Honest Illusions

As an avid fan of Nora Roberts, I tend to buy and read almost any book of hers I can find! I have to say, this one didn't disappoint! Interesting characters with interesting jobs, decent plot, great romance... what more could you ask for? I liked it so much that I read it in once sitting - I could not put this book down!The basic storyline is Max Nouvelle and his 9 year old daughter Roxanne are magicians in a travelling carnival when they meet 12 year old runaway and pickpocket, Luke Callahan. Luke is mesmerized by Max and by his magic tricks and eventually joins the family and becomes a magician too. The story progresses as the two children grow up and eventually fall in love. Eventually the bad guy pops up, Sam Wyatt, who threatens to destroy the life that Luke has built for himself, and destroy the Nouvelle family.Luke and Roxanne are two of the best characters ever in a Nora Roberts novel. It's hard not to get caught up in the story and in their romance, they are so well written they're almost real! The only disappointment in the book is I think Nora spent too much time on the childhood and not enough time on Luke and Roxy when they were adults. I don't think their romance even really starts until page 250+. Even so, the book was entertaining and really fun to read. I highly recommend it!

This is definatly one of my three favorite books by Nora Roberts, and I've read quite a few.It is a story about a young boy, Luke, who is twelve years old at the beginning of the story. He is an abused child who has ran away from home, and pick-pockets for a living. He is at a carnival one day, and goes to see the magic show, where the magician, Max, sees him pick-pocketing the audience. Instead of calling the cops, Max takes him in as a son, and teaches him magic. Max has a daughter of his own, Roxanne, who is eight at the beginning. The book follows Luke and Roxanne through childhood, and grows into a really great love story between the two. There is also a second love story between Max, and Lilly, a woman who is a mother to Luke and Roxanne, and is also part of the magic show. The book has several exciting twists, and you never know quite what to expect. I don't want to give away the ending, so all else I'll say is . . . If you like romance stories, love Nora Roberts, or just want to read a really good book, then this would definatly be a good pick.

I read the reviews and was so anxious to read the book but I forgot to order it, but luck came my way a week ago and tonight I just finished it, and had to give to give it 5 stars. Fantastic characters, great plot, fantastic buildup and last but certainly not least a very smooth landing and great ending. No murders, just certain people getting their due justice. I will read one of Nora's books any day, but I'm waiting now for Three Fates to come out in paperback. Keep on writing fantastic books Nora because I will be reading them. This review was based on the trade paperback.

"Honest Illusions" by Nora Roberts is a fabulous read. It is emotionally charged, highly original, and will grab you from page one and hold your attention right until the end.The charming Nouvelle family, Maximillian and his young daughter Roxanne, are talented magicians. But the magic act is really just a cover for their true profession of high-tech jewel theft. When Max encounters runaway Luke Callahan, he adopts the young boy and makes him part of the Nouvelle family. Young Luke and Max's relationship is truly touching, as Max teaches Luke to trust again. It is a wonderful experience to watch these characters grow up, and you can't help but become extremely attached to them, I know I did.After thirteen years have passed, during which Luke has been practicing larceny with Max and Roxy has grown into a flame-haired beauty, Luke and Roxy begin a passionate romance.However, a slimy grifter from Luke's past catches up with him and because of his hatred for all the Nouvelles, blackmails Luke into disappearing forever! Five years later, homesick and lonely, Luke reappears, determined to mend his relationship with Roxy. Together, Luke and Roxy set out to get the ultimate revenge against the man who destroyed their happiness, which requires their most daring and dangerous heist ever!"Honest Illusion" will have you laughing and crying along with the characters. Roberts has woven a deeply affecting and heart-rending tale of love lost and love found. The skilful rendering of the story and the exquisite descriptions of characters and places will leave you deeply satisfied and in awe of Roberts' talent. This is one of Nora Roberts' many great novels and it is not to be missed!

This was the first Nora Roberts book I read and I have to say I was hooked from the first chapter. All of the characters were great, Luke and Roxy especially, but even the more secondary ones (like Jake) were super - I couldn't wait to see what would happen next! The story was terrific and built to an exciting climax. I've since read most of her other books, but this one still remains my favorite.