The Observatory: A Novel

by Emily Grayson

Love is in the stars Though the Mallory women are identical twins, nobody has ever had trouble telling them apart. Harper is a famous and wild painter who lives in the wealthy enclave of Stone Point, while Liz lives a modest, quiet existence as a copy editor in their hometown of Longwood Falls. Both are content to lead drastically different lives--until a family tragedy forces them to break their lifelong silence and confront their embattled past. Liz must also face the disturbing prospect of love, which takes the form of an amateur astronomer named Elliot who, in his private observatory, gives her a glimpse of the mysteries of the universe and of the heart.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Chick Lit

181 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Lucimar · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5
A princípio os personagens não me agradaram. Gêmeas que cresceram distantes, não fisicamente. Mas em comportamento. Uma, Harper era todo contraste, rebelde, atraente, pintora e famosa, casada com um homem rico e teve dois filhos; a outra, Liz, era comedida, calma e uma sombra ofuscada pela irmã.
Mas, a morte da filha de Harper (Doe)vai trazer algo de bom em meio a dor: a relação de proximidade que não tiveram antes.
Liz vai ao enterro da sobrinha e fica próxima do sobrinho que sofre a ausência da irmã. Calado e triste, não quer muito a aproximação da tia, mas a ausência da mãe, que se afasta viajando para tentar se recurar da dor (fato que me incomodou, porque no momento que o filho mais precisava, ela vai se recuperar da perda da filha preferida e a mais velha). Liz fica com o sobrinho e tenta fazê-lo sentir bem. Ele será o elo que a ligará a David. Este é uma homem que ao perder a mãe, torna-se um apreciador e observador dos astros (daí o título), porque a relação deles cresce num observatorio onde ele vive.
A relação cresce rápida, mas a descoberta de que ele fora amante da irmã, rompe a magia e os sonhos de Liz que esperava e sonhava que conseguiria ser feliz, casada e com filhos. Só após esse rompimento é que as irmãs criarão laços de família, a camaradagem depois de 36 anos. E liz terá que se decidir, então, se perdoa a irmã e a ele por não contar a verdade.
David cansado de esperar se afasta dela. A vida segue... Mas Harper, convida-a para a exposição da sobrinha e faz uma surpresa para irmã: Um retrato de Liz, uma Liz luminosa e cheia de vida (Do momento em que estava com David) e então, será Liz que terá que recuperar o amor perdido.

[KaterinaRb · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a lovely read. I enjoyed it very much. It was predictable but it held my interest. I love the analogy between the cosmos and love. I have an affection for the stars etc just like David so it gave the story something even more beautiful.
I would recommend it to anyone that wants to have an easy and enjoyable read who also want some romance and a little drama.

[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

The main character of this novel was insufferable. Her interactions with her sister and Nick's characters were far more compelling than her romantic relationship woes. She was shallow, petty, self-centered, and self-pitying, and I hated her the whole time.

[Dora · Rating 2 out of 5]

ενα αρλεκιν χωρις πλουσιους κληρονομους κ χωρις φτωχες υπηρετριες

[Andrew Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz Mallory (a shy copy editor) and her beautiful, fiery sister Harper (A free spirited artist) are twins, but their very different personalities and lifestyles have led them to drift apart. But when tragedy strikes they are thrown back together in a tale of passion and rivalry.
Had it not been for the very predictable twist and ending this would have been given 5 stars.
I don't usually read romantic fiction but as this was part of a readers digest foursome, I thought I'd give it a go. I was pleasantly surprised. It was very easy to follow the plot as there are only a few characters.
I found it a good twist, in the end, how both sisters envied each other for very different reasons. A very pleasant, well written story.

[Karschtl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erstes Manko: der Lehrer Paul heißt gar nicht Paul, sondern David. Steht aber hinten auf dem Klappentext falsch drauf, was ich als sehr peinlich für den Lektor ansehe. Wo noch nichtmal ein Paul irgendwo in der Geschichte auftaucht.

Zweites Manko: Ab und an fand ich Liz' Beschreibung ihrer Gefühle etc. zu schmalzig, und zu typisch Liebesroman.

Aber es hat ja auch alles ein Gutes: das Büchlein ist kurz und schnell zu lesen. Ich habe Lust bekommen, auch mal in eine Sternwarte zu gehen und mir die Planeten oben am Himmel anzuschauen. Und ich kann mich jetzt schon darauf vorbereiten, mit meiner Nichte irgendwann auch mal Brettspiele zu spielen, wenn sie alt genug dazu ist.

[Marlaina McCauslin · Rating 3 out of 5]

there was a lot of puns about the cosmos, but besides that it was pretty predictable. Otherwise besides that, it was a decent read. Quick read too.

[June Guymon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just an "okay" novel. However, it is a very fast read and doesn't take very long to get through.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely light read.

[Emanuela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ho scelto questo libro unicamente perché ispirato dalla copertina perché della trama si capiva ben poco. L'inizio del romanzo sembrava promettere bene devo dire, con descrizioni adeguate ma non eccessive e personaggi ben delineati. Poi da un certo punto in poi tutto precipita!!!Le azioni della protagonista Liz sembrano non seguire alcuna logica se non quella personale a mio parere fortemente discutibile...non tiene conto di niente e di nessuno e procede nella direzione che più le aggrada con una capacità riflessiva pari a quella di un bambino di 3 anni e nemmeno si cura delle responsabilità che ha nei confronti del nipote di cui ha deciso autonomamente di prendersi cura...Inevitabilmente gli eventi precipitano, e devo dire che ho pensato che se lo meritasse...ma anche lì le sue reazioni sono incontrollate e senza un minimo di buon senso!!!Vaga per più di un anno praticamente quasi solo compatendosi e lamentandosi della sorte che si è scelta da sola, finché viene nel finale per l'ennesima volta spinta verso un lieto fine più che conquistarlo o sceglierlo, anche se nemmeno quello servirà a provocarle tranne per un breve momento in cui si riavvicinerà alla sorella, riflessioni più profonde...romanzo davvero insipido che nulla toglie nè mette...

[Kyrianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is my third time reading an Emily novel, and just like her other two, I think that her writing is well paced, and the story has many relatable elements.

Honestly, this book isn't my favorite of the three. I am absolutely okay with a main character who has some huge flaws and who is not completely likable, but I was rather annoyed with Liz. I was way more invested in her relationship with her sister and her nephew than her relationship with David.

I said the same thing when I rated The Fountain By Emily, that I wish the story had been a bit longer. I think the relationship between her and David could have been more fleshed out and worked in a way that didn't over shadow the building of her relationship with Nick, and her trying to form some sort of relationship with her sister. Something just didn't leave me feeling fulfilled with this romance, and I think it was just with the book being so short, certain things had to happen in a certain way to wrap up the story, and I just wanted somethings to be redone to make it flow better, and make Liz seem less love sick and self absorbed.

I did still enjoy the story, and I do really enjoy reading Emily's books. If you're looking for a quick, easy, and heartfelt read, her books are always a great choice.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Liz and Harper are twins but never have been close and haven't seen each other for years until their Aunt calls on Liz to let her now there has been a tragic accident to Harpers young daughter. Liz and her aunt travel to see Harper and find she is a terrible state. Harper's ex husband asks Liz to help so she tries to mend fences with her sister and she decides to stay while Harper goes away and she will take care of Harpers young son Nick. Meanwhile Liz meets Nick's teacher David and they begin a relationship. David has an observatory and teachers Liz about the universe. Emotions run high and again trouble comes between the sisters and onced again they go their own ways but maybe the stars will align and Liz will return.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Observatory is a fast but predictable story about twin sisters Liz and Harper who although they are twins could not be more different. They list their parents at a young age and Harper the more outgoing of the two, leaves their small town life to persue her artistic talents. While Liz the more introverted sister, stays in their small town and becomes the local Librarian. Everything changes when Harper’s daughter dies in a tragic accident. I would probably give this book 3 1/2 stars overall.

[F · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the words of Dr. Seuss "Oh the places you'll go!" while reading a book. I did enjoy the observatory as a setting comparative to the early-years observatory at Harvard. I also enjoyed the description of their road trip to the top of Mauna Kea, the dormant volcano in Hawaii. The author did a great job in portraying the love / questionable love between the twin sisters. I did not regret picking up the paperback for a quick read.

[Silv · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet short read. Touches on unsettling subjects such as death, family troubles & heartbreak but all is good (or okay) in the end. The main character is 36 trying to navigate life and when it throws a few curveballs into her path it changes her for the better, but she’s not able to go back to her old simple life afterwards. Really loved this book, it was so good.

[Margo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Not entirely believe able but a good story to pass an afternoon

[Maryann Sulic · Rating 2 out of 5]

First time reading this author. It held my interest.

[Alayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just kept waiting for something to happen :(
Very disappointing .... simply a love story :(

[Angela Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twin sisters, unalike and unfriendly are drawn together after the tragic accident when one loses her daughter. Staying at her sister's home, Liz finds her new self whilst looking after her nephew, her librarian career on hold - for how long she is uncertain. Romantic story, the effects of loss.

[Tonia Mitsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Πολύ χλιαρό για τα γούστα μου τουλάχιστον.

[Pasithea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

[Ashley Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a quick read. True love story of someone close to my age. It shows that true love can happen at any stage of life.

[Maria Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this romance and lost myself in it. It was an easy read. The Harper twins and their diverse lives was easy to imagine, easy to believe though I did suspect the hiccup that occurred with David, long before it was revealed. I look forward to reading more of Emily's work.

[Georgia Karagianni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ένα βιβλίο που περιγράφει την ιστορία δύο διδύμων γυναικών που ανέκαθεν δεν είχαν καμία σχέση μεταξύ τους. Ποτέ δεν πλησίασε η μία την άλλη ώσπου ένα αναπάντεχο συμβάν θα ενώσει ξανά τις ζωές τους. Αρκετά λιτό και κοινότυπο θα το χαρακτήριζα.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. I was somewhat disappointed, as I had enjoyed "The Gazebo." Other than the lack of graphic scenes, there's nothing in this that distinguishes this from a paperback romance novel. It's a very light, easy read. Fairly predictable and you don't connect with the characters much. I preferred her novel, "The Gazebo". I thought it was a much better book.

[Nancy Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast reading little novel. A tale of twins as different as night & day. Lifestyle differences, one flamboyant the other mousy and quiet.

One sister loses her daughter to a tragic winter accident while the other comes to offer comfort. The other surviving child breaks & shatters the wall.

Love breaks down the communications and sets up strife and heartbreak.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good. I really enjoyed this author. This is the seond book I've read by her. They are very, very poetic and beautiful. You know what's going to happen yet you don't. The books are fairly short and don't stray too far off the central storyline. I especially loved the plot line with the twin sisters that don't like each other.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good storyline, though it didn't have quite enough dialogue for me. It was fast paced and engaging though, as if you were sitting with someone while they reminisced about their life.

[Leslea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb said it was along the lines of Bridges of Madison County which I adored so grabbed this from the Library. It didn't have the depth of Bridges but still, a nice little light romance thrown in with estranged twin sisters trying to sort things out. Love under the stars!

[Becky Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good too.