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Pasion Prohibida
This book is clean no marks, very good condition, it comes from a smoke free, animal free environment.
509 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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517 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Williamson
26 books237 followersPenelope Williamson is an internationally renowned author of historical romance and suspense. Penelope Williamson was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and spent the first eleven years of her life as an US Air Force brat. She has a B.A. in history, an M.A. in broadcast journalism, and was in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years, where she reached the rank of Captain. She has more than 1.8 million books in print, including The Outsider, Heart of the West A Wild Yearning, Once in a Blue Moon, and Keeper of the Dream. Penny is a past winner of the Romantic Times' Best Historical Romance of the Year award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA awards. Penelope Williamson lives with her husband in Mill Valley, California.
pseudonyms: Elizabeth Lambert, Penn Williamson
pseudonyms: Elizabeth Lambert, Penn Williamson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 19, 2011
This book hurt.
People called it marvelous. They called it the book of second chances.
I call it the book of second best.
Sure, it was written beautifully.
But from the start I knew where it will go, so all the sly little glances Shay gave Emma or all the thoughts of love Emma had? I never saw them as obscene, but they bugged me. They were sweet on one side but on the other almost every time Shay just went in to the next scene, picked up his wife, and twirled her around because it made her happy or because she gave him a son.
And I, as the observer, at that moment, did not care if his wife was nice , happy or even angelically (and sickeningly) sweet. I just wanted her gone. I did not want her to die. I wanted her edited. I wanted her completely off the pages. Because she was wrong.
I never hated a villain as much as I despised her.
Somebody would say that made me a bad person but hey…
She just…ugh.
On one hand she was all sweetness.
She was the final product of everything Emma could have been if she looked inside her soul! (Disney moment,people!And yeah,there are people that hum and dance :/)
She was free and oh so very good!
But on the other hand…
She took priesthood from Shy with…breasts.
The ultimate evil-boobies!
Well, they are. Especially if you are a male priesthood apprentice on a deserted beach.
She really really really wanted him to marry her so she kind of jumped him until he did.
She also got pregnant event thou she knew she will die (and really leave a helpless baby all alone) in order to give Shay a baby boy.
Oh mercy, those male kids! You just can not die without giving your husband one!
And why is that?
Because you are a sweet angel?
Nah. Because you do not want an other woman to give him his first boy!
Ermmm…
So, what was really the deal with this character?
How does the half of her personality that tends to get Emma and Shay together to live happily ever after collide with the scary possessive evil bitch part?
Let me enlighten you:
It doesn't. The author wanted it all to be sickeningly nice and in order to do so the wife had to be a goody goody two shoes.
But she also had to give Shay some depth. And the kind of depth she wanted? Would never go with a feather brained woman like the wife was.
So I wanted her gone.
But when she was gone…oh, I just wanted the book gone also.
I had no idea what was the point of the half of things that went under... the clairvoyant daughter was just too much , and Shay made me sick with his love for…I have no idea who. One second it was one woman and the next…eh!
The really happy ending would have been if the author had the mastermind insight that could have developed Geoffrey. He was a wonderful soul and I think that with a little more pushing he would have been the best hero ever. They way Emma walked all over his heart in the end mad me want to bitch slap her-after all she had been trough and after all he has done for her, after all his love….you throw him the ring attached to your wedding veil while sailing off with your lover? God, you got class…not.
Most importantly I had this HUGE problem with Shay, because I never really saw his undying love for Emma. Ok, I did see some love. But he hated what she was and what she had…he still kind of loved his recently deceased wife also, and on top of all that he had children and the boy he wanted…so…what is that he wanted from Emma? What is it that she could give that will make her NOT second best?
I have to quote one of the best sentences in this book
“Every time it’s the same,” she said into the empty world that he had left behind. “You happen to me all over again.”
He was a jerk. Sometimes even cruel in his martyrdom.
He was rough, ugly, broken nosed, worn out, dirty haired, salty (I say salty because the author does it. But let us not lie to ourselves-it means sweaty and not washed skin. It means ewww! to every normal person in the real world) with a pack of kids and a hatred toward fate, life and so many other things.
I just do not see it.
I think Emma got a lame deal.
Would you want this hero for yourself?
I surely would not.
Bottom line: If I hated the hero and found him all wrong for my heroine, if I was kind of disgusted by the plot and pushiness of the first wife as well as her entire being in that fictional world… what was there to like?
The heroine?
Sure. But I still hated her hae.
And there really is no point in something that was well written but leaves me frustrated.
Romance is about romance-not good prose.
I can sometime forgive bad writing,but never an unlikable plot.
And I am not even going to mention the fact that it was unbelievable to the point of fantasy.
(humming clairvoyants? Really? I mean..really?)
People called it marvelous. They called it the book of second chances.
I call it the book of second best.
Sure, it was written beautifully.
But from the start I knew where it will go, so all the sly little glances Shay gave Emma or all the thoughts of love Emma had? I never saw them as obscene, but they bugged me. They were sweet on one side but on the other almost every time Shay just went in to the next scene, picked up his wife, and twirled her around because it made her happy or because she gave him a son.
And I, as the observer, at that moment, did not care if his wife was nice , happy or even angelically (and sickeningly) sweet. I just wanted her gone. I did not want her to die. I wanted her edited. I wanted her completely off the pages. Because she was wrong.
I never hated a villain as much as I despised her.
Somebody would say that made me a bad person but hey…
She just…ugh.
On one hand she was all sweetness.
She was the final product of everything Emma could have been if she looked inside her soul! (Disney moment,people!And yeah,there are people that hum and dance :/)
She was free and oh so very good!
But on the other hand…
She took priesthood from Shy with…breasts.
The ultimate evil-boobies!
Well, they are. Especially if you are a male priesthood apprentice on a deserted beach.
She really really really wanted him to marry her so she kind of jumped him until he did.
She also got pregnant event thou she knew she will die (and really leave a helpless baby all alone) in order to give Shay a baby boy.
Oh mercy, those male kids! You just can not die without giving your husband one!
And why is that?
Because you are a sweet angel?
Nah. Because you do not want an other woman to give him his first boy!
Ermmm…
So, what was really the deal with this character?
How does the half of her personality that tends to get Emma and Shay together to live happily ever after collide with the scary possessive evil bitch part?
Let me enlighten you:
It doesn't. The author wanted it all to be sickeningly nice and in order to do so the wife had to be a goody goody two shoes.
But she also had to give Shay some depth. And the kind of depth she wanted? Would never go with a feather brained woman like the wife was.
So I wanted her gone.
But when she was gone…oh, I just wanted the book gone also.
I had no idea what was the point of the half of things that went under... the clairvoyant daughter was just too much , and Shay made me sick with his love for…I have no idea who. One second it was one woman and the next…eh!
The really happy ending would have been if the author had the mastermind insight that could have developed Geoffrey. He was a wonderful soul and I think that with a little more pushing he would have been the best hero ever. They way Emma walked all over his heart in the end mad me want to bitch slap her-after all she had been trough and after all he has done for her, after all his love….you throw him the ring attached to your wedding veil while sailing off with your lover? God, you got class…not.
Most importantly I had this HUGE problem with Shay, because I never really saw his undying love for Emma. Ok, I did see some love. But he hated what she was and what she had…he still kind of loved his recently deceased wife also, and on top of all that he had children and the boy he wanted…so…what is that he wanted from Emma? What is it that she could give that will make her NOT second best?
I have to quote one of the best sentences in this book
“Every time it’s the same,” she said into the empty world that he had left behind. “You happen to me all over again.”
He was a jerk. Sometimes even cruel in his martyrdom.
He was rough, ugly, broken nosed, worn out, dirty haired, salty (I say salty because the author does it. But let us not lie to ourselves-it means sweaty and not washed skin. It means ewww! to every normal person in the real world) with a pack of kids and a hatred toward fate, life and so many other things.
I just do not see it.
I think Emma got a lame deal.
Would you want this hero for yourself?
I surely would not.
Bottom line: If I hated the hero and found him all wrong for my heroine, if I was kind of disgusted by the plot and pushiness of the first wife as well as her entire being in that fictional world… what was there to like?
The heroine?
Sure. But I still hated her hae.
And there really is no point in something that was well written but leaves me frustrated.
Romance is about romance-not good prose.
I can sometime forgive bad writing,but never an unlikable plot.
And I am not even going to mention the fact that it was unbelievable to the point of fantasy.
(humming clairvoyants? Really? I mean..really?)
May 4, 2019
Pasión prohibida es un libro que no solamente nos cuenta una historia de amor... en ella encontraremos la historia de dos mujeres que su procedencia y su posición social hacia imposible que se llegaran a conocer, y mucho menos hacerse amigas. Pero ya sea por el azar o por el destino sus caminos se cruzaron dando lugar a una amistad duradera que ni la muerte haría que se dejaran de querer.
Emma Tremayne es una rica heredera de Rhode Island que su vida transcurre entre bailes, compras y tardes de visita para tomar el té. Su familia se vio sacudida por algunas desgracias que entre la "Gente Importante" se podría considerar como un escándalo, y es por eso su madre ha puesto todas sus esperanzas en ella para que vuelva a restituir el buen nombre de la familia Tremayne. Cuando el industrial más importante le propone matrimonio se hace realidad todos los sueños de la madre. Pero Emma se siente algo asfixiada con toda la pomposidad de la alta sociedad de Boston y cree que tiene que haber algo más fuera de su círculo.
La aparición de una mujer irlandesa, trabajadora de una de las fabricas textiles de la cual es propietario su prometido, portando el cadáver de un niño que murió al caer en una hiladora le hace replantearse muchas cosas.
Bria McKenna es una inmigrante irlandesa embarazada y enferma de tisis que sabe que le queda poco tiempo de vida, pero no permite que eso le impida poder disfrutar de su amado marido Shay o de sus dos hijas, Noreen y Merry. Son más pobres que unas ratas pero eso no impiden que sean felices y disfruten de cada día.
A partir de ese momento el destino empieza a trabajar para que los caminos de Emma y esa mujer irlandesa se vuelva a unir. En contra de todo pronostico esas dos mujeres, que no tienen nada en común, se hacen amigas intimas. Emma aprende de Bria que no es necesario ser rico para ser felices, a disfrutar de las pequeñas cosas. Emma gracias a esa amistad va madurando y se vuelve una mujer más fuerte, con la familia de Bria puede ser ella misma y no tiene que aparentar como lo tiene que hacer con los de su misma clase.
La amistad de Bria también le trae la oportunidad de conocer más a fondo a Shay, marido de Bria, un irlandés tosco, duro y que a primer vistazo da un poco de temor pero es a través de Bria que conoce al verdadero hombre que se esconde detrás de ese hombretón, un marido cariñoso que ama con locura a su mujer, a un padre cariñoso y bromista.
Sin darse cuenta y para horror de Emma se acaba enamorando del marido de su mejor amiga, pero como amiga leal que es esta dispuesta a luchar en contra de ese amor. Shay por su parte también empieza a mirar a la amiga de su mujer con otros ojos, cuando la conoció pensó que era otra mujer orgullosa y pretenciosa de la alta sociedad pero al conocerla más a fondo conoció a la verdadera Emma, una mujer cariñoso y valiente cuya timidez le hace parecer una muchacha pretenciosa cuando no lo es.
Bria como mujer perspicaz que es se da cuenta de lo que esta pasando entre su mejor amiga y su marido, sabe que mientras esté ella la lealtad de los dos va impedir que pase nada, pero es entonces que se le ocurre que cuando ella muera no puede haber otra mujer mejor para que cuide de sus hijos y que amé a su marido. Así que con todo el dolor de su corazón pero con toda la generosidad, por el amor a su familia, esta dispuesta a poner su granito de arena para que los dos acaben juntos al morir ella.
-¿Harás una cosa, una cosa muy pequeña, por mí, cariño? -dijo-. Cuando me haya ido. Quiero que guardes duelo por mí, que llores por mí y que me eches mucho, mucho, de menos. Pero después de un tiempo, quiero que le pidas a nuestra Emma que sea tu mujer.
-Una cosa absurda, imposible -dijo él, con voz enronquecida de dolor-. No puedes conseguir, solo con tu voluntad, que ella ocupe tu lugar. Ni en mi corazón ni en el corazón de nuestros hijos. No puedes venir y decirme que la quiera y pensar que me casaré con ella cuando tú no estés.
Es un libro conmovedor escrito con mucha ternura y delicadeza. Si, a veces es triste, pero vale la pena leerlo para poder leer una historia que muestra una amistad tan grande, la generosidad en amar. Pero no os asustéis que no todo es triste hay momentos para las risas, los momentos tiernos con las hijas de Bria, los momentos en que te gustaría estrangular a la madre de la protagonista.
Es un libro largo y la historia se va desarrollando poco a poco, no quiero decir que sea lento ni aburrido si no que no esperéis que el amor entre Shay y Emma surja en el segundo capítulo, la historia de amor entre ellos tomara protagonismo más o menos en el último tercio del libro.
A pesar que le he puesto la puntuación máxima le he encontrado un pequeño fallo... le falta un epílogo. Me hubiera gustado saber como sería la vida en común entre Shay y Emma unos años después. Bueno, hay otra cosa que no me gusta... las portadas. La de la versión impresa de la editorial es tan empalagosa y ñoña que te da una impresión equivocada y la de la edición electrónica, tengo que reconocer que esta un poquito mejor pero tampoco me gusta... esto es una cosa que no tiene la culpa la escritora, y en realidad lo que importa es el "contenido" que es una maravilla.
Emma Tremayne es una rica heredera de Rhode Island que su vida transcurre entre bailes, compras y tardes de visita para tomar el té. Su familia se vio sacudida por algunas desgracias que entre la "Gente Importante" se podría considerar como un escándalo, y es por eso su madre ha puesto todas sus esperanzas en ella para que vuelva a restituir el buen nombre de la familia Tremayne. Cuando el industrial más importante le propone matrimonio se hace realidad todos los sueños de la madre. Pero Emma se siente algo asfixiada con toda la pomposidad de la alta sociedad de Boston y cree que tiene que haber algo más fuera de su círculo.
La aparición de una mujer irlandesa, trabajadora de una de las fabricas textiles de la cual es propietario su prometido, portando el cadáver de un niño que murió al caer en una hiladora le hace replantearse muchas cosas.
Bria McKenna es una inmigrante irlandesa embarazada y enferma de tisis que sabe que le queda poco tiempo de vida, pero no permite que eso le impida poder disfrutar de su amado marido Shay o de sus dos hijas, Noreen y Merry. Son más pobres que unas ratas pero eso no impiden que sean felices y disfruten de cada día.
A partir de ese momento el destino empieza a trabajar para que los caminos de Emma y esa mujer irlandesa se vuelva a unir. En contra de todo pronostico esas dos mujeres, que no tienen nada en común, se hacen amigas intimas. Emma aprende de Bria que no es necesario ser rico para ser felices, a disfrutar de las pequeñas cosas. Emma gracias a esa amistad va madurando y se vuelve una mujer más fuerte, con la familia de Bria puede ser ella misma y no tiene que aparentar como lo tiene que hacer con los de su misma clase.
La amistad de Bria también le trae la oportunidad de conocer más a fondo a Shay, marido de Bria, un irlandés tosco, duro y que a primer vistazo da un poco de temor pero es a través de Bria que conoce al verdadero hombre que se esconde detrás de ese hombretón, un marido cariñoso que ama con locura a su mujer, a un padre cariñoso y bromista.
Sin darse cuenta y para horror de Emma se acaba enamorando del marido de su mejor amiga, pero como amiga leal que es esta dispuesta a luchar en contra de ese amor. Shay por su parte también empieza a mirar a la amiga de su mujer con otros ojos, cuando la conoció pensó que era otra mujer orgullosa y pretenciosa de la alta sociedad pero al conocerla más a fondo conoció a la verdadera Emma, una mujer cariñoso y valiente cuya timidez le hace parecer una muchacha pretenciosa cuando no lo es.
Bria como mujer perspicaz que es se da cuenta de lo que esta pasando entre su mejor amiga y su marido, sabe que mientras esté ella la lealtad de los dos va impedir que pase nada, pero es entonces que se le ocurre que cuando ella muera no puede haber otra mujer mejor para que cuide de sus hijos y que amé a su marido. Así que con todo el dolor de su corazón pero con toda la generosidad, por el amor a su familia, esta dispuesta a poner su granito de arena para que los dos acaben juntos al morir ella.
-¿Harás una cosa, una cosa muy pequeña, por mí, cariño? -dijo-. Cuando me haya ido. Quiero que guardes duelo por mí, que llores por mí y que me eches mucho, mucho, de menos. Pero después de un tiempo, quiero que le pidas a nuestra Emma que sea tu mujer.
-Una cosa absurda, imposible -dijo él, con voz enronquecida de dolor-. No puedes conseguir, solo con tu voluntad, que ella ocupe tu lugar. Ni en mi corazón ni en el corazón de nuestros hijos. No puedes venir y decirme que la quiera y pensar que me casaré con ella cuando tú no estés.
Es un libro conmovedor escrito con mucha ternura y delicadeza. Si, a veces es triste, pero vale la pena leerlo para poder leer una historia que muestra una amistad tan grande, la generosidad en amar. Pero no os asustéis que no todo es triste hay momentos para las risas, los momentos tiernos con las hijas de Bria, los momentos en que te gustaría estrangular a la madre de la protagonista.
Es un libro largo y la historia se va desarrollando poco a poco, no quiero decir que sea lento ni aburrido si no que no esperéis que el amor entre Shay y Emma surja en el segundo capítulo, la historia de amor entre ellos tomara protagonismo más o menos en el último tercio del libro.
A pesar que le he puesto la puntuación máxima le he encontrado un pequeño fallo... le falta un epílogo. Me hubiera gustado saber como sería la vida en común entre Shay y Emma unos años después. Bueno, hay otra cosa que no me gusta... las portadas. La de la versión impresa de la editorial es tan empalagosa y ñoña que te da una impresión equivocada y la de la edición electrónica, tengo que reconocer que esta un poquito mejor pero tampoco me gusta... esto es una cosa que no tiene la culpa la escritora, y en realidad lo que importa es el "contenido" que es una maravilla.
June 11, 2021
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this more than I thought possible because historical fiction isn't my go-to genre. But mostly I shied away because I knew of the love triangle which made the hero unavailable for most of the book. Dislike! How could anyone find this romantic?
I should have had more trust in Penelope Williamson who is one of my favorite authors. By the time the novel ended, I felt totally convinced Emma and Shay had fallen in love even though it developed late in the narrative, 3/4 of the way in. It was also clear to me that although Shay had loved the other woman she really didn't hold a candle to Emma who was a kind, beautiful, and sympathetic heroine.
The author's talent is so great that she was able to make me disregard the less-than-palatable tropes and instead drew me into the story with the beautiful writing, compelling plot, and passionate romance. Surprisingly, I didn't even hate the other woman—although I'd wished she'd been banished from the story before Emma ever met Shay! But that would have been a different story. What would have made this novel even better would have been an epilogue. Did they have kids of their own? How did they adjust to their new life together?
As this is historical fiction, the romantic relationship between Emma and Shay was just one of the various relationships explored. Both Emma's deep friendship with the other woman and her relationship with her dysfunctional family were explored as well. At its heart, this is a coming-of-age story about a young and privileged woman pursuing her passions in spite of the social risks and consequences involved.
I enjoyed this more than I thought possible because historical fiction isn't my go-to genre. But mostly I shied away because I knew of the love triangle which made the hero unavailable for most of the book. Dislike! How could anyone find this romantic?
I should have had more trust in Penelope Williamson who is one of my favorite authors. By the time the novel ended, I felt totally convinced Emma and Shay had fallen in love even though it developed late in the narrative, 3/4 of the way in. It was also clear to me that although Shay had loved the other woman she really didn't hold a candle to Emma who was a kind, beautiful, and sympathetic heroine.
The author's talent is so great that she was able to make me disregard the less-than-palatable tropes and instead drew me into the story with the beautiful writing, compelling plot, and passionate romance. Surprisingly, I didn't even hate the other woman—although I'd wished she'd been banished from the story before Emma ever met Shay! But that would have been a different story. What would have made this novel even better would have been an epilogue. Did they have kids of their own? How did they adjust to their new life together?
As this is historical fiction, the romantic relationship between Emma and Shay was just one of the various relationships explored. Both Emma's deep friendship with the other woman and her relationship with her dysfunctional family were explored as well. At its heart, this is a coming-of-age story about a young and privileged woman pursuing her passions in spite of the social risks and consequences involved.
June 21, 2023
3 Estrellitas. Me da mucha pena no haberle dado más estrellas, realmente el libro está muy bien escrito, pero el romance se me ha atragantado, no me lo he creído, me ha parecido demasiado arriesgado y agridulce.
"Pasión prohibida" es un libro difícil, difícil por el tema que trata y sobre todo por su romance, que lo siento, pero no me ha convencido. Habría sido una muy buena novela, de no haber tenido romance.
Emma Tremayne lo tiene todo, es rica, hermosa y una perfecta posición social entre las Gentes Importantes de Bristol, Rhode Island, a finales del siglo XIX. Lo suyo son las fiestas, los bailes, y las cacerías. Y también se espera que haga un buen matrimonio, con Geoffrey Alcott, el rico dueño de unas fábricas textiles. Emma le dice sí a Geoffrey en un momento de debilidad, pero todo en la vida de Emma cambiará cuando al volver de una cacería encuentran a una mujer irlandesa con un niño muerto en brazos, un niño que ha muerto en una de las fábricas de Geoffrey Alcott.
En seguida, Emma empezará a madurar y reflexionar sobre su vida de privilegios, la que no puede cambiar, y a la vez se sentirá intrigada por Bria, la mujer irlandesa que apareció en la cacería. Poco a poco, Emma conocerá a Bria, y a su familia, sus niñas, y a su marido; Samuel McKenna, o Shay, un hombre oscuro y peligroso que la intimidó desde el principio.
La suya será una relación prohibida, pues Shay está casado, y Emma no puede traicionar de esa manera a su mejor amiga. Cuando lo mejor es alejarse, siempre habrá una excusa para que Emma vuelva con los McKenna, y es la relación con las niñitas, y el avanzado estado de embarazo de Bria. Eso no será todo, desde el principio el lector sabe que Bria está enferma de tisis y no le queda mucho.
¿Cómo se puede ser tan cruel de hacer que la protagonista se enamore de un hombre casado y que encima ese hombre sea el esposo de tu mejor amiga? A mí como lectora me parece cruel. Puedes pensar que es bonito o hermoso el hecho de que una vez que Bria no esté, Emma puede ejercer de madre de los niños de Bria y darles la educación, el vestido y la alimentación que el dinero de Emma puede aportar para mejorar la situación de su familia. Pero la historia no deja de ser cruel.
Quizás en la vida real haya cosas así, pero personalmente, me parece enrevesado. Como he dicho, es una historia difícil, pues mas allá de atracción, no hay romance hasta el último tercio del libro, y éste es tan ínfimo, que tampoco te lo crees como romance, porque Bria siempre está presente entre los protagonistas.
Una vez casi llegado al final, hay una serie de capítulos que me han desagradado sobremanera, porque lo he visto varias veces en las novelas y no me hacen ni puñetera gracia ¿Cómo se puede anular de tal manera la voluntad de una mujer para cambiar lo que siente? Es mezquino y cruel, y yo leo para entretenerme, no para sufrir, y aunque no niego que el libro tiene su aquel, ciertas cosas le han sobrado.
Sí, como lectora, el libro puede gustar, no digo que no. Admito que está muy bien escrito y narrado, solo que a mí no me ha gustado el romance, lo he visto demasiado agridulce y no lo he disfrutado, y el final me ha parecido tan rápido, corto y abrupto, que después de lo ocurrido en los últimos capítulos, me ha decepcionado.
Es una pena, pues seguro que en la época éste libro fue rompedor y lo valoro por lo que es, pero no me ha llegado. Estoy segura de que leeré mas libros de Penelope Williamson, pues en el fondo su estilo me ha gustado. Solo espero que sus otros romances sean más clásicos, y no tan arriesgados que no puedas creértelos.
"Pasión prohibida" es un libro difícil, difícil por el tema que trata y sobre todo por su romance, que lo siento, pero no me ha convencido. Habría sido una muy buena novela, de no haber tenido romance.
Emma Tremayne lo tiene todo, es rica, hermosa y una perfecta posición social entre las Gentes Importantes de Bristol, Rhode Island, a finales del siglo XIX. Lo suyo son las fiestas, los bailes, y las cacerías. Y también se espera que haga un buen matrimonio, con Geoffrey Alcott, el rico dueño de unas fábricas textiles. Emma le dice sí a Geoffrey en un momento de debilidad, pero todo en la vida de Emma cambiará cuando al volver de una cacería encuentran a una mujer irlandesa con un niño muerto en brazos, un niño que ha muerto en una de las fábricas de Geoffrey Alcott.
En seguida, Emma empezará a madurar y reflexionar sobre su vida de privilegios, la que no puede cambiar, y a la vez se sentirá intrigada por Bria, la mujer irlandesa que apareció en la cacería. Poco a poco, Emma conocerá a Bria, y a su familia, sus niñas, y a su marido; Samuel McKenna, o Shay, un hombre oscuro y peligroso que la intimidó desde el principio.
La suya será una relación prohibida, pues Shay está casado, y Emma no puede traicionar de esa manera a su mejor amiga. Cuando lo mejor es alejarse, siempre habrá una excusa para que Emma vuelva con los McKenna, y es la relación con las niñitas, y el avanzado estado de embarazo de Bria. Eso no será todo, desde el principio el lector sabe que Bria está enferma de tisis y no le queda mucho.
¿Cómo se puede ser tan cruel de hacer que la protagonista se enamore de un hombre casado y que encima ese hombre sea el esposo de tu mejor amiga? A mí como lectora me parece cruel. Puedes pensar que es bonito o hermoso el hecho de que una vez que Bria no esté, Emma puede ejercer de madre de los niños de Bria y darles la educación, el vestido y la alimentación que el dinero de Emma puede aportar para mejorar la situación de su familia. Pero la historia no deja de ser cruel.
Quizás en la vida real haya cosas así, pero personalmente, me parece enrevesado. Como he dicho, es una historia difícil, pues mas allá de atracción, no hay romance hasta el último tercio del libro, y éste es tan ínfimo, que tampoco te lo crees como romance, porque Bria siempre está presente entre los protagonistas.
Una vez casi llegado al final, hay una serie de capítulos que me han desagradado sobremanera, porque lo he visto varias veces en las novelas y no me hacen ni puñetera gracia ¿Cómo se puede anular de tal manera la voluntad de una mujer para cambiar lo que siente? Es mezquino y cruel, y yo leo para entretenerme, no para sufrir, y aunque no niego que el libro tiene su aquel, ciertas cosas le han sobrado.
Sí, como lectora, el libro puede gustar, no digo que no. Admito que está muy bien escrito y narrado, solo que a mí no me ha gustado el romance, lo he visto demasiado agridulce y no lo he disfrutado, y el final me ha parecido tan rápido, corto y abrupto, que después de lo ocurrido en los últimos capítulos, me ha decepcionado.
Es una pena, pues seguro que en la época éste libro fue rompedor y lo valoro por lo que es, pero no me ha llegado. Estoy segura de que leeré mas libros de Penelope Williamson, pues en el fondo su estilo me ha gustado. Solo espero que sus otros romances sean más clásicos, y no tan arriesgados que no puedas creértelos.
December 18, 2014
Shay McKenna is a poor, Irish immigrant working odd jobs to make a living. Emma Tremayne is filthy rich and comes from one of Bristol's best families: the Great Folk. Their match seems a highly improbable one and that is if you don't count the fact that Shay's already happily married with Bria and have two girls together. But then we learn early on that Bria is suffering from consumption, which of course makes it obvious that one day she'll die and leave the road open for Shay's and Emma's romance...
The book had me gripped early on in the story, and the random meeting between Shay and Emma showed so much promise between them. There was a chemistry between them and Emma was such an intriguing character, sometimes strong, sometimes refusing to stand up to her cruel mother. And then there was Maddie, Emma's handicapped sister and her infatuation for Stu, the brother of Emma's fiance, and this romance showed as much promise as the main one.
However, though the writing was excellent, the descriptions magnificent, the characters three-dimensional and so very real, there was little romance to be found:( Emma becomes best friends with Bria, Shay's wife, and it's this relationship that takes the focus for the most part and while we read about Emma's forbidden and unrequited love for Shay, his feelings are not so visible to the reader. Instead, Shay stays in love with his wife till after she dies, and I'm sorry to say that as a reader, I was never convinced that he loved Emma as much as she loved him. The love both of them felt for Bria, was the major link between them, and unfortunately I strongly dislike plots where the hero is so much in love with his first wife, because as in this case, I can't always believe that his love for the heroine later is just as strong.
One other thing that seriously made me mad, was Emma's sister Maggie. But most of all, I wanted to see a scene between the two sisters where at least they talk about what's happened, and when this didn't happen, it left me very disappointed.
In short, a great book, a magnificent and very heartwrenching story (keep a lot of kleenex nearby) of romantic literature but I'd be hard pressed to classify this as a romance.
The book had me gripped early on in the story, and the random meeting between Shay and Emma showed so much promise between them. There was a chemistry between them and Emma was such an intriguing character, sometimes strong, sometimes refusing to stand up to her cruel mother. And then there was Maddie, Emma's handicapped sister and her infatuation for Stu, the brother of Emma's fiance, and this romance showed as much promise as the main one.
However, though the writing was excellent, the descriptions magnificent, the characters three-dimensional and so very real, there was little romance to be found:( Emma becomes best friends with Bria, Shay's wife, and it's this relationship that takes the focus for the most part and while we read about Emma's forbidden and unrequited love for Shay, his feelings are not so visible to the reader. Instead, Shay stays in love with his wife till after she dies, and I'm sorry to say that as a reader, I was never convinced that he loved Emma as much as she loved him. The love both of them felt for Bria, was the major link between them, and unfortunately I strongly dislike plots where the hero is so much in love with his first wife, because as in this case, I can't always believe that his love for the heroine later is just as strong.
One other thing that seriously made me mad, was Emma's sister Maggie. But most of all, I wanted to see a scene between the two sisters where at least they talk about what's happened, and when this didn't happen, it left me very disappointed.
In short, a great book, a magnificent and very heartwrenching story (keep a lot of kleenex nearby) of romantic literature but I'd be hard pressed to classify this as a romance.
August 5, 2016
Possibly My Favorite Historical Romance--a Keeper!
I always know when I read a story by Penny Williamson that I'm going to feel deeply about the people she introduces me to and I know I'm going to be swept away to another time and a great love story. I knew I was in trouble with this one when I was in tears by page 20--but I could not put it down.
This is one of the most moving historical romances I've read. If you've ever loved a man who loved a woman before you, or if you've ever loved a man you know you can never have...this is the romance for you! And even if you are not one of those, you will love this story.
Based in 1890 in Bristol, Rhode Island, it's the story of Emma, daughter of the wild and wealthy Tremayne family. With her father gone to live his own life, her sister in a wheelchair and her brother dead, Emma is her mother's "last hope" for continuation of their line of respectability. And it seems Emma will do her duty when she agrees to wed the staid but prosperous Geoffrey Alcott who has loved her "forever." But then a young Irish child dies in one of Geoffrey's mills and Emma's life is changed forever. She becomes involved in the lives of an Irish family and becomes the friend of an Irish woman, Bria, who while pregnant and dying of consumption, is still full of life and love for her man, Shay McKenna, and her two young girls. What Emma sees in their lives inspires her to defy her powerful family to fight for what is right and to become the woman she was meant to be. What she sees in Shay will cause her heart to break.
It's a wonderful story of the friendship between two women from very different backgrounds who become so important to each other they complete each other's lives. It's the story of a young woman of artistic talent and a wild and passionate nature who is confined to a life of meaningless duty and ritual, but is moved by love to make a different life, a better choice.
It's the story of two women who love one man--a man of great dreams and great passions who has had many troubles in his life both in Ireland and America, but manages to do the honorable thing. It's the story of men and women who take what life throws at them and still manage to live significant lives full of love.
Finally, it's the story of the Irish immigrants who have made America great and the sacrifices they made to build lives here. I could not put it down and I dare say you will not be disappointed. This one is a keeper and may be my all time favorite romance!
It's on my Best Irish Historical Romances and Favorite Heroes and Heroines lists on Regan's Romance Reviews, and it's on my all time Top 10 list, too!
I always know when I read a story by Penny Williamson that I'm going to feel deeply about the people she introduces me to and I know I'm going to be swept away to another time and a great love story. I knew I was in trouble with this one when I was in tears by page 20--but I could not put it down.
This is one of the most moving historical romances I've read. If you've ever loved a man who loved a woman before you, or if you've ever loved a man you know you can never have...this is the romance for you! And even if you are not one of those, you will love this story.
Based in 1890 in Bristol, Rhode Island, it's the story of Emma, daughter of the wild and wealthy Tremayne family. With her father gone to live his own life, her sister in a wheelchair and her brother dead, Emma is her mother's "last hope" for continuation of their line of respectability. And it seems Emma will do her duty when she agrees to wed the staid but prosperous Geoffrey Alcott who has loved her "forever." But then a young Irish child dies in one of Geoffrey's mills and Emma's life is changed forever. She becomes involved in the lives of an Irish family and becomes the friend of an Irish woman, Bria, who while pregnant and dying of consumption, is still full of life and love for her man, Shay McKenna, and her two young girls. What Emma sees in their lives inspires her to defy her powerful family to fight for what is right and to become the woman she was meant to be. What she sees in Shay will cause her heart to break.
It's a wonderful story of the friendship between two women from very different backgrounds who become so important to each other they complete each other's lives. It's the story of a young woman of artistic talent and a wild and passionate nature who is confined to a life of meaningless duty and ritual, but is moved by love to make a different life, a better choice.
It's the story of two women who love one man--a man of great dreams and great passions who has had many troubles in his life both in Ireland and America, but manages to do the honorable thing. It's the story of men and women who take what life throws at them and still manage to live significant lives full of love.
Finally, it's the story of the Irish immigrants who have made America great and the sacrifices they made to build lives here. I could not put it down and I dare say you will not be disappointed. This one is a keeper and may be my all time favorite romance!
It's on my Best Irish Historical Romances and Favorite Heroes and Heroines lists on Regan's Romance Reviews, and it's on my all time Top 10 list, too!
January 14, 2021
This.book.was.hard.to.take. On many levels.
I normally love this trope: widower hero has a second chance at love. Don't get me wrong, I understand you can love more then one person in your life and love each person differently. But, reading about Bria and Shay's love and life together for 3/4 of the book was hard.to.take. The struggles and pain they faced in Ireland as well as trying to build a new life in America for their family. We watch Shay's love for Bria through whispered words, tender moments and a fierce protectiveness of her. Their love is like no other. Thats why, it was hard, I can't honestly believe Emma will be loved as deeply.
We've witnessed Emma's passions: her passion for Shay, her wanting to be her own person and live her own life without being repressed by what is acceptable in society, we see her mature, and find a meaningful friendship with Bria. But where was Shay's passion for her? He barely liked her and he didn't trust her to not break his Bria's heart when befriending her. Only did it seem in Bria's death, Shay fell in love with Emma, because in some ways, she became an extension of Bria. hard.to.take.
The ending felt incomplete to me. It just needed more . I'm not sure if it was the way Again. hard.to.take
However, the authors intricate weaving of character plots, with such vivid descriptions, all the while finding the words to break your heart and build it back up again only to break it some more, keep you turning the page, and this, this is what makes this book bearable.
I normally love this trope: widower hero has a second chance at love. Don't get me wrong, I understand you can love more then one person in your life and love each person differently. But, reading about Bria and Shay's love and life together for 3/4 of the book was hard.to.take. The struggles and pain they faced in Ireland as well as trying to build a new life in America for their family. We watch Shay's love for Bria through whispered words, tender moments and a fierce protectiveness of her. Their love is like no other. Thats why, it was hard, I can't honestly believe Emma will be loved as deeply.
We've witnessed Emma's passions: her passion for Shay, her wanting to be her own person and live her own life without being repressed by what is acceptable in society, we see her mature, and find a meaningful friendship with Bria. But where was Shay's passion for her? He barely liked her and he didn't trust her to not break his Bria's heart when befriending her. Only did it seem in Bria's death, Shay fell in love with Emma, because in some ways, she became an extension of Bria. hard.to.take.
The ending felt incomplete to me. It just needed more . I'm not sure if it was the way Again. hard.to.take
However, the authors intricate weaving of character plots, with such vivid descriptions, all the while finding the words to break your heart and build it back up again only to break it some more, keep you turning the page, and this, this is what makes this book bearable.
avoid
April 17, 2022Self note avoid
Love triangle
Spoilers from reviewers
H loved his wife first, and still loved her after she died.
The H is with the ow/ wife for 3/4 of the book.🙄and their love is beautiful.
The h saw it all, and is making eyes with the H.
This means, this Disgusting H was making eyes with the h while his wife was alive.
A reviewer said, he only fell in love with the h because she was his wife’s friend, and she became an extension of his dead wife. Wtf.
The h gets his leftover love and gets to raise his kid from his first marriage to the ow, whom he loved more than the h.🙄
Romantic story.🙄
Love triangle
Spoilers from reviewers
H loved his wife first, and still loved her after she died.
The H is with the ow/ wife for 3/4 of the book.🙄and their love is beautiful.
The h saw it all, and is making eyes with the H.
This means, this Disgusting H was making eyes with the h while his wife was alive.
A reviewer said, he only fell in love with the h because she was his wife’s friend, and she became an extension of his dead wife. Wtf.
The h gets his leftover love and gets to raise his kid from his first marriage to the ow, whom he loved more than the h.🙄
Romantic story.🙄
October 11, 2010
Ouch, this book was painful to read. It's vivid scenes and raw emotion lingered with me long after I turned the last page.
The plot sounds horribly depressing and there's no doubt that this is painful stuff but I wouldn't have put it down for anything. Rich in detail and emotion, it's moving and uplifting and tender and such a very beautiful story about love and friendship, THE PASSIONS OF EMMA is one of the best books I've read this year. Just grab yourself a box of tissues before starting it . . .
The plot sounds horribly depressing and there's no doubt that this is painful stuff but I wouldn't have put it down for anything. Rich in detail and emotion, it's moving and uplifting and tender and such a very beautiful story about love and friendship, THE PASSIONS OF EMMA is one of the best books I've read this year. Just grab yourself a box of tissues before starting it . . .
April 8, 2017
One of the most heartwrenching and unusual romance novels I've read in a long while. Beautifully written, with very well-drawn characters (especially Bria...wonderful Bria) and a story of friendship, loss, and love that made me teary more than once. The plot took twists I wasn't expecting and that I would never have thought could work as well as they did. There's a sort of love triangle here, but not at all the usual kind. I won't say more, because if you read this I want you to be as surprised by things as I was.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
May 9, 2019
4,5 estrellitas.
No apunto 5 estrellas porque anhele un romance más descriptivo pero eso NO quita la genial y cuidada prosa de la autora. Es una hermosa novela bastante triste pero muy bien documentada, donde aprendí sobre Irlanda y ése desprecio de los estadounidenses a los extranjeros, sobre todo irlandeses.
La historia de amor entre los protagonistas es brutal pero yo quería que pudiesen amarse en paz. Así y todo no esperaba semejante dramón y culebrón en donde existe pasión pero la autora es muy cuidadosa para narrarla.
Hubo escenas donde mi corazón se quebrada por la descripción de las enfermedades de ésa época y de las condiciones esclavas en las que trabajaban los niños. El personaje Bria no sólo fue una gran enseñanza para Emma sino para mi también. Qué ejemplo de mujer y qué tawl bien creado. Y ni hablar de Shay que con su rudez me enamoró.
Súper rencomendado. Es un 80toso.
No apunto 5 estrellas porque anhele un romance más descriptivo pero eso NO quita la genial y cuidada prosa de la autora. Es una hermosa novela bastante triste pero muy bien documentada, donde aprendí sobre Irlanda y ése desprecio de los estadounidenses a los extranjeros, sobre todo irlandeses.
La historia de amor entre los protagonistas es brutal pero yo quería que pudiesen amarse en paz. Así y todo no esperaba semejante dramón y culebrón en donde existe pasión pero la autora es muy cuidadosa para narrarla.
Hubo escenas donde mi corazón se quebrada por la descripción de las enfermedades de ésa época y de las condiciones esclavas en las que trabajaban los niños. El personaje Bria no sólo fue una gran enseñanza para Emma sino para mi también. Qué ejemplo de mujer y qué tawl bien creado. Y ni hablar de Shay que con su rudez me enamoró.
Súper rencomendado. Es un 80toso.
December 13, 2010
Emma Tremayne is one of the "Great Folk" of Bristol; her family and those like it owning the land and businesses of the town. She isn't passionate about much of anything until a series of encounters with two Irish immigrants show her a different life. Shay McKenna, rough, outspoken, even at times hostile, disturbs her in a way she cannot understand, while his wife Bria becomes the first real friend Emma has ever known. Bria is dying of consumption, and her death will bring
together the two people who loved her most.
This was fantastic. Not really a romance as such, but definitely a love story. The relationship between Emma and Bria is at least as important as that between Emma and Shay. Truthfully, it didn't sound like my kind of thing when I first read about it, but I am ready to change my tune. It sounded like it would be a sad story, but somehow it is not. Williamson brings the people, the place, and the time to vivid life. The first part of the book is perhaps a bit slow, dreamlike even, but illustrates the Emma who seems to be waiting for life to find her. Given a chance to be more than the pretty doll her family seems to expect of her, she grasps it with both hands. I would have liked more of the romance, but all in all, a very satisfying read.
together the two people who loved her most.
This was fantastic. Not really a romance as such, but definitely a love story. The relationship between Emma and Bria is at least as important as that between Emma and Shay. Truthfully, it didn't sound like my kind of thing when I first read about it, but I am ready to change my tune. It sounded like it would be a sad story, but somehow it is not. Williamson brings the people, the place, and the time to vivid life. The first part of the book is perhaps a bit slow, dreamlike even, but illustrates the Emma who seems to be waiting for life to find her. Given a chance to be more than the pretty doll her family seems to expect of her, she grasps it with both hands. I would have liked more of the romance, but all in all, a very satisfying read.
August 28, 2024
I just finished this book and am so glad I picked this one up, though knowing nothing about the author. I thoroughly enjoyed EVERYTHING about this book. The writing, the plot, the characters, the setting. Everything!
The characters are fully fleshed and real. The plot is one that sucks you in and makes you care. The writing is smooth and compelling. I dived into this not sure what it would yield and was soon so immersed in the developing saga that I lost track of time and place while I read.
I was most impressed by the way the author was able to create words and meaning for a place that was so distant and unknown to me and make me see the landscape, the houses, the sea and the characters so clearly in my mind that I am still aware of their having been a part of my life for a few days. I fell in love with Emma and Bria as well as the children and Shay. They were all such "real" people. Not perfect or given to overactive drama and emotions, just being true to who they were, faults and strengths alike.
The story was well thought out and imaginative. Very emotional and passionate. We see Emma develope into who she wants to be and overcome a myriad of societal and psychological obstacles that have kept her mired in the rut that has become her life.
By the end of the story, she has given so much but received even more in return.
I was so sad to see the story end, yet I sighed a splendidly satisfied sigh and smiled wide, knowing I had just been given a wonderful gift from the talented pen of Penelope Williamson. I will remember this tale and the characters for a very long time.
The characters are fully fleshed and real. The plot is one that sucks you in and makes you care. The writing is smooth and compelling. I dived into this not sure what it would yield and was soon so immersed in the developing saga that I lost track of time and place while I read.
I was most impressed by the way the author was able to create words and meaning for a place that was so distant and unknown to me and make me see the landscape, the houses, the sea and the characters so clearly in my mind that I am still aware of their having been a part of my life for a few days. I fell in love with Emma and Bria as well as the children and Shay. They were all such "real" people. Not perfect or given to overactive drama and emotions, just being true to who they were, faults and strengths alike.
The story was well thought out and imaginative. Very emotional and passionate. We see Emma develope into who she wants to be and overcome a myriad of societal and psychological obstacles that have kept her mired in the rut that has become her life.
By the end of the story, she has given so much but received even more in return.
I was so sad to see the story end, yet I sighed a splendidly satisfied sigh and smiled wide, knowing I had just been given a wonderful gift from the talented pen of Penelope Williamson. I will remember this tale and the characters for a very long time.
July 10, 2015
J'ai longtemps hésité avant de commencer cette romance. Je souhaitais lire une romance historique qui sorte un peu des champs battus ou qui, en tout cas, ne soit pas dans le style de celles d'aujourd'hui.
Je n'avais jamais lu un roman de Penelope Williamson auparavant mais j'ai été ravie par cette histoire.
Pour une "old" romance, l'héroïne est indépendante et son amour pour Shay/Seamus est touchant sans être trop guimauve. L'auteur a rendu compte avec précision du contexte de l'époque tout en préférant la montrer d'un côté pessimiste (et avec un ton mélancolique). Bon, autant l'avouer tout de suite : j'ai (beaucoup) pleuré comme cela m'arrive rarement pour un livre. Donc pour les futures lectrices, un conseil : préparez vos mouchoirs.
Il reste quelques questions en suspend à la fin du livre et j'aurai aimé en savoir également davantage à propos de Maddie, la soeur d'Emma - l'héroïne - qui est un personnage très intéressant (et très émouvant également).
Il ne faut surtout pas s'arrêter au style qui peu paraître pas très moderne puisqu'il privilégie la description aux dialogues. "La passion d'Emma" est une magnifique histoire d'amour (qui finit bien, je vous rassure).
Je n'avais jamais lu un roman de Penelope Williamson auparavant mais j'ai été ravie par cette histoire.
Pour une "old" romance, l'héroïne est indépendante et son amour pour Shay/Seamus est touchant sans être trop guimauve. L'auteur a rendu compte avec précision du contexte de l'époque tout en préférant la montrer d'un côté pessimiste (et avec un ton mélancolique). Bon, autant l'avouer tout de suite : j'ai (beaucoup) pleuré comme cela m'arrive rarement pour un livre. Donc pour les futures lectrices, un conseil : préparez vos mouchoirs.
Il reste quelques questions en suspend à la fin du livre et j'aurai aimé en savoir également davantage à propos de Maddie, la soeur d'Emma - l'héroïne - qui est un personnage très intéressant (et très émouvant également).
Il ne faut surtout pas s'arrêter au style qui peu paraître pas très moderne puisqu'il privilégie la description aux dialogues. "La passion d'Emma" est une magnifique histoire d'amour (qui finit bien, je vous rassure).
November 8, 2009
This book left me with so many emotions. I give this book four stars because it started off pretty slow but after you get to know Emma,Bria and Shay you truly get to know the heart and soul of this story. I truly enjoyed this amazing journey of true friendship and love and when I say love I mean a true love story. This is not your typical romance love story...
June 8, 2022
I read this book for my book club, and I began this book as if it was a chore. Due to this, I think that as I began reading, I was trying to find bad faithed criticisms. However, I think some of my criticisms still hold up. The pacing is a little weird throughout. The beginning is quite slow, (For example, May 1st begins on page 55 and ends on page 104.) but the end quickly gets through Emma's stay at the asylum and the 6 or 7 months leading up to her wedding. And Emma and Shay definitely have very little chemistry in the beginning of their relationship. But the chemistry definitely grows as the book progresses.
The writing is very good. Penelope Williamson is clearly a very talented writer. And, as I explained before, I began this book as if it was a chore, but I found myself becoming more interested and engaged in this book as it progressed. I became attached to the characters and enjoyed reading about them.
The writing is very good. Penelope Williamson is clearly a very talented writer. And, as I explained before, I began this book as if it was a chore, but I found myself becoming more interested and engaged in this book as it progressed. I became attached to the characters and enjoyed reading about them.
November 16, 2025
La verdad tenia otra expectativa con este libro, sentia que la historia no concordaba con la epoca a veces lo sentia muy a la presente, Shay me parecio un protagonista muy debil no queria que quedara con la protagonista y Emma tambien se me hizo un personaje muy ingenuo que pensaba que solo se vivia por amor...La esposa del protagonista la pintaron como una martir que no partia ni un plato, pero en parte me parecio mas la villana del libro (quien trae un niño a este mundo si sabe que se va a morir )me parece muy egoista. El prometido de Emma la verdad me dio tristeza al final como ella lo abandona el dia de la boda, lo senti como una burla, la verdad mal hecho asi no debieron hacer las cosas.🙄😡💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2017
Una historia diferente, con momentos divertidos, entrañables, emotivos, dolorosos y muy sentimentales. Los personajes están bien delineados, el ritmo y la estructura narrativa son perfectos, pues el pasado y los secretos van revelándose justo en los momentos precisos. Me hubiera gustado un final más desarrollado, pero no era indispensable. Es la primera novela que leo de esta autora y realmente es todo un descubrimiento.
February 28, 2020
De las que no se olvidan
September 15, 2024
Can’t remember the last time I cried so much reading a romance novel.
October 14, 2018
Too much up and downs, I found by page 80-115 I was just skimming pages then skipping all together every other page-which I detest doing, what was worse is that I wasn’t missing any real detail. .. I probably could’ve pushed through but I just had a feeling I’d be more annoyed at the end of the story. Clearly based on the reviews I’ve since read, I’m sure I’d be disappointed with the ending. Bummer because the books had promising parts for sure.
February 11, 2017
This is probably one of my favorite books of all time. It has something that gets me every single time I read it.
It's not steamy yet the passion and desperation are so palpable and real.
This story is so poignant and well written that it absorbs you and makes you feel alongside its characters.
This is a story about love and friendship. About Emma's passions, but also about Shay's and Bria's. It's a book about the different shades of love.
It's not your traditional romance but one very much so. In my experience, people either absolutely love this book or hate it. Nothing in between.
In my case, I cannot but 100% recommend it.
It's not steamy yet the passion and desperation are so palpable and real.
This story is so poignant and well written that it absorbs you and makes you feel alongside its characters.
This is a story about love and friendship. About Emma's passions, but also about Shay's and Bria's. It's a book about the different shades of love.
It's not your traditional romance but one very much so. In my experience, people either absolutely love this book or hate it. Nothing in between.
In my case, I cannot but 100% recommend it.
October 16, 2015
Que leitura esplêndia. Penelope Williamsom me impressionou desde o livro The Outsider, no entanto esse me envolveu igualmente. A escrita é fantástica, ambientação riquíssima, tudo em detalhes sem ser cansativo. Cada personagem, sejam coadjuvantes ou protagonistas, possuem um momento em destaque. Suas almas são desnudadas ao leitor para que tenhamos nosso próprio ponto de vista. São personagens muito humanos e díspares, com seus segredos e por vezes carregados de culpa e ressentimentos, com questões relevantes a serem resolvidas.
Nesse contexto vive a heroína Emma Tremayne. Ela é uma dama da sociedade de Bristol. Linda, criada com todos os requintes que o dinheiro pode proporcionar, porém a jovem está longe de viver uma vida transparente e feliz. Sua mãe é severa e mesquinha; a irmã paralítica; o irmão cometeu suicídio; o pai abandonou a família; o noivo não é o homem dos seus sonhos mais secretos.
Emma questiona ainda mais profundamente o seu falso modo de vida quando ela conhece o imigrante irlandês Shay McKenna. Os dois não poderiam ser de mundos mais contrapostos. Ele é um trabalhador, um pescador, um lutador de rua, ela uma filha da proeminente e centenária família Tremayne. Ele a impressiona, suas cicatrizes, suas enormes e bonitas mãos cheias de marcas. Ele é rude e a despreza, mas ela não consegue esquecê-lo.
Aos poucos as peças do destino vão se mexendo e Emma constrói uma amizade profunda com Bria, uma trabalhadora da fábrica têxtil do seu noivo. O que ela não sabia é que Bria é a esposa de Shay. Sim, ele é casado e pai de três filhos, portanto totalmente proibido.
As filhas de Shay são adoráveis, especiais. Esse é o momento em que as condições subumanas dos imigrantes irlandeses são reveladas. As crianças trabalham na fábrica têxtil e essa situação comove e aproxima Emma da família Mackenna de um modo irrevogável. O livro constrói um caminho tortuoso para a heroína que se vê consumida por um amor que a domina, oculto dentro de si. Com a morte de Bria, a trajetória de Shay e Emma começa a se construir, mas os obstáculos parecem ser intransponíveis.
Uma bela amizade é retratada entre duas mulheres que amam o mesmo homem. Shay é magnífico, um lutador, um sonhador, ambas reconhecem o valor desse homem jovem, endurecido pela vida e pelos trágicos acontecimentos que o trouxeram para a América.
Enfim, não contarei mais nada. Há muitas reviravoltas, revelações e acontecimentos chocantes na trajetória de Shay e Emma. Há momentos marcantes, emocionantes. Foi bastante emblemático o momento em que Shay alimenta uma raposa junto com Emma...Leia para entender. Prepare-se para conter as emoções. Lindo!
Nesse contexto vive a heroína Emma Tremayne. Ela é uma dama da sociedade de Bristol. Linda, criada com todos os requintes que o dinheiro pode proporcionar, porém a jovem está longe de viver uma vida transparente e feliz. Sua mãe é severa e mesquinha; a irmã paralítica; o irmão cometeu suicídio; o pai abandonou a família; o noivo não é o homem dos seus sonhos mais secretos.
Emma questiona ainda mais profundamente o seu falso modo de vida quando ela conhece o imigrante irlandês Shay McKenna. Os dois não poderiam ser de mundos mais contrapostos. Ele é um trabalhador, um pescador, um lutador de rua, ela uma filha da proeminente e centenária família Tremayne. Ele a impressiona, suas cicatrizes, suas enormes e bonitas mãos cheias de marcas. Ele é rude e a despreza, mas ela não consegue esquecê-lo.
Aos poucos as peças do destino vão se mexendo e Emma constrói uma amizade profunda com Bria, uma trabalhadora da fábrica têxtil do seu noivo. O que ela não sabia é que Bria é a esposa de Shay. Sim, ele é casado e pai de três filhos, portanto totalmente proibido.
As filhas de Shay são adoráveis, especiais. Esse é o momento em que as condições subumanas dos imigrantes irlandeses são reveladas. As crianças trabalham na fábrica têxtil e essa situação comove e aproxima Emma da família Mackenna de um modo irrevogável. O livro constrói um caminho tortuoso para a heroína que se vê consumida por um amor que a domina, oculto dentro de si. Com a morte de Bria, a trajetória de Shay e Emma começa a se construir, mas os obstáculos parecem ser intransponíveis.
Uma bela amizade é retratada entre duas mulheres que amam o mesmo homem. Shay é magnífico, um lutador, um sonhador, ambas reconhecem o valor desse homem jovem, endurecido pela vida e pelos trágicos acontecimentos que o trouxeram para a América.
Enfim, não contarei mais nada. Há muitas reviravoltas, revelações e acontecimentos chocantes na trajetória de Shay e Emma. Há momentos marcantes, emocionantes. Foi bastante emblemático o momento em que Shay alimenta uma raposa junto com Emma...Leia para entender. Prepare-se para conter as emoções. Lindo!
August 17, 2016
This story was long, confusing and painful. I'm not sure if I love it or hate it.
Emma...I liked her...and didn't like her. One minute I'm cheering for her to keep on being brave and the next I'm not liking her cause she's such a mary sue. Til the end she let her mother step all over her without sticking up for herself. And her sister...I didn't like her either. Maddie was bitter, and jealous. She had her own happy ending I guess bu she didn't deserve it after she tattled on the sister she claimed to love.
Shay, I didn't connect with him at all. I have a numb feeling towards him. He wasn't much of a hero. I didn't believe in his "love" for Emma, not when it happened so soon after his beloved wifes death.
Bria, Shay's wife...I liked her so much more than all the characters yet she was the one that had to die so Emma and Shay can get together. I cried my eyes out when she died. Shay didn't deserve her.
And Geoffrey, Emma's fiance...poor guy. He loved Emma, I'll give him that but he was a jerk when it came to the lower class and the health of his workers. Still, I felt bad how she led him on and basically left him at the alter.
I gave this 4 stars cause even though this book made me want to throw something at Emma, it also kept me reading...and crying for poor Bria. Yes, the 4 stars is for Bria because she was very brave til the end and had such a good heart.
Emma...I liked her...and didn't like her. One minute I'm cheering for her to keep on being brave and the next I'm not liking her cause she's such a mary sue. Til the end she let her mother step all over her without sticking up for herself. And her sister...I didn't like her either. Maddie was bitter, and jealous. She had her own happy ending I guess bu she didn't deserve it after she tattled on the sister she claimed to love.
Shay, I didn't connect with him at all. I have a numb feeling towards him. He wasn't much of a hero. I didn't believe in his "love" for Emma, not when it happened so soon after his beloved wifes death.
Bria, Shay's wife...I liked her so much more than all the characters yet she was the one that had to die so Emma and Shay can get together. I cried my eyes out when she died. Shay didn't deserve her.
And Geoffrey, Emma's fiance...poor guy. He loved Emma, I'll give him that but he was a jerk when it came to the lower class and the health of his workers. Still, I felt bad how she led him on and basically left him at the alter.
I gave this 4 stars cause even though this book made me want to throw something at Emma, it also kept me reading...and crying for poor Bria. Yes, the 4 stars is for Bria because she was very brave til the end and had such a good heart.
June 3, 2017
Lembra um clássico...
Um livro maravilhoso, com certeza. Eu poderia seguramente classificar como cinco estrelas e favoritar, se não fosse minhas ressalvas... Os meus sentimentos em relação ao livro, é que desde o início da história o livro me prendeu, pois Shay e Emma prometiam tanto... No entanto, embora a escrita seja excelente, as descrições esplêndidas e os personagens tão reais, o romance quase não existiu ( ou pelo menos, o que eu busco em um romance).
Emma Tremayne é linda, boa moça, riquíssima e nascida de uma das melhores famílias de Bristol. Seu amor por Shay parece altamente impossível, o que é, pois Shay McKenna ( um imigrante irlandês muito pobre), já está muito bem casado com Bria ( que está grávida), e já tem duas meninas. Mas logo fica claro que Bria está muito doente, e fica óbvio que ela vai morrer, para possivelmente acontecer o romance entre Shay e Emma... A cena em que Emma vê Bria pela primeira vez é muito forte, e triste... Muito depois, elas se tornam amigas de almas, e essa relação de amizade, e a história de vida da mulher de Shay, é o foco na maior parte do livro. E é aí , que começam minhas inquietações...
Após a morte de Bria, o amor proibido de Emma por Shay não foi assim tão correspondido... Shay permaneceu apaixonado e sofrendo de amor e perda por sua esposa morta. O amor de Shay por Emma, não me convenceu... Para mim, infelizmente, ele não amava Emma tanto quanto ela o amava. A ligação que os unia primeiramente, era o amor que ambos sentiam por Bria. Eu realmente não gosto de livros em que o mocinho é apaixonado por outra mulher - ou até mesmo a primeira esposa - mais do que a heroína do livro. Em suma, um grande livro, pra quem não leva em conta tudo isso. :(
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Um livro maravilhoso, com certeza. Eu poderia seguramente classificar como cinco estrelas e favoritar, se não fosse minhas ressalvas... Os meus sentimentos em relação ao livro, é que desde o início da história o livro me prendeu, pois Shay e Emma prometiam tanto... No entanto, embora a escrita seja excelente, as descrições esplêndidas e os personagens tão reais, o romance quase não existiu ( ou pelo menos, o que eu busco em um romance).
Emma Tremayne é linda, boa moça, riquíssima e nascida de uma das melhores famílias de Bristol. Seu amor por Shay parece altamente impossível, o que é, pois Shay McKenna ( um imigrante irlandês muito pobre), já está muito bem casado com Bria ( que está grávida), e já tem duas meninas. Mas logo fica claro que Bria está muito doente, e fica óbvio que ela vai morrer, para possivelmente acontecer o romance entre Shay e Emma... A cena em que Emma vê Bria pela primeira vez é muito forte, e triste... Muito depois, elas se tornam amigas de almas, e essa relação de amizade, e a história de vida da mulher de Shay, é o foco na maior parte do livro. E é aí , que começam minhas inquietações...
Após a morte de Bria, o amor proibido de Emma por Shay não foi assim tão correspondido... Shay permaneceu apaixonado e sofrendo de amor e perda por sua esposa morta. O amor de Shay por Emma, não me convenceu... Para mim, infelizmente, ele não amava Emma tanto quanto ela o amava. A ligação que os unia primeiramente, era o amor que ambos sentiam por Bria. Eu realmente não gosto de livros em que o mocinho é apaixonado por outra mulher - ou até mesmo a primeira esposa - mais do que a heroína do livro. Em suma, um grande livro, pra quem não leva em conta tudo isso. :(
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2022
4.5
A painful, romantic read.
The thing that pulls me through this story over and over again is the relationship between Emma and Brie even more than either woman independently with Shay. The sisterhood of what feels like and alluded to as shared souls and why they, who outwardly might look so different, would both love so desperately the same man ... and each other.
This book doesn't shy away from the horrors of that time (for either class) and I think, from many of the comments below, people find issue with that. But the realness of all their stories is what makes this book something that can and may break you.
Have your recovery read nearby
A painful, romantic read.
The thing that pulls me through this story over and over again is the relationship between Emma and Brie even more than either woman independently with Shay. The sisterhood of what feels like and alluded to as shared souls and why they, who outwardly might look so different, would both love so desperately the same man ... and each other.
This book doesn't shy away from the horrors of that time (for either class) and I think, from many of the comments below, people find issue with that. But the realness of all their stories is what makes this book something that can and may break you.
Have your recovery read nearby
November 25, 2025
Another great forbidden class difference show burn book. Penelope's books are so full of emotions and they go in depth of the struggles of the main correctors. If you are looking for high spice books this author is not for you.
July 8, 2017
Read it in one day because only the last third of the book is interesting. Too many "main" characters. I feel those numerous POVs took so much away from the two people who really matter.
April 3, 2018
round up to 4.5 stars.
April 12, 2021
A good old fashioned historical romance full of heart. Williamson weaves a beautiful tale of two people from different worlds.
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