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The Color of Heaven #6

The Color of Love

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Carla Matthews is a single mother struggling to make ends meet and give her daughter Kaleigh a decent upbringing. When Kaleigh’s absent father Seth—a famous alpine climber who never wanted to be tied down—begs for a second chance at fatherhood, Carla is hesitant because she doesn’t want to pin her hopes on a man who is always seeking another mountain to scale. A man who was never willing to stay put in one place and raise a family.
But when Seth’s plane goes missing after a crash landing in the harsh Canadian wilderness, Carla must wait for news… Is he dead or alive? Will the wreckage ever be found?
One year later, after having given up all hope, Carla receives a phone call that shocks her to her core. A man has been found, half-dead, floating on an iceberg in the North Atlantic, uttering her name. Is this Seth? And is it possible that he will come home to her and Kaleigh at last, and be the man she always dreamed he would be?

Unknown Binding

First published August 11, 2014

2174 people are currently reading
3429 people want to read

About the author

Julianne MacLean

79 books4,297 followers
Julianne MacLean is a USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including the contemporary women’s fiction Color of Heaven Series. Readers have described her books as “breathtaking,” “soulful” and “uplifting.” MacLean is a four-time RITA finalist and has won numerous awards, including the Booksellers’ Best Award and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times. Her novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been published in over a dozen languages.

MacLean has a degree in English literature from the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a degree in business administration from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She loves to travel and has lived in New Zealand, Canada, and England. MacLean currently resides on the east coast of Canada in a lakeside home with her husband and daughter.

For more information about Julianne and her writing life, please visit her website at www.juliannemaclean.com. Be sure to follow her on Bookbub to be notified whenever her ebooks are offered for FREE or 99 cents. (www.bookbub.com/authors/julianne-maclean) and chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JulianneMacLeanRoman...), Twitter (@JulianneMacLean), and Instagram (@JulianneMaclean).

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5 stars
2,773 (59%)
4 stars
1,362 (29%)
3 stars
405 (8%)
2 stars
84 (1%)
1 star
19 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
176 reviews14 followers
October 1, 2015
Shallow characters in a disjointed, schmaltzy, "whoo-whoo" story

The plane of Carla's estranged husband, Seth, disappears and no one knows what happened to it. Seth’s fellow crash survivor, Aaron, is stranded alone for a year in the Canadian wilderness. There he falls in love with a fantasy version of Seth's wife whom he never met and knows little about. When Aaron is rescued, he is ready to spend his life with Carla based on his fantasy of her. She also feels a mysterious pull toward him but is unsure of what to do about it.

How do I begin to say what I disliked about this novel?
First, there is the fact that the relationship between the H and h was based on some mysterious “connection/pull” that he developed while lost and that she feels when she first sees him. No need for the author to bother herself writing about the complexities of a developing relationship between them when she can just have the protagonists have this mysterious connection. You frequently hear complaints about insta-love connections in romance novels based on physical appearance. This story is about insta-love as a result of mysterious forces in the universe. (Gag!)
Second, there are all of these strange coincidences. I believe in coincidences but, please, there were just WAY too many here.
Third, in addition to there being no real relationship development in the story, there really is no true character development. The h doesn't know what she feels or what she wants. Then she does. We don't really see her evolve.. As for the H, at the beginning of the story he realizes that he wishes he'd had a child. That was it for his character development, unless you count his increasing attraction to his fantasy of her while lost.
Fourth, there is this daughter who is an extremely intuitive, intelligent, and mysteriously knowledgeable child who always understands what to do in relation to adults and in relation to the forces of the universe.
Okay. I'll mention just one more thing. The writing style is so schmaltzy and melodramatic, with much of the text being written in short bursts that feel jerky and disconnected.

Nicholas Sparks fans might like this novel, although I’ve never gotten beyond a couple of pages of Sparks so I can’t say for sure. Don't know why overall this got such high ratings except that many people had better sense than to even try to read it.
Profile Image for SarahRobins_reads .
630 reviews47 followers
December 13, 2019
Another beautifully written book. I honestly love this series and I devour them so quickly! The stories are just magical and well written and really emotive and this one does not disappoint.
3,789 reviews7 followers
January 13, 2018
This was my least favorite of the series so far. I felt bad for Josh because of the way he was treated. He didn’t do anything wrong but Kaylee especially acted like he was awful and wanted her mom to be with someone she had never even met before.

I get the universe and fate and all that but this one was a bit much. Just because you fantasize about a person you don’t know doesn’t mean that the person is actually the same as your fantasy.
Profile Image for SandyL.
3,721 reviews
October 31, 2019
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I really liked it! I loved the unexpected twists and turns, as well as the slightly mystical or spiritual aspect of it - fate? coincidence? I really felt for Carla, loving her husband but him loving his mountains more than his family. And Aaron really amazed me - loved him!!! Great story - this is the only book I've read in this series, but I'll definitely look to reading the others.
Profile Image for Lynda Kelly.
2,204 reviews107 followers
August 26, 2021
Another winner in this series (though another that ends at the 80% mark cos' the remainder is taken up with excerpts from her other books). I had to reopen the previous book to remind myself of the characters and how they're all related once more as I forget when I've left them for a while. I do like how they all weave into one big, happy family, however discordant, in one way or another in each tale.
The cover's a lovely one on this one, too, though none have topped The Color of Heaven's cover for me. That one is a real beaut.
I guessed how this story was going to play out, which is rare for me and I did feel exceedingly bad for one particular character, though no spoilers here. They were treated a little shabbily for my liking but said character features in the next instalment, I read, so perhaps they'll be OK......things got a little rushed toward the end which was a bit of a shame. I'd have liked to see more of a certain courtship and less of the days playing Robinson Crusoe !!
We did get told too many times near the start that Seth needed to conserve his phone's battery......we got it, the first time of mentioning !! We was written and not he at one point, then we had breach not breech. She also had visitor's and not visitors' written but at other times her apostrophes were all properly positioned so someone messed that up by not spotting it.
However, once again a thought-provoking and nice story by the author, who rarely puts a foot wrong for me.
Profile Image for Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams.
2,705 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2019
The Color of Love (The Color of Heaven Series Book 6)

The love story of Carla and Aaron. After a plane crash Seth and Aaron are the only survivors. For one week Seth told Aaron very think about how to survive and all about his family. When Seth is kill Aaron survive in the member of Carla. Will reality be as good as dreams?
Carla has learn her husband has been kill in a plane crash and he cash out his life insurance. How will she and her daughter survive? Now a year after she mets Josh, a cop. He is everything she want in a man but is he the right man for her?
Profile Image for Lesley Hernandez.
153 reviews12 followers
May 4, 2021
Another Amazing Read

This was a story my gosh Carla has been through so much. Kaleigh she was a good rock aww poor Josh I felt so bad but you gotta follow your heart and destiny.
1,034 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2022
Absolutely amazing

I am in total see if this series! Each book leads to another domino effect that started in book one.
Profile Image for Kathy.
318 reviews
August 21, 2014
This is the 6th book in The Color series. It is rated 5 stars on Amazon by 9/9 reviewers. I have absolutely loved this series, but I think this book fell a little short only as compared to the others.I don't think you would need to read the previous ones, to read this one. I am a huge believer in fate...and The Color of Love was definitely deserving of that idea. It dealt with an airplane crash, one survivor, and the fate that pursued. The last 50-ish pages were very good...so much like in the previous books in this series. I am looking forward to the next book due out in November.
Profile Image for Bookfan36.
434 reviews
August 29, 2024
Brief synopsis from the book cover:

Carla Matthews is a single mother struggling to make ends meet and give her daughter Kaleigh a decent upbringing. When Kaleigh’s absent father Seth—a famous alpine climber who never wanted to be tied down—begs for a second chance at fatherhood, Carla is hesitant because she doesn’t want to pin her hopes on a man who is always seeking another mountain to scale. A man who was never willing to stay put in one place and raise a family.
But when Seth’s plane goes missing after a crash landing in the harsh Canadian wilderness, Carla must wait for news… Is he dead or alive? Will the wreckage ever be found?
One year later, after having given up all hope, Carla receives a phone call that shocks her to her core. A man has been found, half-dead, floating on an iceberg in the North Atlantic, uttering her name. Is this Seth? And is it possible that he will come home to her and Kaleigh at last, and be the man she always dreamed he would be?

My rating:

Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

General Fiction
Women’s Fiction


Review:

I enjoyed this book very much as it’s a beautiful, heartwarming story, full of compassion and hope. The characters are nice interesting people, their characters and actions felt realistic as they were explained well. The plot is well developed and the story flows well. This made it very captivating.

This book is part of the Color of Heaven Series but each book can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Nancy Parker.
338 reviews
February 13, 2021
A different kind of twist in this book of the series but they were similar in many respects as well.

I’ve seen other reviewers not like the book bc some of the coincidences seem far fetched or too convenient. I agree with the assessment but it doesn’t make me like the books less. You suspend reality a bit when reading fiction. They’re not so far out there, they don’t seem ridiculous to me but very convenient.

I hadn’t considered they may be lazy on the part of the author bc less character development is required due to the mysterious, instant connections that develop early in the relationships. If it’s just one book, you can overlook but it happens like that in every one. Is it a nod to the supernatural/mystery of the universe or laziness?

It so far has not hampered my enjoyment of the books bc they are fantasy, after all. We’ll see if this new insight spoils any future installments of the book for me. The feel good nature, happy endings appeal to me and that won’t change.
Profile Image for Dawn.
411 reviews
August 31, 2025
As this series goes on it feels like the endings of all of the books are rushed. We have great setups but then things just happen so easily and so quickly that I'm not sure I can follow how they happen.

A couple of things about this book are troublesome. The drama around whether Seth and Aaron would get rescued was super engaging. It took up a good chunk of the book. It made me think Seth was going to be a big player in this book.

Carla is barely in the first half of the book. What we see of her is a little confusing. It's strange she is seemingly committed to, but ambivalent, about Josh. Again, why are we building him up then? This is the second love interest built up for seeming no reason.

Then the book just moves too fast to tie up loose ends. I still think the book is engaging and the strong start makes it read worthy, but I feel the author has done better and just didn't invest as much into writing these later parts of the series.
Profile Image for Karla Renee Goforth Abreu.
667 reviews8 followers
April 18, 2021
I was looking for a lighthearted book and found this. I didn't realize it was in a series. It is a stand alone story, though. The plot grabs the reader from the beginning with a plane going down. Then there is a fight for survival on a deserted island. Emotions are raging on the home front and in the survivors. The strong power of love is the tie that binds.
I enjoyed the book as reading to unwind.
The plot actually landed itself to a better development of the characters, emotions, and exploring the uncanny power of love . Unfortunately, the author barely tipped the iceberg on any of that. The reader is treated to a sweet story but nothing with any depth.
I recommend if you simply want a relaxing and interesting read.
1,941 reviews9 followers
July 7, 2022
A heartbreaking love story

Everything you ever wished could be yours. Seth can't believe that he is off to Iceland but it doesn't go according to plan. The plane crashes and only two of them survive. Aaron & Seth are stranded and waiting to be rescued but that never happens. Aaron finds himself all alone after Seth dies. He has no idea how to survive in the wilderness but one thing gets him through. Seth left behind a wife Carla & a young daughter Kayleigh. Carla gets Aaron through the year. They get to meet after he is rescued but nothing is that simple. Carla has someone else in her life now but she can't explain how she feels about Aaron. She has a choice to make but will it be the right one?
A great read of heartbreak, survival and second chances.
1,057 reviews10 followers
February 21, 2025
As with all the previous books in this series, the twists and turns will keep you guessing until you reach the end. As soon as you think you know, trust me, you have no idea!!

Seth and Carla have struggled to build a life together for the sake of their daughter but Seth was constantly chasing a dream to climb the next highest mountain and to make a name for himself in the climbing world. After leaving Carla mostly alone to raise their daughter it seems he finally wants a second chance to be a good father. But before he can return home he’s off on another expedition. When his plane goes down in the Canadian wilderness he is believed to have perished. A shocking phone call a year later will have Carla racing to a Canadian hospital to a man found on an iceberg who was whispering her name.
135 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2019
Amazingly profound!

Ten stars if I only could give it. This series touched something in the depth of my heart! I can only say that if anyone has ever experienced a feeling that some thing/someone was meant to be in your life even for a short time you should listen to the calling. I believe when that happens it is meant to be and will transform who you are if not at that moment perhaps later it will come as an answer to a prayer. This whole series seems like one of those questions you ask to be answered. I can't wait for more. Perhaps more will be given to me so as to understand things I've questioned most of my life.
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,133 reviews47 followers
June 20, 2022
Delightful story of survival, determination and love grown from connection and loneliness - a fictional story which feels like it could be true - stranger things have happened. I loved the interaction between Carla and her daughter, and between the other male characters. Carla is a very likeable person, and someone that would make a great, caring friend.

This author knows how to write unique and unusual stories, and her talent does not disappoint - not in the Color Series or any of her stand-alones. She's an author you will want to follow. I have read about 10 of her books so far, and enjoying them all.
Profile Image for Carole Mckee.
335 reviews7 followers
March 2, 2020
A Terrific Story

This is another great book by Julianne MacLean, who has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Like all of her books, this book has in depth details of amazing events. From the crash of the private jet comes the story of an adventure through a frozen hell. How does one get back to civilization and to the people he loves? How does he survive on the uninhabited island? Back home, someone waits. The mistaken identity changes lives. Wonderful story. I couldn't put it down.
772 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2020
This story of survival has it all: love, heartbreak, joy and God’s touch.
A plane on its way to an Icelandic expedition crashed on a remote island in the North Atlantic.
How does one survive? How do those left behind survive the heartbreaking news.
The Color of Love is an excellent addition to this series.
43 reviews
January 30, 2020
Incredible read

This author is fantastic every book I've read grabs you and keeps you entertained for the entire book! There has not been one of her books I have not throughly enjoyed... I'd recommend this author to anyone who wants a different story with all the twists and turns with every book she writes!
727 reviews
May 5, 2020
Where fate leads.

An exciting story with some twists and turns that will touch your heart as you read this story of survival. After being stranded on the uninhabited island for a year after a plane crash Aaron's thoughts and dreams helped him as he made a valiant effort to escape and find a way home. A beautiful love story filled with challenges.
Profile Image for Alison Offerdal.
240 reviews
June 6, 2020
Another touching read

Following the fate of another character introduced in the previous novel, Carla and her daughter Kayleigh can’t believe it when they are told that Seth, Kayleigh’s father has been found after a plane crash a year later. This puts Carla on a trajectory with her fate, was it always meant to be? Loving these books!
5 reviews
June 20, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book.there are different character's points of view within the story. Can't wait to read the next one

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.there are many different character's points of view within the story.Can't wait to read the next one. Another author for me to follow
82 reviews
January 16, 2021
I felt pulled through the story

This story took me on a journey through the questions of fate, faith and destiny. Bringing up moments where life happens and you see the links to others.

I have read several other books in this series, but this one has me looking to make sure I read all the others.
Profile Image for Hanau.
321 reviews
April 29, 2021
Such a great book and series

Another book in the series I just can’t put down. I marvel at the stories, the characters, the writing and how the characters are connected.
There are so many things between Heaven and earth we don’t have an explanation for. And to me it seems as if these stories are taken out of real life.
Profile Image for Cindy Bates.
311 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2022
Enjoyable

For me personally, I had problems reading about a plane crash. I hate flying and this just messed with my mind. However, getting through that and some of their trial and tribulations while stranded made an entire enjoyable read. The ending of this book was a little more "prophet" sounding then her others. It will make you think!
Profile Image for Bobbi Stoffers.
262 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2022
Twists and turns, Strength and Survival

Riveting story with lots of twists and turns. The jet goes down on a deserted inhabitable island in Canada. Two survive the rest are gone. This story of survival and finding strength where you will do what ever it takes to make it home. Unbelievable story
Profile Image for Kimberly  Bransford .
413 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2023
What an amazing story

This one kept me turning pages. I had to see what would happen next. Aaron thought all hope was lost but miraculously he was saved and gained more than he lost. Carla was able to find a good devoted family man after everything she experienced with her first marriage. Kaleigh finally got a father.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews

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