Separate Beds

I was gripped by the first sentence. although the book is dated, the situation between catherine and clay is modern. the story is so real i have come back to read it at least 5 times. and the ending could not have been more perfect. i was able to finish the book in one weekend and highly reccomend it to anyone who is in to romance.

Separate Beds is without a doubt one of the best books I've ever read. It is a wonderfully written book about two people and how their lives change when their actions on a blind date result in an unexpected and unwanted pregnancy. Catherine Anderson is a college student who comes from a poor family. Her father is an abusive alcoholic and her mother is a frail creature who doesn't stand up for herself. Catherine's life is a struggle and she isn't shown any love by her family. Clay Forrester, however, is the guy who has it all--money, great looks, a fast car, a family who loves him and everything he wants at his fingertips. These two are set up on a blind date and when Catherine shows up at Clay's house with her father Clay doesn't even remember her. Clay's pressured by his family to do the right thing and give the baby a name. Clay and Catherine agree to a marriage that will keep Clay's name reputable and will give the baby a name. Catherine will get a college education and financial support for the baby. They agree to divorce after the baby is born. Their marriage though must look legitimate and not like the business deal that it is. However, they begin to have feelings for each other but their pride stands in the way. Will the marriage work or will they go their separate ways? This book is just incredible. It is written with such feeling that the reader forgets these are fictional characters and begins to care about what happens to them. I found myself cheering Clay on when he tries to help Catherine understand her feelings. The reader can really see how much Clay cares for Catherine and how much she cares for him, even though she won't admit it. This is a wonderful story. I was sad to finish this story as I wanted it to go on. The characters were all well developed and the story was great. This book is a guaranteed page turner as you just have to keep reading to see if these two can put pride aside and let their love for each other show. A book to put on the keeper shelf and read again. I highly recommend this book.

A modern day fairy tale - Everything doesn't fall nicely into place just because Cinderella meets Prince Charming. The real world intrudes again and again as two flawed human beings have to face heart-breaking obstacles, and their own insecurities and fears, in the course of following their hearts. But there's happily-ever-after in the end - as only LaVyrle Spencer can provide.I first read this book when I was Cathy and Clay's age and I appreciated the uncondescending portrayal of life at that stage - when youre 18-19-20 years old - on the verge of adulthood, but still finding your feet. In this case, the characters are doing it under extraordinary circumstances, but thanks to Spencer's honest portrayal I could easily identify with these two people and I lost myself in their story again and again. Reading it now, years later, I've discovered the story is timeless - despite the now dated clothes and cars and other cultural references (ah, the early 80s!). It still makes me laugh and cry just like it did the first time I read it.

I have read this book over and over again! If you are looking for a book that you cant put down, look no further! The story puts you on a rollercoaster of emotions, from joy to outrage and everything in between! I have now read several of her books and this one still remains my favorite. Catherine and Clay make you feel as though you know them persoanlly and make you feel you have a stake in what is happening. Superbly written so that you will not be able to put it down!

HI all you readers! I must confess that i do not read lavyrle books that often. I only read about 5 of them and I sometimes find her books a little cheezy and unreal. But not this very ONE. This book reflects on a pregnant girls life and her path in trying to hold on to the love of her baby and it's father . I usually don't find a good enough story behind romance novels and nothing that makes the story romantic enough. The books usually come out unreal and you cant respond to any lame thing in the book. Seperate beds went way past that obsicle and really caught my interest. This is not just a book to read if you are in for romance. It's also an intruiging story about the ups and downs of being a single mother trying to struggle with your own emotions and everything else that comes along with pregnancy. Not only do you feel so much for the characters, you wanna get to know them cuz spencer really succeeded in making them truly lovable people. 5 stars for a book like this anyday!