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Oceans Between Us
He's a wealthy Italian celebrity used to dating beautiful women. She's a guesthouse cook without a penny to her name. When tragedy brings them together for a few weeks, an unlikely romance blossoms. But he has commitments that take him back to his jet-setting life, while her future lies in a remote English village. Is it possible for two people from such different walks of life to find a way to be together?
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2012
About the author
Helen Scott Taylor
55 books242 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Helen Scott Taylor, had her first book released in 2009. The Magic Knot, won the American Title contest, was a Golden Heart® finalist, and was chosen as one of Booklist's top ten romances of 2009. Since then, she has published other novels, novellas, and short stories in both the UK and USA.
Helen lives in South West England near Exeter in Devon. As well as her wonderful long-suffering husband, she shares her home with a Westie and a birman cat. She believes that deep within everyone there's a little magic.
Helen lives in South West England near Exeter in Devon. As well as her wonderful long-suffering husband, she shares her home with a Westie and a birman cat. She believes that deep within everyone there's a little magic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
June 16, 2012
Utterly Charming Hero
I think it's safe to say that Oceans Between Us by Helen Scott Taylor is my favorite book yet from this author.
Ms. Taylor takes a Cinderella premise and peoples it with a hero who will win your heart just as he won the heart of heroine Maria Gardener. Dino Rossellini has the world at his feet yet he loses something so precious to him that it makes him question the life he has chosen.
Bereft and sad, he arrives one stormy night at the quaint inn where Maria lives with her parents who are away on holiday. Maria is drawn to him. Touched by his obvious distress, she can't turn him away even though the inn is closed for the winter.
Through the days that follow, her kindness touches Dino. They grow close, but there can be no future for these two who are from different worlds. Scarred by a traumatic event in her past, Maria only feels safe in her small community. Dino is a man whose passion in life requires him to be a public figure. How can these two mismatched lovers fit their lives together?
As if those serious obstacles aren't challenge enough, there are people in each of their lives who are determined to keep them apart. You'll adore this romance with a charming hero who has such generosity of spirit and so much love to give the right woman. You'll cheer Maria on and hope she realizes that sometimes you just have to take a risk and follow your heart.
I think it's safe to say that Oceans Between Us by Helen Scott Taylor is my favorite book yet from this author.
Ms. Taylor takes a Cinderella premise and peoples it with a hero who will win your heart just as he won the heart of heroine Maria Gardener. Dino Rossellini has the world at his feet yet he loses something so precious to him that it makes him question the life he has chosen.
Bereft and sad, he arrives one stormy night at the quaint inn where Maria lives with her parents who are away on holiday. Maria is drawn to him. Touched by his obvious distress, she can't turn him away even though the inn is closed for the winter.
Through the days that follow, her kindness touches Dino. They grow close, but there can be no future for these two who are from different worlds. Scarred by a traumatic event in her past, Maria only feels safe in her small community. Dino is a man whose passion in life requires him to be a public figure. How can these two mismatched lovers fit their lives together?
As if those serious obstacles aren't challenge enough, there are people in each of their lives who are determined to keep them apart. You'll adore this romance with a charming hero who has such generosity of spirit and so much love to give the right woman. You'll cheer Maria on and hope she realizes that sometimes you just have to take a risk and follow your heart.
May 27, 2012
This beautiful love story kept me up all night. I was hooked from the very first scene to the last. The story opens with a rude awakening for Dino, an up and coming singing sensation. His greedy manager has forced Dino's ex-girlfriend to keep her pregnancy a secret and give their son up for adoption. When Dino finds out, it's too late. His son is gone. He flees to a quaint English village and meets Maria; a shy, gentle woman recovering from her own traumatic ordeal.
On the surface, Maria and Dino appear to be opposites. He's a famous, jetsetting singer, she's a reclusive homebody. But in their hearts, they both value and desire the same things. They must show great courage to overcome the many obstacles, both internal and external, that keep them oceans apart.
I loved the way Ms. Taylor brought each setting to life. I could smell Maria's home baked rolls, feel the warmth of the Italian sun and hear the music as Dino and Maria danced.
On the surface, Maria and Dino appear to be opposites. He's a famous, jetsetting singer, she's a reclusive homebody. But in their hearts, they both value and desire the same things. They must show great courage to overcome the many obstacles, both internal and external, that keep them oceans apart.
I loved the way Ms. Taylor brought each setting to life. I could smell Maria's home baked rolls, feel the warmth of the Italian sun and hear the music as Dino and Maria danced.
June 15, 2012
I’m a tad befuddled after reading the last two books by Helen Scott Taylor that I love the heroes, but the heroines have given me a hard time. Just an interesting observation on my end, because in her previous books, I also loved Ms. Taylor’s female leads. While I like Maria and enjoy getting to know her, she does toss me into a fit late in the book, but honest heroine that she is, she fesses up and all ends well.
It’s Dino, however, who wins my heart early. This handsome Italian opera singer is in the midst of an emotional upheaval, having just discovered his former fiancee gave their son up for adoption without obtaining Dino’s permission. He tries his best, but he’s told the deed is done, there is nothing he can do or say to get his son back, let alone to even see the boy. Heartbroken, he walks out on his manager, who was behind the tragic manipulation so Dino wouldn’t be distracted from his very successful singing career, without a word and ends up in a small Cornwall village at a bed and breakfast that’s closed for some remodeling.
Maria is alone at the Crow’s Nest, doing all the repainting and other work needed for the upcoming season, while her parents are on vacation. When she answers a knock at her door to find a man so obviously in pain, she can’t deny him sanctuary from the storm he’s apparently spent some time in. Being the caring nurturer she is, Maria wants to help him through his hurt in any small way possible. As she does so, little by little Dino opens up to her, sharing his devastation and then his determined rejuvenation at Maria’s hands. They share a blissful four weeks taking walks along the beach, dancing in the kitchen, just talking, and, of course, making love – though Dino tries to keep his distance in this respect, knowing he has to leave some day soon.
His commitments around the world will take him from England and Maria, not knowing if or when he’ll be able to return. It’s refreshing that she doesn’t know him for the star he is – probably the only woman on the planet who doesn’t. Though his manager is a selfish and greedy SOB, he has helped make Dino’s super mega career. The man won’t leave anything to chance, and when he learns Maria was a distraction for Dino during his absence, suddenly the woman who gave up Dino’s son is back in the picture so Dino’s focus is on his career and away from Maria. This is the only time I’m a little irritated with Dino. That manager gets too many chances, as far as I’m concerned. He should have been sacked when Dino finds out about his intervention with Rachel’s pregnancy. But, of course, if that happened, the story would have ended much sooner. So the manager from hell gets to keep throwing wrenches in everyone’s plans. The fact that Dino welcomes Rachel back into his life didn’t sit well with me at first, but I can understand why he does it.
I also have a hard time liking Maria’s parents. Once back from their holiday, they sit Maria down and pull the rug right out from under her by selling the Crow’s Nest instead of retiring and allowing Maria to take over the place. She has no money saved, worked not for wages but room and board and incidentals, her future plans resting on the inn. Then when mama finds out about Dino, she takes matters into her own hands trying to protect her daughter. And then they won’t fund Maria’s trip to the United States when she discovers Dino does have feelings for her. I wanted to shake my finger at them and give them a good talkin’ to! It’s Chris, Maria’s sister, who comes to the rescue and they make the trip over the pond to see Dino at the Met. Of course, things don’t go as planned and Maria returns home broken hearted once again.
But when Dino finally takes control of his life again and gets back to Maria to take her with him for his mother’s fiftieth birthday family get-together, she initially reverts back to that girl who is now afraid to travel because of an incident that happened in Austria with an old boyfriend. She overcomes her fear this time because it involves Dino’s family. However, once they have a terrific time in Italy and Dino shares his feelings with her, this is where, though she professes her love for him as well, she refuses to travel to America where he’ll be making a movie. She wants him to give up his dream for hers. Now, it doesn’t take long for her to realize how wrong she is – which is a breath of fresh air over those 50 or more pages it takes most heroines to do this – so my irritation with her is short lived.
All in all, this is one of those lovely happiness from tragedy, love when you least expect it stories. Well, with a mild dose of wake up and smell the coffee too. I thoroughly enjoyed Dino and his zest for living, his love of family, and his need to sing. Their brief affair in the first half of the book is my favorite part, along with their time in Italy in the second half. I can just see that small fishing village in Cornwall and Riomaggiore on the Italian Riviera from Ms. Taylor’s beautiful descriptions. This is the type of book to snuggle up on the couch with on a slow Saturday afternoon to lose yourself in heartbreak, romance, and happily ever after.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
It’s Dino, however, who wins my heart early. This handsome Italian opera singer is in the midst of an emotional upheaval, having just discovered his former fiancee gave their son up for adoption without obtaining Dino’s permission. He tries his best, but he’s told the deed is done, there is nothing he can do or say to get his son back, let alone to even see the boy. Heartbroken, he walks out on his manager, who was behind the tragic manipulation so Dino wouldn’t be distracted from his very successful singing career, without a word and ends up in a small Cornwall village at a bed and breakfast that’s closed for some remodeling.
Maria is alone at the Crow’s Nest, doing all the repainting and other work needed for the upcoming season, while her parents are on vacation. When she answers a knock at her door to find a man so obviously in pain, she can’t deny him sanctuary from the storm he’s apparently spent some time in. Being the caring nurturer she is, Maria wants to help him through his hurt in any small way possible. As she does so, little by little Dino opens up to her, sharing his devastation and then his determined rejuvenation at Maria’s hands. They share a blissful four weeks taking walks along the beach, dancing in the kitchen, just talking, and, of course, making love – though Dino tries to keep his distance in this respect, knowing he has to leave some day soon.
His commitments around the world will take him from England and Maria, not knowing if or when he’ll be able to return. It’s refreshing that she doesn’t know him for the star he is – probably the only woman on the planet who doesn’t. Though his manager is a selfish and greedy SOB, he has helped make Dino’s super mega career. The man won’t leave anything to chance, and when he learns Maria was a distraction for Dino during his absence, suddenly the woman who gave up Dino’s son is back in the picture so Dino’s focus is on his career and away from Maria. This is the only time I’m a little irritated with Dino. That manager gets too many chances, as far as I’m concerned. He should have been sacked when Dino finds out about his intervention with Rachel’s pregnancy. But, of course, if that happened, the story would have ended much sooner. So the manager from hell gets to keep throwing wrenches in everyone’s plans. The fact that Dino welcomes Rachel back into his life didn’t sit well with me at first, but I can understand why he does it.
I also have a hard time liking Maria’s parents. Once back from their holiday, they sit Maria down and pull the rug right out from under her by selling the Crow’s Nest instead of retiring and allowing Maria to take over the place. She has no money saved, worked not for wages but room and board and incidentals, her future plans resting on the inn. Then when mama finds out about Dino, she takes matters into her own hands trying to protect her daughter. And then they won’t fund Maria’s trip to the United States when she discovers Dino does have feelings for her. I wanted to shake my finger at them and give them a good talkin’ to! It’s Chris, Maria’s sister, who comes to the rescue and they make the trip over the pond to see Dino at the Met. Of course, things don’t go as planned and Maria returns home broken hearted once again.
But when Dino finally takes control of his life again and gets back to Maria to take her with him for his mother’s fiftieth birthday family get-together, she initially reverts back to that girl who is now afraid to travel because of an incident that happened in Austria with an old boyfriend. She overcomes her fear this time because it involves Dino’s family. However, once they have a terrific time in Italy and Dino shares his feelings with her, this is where, though she professes her love for him as well, she refuses to travel to America where he’ll be making a movie. She wants him to give up his dream for hers. Now, it doesn’t take long for her to realize how wrong she is – which is a breath of fresh air over those 50 or more pages it takes most heroines to do this – so my irritation with her is short lived.
All in all, this is one of those lovely happiness from tragedy, love when you least expect it stories. Well, with a mild dose of wake up and smell the coffee too. I thoroughly enjoyed Dino and his zest for living, his love of family, and his need to sing. Their brief affair in the first half of the book is my favorite part, along with their time in Italy in the second half. I can just see that small fishing village in Cornwall and Riomaggiore on the Italian Riviera from Ms. Taylor’s beautiful descriptions. This is the type of book to snuggle up on the couch with on a slow Saturday afternoon to lose yourself in heartbreak, romance, and happily ever after.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
June 14, 2012
After reading Helen Scott Taylor's Unbreak My Heart, I was really looking forward to reading her next contemporary romance novel, Oceans Between Us, which I received as a gift from the author for having reviewed Unbreak My Heart.
Oceans Between Usis a beautiful story of Maria Gardener, a complete girl-next-door and Dino Rossellini, an Italian Opera singer. The beginning of the story was very heart- breaking, as Dino's son is adopted without him being aware of it. It leaves him devastated and he moves to Porthale to find some peace and solace. That is where he comes across Crow's Nest, a warm and homely guest house that belongs to the Gardeners. Maria is so keen on taking care of Dino and making his stay as pleasant as possible. It was very touching to read how much one can care for a someone you don't even know. I don't want to get much into the storyline as I know I'll end up with tons of spoilers! So I will just stick to the tons of other amazing aspects of the book.
I absolutely loved Maria. She was so easy to relate to. Nowadays, most of the leading female protagonists are kick- ass and daring (which is awesome, no doubt), while Maria was so gentle, caring and wonderful. Her simplicity made her so much more desirable and admirable. Dino too was such a great guy. Not just his hot Italian looks, but even as a person, he was simple, down-to-earth and a real sweetheart! Both Maria's and Dino's families- who played such an important role in the story- were splendid and it was so much of fun to read about them. The relationship between Maria and her sister, Christine was so lovely, and so was the one between Dino and his mom. The Italians made such a fantastic family, and were heart- warming to read about. The few secondary characters also made the story more lively, practical and joyous! I loved that both Maria and Dino value their families, and have emmense respect for them too.
My most favorite and treasured part of the story was when Maria and Dino are just roaming in Porthale, which is where they have their first kiss. That was absolutely remarkable!
Overall, an absolutely sweet, realistic and marvelous read, Oceans Between Us is just the perfect book. I took my own sweet time reading this one as I didn't want it to get over! I literally moved at a snail's pace, but I was so excited to move ahead that I was compelled to turn the pages...
Thank you Helen Scott Taylor for being so kind to gift a copy of your book, and for just writing this beautiful story! It is definitely worth a million bucks. :)
Oceans Between Usis a beautiful story of Maria Gardener, a complete girl-next-door and Dino Rossellini, an Italian Opera singer. The beginning of the story was very heart- breaking, as Dino's son is adopted without him being aware of it. It leaves him devastated and he moves to Porthale to find some peace and solace. That is where he comes across Crow's Nest, a warm and homely guest house that belongs to the Gardeners. Maria is so keen on taking care of Dino and making his stay as pleasant as possible. It was very touching to read how much one can care for a someone you don't even know. I don't want to get much into the storyline as I know I'll end up with tons of spoilers! So I will just stick to the tons of other amazing aspects of the book.
I absolutely loved Maria. She was so easy to relate to. Nowadays, most of the leading female protagonists are kick- ass and daring (which is awesome, no doubt), while Maria was so gentle, caring and wonderful. Her simplicity made her so much more desirable and admirable. Dino too was such a great guy. Not just his hot Italian looks, but even as a person, he was simple, down-to-earth and a real sweetheart! Both Maria's and Dino's families- who played such an important role in the story- were splendid and it was so much of fun to read about them. The relationship between Maria and her sister, Christine was so lovely, and so was the one between Dino and his mom. The Italians made such a fantastic family, and were heart- warming to read about. The few secondary characters also made the story more lively, practical and joyous! I loved that both Maria and Dino value their families, and have emmense respect for them too.
My most favorite and treasured part of the story was when Maria and Dino are just roaming in Porthale, which is where they have their first kiss. That was absolutely remarkable!
Overall, an absolutely sweet, realistic and marvelous read, Oceans Between Us is just the perfect book. I took my own sweet time reading this one as I didn't want it to get over! I literally moved at a snail's pace, but I was so excited to move ahead that I was compelled to turn the pages...
Thank you Helen Scott Taylor for being so kind to gift a copy of your book, and for just writing this beautiful story! It is definitely worth a million bucks. :)
August 22, 2012
Scott-Taylor pens an endearing romance with "Oceans Between Us." Dino Rossellini is a world famous singer who retreats to the town of Porthale, Cornwall to reevaluate his life. Maria Gardener is quite content with her world, running the quaint guesthouse, the Crow's Nest. When Dino asks for shelter, Maria's heart immediately goes out to him. Dare Dino and Maria bridge the ocean between their lives to find happiness?
Set in contemporary Europe, Dino and Maria live very separate careers, yet Dino is attracted to the steadfast Maria. She's everything he wants in a woman. Maria, however, is reluctant to see the world and he has an international lifestyle. Dino spends a month in Cornwall, but must leave to fulfill his contractual obligations. Can love bring them together or will real life obstacles drive them apart?
Scott-Taylor's romantic setting and easy writing style stirs the reader's heartstrings. I'm a sucker for a great international romantic setting and Scott-Taylor has a way of making the reader feel like they're residents of the locales in the novel. For me, the characterization was the best part. Dino and Maria are delightfully human, each struggling with their own problems, yet are willing to believe in the hope that love offers.
The love scenes are tasteful and embody the sensuality of the couple. "Oceans Between us" will have you believing in the power of love. I highly recommend this delightful story.
Set in contemporary Europe, Dino and Maria live very separate careers, yet Dino is attracted to the steadfast Maria. She's everything he wants in a woman. Maria, however, is reluctant to see the world and he has an international lifestyle. Dino spends a month in Cornwall, but must leave to fulfill his contractual obligations. Can love bring them together or will real life obstacles drive them apart?
Scott-Taylor's romantic setting and easy writing style stirs the reader's heartstrings. I'm a sucker for a great international romantic setting and Scott-Taylor has a way of making the reader feel like they're residents of the locales in the novel. For me, the characterization was the best part. Dino and Maria are delightfully human, each struggling with their own problems, yet are willing to believe in the hope that love offers.
The love scenes are tasteful and embody the sensuality of the couple. "Oceans Between us" will have you believing in the power of love. I highly recommend this delightful story.
June 14, 2012
Got this free on my kindle, and this was one of the cutest stories I've ever read. It's so adorable and romantic, and I love it. I don't know if you'd consider it a Cinderella Romance though, I mean there's no fairy god mother... There isn't really an evil step-mother either though, but there is an evil dude - if that counts?
This is a real quick read and page turner, and it'll leave you in awe. It's one of those stories that you'd read because you know there's bound to be a happy ending.
The only thing that I hoped was different was the main guy's name. It's Dino. I couldn't take the man seriously at first because of his name, but I really did love how the author put in that Italian aspect. Hmm, I've now learned what cara means!
Amazing book to read - anytime!
This is a real quick read and page turner, and it'll leave you in awe. It's one of those stories that you'd read because you know there's bound to be a happy ending.
The only thing that I hoped was different was the main guy's name. It's Dino. I couldn't take the man seriously at first because of his name, but I really did love how the author put in that Italian aspect. Hmm, I've now learned what cara means!
Amazing book to read - anytime!
June 7, 2012
Oceans Between Us is a sweet and beautifully written love story. Maria prefers the safety of running her family guest home in a quiet English village, a stark contrast to the charismatic Dino who is a globe-trotting opera star. Their relationship begins when Dino is at his most vulnerable and Maria's caring nature shines through, so much so that I was cheering for them both even though they seem to want vastly different things. Yet they are perfect for each other and despite the many obstacles in their way including separate careers, fans, ex-lover, selfish manager, and distance itself, the author skillfully shows how love and compromise can conquer all. Thank you for the lovely read!
June 25, 2012
Maria is very much a Mary Sue, sometimes so much so its hard to swallow. I understand the desire to have a family to love and care for but it almost seems like shes pining to be a servant. "...oh no dont make me come travel with you the world is too scary for that! Just let me stay here and cook and clean for you!" (she didnt ACTUALY say this but its as good as at times...)
...also the fact that she could use Google and Amazon with ease but hadnt a clue about how to find 60's music or burn a CD was kinda odd to me.
However... over all I enjoyed the read and would recomend it to anyone looking for some light romance.
...also the fact that she could use Google and Amazon with ease but hadnt a clue about how to find 60's music or burn a CD was kinda odd to me.
However... over all I enjoyed the read and would recomend it to anyone looking for some light romance.
February 22, 2013
*3.5 Stars*
This was a sweet story. It got a little melodramatic at points, but still enjoyable. I liked the characters and wanted the best for them. This was my first by this author and thought it was nice. There was not a lot of heat, so don't read it if that is a requirement.
This was a sweet story. It got a little melodramatic at points, but still enjoyable. I liked the characters and wanted the best for them. This was my first by this author and thought it was nice. There was not a lot of heat, so don't read it if that is a requirement.
Want to Read
June 13, 2012Free Kindle book June 13, 2012.
April 13, 2020
I just needed something quick, easy and light to read this week. Waiting on responses from people and just the stress of everyday life. I wanted something cute and simple… and this novel gave me exactly that. This is a great, easy, light read. That makes you want to curl up in an inn in a quiet town somewhere, a cup of tea in hand and your lover at your side. Or at least, that’s how it made me feel.
Maria is a refreshing heroine. Instead of being someone driven to travel and creating a career, she wants to create a family. Take care of the people that she loves. I’ve always been told that I should be driven and harness my intelligence and make an amazing future for myself. But, the older I get, the more I realise that what brings me happiness isn’t necessarily what I expected of my future, or, indeed what I would have pictured for my future. And, Maria’s dreams and desires makes that completely okay. Which I kind of needed at this point in my life.
Although this was an incredibly easy, light and fun read, there were also some kind of horrible moments. Namely in the presence of Freddy (the antagonist). I knew that Maria and Dino would end up together, but Freddy’s presence and interference actually left me feeling a lot more disturbed and upset than I had anticipated. Something about his evil machinations just didn’t sit right at all. Which is probably the aim of his character… but I still didn’t like Maria and Dino’s fragile happiness being messed with!!!
This is a great little contemporary romance. Very reminiscent of the many chick flicks that I love to watch when I’m home alone and a great way to spend a nice afternoon. It let me travel away from the realities of life for a little while and just enjoy myself without having to think like an adult…
Maria is a refreshing heroine. Instead of being someone driven to travel and creating a career, she wants to create a family. Take care of the people that she loves. I’ve always been told that I should be driven and harness my intelligence and make an amazing future for myself. But, the older I get, the more I realise that what brings me happiness isn’t necessarily what I expected of my future, or, indeed what I would have pictured for my future. And, Maria’s dreams and desires makes that completely okay. Which I kind of needed at this point in my life.
Although this was an incredibly easy, light and fun read, there were also some kind of horrible moments. Namely in the presence of Freddy (the antagonist). I knew that Maria and Dino would end up together, but Freddy’s presence and interference actually left me feeling a lot more disturbed and upset than I had anticipated. Something about his evil machinations just didn’t sit right at all. Which is probably the aim of his character… but I still didn’t like Maria and Dino’s fragile happiness being messed with!!!
This is a great little contemporary romance. Very reminiscent of the many chick flicks that I love to watch when I’m home alone and a great way to spend a nice afternoon. It let me travel away from the realities of life for a little while and just enjoy myself without having to think like an adult…
July 1, 2025
This book began with a wealthy man learning that his former fiancee hid her pregnancy from him so she could secretly give the child up for adoption and that his scummy manager instigated the whole thing because he thought a baby would be too distracting for his career. The manager tells him that there's nothing he can do about it and this guy, supposedly upset, just accepts that. He doesn't call a lawyer to investigate his options, he doesn't reach out to the agency, he just mopes. A quick internet search showed that although he would be in a disadvantaged position, there were certainly some options he could explore -- especially since his resources vastly outweigh that of the average person.
Setting aside this massive dubious plot device, I was confused as to how this is a "Cinderella" story, unless that just describes any story where a guy shows up and solves a downtrodden woman's problems with his magical body and a bunch of money. There's few of the components that I would usually associate with that type of story.
Note: The idea of being the only guest at an inn where the sole employee was obsessing over what I said and what I ate and what I wore sounds awful!
Setting aside this massive dubious plot device, I was confused as to how this is a "Cinderella" story, unless that just describes any story where a guy shows up and solves a downtrodden woman's problems with his magical body and a bunch of money. There's few of the components that I would usually associate with that type of story.
Note: The idea of being the only guest at an inn where the sole employee was obsessing over what I said and what I ate and what I wore sounds awful!
January 6, 2019
Sweet, innocent love story
This was a sweet story in which the mysterious man shows up at the quiet little inn.....of course, he is handsome and the young innkeeper, Maria, is smitten.
I did like the fact that in the story, Maria did not know who Dino was even though he was famous. He does not try to make it known who he is as he is trying to recover from some devastating news given him by his manager. We see, in the story, how a manager of a famous person can be reduced to doing anything to keep their client in the spotlight...keep the, where they want them without interference from a personal life.
The story might not be totally realistic yet it is one of a chance happening...one of which romances are made. Love conquers all in this story...
It does make one wonder if those “famous” people can escape their spotlight and have a chance to meet real people ? Can they have that opportunity to meet real people with whom a life could develop? Is it possible for someone not in a glitz and glamour of stardom to survive with a famous person who lives for that glory?
This was a sweet story in which the mysterious man shows up at the quiet little inn.....of course, he is handsome and the young innkeeper, Maria, is smitten.
I did like the fact that in the story, Maria did not know who Dino was even though he was famous. He does not try to make it known who he is as he is trying to recover from some devastating news given him by his manager. We see, in the story, how a manager of a famous person can be reduced to doing anything to keep their client in the spotlight...keep the, where they want them without interference from a personal life.
The story might not be totally realistic yet it is one of a chance happening...one of which romances are made. Love conquers all in this story...
It does make one wonder if those “famous” people can escape their spotlight and have a chance to meet real people ? Can they have that opportunity to meet real people with whom a life could develop? Is it possible for someone not in a glitz and glamour of stardom to survive with a famous person who lives for that glory?
March 18, 2018
This a secular romance novella. The premise was cute: a well known, young, good looking, Italian opera singer meets nice looking B & B manager/cook when he is taking a break after a disappointment in his life. BUT two intimate scenes with TMI spoiled it for me. I also thought that Maria after her previous experience should never have let Dino stay because the B & B was closed for the season and she was redecorating and alone. I also didn't like the way that Maria's mother interfered with the life of her 24 year old daughter.
May 24, 2019
Greed and Fortune and a manager that wanted to keep his opera career climbing. To the extent of a girlfriend giving up the baby, for adoption. When he finds out, to late. Retreating to an Cornish village an the inn was closed, Maria takes him in anyways., and four weeks, of time together. Commitments he leaves. For her, her folks return from their holiday, and sell the inn . She had worked only for her kept, and now where to go, or what to do. The story was to be like Cinderella, and it was.
July 5, 2024
old fashioned love
Reading this story reminded so much of the earlier harlequin romances that were set in England and the heroine traveled to Europe and found love. Lovely characters set in beautiful places.
Reading this story reminded so much of the earlier harlequin romances that were set in England and the heroine traveled to Europe and found love. Lovely characters set in beautiful places.
June 21, 2018
I loved the story, but was disappointed that there was no info whatsoever about Dino's son.
July 1, 2018
Predictable and cliche but cute and light.
July 27, 2021
Just a great little feel good romance
An easy, quick read with a sweet story. Pick it up. You won’t regret it! Enjoy a quick ride through parts of England.
An easy, quick read with a sweet story. Pick it up. You won’t regret it! Enjoy a quick ride through parts of England.
April 18, 2023
Good
I have gone back through my the tbr pile and have found this book. It was a good read, definitely dated.
I have gone back through my the tbr pile and have found this book. It was a good read, definitely dated.
October 18, 2013
This was an utterly charming, beautifully descriptive book. And I wanted to give it five stars... but I couldn't quite do it.
Maria is the heroine. Which was my first problem. The book is about a British girl and an Italian man... but with the name Maria, the illusion was warped. Maria being an Italian name. It screwed things up the ENTIRE book. Marie? Yes. Mary? Even better. Maria, cara, is Italian... NOT British.
Anyhow, Maria is a homebody. Her family runs 'The Crow's Nest', an inn in Cornwall, and she loves to care for the guests, to cook from scratch, to look out over the water, to be a part of their little fishing village. She wants to marry and have her babies there, to raise them in the inn, put her delicious food in their little bellies. The problem is finding a husband. Her long-time boyfriend thru and after college doesn't want to hole up in a little English village - he wants to see the world, go to cities, have adventures. Maria doesn't need or want that.
Every fall her parents go on a cruise (after the inn closes for the season), and one day while she's there alone, a man comes to the door. He's a sopping mess, anguish on his face. Against her better judgment, she lets him in, cooks for him, cares for his things, and becomes his friend. What she doesn't know is that the man turns out to be a very handsome Italian - and not just that, he's a world-famous operatic tenor. His whole LIFE is traveling the world, singing on stages in every major city. But he seems so content to keep her quiet company, to walk the village and down the coast... she never would've expected it. And honestly, did she really think a few weeks together would go anywhere?
There are two other reasons I didn't five-star this (and it really was VERY close - I highly recommend it, and would read it again and again). Those things are niggly, though. First, the author couldn't just let it ride that she wasn't of the bent to travel. No... there had to be an assault from the last time she tried to go abroad with her ex-boyfriend. It felt like the author was purposely crippling her emotionally, when there was no need for that. And the other thing was Maria's lack of accent. Seriously, half the book I thought she had to be an adopted American living with Brits, because while her BIL and sister sounded British, Maria's dialogue/speech was so bland. Toss that in with the Italian name, and it really marred the gorgeous work of art this book wants to be.
Maria is the heroine. Which was my first problem. The book is about a British girl and an Italian man... but with the name Maria, the illusion was warped. Maria being an Italian name. It screwed things up the ENTIRE book. Marie? Yes. Mary? Even better. Maria, cara, is Italian... NOT British.
Anyhow, Maria is a homebody. Her family runs 'The Crow's Nest', an inn in Cornwall, and she loves to care for the guests, to cook from scratch, to look out over the water, to be a part of their little fishing village. She wants to marry and have her babies there, to raise them in the inn, put her delicious food in their little bellies. The problem is finding a husband. Her long-time boyfriend thru and after college doesn't want to hole up in a little English village - he wants to see the world, go to cities, have adventures. Maria doesn't need or want that.
Every fall her parents go on a cruise (after the inn closes for the season), and one day while she's there alone, a man comes to the door. He's a sopping mess, anguish on his face. Against her better judgment, she lets him in, cooks for him, cares for his things, and becomes his friend. What she doesn't know is that the man turns out to be a very handsome Italian - and not just that, he's a world-famous operatic tenor. His whole LIFE is traveling the world, singing on stages in every major city. But he seems so content to keep her quiet company, to walk the village and down the coast... she never would've expected it. And honestly, did she really think a few weeks together would go anywhere?
There are two other reasons I didn't five-star this (and it really was VERY close - I highly recommend it, and would read it again and again). Those things are niggly, though. First, the author couldn't just let it ride that she wasn't of the bent to travel. No... there had to be an assault from the last time she tried to go abroad with her ex-boyfriend. It felt like the author was purposely crippling her emotionally, when there was no need for that. And the other thing was Maria's lack of accent. Seriously, half the book I thought she had to be an adopted American living with Brits, because while her BIL and sister sounded British, Maria's dialogue/speech was so bland. Toss that in with the Italian name, and it really marred the gorgeous work of art this book wants to be.
June 18, 2013
Oceans Between Us was a very beautiful read. While the two main characters were likable, I hated most of the other characters. Dino was by far my favorite character. Though he did some things I wish he hadn't, overall he was very enjoyable. Maria was great too, if not a little irritating at times. She has a big heart, which is how she originally meets Dino. The chemistry between those two characters was explosive. I couldn't help but root for them.
At times, the story appeared contrived. A few of the problems that arose seemed like they could be easily fixed. Other than that, the book was entertaining. It was incredibly romantic and sweet, and I couldn't wait to find out how it turned out. I think that anyone who likes books like this one should check this novel out. I doubt you would be disappointed.
November 8, 2013
Disappointing 2 stars
This book was disappointing to me. I had high hopes that I would like it but there was a number of things that I didn’t really care for including both of the main characters.
Maria is supposed to be British but the way that she spoke and even the way that her family spoke didn’t come off that way at all. Dino’s Italian shown through quite often but rarely did any of Maria’s family sound the least bit British other than when they said Mum or called the twins poppet.
I don’t really have a whole lot to say about this book because while I did finish it, nothing really appealed to me about it at all. The story line lacked an oomph to it and characters were only mediocre at best. I bought this book in a three box set on Amazon so hopefully the other two books are better.
This book was disappointing to me. I had high hopes that I would like it but there was a number of things that I didn’t really care for including both of the main characters.
Maria is supposed to be British but the way that she spoke and even the way that her family spoke didn’t come off that way at all. Dino’s Italian shown through quite often but rarely did any of Maria’s family sound the least bit British other than when they said Mum or called the twins poppet.
I don’t really have a whole lot to say about this book because while I did finish it, nothing really appealed to me about it at all. The story line lacked an oomph to it and characters were only mediocre at best. I bought this book in a three box set on Amazon so hopefully the other two books are better.
February 18, 2015
Final feeling: enjoyable, ending could have been better
I really enjoyed the story during the first half of the book. I like the author's style overall. I'll read more by her.
My main complaint is the ending. (spoilers) First, Maria didn't seem to have any dreams except to be a wife and mother. Why couldn't she have done that in Italy where her husband could still perform and follow his dreams? It was disappointing to me that Dino planned to eventually give it all up and live in a small English village for the rest of his life. Also disappointing about the ending was the lack of descriptive just deserts given to those people who fought to keep them apart. We experienced the turmoil they caused, why couldn't we have experienced the scene where the agent is fired or her mom put slightly in her place? A cinderella story should have that.
I really enjoyed the story during the first half of the book. I like the author's style overall. I'll read more by her.
My main complaint is the ending. (spoilers) First, Maria didn't seem to have any dreams except to be a wife and mother. Why couldn't she have done that in Italy where her husband could still perform and follow his dreams? It was disappointing to me that Dino planned to eventually give it all up and live in a small English village for the rest of his life. Also disappointing about the ending was the lack of descriptive just deserts given to those people who fought to keep them apart. We experienced the turmoil they caused, why couldn't we have experienced the scene where the agent is fired or her mom put slightly in her place? A cinderella story should have that.
October 5, 2012
3.5 stars. This was a nice story, but not a super one. I loved Dino's Italian character more than Maria's. He seemed like a sweet guy. The plot rambled a bit for me. I needed more drama, more unpredictable twists and turns, and less of an expected end, though it did seem like whether or not they'd get married was held until last. Truthfully, the best part of the story was when they were alone together and he was brooding. The part with her new job seemed unnecessary, since it was immediately dropped from the storyline. Characters needed more of a deep point of view, to put me into their heads. They both still felt to much "on the surface" to me. Setting was described good enough I could picture it. Overall a decent read.
November 20, 2012
I really liked this story. It was super romantic. They meet in her family's bed and breakfast. She is a wonderful cook, he is a gorgeous jet setter who has a story to tell. She can't help but wonder what's going on in his head during his walks. One day she catches up with him, and passion ensues.
She wakes up from their one time to him gone. She discovers she is in love, so she follows him to America. When she gets there, obstacles are abound. And she leaves without even getting to speak with him.
It's basically a game of cat and mouse until he finally comes back. I found myself in love with the story, the characters and the outcome. I'm going to put Helen Scott Taylor in my favorites.
Thank God for Kindle.
She wakes up from their one time to him gone. She discovers she is in love, so she follows him to America. When she gets there, obstacles are abound. And she leaves without even getting to speak with him.
It's basically a game of cat and mouse until he finally comes back. I found myself in love with the story, the characters and the outcome. I'm going to put Helen Scott Taylor in my favorites.
Thank God for Kindle.
May 29, 2012
Helen Scott Taylor strikes the the perfect emotional pitch with this warm sweet story about the princely Italian who's a gentleman down to his bones and the simple yet noble country girl. If Cinderella has been told a million times, then it better be told well to capture my heart and keep my attention--and this story did--right down to the last page. In fact I wouldn't mind visiting with this couple years later to check in because I know Helen Scott Taylor would make sure it was a visit to warm my spirit like a cozy fire on a winter night. I highly recommend this book and I need to read more from this author!
June 8, 2012
When the weather turns warmer, I start reaching for series romances. They are my mini-holidays. And wow, this book did not disappoint! I fell in love with Maria and Dino. They were perfect for each other. Not that they realized it right away. And the people in their lives were working hard to keep these two apart. From England, to New York city, to Italy, this romantic tale whisked me away to places I would love to visit. And tugged at my heart when I thought their relationship might not work out.
I highly recommend Oceans Between Us for anyone who loves Harlequin romances and tender romance novels.
I highly recommend Oceans Between Us for anyone who loves Harlequin romances and tender romance novels.
July 28, 2012
An extremely cute, charming, a bit predictable, and a quick read. It's your feel good, happy-ending story, but I definitely wouldn't call it a Cinderella one. Maria & Dino are two completely different people, but at heart and who they are at their core, they are the same which makes their relationship sweet & pure. I am still not sure if it is Maria who he really loves, or the fact that she is so much different than any girl he has ever met: kind, caring, and not self indulged ... But he can find that girl in any small town in England, right? Overall, I really enjoyed it & glad I found this hidden treasure!
December 6, 2012
Oceans Between Us is a great quick read. It's light and engages you quickly. I finished it in a day. I found myself rooting for Maria and Dino, despite the unlikely possibility of them really meeting and falling in love.
Spoiler: I had a bit of a problem with the ending. I found it impossible to like Maria's selfish parents. I would have preferred that Dino and Maria decide to settle on the Italian coast with a small inn and the support of Dino's parents. Or maybe, her sister and husband could have had a job transfer to Italy as well. Anyway, didn't like to see Maria's parents as the grandparents to their children back in Cornwall.
Spoiler: I had a bit of a problem with the ending. I found it impossible to like Maria's selfish parents. I would have preferred that Dino and Maria decide to settle on the Italian coast with a small inn and the support of Dino's parents. Or maybe, her sister and husband could have had a job transfer to Italy as well. Anyway, didn't like to see Maria's parents as the grandparents to their children back in Cornwall.
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