"Jared listened to Bill
The above was only sampled from a span of 3 pages! Obviously, the author is unable to keep unnecessary details ("he/she said; Jared did _this_") out of her writing or even make the call to delete or simply abbreviate doldrum dialogue. Moreover the lack of diversity in style and word choice really makes me want to hit myself. Sometimes it feels like im reading the same thing over again, so i skip large chunks because life is too short to waste upon this dumb novel
Moreover, major repetition is evident within larger description of sequences. To the point where you just want to bang your head each time Deveraux feels the need to needlessly wheedle in poor Eden's sob story, especially concerning her experience as a survivor of sexual assault in her teens. The real event is seldom delved into (save for one brief account) which the author conveniently skirts around bc it is too 'painful' for Eden to recall. She only brings it up to recount her material suffering (leading to meeting Farrington), justify beating up Jared McBride, whine about being a young single mother, or get sympathy for her life circumstances. Not to define her trauma as an experience of growth, or stimulate a real discussion about rape, which is mostly well covered up and glossed over. "She'd been leaped on by a man, thrown down, and ... She'd never been able to remember what happened after that."
3) Bad, confusing writing.
Had to re-read sections many times, just awkward choices here and there. Read for yourself.
4) Protagonist created by author for ego reasons, probably.
We like reflections of ourselves, Jude deveraux a little too much if i had to guess. They seem annoyingly similiar in terms of phsyical descriptions, (petite, blond, annoying looking). But guess
what? the main character's occupation is editing. Hmmmm.
In her free time she sifts through manuscripts and writes. Hmmm
The character is honestly not very relatable at all in general (hobbies, experiences, personality). & I have the unshakable conviction the author's inspirations were probably herself (?), which just doesn't go well with me
5) Research + incorporation is so CRINGEY
God it honestly was integrated/formatted like a 5th grader's report. This is for all the info researched about victorian/period architecture and 1800s gardening. WTF. Not only is it soooo fvcknh LAme that you have to read pages of irrelevant blegh on that stuff (Eden's obscure knowledge and INFATUATION of a forgotten gardening style), but also have to re-read the same shitty little phrases and nuggets of information. the phrase 'eighteenth century gardens' came up at least 7 trillion times in league with obscure terms, structural plans, and flower species names NO ONE CARES ABOUT! (*I garden, and personally enjoy Botany, however most people DONT FRKNG care. Especially not when you drone on for pages. Helllooooo, eden makes no attempt to be an interesting relatable character here)
6) The audience is targeted to obviously thirsty old middle aged women
The romance sub plot is meant to compensate for how screwed up the actual story line is! The mystery is quite sloppy and many events feel forced or just orchestrated to happen that way. But we females can brush that fact under the rug if Deveraux presents us swoon worthy love interests, righttttt guyssss?
No. The romance is dumb too: Eden always needs to feel angry at one of the boys in the love triangle, bc they are hitting on her, or she must suddenly feel scared and OBJECT because it is moving along too soon. Its so unreasonable when she's suddenly mad over the dumbest things, when its out of her character in the first place to get angry (think of her interactions with her daughter + stuart). Its extremelly clear the author flings in as MANY meaningless petty little fights as possible so Eden and Jared/Brad can makeup again and keep the romantic tension/possibilities going. Honestly just useless minor conflicts.
alsooooo they are both like middle aged divorcee men, who make a single, old, graying mother like Eden feel young beautiful and again. Im sure this hits the spot for some of ya lil nasties out there (no judgement), and appeals to you as the target audience-- giving you a reason to read on. But for me, absolutley not. Therefore i can look past the pitiful attempt at romance to the real crumblings of this bad bad novel
that is all
The prosecution rests your honor.
February 21, 2016
This book was a nice escape from reality - even though it took me forever to finish it (longer than it should have for a 340 page book with large font).
In some parts, I thought it was great. In other instances, especially regarding dialogue, it read like a novel I would have written when I was 15- especially in the interactions between Eden and Jared. It was so amateur! Do people in the south talk the way these two do because no one I know does!
I was still left a little confused about what happened at the end. So the necklace was fake because the French aristocrat conned an American decades ago? And why was Minnie featured in the book so much? I really thought she would be involved more. Finally, the culprit at the end was someone we'd only heard briefly mentioned 200 pages ago? Someone who would kill one man but not two others?
Another review suggests that the author didn't really seem to know what to write - a romance, a mystery, a caper, a coming-of-age story for a woman who only knew how to live for her daughter. It was a little all over the place but still fairly enjoyable.
In some parts, I thought it was great. In other instances, especially regarding dialogue, it read like a novel I would have written when I was 15- especially in the interactions between Eden and Jared. It was so amateur! Do people in the south talk the way these two do because no one I know does!
I was still left a little confused about what happened at the end. So the necklace was fake because the French aristocrat conned an American decades ago? And why was Minnie featured in the book so much? I really thought she would be involved more. Finally, the culprit at the end was someone we'd only heard briefly mentioned 200 pages ago? Someone who would kill one man but not two others?
Another review suggests that the author didn't really seem to know what to write - a romance, a mystery, a caper, a coming-of-age story for a woman who only knew how to live for her daughter. It was a little all over the place but still fairly enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2013
Not her best work but I enjoyed it nevertheless because I am a sucker for the simple way Jude Devereaux spins tales. I think the problem here was that her love of "big fish" stories got away from her and when she hit a logical fork in the narrative she eschewed decision making and tried to walk down both paths. 'The mystery is about... a spy! No, a necklace! No, paintings!' 'The love interest is... a workaholic FBI agent! No, a rich garden loving American aristocrat!' As usual, the heroine is a slightly silly, fragile woman with a penchant for getting in trouble and choosing the wrong guy. She had a rough time of it early on in life, but suddenly an unexpected inheritance changes her circumstances. My frustration with this particular heroine were probably no more or less than any other of Jude's special ladies, but I found her behavior very exasperating at times. The audiobook version was well narrated by Jennifer Wiltsie, who has a good voice for this sort of romance. Lots of wistful sounds, some crying-blubbering moments, and plenty of curt & commanding alpha-male imperatives.
October 6, 2018
This novel did not make a good first impression and unfortunately it didn't improve any.
The characters were flat and uninteresting. I didn't relate to Eden or champion her in any way and I couldn't really have cared less about her love triangle.
The pacing of the main plot was interrupted constantly by chapters or paragraphs harping back to the good old days. While the context was required to explain elements of the main plot, I just felt there could have been a more lively and interesting way of doing it.
The plot itself was weak, and because the characters didn't inject any interest, the plot seemed even less impressive and a bit tenuous.
Overall, not a good read.
The characters were flat and uninteresting. I didn't relate to Eden or champion her in any way and I couldn't really have cared less about her love triangle.
The pacing of the main plot was interrupted constantly by chapters or paragraphs harping back to the good old days. While the context was required to explain elements of the main plot, I just felt there could have been a more lively and interesting way of doing it.
The plot itself was weak, and because the characters didn't inject any interest, the plot seemed even less impressive and a bit tenuous.
Overall, not a good read.
November 4, 2008
A very good story that I really enjoyed reading. Full of mystery, suspence, and a little romance. I recommend it to anyone who likes a romance story with a hint of suspence. Jude Deveraux has just been added to my favorite authors list.
March 27, 2009
I love her characters. I liked the twists and turns in this book. I couldn't predict the end. But I am glad the one I liked won the girl in the end. I also liked the older character drawing on the experience to make the life changing decisions we all run into on a regular basis.
December 30, 2010
Completely enjoyable romance/mystery. Surprise ending!
June 29, 2016
I loved loved this book!! Fantastic storyline! Highly recommend!
December 5, 2017
ok unrealistic women inherits house
July 16, 2019
Arundel, North Carolina, Farrington Manor.
Eden Palmer: raped when 16, exiled by her parents when she came up pregnant, stumbled into Arundel, where sheriff took her to Farrington Manor - where an old woman, scion of generations of Arundelites lived, and where she worked to catalog everything in the house; she lived there happily, cataloging and gardening (old English gardens), until the woman's pedophile son returns home from jail; and she takes her daughter and relocates, goes back to school, and becomes a book editor; 20 years later she inherits Farrington Manor; she goes to check it out, leaving her pregnant daughter with her struggling husband (perhaps mom is around too much);
Jared McBride: ex-cop; FBI agent; sent to check out Eden... something is going on in Farrington Manor... another agent sent ended up dead from a hit and run; he's to befriend Eden - and is renting the house next door; he and Eden meet her first night, when she sees a flashlight in her window; she calls sheriff - but when tries to get keys from front room, Jared surprises her, and she fights him with everything she's got (biting, scratching, hitting) until paramedics give her a sedative...
Braddon Granville: part of Arundel's aristocracy; town lawyer; developing tract of land in 1700's style; courting Eden;
who is trying what... to get the famous lost, family necklace; paintings from famous impressionists... it keeps us guessing...
in the end, Eden's daughter and husband have figured things out... Eden heads out to find herself... and is filming gardens all over the world for her own book... when Jared catches up with her - 1 year, 6 weeks, 2 days later : )… and his name is Jared Montgomery!!?!
Eden Palmer: raped when 16, exiled by her parents when she came up pregnant, stumbled into Arundel, where sheriff took her to Farrington Manor - where an old woman, scion of generations of Arundelites lived, and where she worked to catalog everything in the house; she lived there happily, cataloging and gardening (old English gardens), until the woman's pedophile son returns home from jail; and she takes her daughter and relocates, goes back to school, and becomes a book editor; 20 years later she inherits Farrington Manor; she goes to check it out, leaving her pregnant daughter with her struggling husband (perhaps mom is around too much);
Jared McBride: ex-cop; FBI agent; sent to check out Eden... something is going on in Farrington Manor... another agent sent ended up dead from a hit and run; he's to befriend Eden - and is renting the house next door; he and Eden meet her first night, when she sees a flashlight in her window; she calls sheriff - but when tries to get keys from front room, Jared surprises her, and she fights him with everything she's got (biting, scratching, hitting) until paramedics give her a sedative...
Braddon Granville: part of Arundel's aristocracy; town lawyer; developing tract of land in 1700's style; courting Eden;
who is trying what... to get the famous lost, family necklace; paintings from famous impressionists... it keeps us guessing...
in the end, Eden's daughter and husband have figured things out... Eden heads out to find herself... and is filming gardens all over the world for her own book... when Jared catches up with her - 1 year, 6 weeks, 2 days later : )… and his name is Jared Montgomery!!?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2022
I read most of the reviews about this book after I was about 3/4 of the way through it. I must admit, I saw both sides of the issues. However, I enjoyed the book, but I don't think it is as good as most of the author's other books.
On the plus side, I saw the development of relationships, at least some of them. I enjoyed the gradual relationship development between Jared and Eden. The other relationships were not developed as fully, but then I saw no need. I like Deveraux's smooth writing style, and because of this I was totally able to continue reading easily, even when the book seemed a little slow. There were parts that were left hanging: how was the relationship settled between herself and her daughter? Did she write or call and talk to Braddon and end that relationship, or just leave it hanging? Did she actually move out of town and leave the house to her daughter and son-in-law? and if so, where?
There were parts that I agreed with on the negative side. There was a little too much in-depth detail about the 18th century gardening. Also, I really didn't understand why Eden, who was a strong individual, didn't stand up to her daughter and tell her to grow up?? There were many places where it seemed to drag, and I ended up skipping several areas in the book, which I have never had to do in the past with Deveraux's books. I would have given this book 5 stars if not for the dragging and too intense detail of the gardens.
On the plus side, I saw the development of relationships, at least some of them. I enjoyed the gradual relationship development between Jared and Eden. The other relationships were not developed as fully, but then I saw no need. I like Deveraux's smooth writing style, and because of this I was totally able to continue reading easily, even when the book seemed a little slow. There were parts that were left hanging: how was the relationship settled between herself and her daughter? Did she write or call and talk to Braddon and end that relationship, or just leave it hanging? Did she actually move out of town and leave the house to her daughter and son-in-law? and if so, where?
There were parts that I agreed with on the negative side. There was a little too much in-depth detail about the 18th century gardening. Also, I really didn't understand why Eden, who was a strong individual, didn't stand up to her daughter and tell her to grow up?? There were many places where it seemed to drag, and I ended up skipping several areas in the book, which I have never had to do in the past with Deveraux's books. I would have given this book 5 stars if not for the dragging and too intense detail of the gardens.
March 31, 2019
Eden (45) is a self-made book editor. She was raped at 17 by a prominent member of her church.Her parents threw her out when she became pregnant. Eden landed in Arundel ,North Carolina and got help from Alice Farrington. But 5 years later Eden and her daughter Melissa had to leave..
Now Melissa is married to Stuart ,living with Eden in New York, and expecting her first child.
Alice dies and leaves her house to Eden. So Eden moves to NC and meets the local lawyer, Braddon
(Brad ) Granville, a widower with a married daughter ,Cammie (married to Remy).
Meanwhile, an FBI agent, Jared Montgomery (aka McBride) comes to investigate the death of another agent, Tess, a few weeks ago. Both men get interested in Eden.She finds it hard to chose one of them.
There is the story of a sapphire necklace from thne 18th century which came into the Farrington family ,but is missing... or is it ? Then there are some hideous 19th century paintings in the house and someone is after them..
Melissa learns the identity of her father and goes to meet him, but is kidnapped...
The title, First Impressions, is self-explanatory: don't believe your first impressions, they can be misleading.
I didn't like Melissa (the whiny kid) and Minnie .
Now Melissa is married to Stuart ,living with Eden in New York, and expecting her first child.
Alice dies and leaves her house to Eden. So Eden moves to NC and meets the local lawyer, Braddon
(Brad ) Granville, a widower with a married daughter ,Cammie (married to Remy).
Meanwhile, an FBI agent, Jared Montgomery (aka McBride) comes to investigate the death of another agent, Tess, a few weeks ago. Both men get interested in Eden.She finds it hard to chose one of them.
There is the story of a sapphire necklace from thne 18th century which came into the Farrington family ,but is missing... or is it ? Then there are some hideous 19th century paintings in the house and someone is after them..
Melissa learns the identity of her father and goes to meet him, but is kidnapped...
The title, First Impressions, is self-explanatory: don't believe your first impressions, they can be misleading.
I didn't like Melissa (the whiny kid) and Minnie .
November 2, 2024
I love a book with an older female character. Eden is 45 and has been a single mother all of her life. She was kicked out of her house when she got pregnant as a teenager after being raped. Eden moved in with Mrs. Farrington in North Carolina to raise her daughter. This woman became like a surrogate mother to Eden. After Mrs. Farrington's death, Eden inherits her house. Eden leaves her pregnant daughter and son in law to settle things at the estate. Eden has no idea what will be in-store for her when she goes to check things out at the house and possibly live there for good.
It has been a while since I have read a Jude Deveraux book but this was a fun read. It was fun to read about a woman who is my age who is still considered desirable and has men vying for her attention. There was a lot of action and mystery involved in this story. This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to the second one.
It has been a while since I have read a Jude Deveraux book but this was a fun read. It was fun to read about a woman who is my age who is still considered desirable and has men vying for her attention. There was a lot of action and mystery involved in this story. This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to the second one.
July 7, 2019
Copyright 2005, my copy is from that year. A reread, but many years since I last read it. Not memorable at all. Trope is love triangle (my least favorite). That being said, this is not technically a romance. More romantic suspense. H/H/h are all elderly (in their 40s!).
JD's extremely active imagination takes us into the life of Eden, who has had a lot of hardship in her life. She's also had some luck & she finds out the elderly woman who took her in over 20 years previously has died & left her a 1700's mansion.
There's a lot going on in this story & I won't get into it. Eden is smart & dumb, sometimes simultaneously. It was an ok story, but not great. I felt that though most loose ends are tied up, there was still something missing.
The very last line of the book is a spoiler about who Jared actually is - a Montgomery!
JD's extremely active imagination takes us into the life of Eden, who has had a lot of hardship in her life. She's also had some luck & she finds out the elderly woman who took her in over 20 years previously has died & left her a 1700's mansion.
There's a lot going on in this story & I won't get into it. Eden is smart & dumb, sometimes simultaneously. It was an ok story, but not great. I felt that though most loose ends are tied up, there was still something missing.
The very last line of the book is a spoiler about who Jared actually is - a Montgomery!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2021
This being February I thought I'd read some romantic novels in honor of Valentine's Day, I've read one Jude Deveraux book before, "A Knight In Shining Armor" and it was a pretty good read. However, "First Impressions" was disappointing, I think that's why it took a while for me to finish this book.
First of all, there were way too many plot lines, I mean what was this about? A spy giving secrets away, a hidden treasure, or hidden pieces of art? Then here is a middle aged woman being wooed by 2 middle aged men - but they just didn't ring true. I just couldn't buy the romance. Finally, there was so much overkill - all those snakes put in the house - and then you just throw them out the window and leave them there? Impressionist paintings really? And all of those FBI agents killed willy-nilly. I think the only thing interesting was the garden info and the architectural info. Oh, well.
First of all, there were way too many plot lines, I mean what was this about? A spy giving secrets away, a hidden treasure, or hidden pieces of art? Then here is a middle aged woman being wooed by 2 middle aged men - but they just didn't ring true. I just couldn't buy the romance. Finally, there was so much overkill - all those snakes put in the house - and then you just throw them out the window and leave them there? Impressionist paintings really? And all of those FBI agents killed willy-nilly. I think the only thing interesting was the garden info and the architectural info. Oh, well.
September 2, 2018
3,5 ⭐️
Con esta novela he tenido sentimientos encontrados. Me ha parecido bastante lenta, sobre todo al principio, pero en los últimos capítulos el ritmo se vuelve trepidante y pasa de ser una novela romántica con un halo de misterio a ser una novela de misterio con un toque romántico.
La trama está bien planteada y nos sitúa en un entorno de mansiones del siglo XVIII en el que la protagonista tiene que lidiar a partes iguales con algunos secretos heredados con la mansión y con idilios amorosos.
En definitiva, está bien, es entretenida; pero, en mi opinión, bastante lenta y en algunas ocasiones algo redundante. Los últimos capítulos han hecho que su puntuación sea superior a lo que apuntaba en un principio.
Con esta novela he tenido sentimientos encontrados. Me ha parecido bastante lenta, sobre todo al principio, pero en los últimos capítulos el ritmo se vuelve trepidante y pasa de ser una novela romántica con un halo de misterio a ser una novela de misterio con un toque romántico.
La trama está bien planteada y nos sitúa en un entorno de mansiones del siglo XVIII en el que la protagonista tiene que lidiar a partes iguales con algunos secretos heredados con la mansión y con idilios amorosos.
En definitiva, está bien, es entretenida; pero, en mi opinión, bastante lenta y en algunas ocasiones algo redundante. Los últimos capítulos han hecho que su puntuación sea superior a lo que apuntaba en un principio.
June 22, 2020
My “First Impression” of this book was favorable. Unfortunately, that only lasted for the first roughly 50 out of 335 pages. I have read many books by this author that were very very good. Not sure what happened here, but this one was just awful. The reader was expected to believe a lot of very loose, disconnected information. It was unrealistic. I was so frustrated that I actually threw the book done twice. My OCD condition is the only reason that I read it through to the end. From the mid point on, I could tolerate no more than a couple of pages at a time before becoming so disgusted that I could not continue. I usually pass books along to my mother. This one will be go directly to the trash.
September 16, 2021
I think this is the lowest, I’ve ever rated her books. This book took so long for me to get into. Probably cause I don’t like Eden one bit. She is stupid plain and simple. Why is that authors these days write in females as naive and gullible, or unreasonable feminists. The FBI should be furious over this book. They seem like incompetent idiots. Eden refuses to understand her life is in danger and ignores the expertise of there agents. Oh this book just dragged on… until the last 2 hours. Miss Jude, I’m sorry to say you are loosing your touch. No romance here in this book. If not for the last 2 hours, it would have been rated lower…sad
September 1, 2017
Upon finishing this, I read the review on the back cover which mentioned "the surprise ending". I wracked my brain for at least ten minutes trying to think what the surprise ending was. After all, I had just READ the ending! While nothing was a surprise, the ending did seem rather sudden and forced. That said, I hate comparing an author to herself, rather than to other authors, but this just did not feel like a Jude Deveraux book! I had to make myself keep reading to the end.
Also, there were mistakes in the grammar and punctuation that aren't that common in a print book.
Also, there were mistakes in the grammar and punctuation that aren't that common in a print book.
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