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The Apple Tree
This novel was previously published by Prism Book Group (formerly Inspired Romance Novels) and was their GRAND PRIZE WINNER in December 2011. Escaping from your past is never easy, as junior hospital doctor Juliet discovers when she tries to start afresh, leaving both her marriage and her career behind. Love blossoms rapidly when she meets the mysterious and forthright Nicholas, who seems to herald the new beginning she craves. But Nicholas isn't quite what he seems—and also holds strong views on the subject of marriage that she fails to take seriously. The past quickly dissolves into insignificance as their all-consuming romance propels them forward. But Juliet has to learn the price of happiness in the cruellest way possible, before tackling the painful roots of her past to allow her future to grow strong and healthy.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2011
80 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Lynette Sofras
15 books61 followersA former teacher, Lynette gave up her career in education a few years ago in order to focus on her writing and thus fulfill her childhood dream. She writes contemporary women's fiction, often involving romance with suspense or a supernatural twist. She claims 'Killing Jenna Crane', a romantic thriller and 'Unworkers' a modern ghost story/women's fiction are her personal favorites to date. Her recent release 'The Nightclub' is a romance packed with suspense, while her latest, 'Cocktails and Lies' is her first foray into the cozy mystery genre. You can find more details of her novels on her website: http://www.lynettesofras.com or Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Lynette-Sofras/...
Lynette currently lives in an early Victorian cottage in a picturesque Surrey village. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys catching up with friends, the theatre and cinema and occasionally trying to tame her out-of-control garden and the family's eccentric cat.
Lynette currently lives in an early Victorian cottage in a picturesque Surrey village. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys catching up with friends, the theatre and cinema and occasionally trying to tame her out-of-control garden and the family's eccentric cat.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 31, 2012
A BEAUTIFUL STORY
Divorced doctor Julie Somerville is one mixed up lady. Facing yet another huge exam, she is questioning her desire to be a doctor at all. Expectations from her now deceased father and workaholic sister (both dedicated doctors) forced her into a career she has little empathy for. What she is searching for, she has no real idea, but she knows it has to be more than she has right now. Meeting Nicholas, who she mistakes for a gardener, might be the answer. But Nicholas has very firm ideas about the sanctity of marriage and during a lively discussion between friends; Julie omits to mention her previous marriage. As the electricity between them sparks, Julie frets over the omission but doesn’t find an opportune moment to confess. They spend idyllic time together over the next few weeks before Nicholas discovers she has a husband (not an ex-husband) from someone else. Infuriated, he refuses to listen to any explanation. Her previous angst is nothing to what she now suffers.
This is quite an intricate story of Julie's search for the happiness which has always evaded her. I would have liked some of the story to have come from Nicholas’ POV so I could have got to know him better but that’s just my personal taste.
Lynette Sofras showed how the written word should be used. Her ability to weave her story with such beautiful use of the English language is second to none. I was in awe of how the words leapt off the page in such splendour. What an amazing voice for a romance writer to have. I would recommend this story as a must read to everyone, not so much for the story itself but for the amazing use of language. We could all learn something from Lynette Sofras’ writing skills.
Divorced doctor Julie Somerville is one mixed up lady. Facing yet another huge exam, she is questioning her desire to be a doctor at all. Expectations from her now deceased father and workaholic sister (both dedicated doctors) forced her into a career she has little empathy for. What she is searching for, she has no real idea, but she knows it has to be more than she has right now. Meeting Nicholas, who she mistakes for a gardener, might be the answer. But Nicholas has very firm ideas about the sanctity of marriage and during a lively discussion between friends; Julie omits to mention her previous marriage. As the electricity between them sparks, Julie frets over the omission but doesn’t find an opportune moment to confess. They spend idyllic time together over the next few weeks before Nicholas discovers she has a husband (not an ex-husband) from someone else. Infuriated, he refuses to listen to any explanation. Her previous angst is nothing to what she now suffers.
This is quite an intricate story of Julie's search for the happiness which has always evaded her. I would have liked some of the story to have come from Nicholas’ POV so I could have got to know him better but that’s just my personal taste.
Lynette Sofras showed how the written word should be used. Her ability to weave her story with such beautiful use of the English language is second to none. I was in awe of how the words leapt off the page in such splendour. What an amazing voice for a romance writer to have. I would recommend this story as a must read to everyone, not so much for the story itself but for the amazing use of language. We could all learn something from Lynette Sofras’ writing skills.
January 3, 2012
So Much More Than Just a Love Story
The Apple Tree
Julie has spent her life up to now trying to please other people. Her father, her sister and her husband have all manipulated her and she feels obliged to follow in their footsteps and become a doctor, even though she hates it.
After a very unhappy time in Saudi Arabia she uncharacteristically abandons her husband and returns to England. But her rebellion does not ensure her escape. She moves in with her powerful sister who does not allow her to veer from the plans she and their father have laid out for her.
Then she meets Nicholas. Nicholas is every girl's dream, but incredibly has never married. It is love at first sight.
In the delirium of first love, Julie fails to tell Nicholas about her failed marriage and the longer she leaves it, the more difficult it becomes to tell him. And Nicholas has very strong opinions on the sanctity of marriage.
At first sight this looks like just another version of the hackneyed plot – girl meets boy, they fall in love, there is a misunderstanding and the relationship fails, but all is well once the misunderstanding is cleared up and they all live happily ever after.
But the plot is far more complex than that. Julie, who has allowed other people to manage her all her life, is struggling agains almost insurmountable odds to win the right to make her own decisions. Her sister, also trapped in family expectations cannot herself lead a normal life as she tries to fulfil the wishes of her dead father. Nicholas risks losing his chance of happiness through his stubborn refusal to relinquish his Victorian values.
There are some powerful moments in this story. When Julie discovers that her husband has returned to England suffering from a life-threatening disease, she puts aside all her other feelings to be with him. The little girl lost with no mind of her own emerges as a heroic figure.
I was captivated from the first. Lynette Sofras is a great storyteller. Her language flows easily. The plot is complex but utterly believable and her characters live and breathe. I found the whole deeply satisfying. A very mature work for a first novel.
I look forward to reading many more.
Jenny Twist, author
The Apple Tree
Julie has spent her life up to now trying to please other people. Her father, her sister and her husband have all manipulated her and she feels obliged to follow in their footsteps and become a doctor, even though she hates it.
After a very unhappy time in Saudi Arabia she uncharacteristically abandons her husband and returns to England. But her rebellion does not ensure her escape. She moves in with her powerful sister who does not allow her to veer from the plans she and their father have laid out for her.
Then she meets Nicholas. Nicholas is every girl's dream, but incredibly has never married. It is love at first sight.
In the delirium of first love, Julie fails to tell Nicholas about her failed marriage and the longer she leaves it, the more difficult it becomes to tell him. And Nicholas has very strong opinions on the sanctity of marriage.
At first sight this looks like just another version of the hackneyed plot – girl meets boy, they fall in love, there is a misunderstanding and the relationship fails, but all is well once the misunderstanding is cleared up and they all live happily ever after.
But the plot is far more complex than that. Julie, who has allowed other people to manage her all her life, is struggling agains almost insurmountable odds to win the right to make her own decisions. Her sister, also trapped in family expectations cannot herself lead a normal life as she tries to fulfil the wishes of her dead father. Nicholas risks losing his chance of happiness through his stubborn refusal to relinquish his Victorian values.
There are some powerful moments in this story. When Julie discovers that her husband has returned to England suffering from a life-threatening disease, she puts aside all her other feelings to be with him. The little girl lost with no mind of her own emerges as a heroic figure.
I was captivated from the first. Lynette Sofras is a great storyteller. Her language flows easily. The plot is complex but utterly believable and her characters live and breathe. I found the whole deeply satisfying. A very mature work for a first novel.
I look forward to reading many more.
Jenny Twist, author
February 29, 2012
From the first few pages, I was captivated with the romance between Nicholas and Julie. Nicholas was a wonderful leading man, a cross between Clark Gable in Gone with the Wind and Richard Gere in Pretty Woman. I could imagine their first meeting as if I were watching a movie, and could not stop reading until I reached the last page.
This is an exceedingly well-written romance. But the reason I give The Apple Tree such a high ranking was the humor which punctuated most pages, giving the action and dialogue a reality that made me not only enjoy reading about these characters, but really see them as people with thoughts and feelings of their own.
I could love this book just for this paragraph:
She sometimes felt as if she were trying to nurse back to life something half dead, something precious and almost forgotten. When she caught herself at it she laughed and shook her head at Sonya and her silly ideas. But when she looked in the mirror, she could see herself as if for the first time, and soon she began to appreciate what she saw.
I do admit I am a big fan of the consummation scene, and that I expect at least one in the romance books I read. For the Apple Tree I was happy to make an exception, as this book was so good, I didn’t miss it. The only thing I didn’t like was the chunk of the latter part of the book being devoted to a minor character, Giles, when I wanted to see more of Nicholas and Julie.
Overall Opinion: A Romance not to be Missed :)
This is an exceedingly well-written romance. But the reason I give The Apple Tree such a high ranking was the humor which punctuated most pages, giving the action and dialogue a reality that made me not only enjoy reading about these characters, but really see them as people with thoughts and feelings of their own.
I could love this book just for this paragraph:
She sometimes felt as if she were trying to nurse back to life something half dead, something precious and almost forgotten. When she caught herself at it she laughed and shook her head at Sonya and her silly ideas. But when she looked in the mirror, she could see herself as if for the first time, and soon she began to appreciate what she saw.
I do admit I am a big fan of the consummation scene, and that I expect at least one in the romance books I read. For the Apple Tree I was happy to make an exception, as this book was so good, I didn’t miss it. The only thing I didn’t like was the chunk of the latter part of the book being devoted to a minor character, Giles, when I wanted to see more of Nicholas and Julie.
Overall Opinion: A Romance not to be Missed :)
January 6, 2012
Lynette Sofras's 'The Apple Tree' was one of the best books I read in 2011. Well-crafted and beautifully
written, using an elegant, witty style that reminded me of a modern Jane Austen, it's a story about love
at first sight, friendship, heartbreak and loss, but also about the inner journey towards the ability to truly
accept love. This tender, heartwarming story is just the right book to read while you cuddle in your favorite
chair by the fireplace. Ms Sofras is definitely one of the new voices of contemporary
romance, and I'm looking forward to reading more of this very talented writer.
written, using an elegant, witty style that reminded me of a modern Jane Austen, it's a story about love
at first sight, friendship, heartbreak and loss, but also about the inner journey towards the ability to truly
accept love. This tender, heartwarming story is just the right book to read while you cuddle in your favorite
chair by the fireplace. Ms Sofras is definitely one of the new voices of contemporary
romance, and I'm looking forward to reading more of this very talented writer.
December 30, 2011
I consumed The Apple Tree by Ms. Sofras in one evening. Once I started on this delicious story. I simply couldn't help myself I had to finish it. The flow of the story was fantastic and Jules character was well developed. I would have liked a little more information on Nicholas. This story felt as if it was real to me. Like Jules was my friend. I found the conflict impressive and the resolution splendid as people have to humble themselves and take some risks. I really did not want this story to end and would have liked more. This is a clean read no sex (just reference to) and no swearing! I will be on the lookout for more from Ms. Sofras.
May 30, 2012
Very good book written by a British author. I enjoyed it very much.
May 21, 2021
To me, “The Apple Tree” has everything that makes an exceptionally good contemporary romance.
The characters are real and believable. They’re not perfect; they have flaws, but they’re so well drawn that you understand them and sympathize with them. The central character, Julie, has some learning to do and some growth to achieve, and at some point in this book I realized that she might not get that done, or at least not get it done completely. A great romance novel, to me, doesn’t guarantee a happily-ever-after ending. With characters who are really human, there’s never that guarantee.
A great 21st-century romance novel acknowledges that people who are romantically involved with each other are involved in all ways, including sexually. That doesn’t mean that their physical involvement is described graphically, but neither does it mean that the reader is supposed to pretend there’s no physical romance between them, to the point where you wonder what planet they’re from. To me, graphic descriptions of sex are either so clinical (and often unintentionally silly) that I’m embarrassed – and turned off – or they’re so deliberately sexy that I know the writer wants to sexually excite the reader, which makes the book erotica or even pornography. Very few romance writers are able to write well about sex; Lynette Sofras writes very well about it here.
Finally, the central concern in a great romance novel is – a romance. But it’s not the only concern, and importantly it’s inseparable from other issues. Every human relationship is unique because every human being is unique, and any human relationship is entangled with everything else that’s going on in the people’s lives. In “The Apple Tree,” the author reflects this adroitly and artfully.
“The Apple Tree” is a prize-winner, and it’s easy to see why!
The characters are real and believable. They’re not perfect; they have flaws, but they’re so well drawn that you understand them and sympathize with them. The central character, Julie, has some learning to do and some growth to achieve, and at some point in this book I realized that she might not get that done, or at least not get it done completely. A great romance novel, to me, doesn’t guarantee a happily-ever-after ending. With characters who are really human, there’s never that guarantee.
A great 21st-century romance novel acknowledges that people who are romantically involved with each other are involved in all ways, including sexually. That doesn’t mean that their physical involvement is described graphically, but neither does it mean that the reader is supposed to pretend there’s no physical romance between them, to the point where you wonder what planet they’re from. To me, graphic descriptions of sex are either so clinical (and often unintentionally silly) that I’m embarrassed – and turned off – or they’re so deliberately sexy that I know the writer wants to sexually excite the reader, which makes the book erotica or even pornography. Very few romance writers are able to write well about sex; Lynette Sofras writes very well about it here.
Finally, the central concern in a great romance novel is – a romance. But it’s not the only concern, and importantly it’s inseparable from other issues. Every human relationship is unique because every human being is unique, and any human relationship is entangled with everything else that’s going on in the people’s lives. In “The Apple Tree,” the author reflects this adroitly and artfully.
“The Apple Tree” is a prize-winner, and it’s easy to see why!
November 7, 2019
Good characters and story ...a very enjoyable read !
December 26, 2019
I felt as though I was dropped in the middle of a story and struggling to catch up.
December 23, 2012
I feel ambivalent about this story. Sometimes it was okay, other times I just wanted to hit Julie over the head and couldn't understand why Nicholas would want to be bothered with such a spineless, whining coward.
The fact that Julie had become a doctor when she hated medicine and didn't appear to understand some of the terminology when Simon became ill was strange, as was the notion that she could hide her marriage from the man she takes as a lover and after several weeks, still not know what he does for a living.
The breakdown of her marriage to Simon was never really gone into and his illness never fully explained. I wondered about all his men friends crying when he was ill, however a random sentence appeared to indicate that Simon had made a "mistake" which was presumably a needle stick injury. The sex in the book was well done - not explicit - and I particularly liked that Simon's friends called Julie on her behaviour.
All in all, a disappointing novel, not the least because it should have been a good read.
The fact that Julie had become a doctor when she hated medicine and didn't appear to understand some of the terminology when Simon became ill was strange, as was the notion that she could hide her marriage from the man she takes as a lover and after several weeks, still not know what he does for a living.
The breakdown of her marriage to Simon was never really gone into and his illness never fully explained. I wondered about all his men friends crying when he was ill, however a random sentence appeared to indicate that Simon had made a "mistake" which was presumably a needle stick injury. The sex in the book was well done - not explicit - and I particularly liked that Simon's friends called Julie on her behaviour.
All in all, a disappointing novel, not the least because it should have been a good read.
December 18, 2012
I kept waiting for Julie to stand up for herself, take charge of her future and her life.. but she never did. She never told Nicholas the truth, which is just a little unforgivable in my book. Technically she was still married, even though she had left the marriage. For Nicholas, he unknowingly is helping her commit adultery. He may or may not have been ok with that, but he wasn't given the choice. And for a tree that was in the title, I didn't think it was given enough significance in the book. They talked about it, but I didn't feel like it was a part of the story at all. So Julie tells no one she is divorcing her husband, and then her husband is ill, so she conveniently becomes his wife again, and eventually gets all the benefits as his widow, when she LEFT HIM. I didn't agree with how that was done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2015
The Apple Tree by Lynette Sofras
Doctor Juliet is trying to start a new life. She left her career and husband. Then she meets the mysterious "gardener", Nicholas. Things seem to go well with them, rather quickly. But Will she be able face her painful past in order for her to find true happiness.
Juliet has everyday problems, that she has to face. She is very likable, and at times questions herself. I liked that in her, it made her 'real". Nicholas is a bit flawed and he has issues he is coping with as well. Life is not easy for Juliet. she just wants to find her place and true happiness.
Overall I enjoyed this clean romance. The plot is original, the characters likable, the story moved swiftly. I recommend The Apple Treeto those who like a nice clean romance.
Doctor Juliet is trying to start a new life. She left her career and husband. Then she meets the mysterious "gardener", Nicholas. Things seem to go well with them, rather quickly. But Will she be able face her painful past in order for her to find true happiness.
Juliet has everyday problems, that she has to face. She is very likable, and at times questions herself. I liked that in her, it made her 'real". Nicholas is a bit flawed and he has issues he is coping with as well. Life is not easy for Juliet. she just wants to find her place and true happiness.
Overall I enjoyed this clean romance. The plot is original, the characters likable, the story moved swiftly. I recommend The Apple Treeto those who like a nice clean romance.
October 9, 2012
I bought this book by accident as I was actually looking for something else and didn't check it properly, but I am so pleased that I did get it. Serendipity, a happy accident. 'There are no coincidences' as Lyn reminded me several times and I think she is quite right.
It didn't take me long to get wrapped up in the romance. The scenes were so perfectly set, the characters seemed so real and the emotions spilled out of it. I laughed with Julie and I cried with her, I felt her anger and also her guilt. Most of all I felt her love, and I want to find my own Nicholas. If I ever find anyone half as decent and loving as that man then I will be a happy woman.
It didn't take me long to get wrapped up in the romance. The scenes were so perfectly set, the characters seemed so real and the emotions spilled out of it. I laughed with Julie and I cried with her, I felt her anger and also her guilt. Most of all I felt her love, and I want to find my own Nicholas. If I ever find anyone half as decent and loving as that man then I will be a happy woman.
November 13, 2014
The Apple Tree wasn't a bad or a great read but I was still able to relate to it in way from both perspectives that I've been in a relationship with someone that wanted to get away from their past and I know what its like to want to get away from your own past. Remaking ones self is never easy especially once you learn that the past always catches up with you. One lesson to be learned from it though is that despite that complication it doesn't mean that it has to take over your life and that you can't have a happy ending.
August 26, 2012
Any time that an author can transport me, give me characters who are real and complex, and move me to laugh or cry aloud, I am struck once again with the utmost admiration and gratitude. Lynette Sofras writes so beautifully of the human condition. Stories of miscommunication and the resulting turmoil always attract and enthral me, and The Apple Tree is no exception. I will be putting this book on the list of gifts to buy for my mother at Christmas this year.
July 31, 2012
This book is a sweet story of a love found between strangers. The twists and turns the book takes keep you wondering if the romance will survive. Some archaic thoughts and ideas keep things cool, but I enjoyed the book and hope you will give it a try.
February 8, 2013
I could not finish it. I tried, I really did. Part might be that I don't care for books that take place in other countries that have different languages. This was British but it just wasnt working for me AT ALL.
July 30, 2012
Really enjoyed this book. The romance between Julie and Nicholas was wonderful, and then later painful in it's misunderstanding (very Mr Darcy I thought).
June 15, 2012
This book sucked and I can't believe I read it all the way through.
August 7, 2012
Two-haiku review:
Her life is a mess
Marriage over, hates career
Then she meets hot guy
Plenty of angst here
Very well drawn characters
Most enjoyable
Her life is a mess
Marriage over, hates career
Then she meets hot guy
Plenty of angst here
Very well drawn characters
Most enjoyable
August 18, 2012
First, off I loved the cover. Second, I did like the love interest. However, this book felt slow to me. I skimmed most of it. but I did enjoy the ending very much.
November 3, 2012
This is a very cute book. Typical love story, you know how the end is going to turn out. The characters are very loveable, but I didn't love the writing. It was a nice and fast read though.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews