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Moira St. Clair has done exactly what her father forbade her to do: chased her dreams to sing on the stage. But even as her star rises, she becomes more vulnerable to those who wish to use her--or bring her down . . . .
It is 1886, and the St. Clairs are living out their dreams in three very separate parts of the world--Paris, Brazil and Colorado. And while each has found a measure of success and joy, each is haunted by past sins and secrets.
Once home in Colorado, the St. Clairs struggle to learn what it means to sing praise to God--even in the face of tremendous loss--and trust Him in all things, even when forced to fight for their very lives.
It is 1886, and the St. Clairs are living out their dreams in three very separate parts of the world--Paris, Brazil and Colorado. And while each has found a measure of success and joy, each is haunted by past sins and secrets.
Once home in Colorado, the St. Clairs struggle to learn what it means to sing praise to God--even in the face of tremendous loss--and trust Him in all things, even when forced to fight for their very lives.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
79 people are currently reading
938 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Tawn Bergren
102 books3,801 followersAbout
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).
Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).
The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books, with more than 4.5 million copies sold. She recently released The Sugar Baron's Daughters Series (KETURAH, VERITY and SELAH), and recently finished a teen series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER, SEASON OF FIRE, and SEASON OF GLORY). She's also written the River of Time Series (WATERFALL, CASCADE, TORRENT, BOURNE & TRIBUTARY, DELUGE) and The Grand Tour Series (GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS, GRAVE CONSEQUENCES, GLITTERING PROMISES), time-slip romance duology called River of Time: California (THREE WISHES and FOUR WINDS), and some contemporary romances (ONCE UPON A MONTANA SUMMER and ONCE UPON AN IRISH SUMMER are the newest releases).
Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, consulting and helping Tim with his business. Her husband Tim is a sculptor of ducks-out-of-fenceposts (RMRustic.com), graphic designer and musician. They have three big kids–Olivia (who just got married), Emma (who is about to get married) and Jack (who is a junior in high school).
The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Moira St. Clair has done exactly what her father forbade her to do: chased her dreams to sing on the stage. But even as her star rises, she becomes more vulnerable to those who wish to use her—or bring her down….
It is 1886, and the St. Clairs are living out their dreams in three very separate parts of the world—Paris, Brazil and Colorado. And while each has found a measure of success and joy, each is haunted by past sins and secrets. Once home in Colorado, the St. Clairs struggle to learn what it means to sing praise to God—even in the face of tremendous loss—and trust Him in all things, even when forced to fight for their very lives.
REVIEW: This second in The Homeward Trilogy series continues right where Book 1 left off, and this time the focus is predominantly on Moira. Although there are threads also of Odessa and Nick who both are involved in their own adventures. The journey of all 3 is well plotted with each encountering their own difficulties and facing their need for a relationship with Christ. The plot line finds each of the St. Clairs in a different place in the world with Odessa still at home base in Colorado. Moira and Dic struggling to find themselves, their place in the world, and where God fits in their lives as they struggle their way back to Colorado through trials and tribulations. I look forward to reading the last book in this trilogy: Claim: A Novel of Colorado.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "And my direction is to follow God's direction. It is what keeps me from being adrift."
"I have lost my way on occasion, yes. But God always leads me home."
It is 1886, and the St. Clairs are living out their dreams in three very separate parts of the world—Paris, Brazil and Colorado. And while each has found a measure of success and joy, each is haunted by past sins and secrets. Once home in Colorado, the St. Clairs struggle to learn what it means to sing praise to God—even in the face of tremendous loss—and trust Him in all things, even when forced to fight for their very lives.
REVIEW: This second in The Homeward Trilogy series continues right where Book 1 left off, and this time the focus is predominantly on Moira. Although there are threads also of Odessa and Nick who both are involved in their own adventures. The journey of all 3 is well plotted with each encountering their own difficulties and facing their need for a relationship with Christ. The plot line finds each of the St. Clairs in a different place in the world with Odessa still at home base in Colorado. Moira and Dic struggling to find themselves, their place in the world, and where God fits in their lives as they struggle their way back to Colorado through trials and tribulations. I look forward to reading the last book in this trilogy: Claim: A Novel of Colorado.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "And my direction is to follow God's direction. It is what keeps me from being adrift."
"I have lost my way on occasion, yes. But God always leads me home."
June 20, 2010
I enjoyed the sequel to Breathe and am looking forward to the third book in the series, Claim. Bergren did a fantastic job of torturing her characters and making you care about them. The brother Nic and sister Moira messed up the worst. What I liked about this story was that Bergren pulled no punches and had them make poor choices and suffer from their mistakes. I really ached for Moira who went through quite a transformation in this novel because of the many disappointments and hurts she suffered.
I also loved the conflict between Odessa and Bryce's brother. There was some serious tension there, and I loved how realistically it was portrayed. The temptation was well done. I'm curious to see if this plays out further in the next book in this series. I'm also looking forward to seeing what happens to Nic in the last book. He has gone through so much, and yet he survived. On the positive end, he lost some of his recklessness because of this. Both he and Moira learned that they could not control everything. I found it interesting how they were introduced to faith, and also touching when Moira experienced unconditional love.
Last, I adored that this book had a lot of edgy content. Again, Bergren lays the temptation and aftermath right out there. She shows how sin easily entangles and snares the victim. She also uses realistic dialog in many of the scenes and I cringed at the painful truth in those words. Bravo to Lisa for writing a daringly different historical romance set in 1880s Colorado. I would definitely recommend this series to people who like edgy stories within which the characters have realistic struggles they try to overcome.
I also loved the conflict between Odessa and Bryce's brother. There was some serious tension there, and I loved how realistically it was portrayed. The temptation was well done. I'm curious to see if this plays out further in the next book in this series. I'm also looking forward to seeing what happens to Nic in the last book. He has gone through so much, and yet he survived. On the positive end, he lost some of his recklessness because of this. Both he and Moira learned that they could not control everything. I found it interesting how they were introduced to faith, and also touching when Moira experienced unconditional love.
Last, I adored that this book had a lot of edgy content. Again, Bergren lays the temptation and aftermath right out there. She shows how sin easily entangles and snares the victim. She also uses realistic dialog in many of the scenes and I cringed at the painful truth in those words. Bravo to Lisa for writing a daringly different historical romance set in 1880s Colorado. I would definitely recommend this series to people who like edgy stories within which the characters have realistic struggles they try to overcome.
October 1, 2015
Sing is the second book in The Homeward Trilogy and a great continuation. While I didn't love it quite as much as book one, Breathe, it was still really good and had several tense moments!
I loved the characters and that all three siblings played roles in the story, even though it was technically Moira's story. The beginning was a little annoying (when it switched between characters quickly), because I wasn't yet invested in the story and that made it take a little longer for me to get captured by the story.
The ending leaves me anxious to finish the trilogy, as I cannot wait to see what happens with Nic! There are some more mature elements in this story (characters engage in premarital sex, although not actually occurring in the story, you know that's what was happening). It was all done tactfully and it didn't bother me at all, but I still wanted to mention it for parents to know.
All in all, a great read and I recommend it if you enjoy historicals! I don't think you have to read book one first, but it would give you a better appreciation for what the characters (especially Odessa) went through.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
I loved the characters and that all three siblings played roles in the story, even though it was technically Moira's story. The beginning was a little annoying (when it switched between characters quickly), because I wasn't yet invested in the story and that made it take a little longer for me to get captured by the story.
The ending leaves me anxious to finish the trilogy, as I cannot wait to see what happens with Nic! There are some more mature elements in this story (characters engage in premarital sex, although not actually occurring in the story, you know that's what was happening). It was all done tactfully and it didn't bother me at all, but I still wanted to mention it for parents to know.
All in all, a great read and I recommend it if you enjoy historicals! I don't think you have to read book one first, but it would give you a better appreciation for what the characters (especially Odessa) went through.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
December 23, 2015
Sing was a very enjoyable continuation of the Homeward Trilogy. It is book two in the series and started off a little slowly. However, the story is extremely interesting from start to finish and really took off for me about half way through the book.
I really enjoyed the way this book continued to alternate between the three St. Clair siblings. It was great to see what was happening with all of them. Moira’s story was the primary one, with Dominic and Odessa also having troubles of their own that they were dealing with.
While some things wrap up in this book, there are some loose ends that continue on into book three. I was very happy to be able to pick up the next book in the series and continue on. I would definitely recommend having book three, Claim, ready to read before you reach the end of Sing! Very enjoyable!
I won this book in a giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I really enjoyed the way this book continued to alternate between the three St. Clair siblings. It was great to see what was happening with all of them. Moira’s story was the primary one, with Dominic and Odessa also having troubles of their own that they were dealing with.
While some things wrap up in this book, there are some loose ends that continue on into book three. I was very happy to be able to pick up the next book in the series and continue on. I would definitely recommend having book three, Claim, ready to read before you reach the end of Sing! Very enjoyable!
I won this book in a giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
August 1, 2017
This is the second book in Lisa Tawn Bergren's The Homeward Trilogy. It continues the saga of the St. Clair siblings and how their lives enfold. The protagonist is Moira who is out to pursue her dream of fame and fortune as a opera singer. Ms. Bergren does a great job bring to life this character. Her descriptive language and multi-dimensional characters illustrate their growing process. By connecting this story to the lives of the other two siblings, the saga of the St. Clair children continues. Mystery is present in this tale as well.
January 3, 2013
Second book in Lisa's Colorado series. I enjoyed it, however I really got upset with choices Moira made in her life. It was hard to see the consequences come to her, however, it worked out and created such a deep impression about these siblings. They became almost like close friends or family and of course I had to read Nic's story too. Such adventure, mystery, challenges, all with such good, good guys and such aweful bad guys. Ugh, another book that will keep you up nights.
April 12, 2010
I haven't read Breathe, Book 1 in this series so I don't know Odessa, Moira and Dominic's full story but I do know that I really enjoyed this one! I loved that it alternated between each of the St. Clair siblings so it was never boring. I would have liked to have read Book 1 first but it was still a really good story, definitely a keeper.
Full review to come in May.
Full review to come in May.
July 29, 2017
Sing is the thrilling continuation of the story of the St. Clair siblings. It is four years since their last adventure and things are not going well for any of them. Odessa is doing well but troubles on the ranch are tearing apart her world. Nic and Moira are still searching for peace and joy in all the wrong places. The book focuses more on Moira and her tumultuous journey. I found the whole story rather depressing overall. Moira and Nic are off making one bad decision after another, spiraling out of control. Odessa is able to make good decisions, but she is put in a horrible situation that is equal parts uncomfortable and inappropriate. I was very happy that she was able to stand firm despite the oddity of the situation, but we did not get that same reprieve from the other St. Clair siblings. Moira has a nice turn around at the end, and we solve some mysteries and problems that have been swirling around since the beginning of the series. But overall, there is little joy to go along with these small victories because of all of the darkness already incorporated into the story. So while the story was fast-paced, suspenseful, and well written, I couldn't enjoy it as much as others because most of the story made me feel sad and down about where the characters' lives were taking them.
July 7, 2017
This book was free when I downloaded it to my Nook library from Barnes and Noble in 2012. It is the second book of a trilogy, and I had not read the first. The author gave enough information this book could be read as a stand alone; but, I never cared enough about its three principal characters to want to read more of the trilogy. The Christian message was heavy-handed in this book, and I took off a star for that.
October 20, 2021
This is a fun read! I want to give it more stars but am trying to be a bit more stingy with my stars.
It was almost completely a “fun” read - some value in the faith of the characters and some truth mentioned as the stories within the novel unfolded. It easily kept my attention, and the end was not surprising, but kept me going! Easily 3.5 stars, maybe more…maybe I’ll come back and up it to 4 at some point. We shall see.
It was almost completely a “fun” read - some value in the faith of the characters and some truth mentioned as the stories within the novel unfolded. It easily kept my attention, and the end was not surprising, but kept me going! Easily 3.5 stars, maybe more…maybe I’ll come back and up it to 4 at some point. We shall see.
November 13, 2023
Sing exceeded my expectations. Compared with the first of this series, Sing had a fast pace and an interesting plot. The turn of events for Moira (later on in the story) was an unexpected twist and I really loved the way Lisa brought the story to an end, leaving room to focus on their brother in the next book.
Each character's experience with their faith was also beautifully written. Overall, a very enjoyable story.
Each character's experience with their faith was also beautifully written. Overall, a very enjoyable story.
July 16, 2019
This book focuses more on the 2nd sister of the 3 siblings, although all 3 stories progress throughout the book. I was concerned that this one would not be clean, but the author took care to not cross the line. The story is very suspenseful, so much that at 95% complete, I was convinced there was no good resolution coming.
October 17, 2019
This story follows Odessa's younger sister Moira. In her book she goes through a mess of crazyness. This poor girl can't seem to catch a break in her story. In the end Moira faces her challenges head-on.
August 29, 2021
The trilogy of these books have really been pure page turners. I love westerns and this author makes it fun and interesting. Lisa hit the ball over the short stops head and slid into 3rd for a triple!
July 18, 2017
One of those books that leaves me sighing in content
August 2, 2017
Sing
Great read! Really enjoyed the Christian growth of the siblings. Lots of adventure, Christian lover. Thank you Lisa, for this great series.
Great read! Really enjoyed the Christian growth of the siblings. Lots of adventure, Christian lover. Thank you Lisa, for this great series.
September 4, 2017
Very creative with the characters and story
Surprised me over and over what happened with the characters. Looking forward to find out what happens next with this family.
Surprised me over and over what happened with the characters. Looking forward to find out what happens next with this family.
April 19, 2018
Although it was a little depressing to watch Moira's story unfold, it was also sweet. I keep vacillating between 3 and 4 stars...but I guess needing to choose, I'll go for a 4.
April 12, 2019
Brilliant sequel to “Breathe” - couldn’t put it down! Will be starting “Claim” a immediately!
April 18, 2021
Ok read. Unexpected plot.
July 7, 2021
A fun, light read of a romance novel. The book didn't contain many new insights, but reading them kept me entertained while riding buses and escaping jetlag while on my own adventure in Ecuador.
January 13, 2022
Why have I never read this series of Bergren's before? It's GREAT! Really enjoyed this continuation of the St. Clairs' stories and the new characters introduced.
Read
November 8, 2022Not as engaging as the first one. What happened with Nic? Waiting for the 3rd book from library
July 4, 2024
Although I really liked the first book in this series, this one is dragging. Predictable. Boring.
I’m not going to finish it.
I’m not going to finish it.
December 22, 2024
An easy but not compelling read as I thought there were many bits missing from the story and the characters didn't really "pop". I did finish it but won't bother with the 3rd book of the trilogy.
February 19, 2025
Overall very good! Definitely a page turner. I feel like the ending was very open-ended but I guess that’s why there’s a third book, haha.
August 19, 2017
Wow this story took a turn. It was good, but boy did things go down hill fast for the characters! Really looking forward to the third book & conclusion to their stories.
November 8, 2011
"I am not usually fond of writing reviews for books, neither do I find myself being able to find the right words and emotions to express what I truly find on my journey's with the characters of each book. But with Sing I couldn't help but reveal my two cents." - AnnieRL
Please take note that I may be including spoilers within this review.
~
Will they discover what it means to sing praises to God, even in the midst of loss?
"It’s 1886 and the St. Clairs are living out their dreams in three very separate parts of the world—Paris, Brazil and Colorado. And while each has found a measure of success and joy, each are haunted by past sins and secrets. As they face the biggest challenges of their lives—including facing off with an old enemy—each must discover the power of homecoming, and what it means to sing praises to God, even in the midst of loss." - Goodreads review
My Two Cents
Odessa and Bryce, beginning their lives on the ranch with their new son, Samuel, only mourning their horses deaths and major winter blizzard damages to their ranch; Moira, establishing her new singing career with her new manager and lover, Gavin Knapp; Dominic, aboard a ship to find his life and becomes shipwrecked and alone on a beach beside two fellow shipmates.
With all the St. Clairs, and McAllens, in serious trouble or grief, they all find their way to God, being haunted by their past sin and secretive mistakes.
Odessa and Bryce continue to track down the clues toward the gold bars hidden away in ol' Sam O'Toole's mine, with the fear of Reid Bannock's return. While other things occur on the ranch, causing agony and tears, they place their trust in God no matter what happens. But when Bryce's brother comes for a visit everything turns upside down. Will Bryce, Odessa and Samuel survive another long winter and try to find a way out of Reid Bannock's trap? Or will they all find themselves facing death yet again?
Moira and Gavin advance on the growing singing career of Moira Colorado, her new stage name, visiting saloons, opera houses and more only risking Moira's life, when Bannock moves to Leadville which happens to be Moira's next town visit. When a horrific accident occurs between Gavin and Moira, she is left alone scarred and pregnant.
During the performance at Leadville's opera house, Reid visits her performance causing an abhorrent incident to the stage and leaves Moira severely burned and in Reid hands, risking her life and the possible loss of David Adams, a fellow shipmate on a ship Moira and Gavin took on their way to the Unites States.
But earlier on the voyage at the seas, David happens to catch Moira's eye and Moira suddenly wonders if Gavin is right for her, but it turns bad when Gavin later leaves her. Will Moira ever find a way to claim David's heart? Even find God in the midst of her loss and past sinful mistakes?
Dominic sails the seas in hope of finding a future when the ship undergoes an appalling storm leaving Nic and two fellow shipmates, one being William his new friend, alone on an island. Nic strives to keep William alive only hoping for a way to get back to the United States. No food and no water, Nic finally reaches civilized shores and goes aboard a Spanish ship in hope to make it to California. The ship ride becomes a spiritual battle between him and Manuel, a Christian coal boss who continues to help him on the right path to God. But when his battle becomes physically and emotionally rabid, being teased and whipped by Alejandro, one of the ships best crew mates, he finds that the only way to truly make it to California is to keep to the contract he signed by the Captain. No brawling, no drinking. Will Nic accept the words of wisdom and faith from Manuel and try to abide by God to get him to California in safety? Or will he refuse the words and go his own way, causing hazardous actions to himself and the ships crew mates?
Warnings
The romance between Moira and Gavin tend to get racy, making me recommend this book for readers 15+. But I rated this book 5 stars because it was filled with action, romance, passion, fury and excitement. Just what I look for in a book.
Please watch out for my next review: Claim (The Homeward Trilogy #3).
Please take note that I may be including spoilers within this review.
~
Will they discover what it means to sing praises to God, even in the midst of loss?
"It’s 1886 and the St. Clairs are living out their dreams in three very separate parts of the world—Paris, Brazil and Colorado. And while each has found a measure of success and joy, each are haunted by past sins and secrets. As they face the biggest challenges of their lives—including facing off with an old enemy—each must discover the power of homecoming, and what it means to sing praises to God, even in the midst of loss." - Goodreads review
My Two Cents
Odessa and Bryce, beginning their lives on the ranch with their new son, Samuel, only mourning their horses deaths and major winter blizzard damages to their ranch; Moira, establishing her new singing career with her new manager and lover, Gavin Knapp; Dominic, aboard a ship to find his life and becomes shipwrecked and alone on a beach beside two fellow shipmates.
With all the St. Clairs, and McAllens, in serious trouble or grief, they all find their way to God, being haunted by their past sin and secretive mistakes.
Odessa and Bryce continue to track down the clues toward the gold bars hidden away in ol' Sam O'Toole's mine, with the fear of Reid Bannock's return. While other things occur on the ranch, causing agony and tears, they place their trust in God no matter what happens. But when Bryce's brother comes for a visit everything turns upside down. Will Bryce, Odessa and Samuel survive another long winter and try to find a way out of Reid Bannock's trap? Or will they all find themselves facing death yet again?
Moira and Gavin advance on the growing singing career of Moira Colorado, her new stage name, visiting saloons, opera houses and more only risking Moira's life, when Bannock moves to Leadville which happens to be Moira's next town visit. When a horrific accident occurs between Gavin and Moira, she is left alone scarred and pregnant.
During the performance at Leadville's opera house, Reid visits her performance causing an abhorrent incident to the stage and leaves Moira severely burned and in Reid hands, risking her life and the possible loss of David Adams, a fellow shipmate on a ship Moira and Gavin took on their way to the Unites States.
But earlier on the voyage at the seas, David happens to catch Moira's eye and Moira suddenly wonders if Gavin is right for her, but it turns bad when Gavin later leaves her. Will Moira ever find a way to claim David's heart? Even find God in the midst of her loss and past sinful mistakes?
Dominic sails the seas in hope of finding a future when the ship undergoes an appalling storm leaving Nic and two fellow shipmates, one being William his new friend, alone on an island. Nic strives to keep William alive only hoping for a way to get back to the United States. No food and no water, Nic finally reaches civilized shores and goes aboard a Spanish ship in hope to make it to California. The ship ride becomes a spiritual battle between him and Manuel, a Christian coal boss who continues to help him on the right path to God. But when his battle becomes physically and emotionally rabid, being teased and whipped by Alejandro, one of the ships best crew mates, he finds that the only way to truly make it to California is to keep to the contract he signed by the Captain. No brawling, no drinking. Will Nic accept the words of wisdom and faith from Manuel and try to abide by God to get him to California in safety? Or will he refuse the words and go his own way, causing hazardous actions to himself and the ships crew mates?
Warnings
The romance between Moira and Gavin tend to get racy, making me recommend this book for readers 15+. But I rated this book 5 stars because it was filled with action, romance, passion, fury and excitement. Just what I look for in a book.
Please watch out for my next review: Claim (The Homeward Trilogy #3).
September 30, 2014
This is the second in the Homeward Trilogy and focuses on the youngest St. Clair sibling, Moira. However, Moira's story is interwined with her siblings' (Odessa/Dominic) storylines as well. Even though one can read this book without having read book 1, Breathe, I'd recommend reading that first. You'll get a better picture of the siblings' history, why the villain Reid hates them so much, and how Odessa and Bryce's love story began. This book begins four years after Breathe ends. Moira is living her dream of being an opera singer. After her manager embezzles all her money, she decides to leave Paris and return to the U.S. to re-start her career. While traveling back to the States, she meets two men on the ship. She's attracted to handsome Gavin but intrigued by quiet Daniel. Both will have an impact on her life. Upon landing in New York City, Gavin decides to invest in and help re-invent Moira's career. Moira not only acquiesces to his management but eventually gives in to his physical affections, as well. In Brazil, Dominic is supporting himself by boxing but then gets shanghaied and forced to work as a sailor on a ship traveling around South America towards California. He is still an angry young man, shaking his fist at God over the death of his little brothers from consumption. In Colorado, Odessa and Bryce's horse ranch is struggling after the harsh winter wiped out their horses. Their marriage strains from the financial pressure, from Bryce's brother visiting, and from word that Reid has been released from prison. The three storylines switch back and forth between all three siblings and their struggles. The villain from book 1, Reid, is back and determined to not only find "conquistador gold" near Odessa and Bryce's ranch but to exact his revenge on the St. Clairs. The story started out a little slowly for me because the storylines kept switching between the siblings. Once I started to get invested in one storyline, it would switch to another sibling or to Reid. The pace picked up in the second half of the book, especially with Moira's story as one awful thing after another befalls her. Eventually, her storyline and Odessa's converge. There is a strong spiritual thread throughout for each sibling. Odessa struggles to trust God while the ranch is failing, her brother-in-law's feelings become less than brotherly, and Reid re-enters the picture. Moira turns her back on what she's been taught and suffers the consequences of giving love lightly. Dominic turns his back on God and relies on his own strength. The story ends on a bittersweet ending for Moira so one has to read book 3 for her happy ending (I hope). Dominic's story is not complete and the third book focuses on him. There is a lot going on in this book so I definitely need to read the last book for everyone's happy-ever-afters.
March 12, 2014
Page 260: That's the exact point where the story makes a sharp u-turn from being a solid 4 or even 5 star read to plummeting like a rock off a cliff to a sappy one star trainwreck. It seems Bergen relishes in butchering one of her best characters.
Warning one: Sing is a painful, brutal drag. A soap opera of misery from beginning to end. If you are looking for happiness and inspiration, you wont find much in these pages.
Warning 2: The book ends on a cliffhanger with several unresolved plots. To find out what happens you have to read book 3 for 400 more pages of misery, suffering, and despair. I will not be reading Claim.
Warning 3: Content. Don't let the Christian publishing house fool you. Sing contains many violent and graphic scenes. Assaults, shootings, drownings, burnings, ship wrecks, and beatings infuse the novel with enough content to rival an R rated movie. Oh and let's not forget about the sex, sex, and more sex. Though the author rightfully portrays immoral relationships negatively, the reader is still forced to stomach various seduction scenes, pillow talk between unwed characters, references to undergarments, prostitutes, and show girls, and a disturbing scene between a married woman and her brother-in-law.
Spoiler: What makes this novel the more painful is that the beautiful, spirited young protagonist is reduced to a haggard, disfigured baby mama, with an irreparable reputation and demolished dreams. Yeah, so much for inpirational. Sure the character makes mistakes and has many character flaws, but to diminish her to an undesirable, unlovable nothing seems almost sadistic and unfair. Surely, the author could have invented a way for her to learn her lesson and start over new and redeemed, without reducing her to a tragic figure no one would want to read about. I would rather Moira had died in some final heroic scene.
Regretfully, Sing could have been inspirational. It is a compelling book that had me completely sucked in from the first line (even if I did have to skip over some of the more scandalous content). The most painful thing about writing this review is that this author is truly gifted. She knows how to craft a scene, how to breath life and realism into each character, how to transport readers to a different time and get them invested, captivated even. Sing has powerful, even profound moments, contaims awesome imagery and symbolism, and poignant messages like, "Act like less than who you are...and that's how others will treat you." More positivity. More comic relief. More hope. More plot resolution and less R rated material and Sing would have easily been a 5 star novel worthy of a standing ovation.
Warning one: Sing is a painful, brutal drag. A soap opera of misery from beginning to end. If you are looking for happiness and inspiration, you wont find much in these pages.
Warning 2: The book ends on a cliffhanger with several unresolved plots. To find out what happens you have to read book 3 for 400 more pages of misery, suffering, and despair. I will not be reading Claim.
Warning 3: Content. Don't let the Christian publishing house fool you. Sing contains many violent and graphic scenes. Assaults, shootings, drownings, burnings, ship wrecks, and beatings infuse the novel with enough content to rival an R rated movie. Oh and let's not forget about the sex, sex, and more sex. Though the author rightfully portrays immoral relationships negatively, the reader is still forced to stomach various seduction scenes, pillow talk between unwed characters, references to undergarments, prostitutes, and show girls, and a disturbing scene between a married woman and her brother-in-law.
Spoiler: What makes this novel the more painful is that the beautiful, spirited young protagonist is reduced to a haggard, disfigured baby mama, with an irreparable reputation and demolished dreams. Yeah, so much for inpirational. Sure the character makes mistakes and has many character flaws, but to diminish her to an undesirable, unlovable nothing seems almost sadistic and unfair. Surely, the author could have invented a way for her to learn her lesson and start over new and redeemed, without reducing her to a tragic figure no one would want to read about. I would rather Moira had died in some final heroic scene.
Regretfully, Sing could have been inspirational. It is a compelling book that had me completely sucked in from the first line (even if I did have to skip over some of the more scandalous content). The most painful thing about writing this review is that this author is truly gifted. She knows how to craft a scene, how to breath life and realism into each character, how to transport readers to a different time and get them invested, captivated even. Sing has powerful, even profound moments, contaims awesome imagery and symbolism, and poignant messages like, "Act like less than who you are...and that's how others will treat you." More positivity. More comic relief. More hope. More plot resolution and less R rated material and Sing would have easily been a 5 star novel worthy of a standing ovation.
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