Petals on the River

i didn't like this book because of the animosity and jealousy geared toward the protagonist. she'a insulted and threatened in almost every scene. i know a good writer is supposed to extract emotion from the reader. but woodiwiss went to excess with this novel. i felt angry when i finished this book.

KEW, without a doubt, has done it again! Because of her articulate descriptions of the characters, surroundings, and events, you are nearly there! Everything was so unpredictable. I loved how this book was different from the others. How? Usually the man is filthy rich, living on a huge plantation(Shanna, Flame and the Flower, Elusive Flame), but this one was a humble story of a man working hard for his son, and what hopes he had left for a life. I felt so much compassion for both characters, and was deeply moved by the ending. You must read this book!!!

I loved this book! The story was a sweet one, that didn't have so many emotional ups and downs that it makes it hard to believe. There was a lot of action and the combination of Shemaine, Gage, his son, a woman who's been after Gage for herself, Shemaine's fiance, her parents, Gage's father, and all the rest make it a very fun and light book to read.

A student of mine recommended that I read Petals on a River. I didn't like the first 10 pages. It's what my female friends would call a "chick" novel. At any rate, after about the 10th page I became mesmerized by it. Woodiwiss' writing is so vivid, I forgot I was reading a book and felt more like I was watching a movie. For example, I found the description of the cuts, pain, and healing of the leg irons so vivid, pictures emerged in my head. I found much of the novel like that. Kathleen E. Woodiwiss creates pictures in my head.

I liked the book. The love scenes were a little brash, but the courting was fabulous. Where else than in a romantic novel could you find such beautiful people with such Energy and Love. I love K.W.'s style. Makes me long for yester-year when men actually courted women. I also liked meeting the pre-SHANNA characters. It's like visiting old friends.

Twenty-five years ago I was given The Flame and The Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss...and I fell in love !!Such descriptive writing..you could almost be there. Each successive book was eagerly awaited, and Ms. Woodiwiss became my scale upon which all other authors were compared.Her new book, Petals on the River, has renewed my faith in this authors writing. She is back, and back on track with the style, the characters and the story line that all her true admirers will relate to. Shemaine and Gage are delicious characters, both caught in a situation that leads to interesting conclusions. Throughout the story there are elements of suspense, romance and humor. There is also a very enjoyable and surprising "visit" from characters from one of Ms.Woodiwiss' previous books. Do yourself a favor..READ THIS BOOK..it's terrific!