Tears of Gold

Along with Laurie McBain's other book, "When Splendor Falls," this book -- to echo a previous reviewer -- transcends the genre. It's not an average bodice ripper nor is it a plodding historical tome, with cardboard characters. It is a wonderful lively story--an American Girls story for women. It has a sea voyage from the "old" country, New Orleans and San Francisco as young cities, and California when it was still very much influenced and owned by Spanish colonists. There's love, action, adventure, nobility, and a little mystery. Mara is a wonderful, sympathetic character with depth and Nicholas is the standard to which I hold all my romance heroes. He's Mr. Darcy and Heathcliff rolled up into one, delicious and flawed hero. Nicholas and Mara experience a time when America was young and immigrants of varying nationalities were learning to put aside their native differences and prejudices. There are good folks and evil folks. In America, Mara learns that the stifling "caste" system which shaped her youth and perception of herself doesn't exist and Nicholas realizes that he is not defined by his Creole heritage. I highly recommend this book. My second copy is much read and worn. It would be great if this and Ms. McBain's other books would be reissued in hardcover.

One of my all-time favorite romances, "Tears of Gold" has stood the test of time as a classic. Actress Mara O'Flynn travels around the world with her brother and nephew, struggling to survive in a world that gave them little and took much away. Nicholas Chantale is the embodiment of a dashing hero, and more than a match for the fiery Mara. From Ireland to England to the California Gold Fields and antebellum New Orleans, Ms. McBain gives the reader an authentic look into history and a sensuous romance with unforgettable characters. A must-read for the romance fan.

i absolutely love this book. its one of my all time favorites. highly recommend also check out rosemary rogers and kathleen e woodiwiss for great romance

This is the first book of it's kind that I read. I was hooked just from the words on the cover. I think I will read it again. It is WORTH it!

I first read this book when I was in Jr. high school. It was the first Romance Novel I had ever read. Welcome to puberty. I am now in my 30's and still hold this wonderful story up to compare all others to. Very few can compete. I found one of my life long friends by loaning this book out. If you do buy this book buy 2, one to loan that you may never get returned and one for yourself, to read over and over and over. Ms. McBain has written one of my life treasures.