What NR book would you call quintessential Nora Roberts?

[jenjn79]

Say you have a romance reader friend who has never read Nora Roberts (and I know there are more than a few out there like that), and you wanted to recommend an NR book to them that is the best representation of NRs books...one that you look back on and say 'Now that's a Nora Roberts book!". What book would you recommend to them? It doesn't necessarily have to be your favorite book, either, but just one that you feel like best shows what her books are all about.

...I don't have my answer yet. I'm still debating it so I'll answer later :)

[Jonetta]

My most favorite series, the Gallaghers of Ardmore, beginning with Jewels of the Sun. This is the first book I read and had me fall in love with romance novels again. I had avoided the genre for years until two years ago when a friend recommended this series after I had completed the J. D. Robb series.

I love this story and series and it represents the best of Nora in terms of characterizations, scenery (I fell in love with Ireland) and romance...who could ever forget Aidan???

[Talya]

For series, Chesapeake Bay Saga for me, love the Quinns. Also the Gallaghers of Ardmore ranks way up there too.
For single title, I think it's Public Secrets.
To me these spell quintessential Nora.

[Jill]

The Chesapeake bay saga or born in series.
Single title, hmmmmmm black hills. All her books have different tones to me, but if i am recommending to someone I think of what that person likes and usually Nora has a book that fits. She is very adaptable.

[jenjn79]

This is a harder question to answer than I thought. I think because there is so much variance among the books Nora writes. The single titles are different than the Series books, and the Silhouette stuff is different from both. Even among the types there's a lot of differences. Her early single titles are a little edgier, I think, and the newer ones are more low key, more detail oriented. The series range from family centered romance dramas, to paranormal stuff, etc. So it's hard to pick one book to say "This is Nora!" because she writes such a wide variety of stuff.

But, if I had to choose...single title wise, I keep coming back to the book Birthright. It's got a bit of everything that makes a book an NR book. A sexy romance with two dynamic characters, an interesting subject with excellent detail, but not so much you're overwhelmed, a great suspense plot that is just edgy enough, family drama, and the inclusion of a side romance that is interesting but not dominating. It's not my favorite NR book, but it's one that I think is a good representation of what she can write.

On a series front, I have to agree that the Chesapeake Bay Saga, and Sea Swept (Cam's book) is the perfect representation of her series work. It's got an amazing family dynamic, fantastic characters, an engaging plot, lots of emotion. Just a fantastic book all around.

[Kesha]

This is so difficult to answer...The Chesapeake Bay Saga is a good example of quintessential NR. I would also recommend The Key Trilogy.

[Talya]

I especially like naming Chesapeake saga as quintessential Nora, because it hits all the themes that Nora weaves into her books. Family and community, discovering love and desire, building a business, overcoming abuse, a hint (or more than a hint) of danger, and a paranormal twist.

[Season]

The Chesapeake Bay Saga is by far my favorite of all her series. She hit the right mark on all 4 books in my opinion. Would love to see these made into a TV series.

[Sherry]

I'm a fan more of NR's suspense titles, if a reader likes they're suspense scapel sharp, the quintessential 'suspense' title would have to be Carnal Sins, although there are many others, that one has always been my favorite. :)

[Birgit]

Very difficult - I guess it also depends on what my friends likes in a book. Does she like straight romance than I would recommend the Chesapeak Saga or

But if she also likes a bit more witchcraft or paranormal I would recommend The Keys, or Three Sisters or the Donovans (I love that family!).

[Jenni]

For me...I always go back to the Born In trilogy. When I think of Nora Roberts, this triology just stands out.

[Tiya]

Isis FG wrote: "On a series front, I have to agree that the Chesapeake Bay Saga, and Sea Swept (Cam's book) is the perfect representation of her series work. It's got an amazing family dynamic, fantastic characters, an engaging plot, lots of emotion. Just a fantastic book all around. "

Too true. I'm still getting over Cam and it's been months since I last read the book.

For me, though, as a late Nora Roberts convert, Vision in White (Bride Quartet 1) was my first NR book and the one I recommend to friends when they show an interest in reading NR. I adore the friendship between the girls and am totally in love with Carter.

[Lisa]

In The Garden and The Dream Trilogy .

[Kerri]

The Chesapeake Bay series. It was my first Nora, and I still go back for a reread, probably every year. Her current trilogy is also classic Nora. Romance with a touch of the supernatural.

[Cynthia]

The dream trilogy or the Innsboro trilogy

[Kirsten]

The Chesapeake Bay Saga were my first foray into Nora Roberts & it was loved at first page. So, I'd go for that too. I also loved Sanctuary and a lot of her earlier work.

[Susan]

The Chesapeake books are my favorites. But, I love The MacGregor series!!

[Gabriela]

Sherry wrote: "I'm a fan more of NR's suspense titles, if a reader likes they're suspense scapel sharp, the quintessential 'suspense' title would have to be Carnal Sins, although there are many others, that one h..."

Is there a 'Carnal Sins' book?
I know 'Sacred Sins' and 'Carnal Innocence'. :D