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Nothing on Earth & Nothing in Heaven
England, 1910.
Lady Nora Tate is a young woman caught between the expectations of her station and the demands of her own heart and mind. The noble world of her birth is a luxurious cage, locking her away from all she wishes to know and feel and do, the woman she wishes to be. All around her, the world is changing, and she fights to join it, even as she creates scandal with her every attempt to break free.
William Frazier is the scion of an American railroad tycoon, in England to seek new business opportunities for his family’s empire and visit his good friend, Lord Christopher Tate. With Chris as his guide, he tours the London Season, and meets his friend’s younger sister. He’s captivated at once by the lovely young lady with the sharp wit and searching eyes.
Raised by visionary parents, William sees Nora’s cage for what it is and admires her striving against constraint. But her world will neither free her, nor accept him. William would be her hero and save her, but Nora wants to save herself, if she can.
Set against the tumultuous cultural and political backdrop of the end of the Edwardian Era, on two continents and across an ocean, Nothing on Earth & Nothing in Heaven is a story about the deep love between a young woman finding her voice, and the man strong enough to stand at her side as she demands the right to use it.
This novel is a standalone.
Note: explicit sex.
Lady Nora Tate is a young woman caught between the expectations of her station and the demands of her own heart and mind. The noble world of her birth is a luxurious cage, locking her away from all she wishes to know and feel and do, the woman she wishes to be. All around her, the world is changing, and she fights to join it, even as she creates scandal with her every attempt to break free.
William Frazier is the scion of an American railroad tycoon, in England to seek new business opportunities for his family’s empire and visit his good friend, Lord Christopher Tate. With Chris as his guide, he tours the London Season, and meets his friend’s younger sister. He’s captivated at once by the lovely young lady with the sharp wit and searching eyes.
Raised by visionary parents, William sees Nora’s cage for what it is and admires her striving against constraint. But her world will neither free her, nor accept him. William would be her hero and save her, but Nora wants to save herself, if she can.
Set against the tumultuous cultural and political backdrop of the end of the Edwardian Era, on two continents and across an ocean, Nothing on Earth & Nothing in Heaven is a story about the deep love between a young woman finding her voice, and the man strong enough to stand at her side as she demands the right to use it.
This novel is a standalone.
Note: explicit sex.
728 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2018
27 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,419 followersI was born and raised in the Midwest, but I was transplanted into the dusty soil of Northern California and have apparently taken root there. An inveterate geek and gamer, I am a fan of many things considered pop culture and maybe even lowbrow.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 12, 2022
AMAZING
I finished Nothing on Earth & Nothing in Heaven a couple days ago and the book has been on my mind ever since. Putting into words the way the book reached into my soul and touched me is hard to explain. The story pulled at my heartstrings as I read about what women had to go through to gain their voice and right to vote.
“I wonder what it would be like not to be ruled by men who think they know my interest better than I do.”
Wow, I can’t imagine the world Nora lived in where it wasn’t okay to put a voice to their thoughts. These late-19th and early-20th century suffragettes paved the way for us women today. Nora’s struggle could have been any of ours had we lived during that time.
“She’s the hero of her story.”
Nora is the hero of her own story and this story. She may be young and naive when the story starts but she grows and blossoms as times goes on. Each trial that Nora endures gives the reader a little piece of what life was like for women during that time period.
Nothing on Earth & Nothing in Heaven could be categorized as a realistic historical fiction. The whole book felt real. When Nora suffered the reader suffered along with her as she fought for the right for women to vote. Watching her and her love interest, William, struggle amidst the hardships suffragette’s endure had me in constant emotional turmoil.
Read this STANDALONE! Ms. Fanetti laid her heart out in this book and it’s a something we all can benefit from. The power of her words sticks with you. Thank you for such a meaningful book.
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦
RELEASE DATE: January 13, 2018
STANDALONE
**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**
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February 12, 2018
5 Must Read For Our Times Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free-Updated
I have been so taken with this book, at times I was brought to tears while sitting in a food court at a mall...That is how powerful this book is. This book is done in the past...yet everything the women are experiencing can be felt one way or another by women of today.
This book made me think about how very lucky I was to be born when I was... where even though to this day women still have to fight to be heard and recognized as equals in All Regards...mostly we are able to think for ourselves, are able to speak our minds and VOTE.
This book is so timely and to journey with these people fighting for women to have the right to vote is brought to life. It is something that many of us take for granted...some of us may feel one vote may not mean anything or make a difference...but to understand what women before us went through for us to have the choice to exercise that right is brought to life so clearly, it jumps off the page.
Here is a timely article about the suffragettes: http://flip.it/rJS.Ab
Yet, there is so much more then even that major element...I cannot express enough the need we have to read this book....
It is a first class swoony romance of the highest order... so if that is what you want...
It Is There...
If you are wanting some enlightenment with your reading....
Man, It Is There...
If you want your mind to be fully occupied to the point of not wanting to put this book down for Anything....
It Is There...
Please, do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK...I promise, no matter your likes or dislikes in reading... I sincerely doubt you will be disappointed... What is bound to happen is education, awareness of more than you ever thought...and a love so amazing... you wish you had this type in your life...
And if you do have this type of love in your life...Then more power to you and your partner.
I cannot say this more strongly: Read This Book!
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
There are certain authors that are auto click. Susan Fanetti is that for me.
After reading the blurb... This is more than the usual Historical...
I sense a woman coming of age
And not letting the status quo be her course...
She seems to be a fighter...
And she seems to have crossed paths
With a man who sees her for who she is...
With Fanetti taking her insight to life and applying to this premise...
I know I will be taken on a journey which will be revealing....
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free-Updated
I have been so taken with this book, at times I was brought to tears while sitting in a food court at a mall...That is how powerful this book is. This book is done in the past...yet everything the women are experiencing can be felt one way or another by women of today.
This book made me think about how very lucky I was to be born when I was... where even though to this day women still have to fight to be heard and recognized as equals in All Regards...mostly we are able to think for ourselves, are able to speak our minds and VOTE.
This book is so timely and to journey with these people fighting for women to have the right to vote is brought to life. It is something that many of us take for granted...some of us may feel one vote may not mean anything or make a difference...but to understand what women before us went through for us to have the choice to exercise that right is brought to life so clearly, it jumps off the page.
Here is a timely article about the suffragettes: http://flip.it/rJS.Ab
Yet, there is so much more then even that major element...I cannot express enough the need we have to read this book....
It is a first class swoony romance of the highest order... so if that is what you want...
It Is There...
If you are wanting some enlightenment with your reading....
Man, It Is There...
If you want your mind to be fully occupied to the point of not wanting to put this book down for Anything....
It Is There...
Please, do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK...I promise, no matter your likes or dislikes in reading... I sincerely doubt you will be disappointed... What is bound to happen is education, awareness of more than you ever thought...and a love so amazing... you wish you had this type in your life...
And if you do have this type of love in your life...Then more power to you and your partner.
I cannot say this more strongly: Read This Book!
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
There are certain authors that are auto click. Susan Fanetti is that for me.
After reading the blurb... This is more than the usual Historical...
I sense a woman coming of age
And not letting the status quo be her course...
She seems to be a fighter...
And she seems to have crossed paths
With a man who sees her for who she is...
With Fanetti taking her insight to life and applying to this premise...
I know I will be taken on a journey which will be revealing....
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 13, 2018
What a way to kick off the new year! This book is so good, I'm speechless ... that doesn't happen often. It's so good, I'm adding it to the top 10 of my all-time favorites list. Without question, it is my favorite Susan Fanetti book to date.
Yes, it's a historical romance, but the story couldn't be more relevant. I urge every woman to read this book. This is OUR history - and it's beautiful, even when it's not.
Annual New Year buddy read with the one & only Foxy!
Yes, it's a historical romance, but the story couldn't be more relevant. I urge every woman to read this book. This is OUR history - and it's beautiful, even when it's not.
Annual New Year buddy read with the one & only Foxy!
June 22, 2021
5 "Unicorn" Stars!!
Wow!!! So intense. Kind of epic- not to be overly dramatic. Extremely relevant, unfortunately. Set during the Women's Suffrage movement, it was a true love story. I love both William and Nora to pieces. Their story was incredible, but this will not be all sunshine and rainbows. This story gets hard. It was so worth the pain.
Susan Fanetti has done it for me again. I think this will be a top read in 2018. I loved it! So very, very good! Happy reading!!
Wow!!! So intense. Kind of epic- not to be overly dramatic. Extremely relevant, unfortunately. Set during the Women's Suffrage movement, it was a true love story. I love both William and Nora to pieces. Their story was incredible, but this will not be all sunshine and rainbows. This story gets hard. It was so worth the pain.
Susan Fanetti has done it for me again. I think this will be a top read in 2018. I loved it! So very, very good! Happy reading!!
January 11, 2018
5+++++++++++++ ”Hope and love and possibility.” Stars
I want to start off by saying historical romance isn’t my usual flavor but if Susan Fanetti decided to undertake rewriting the phone book I’d jump on the chance to read it. With that said, this particularly magnificent, standalone, historical romance story comes as Fanetti’s best book to date. My favorite. No question about it. Nothing on Earth & Nothing in Heaven affected me in significant ways. It touched me down to my soul shaking my core beliefs and developing a greater understanding of those beliefs. A richer compassion and urgency has come from the seeds Fanetti planted in my mind with this story.
Told in this author’s specific, poignant style of writing we get a historical that’s so culturally relevant and important NOW entwined with a beautiful, harrowing, heartbreaking, uplifting tale of love and acceptance. It’s conveys an important message of everlasting hope, a theme for which Fanetti continually and brilliantly excels. No matter how dark the days, some way you’ll find the strength to see the light that always follows. There isn’t another romance author out there who portrays hope as distinctly as Susan Fanetti. She takes complex ideas that stem from simple understandings and turns them into something extraordinary.
“You are a suffragette, Nora.”
I implore those of you who are established fans of this author to find me a heroine of hers that doesn’t have some kind of admirable strength. With each and every review of her work I focus on the strength and power she gives to her women. For newcomers to this author, what an introduction you’ll have with this standalone story. Lady Nora Tate of Nothing on Earth & Nothing in Heaven embodies a strength I could only dream of possessing. She’s the hero of this story. She’s the hero of her own story. But more, she wants all women to be the heroes of their own stories too during a time when such desires were beyond radical. A self made woman hero declared in her own mind through her own conviction forging a path of heroics for all women to follow. She’s certainly my favorite hero. This woman is a warrior in a uniquely profound, unrelenting, and dire way. I hope you’ll give her the chance to amaze and inspire you.
“”I’ll not sneak like a thief, stealing my own future.”
This is a book I want my adolescent daughter to read and really comprehend. I want her to have the intimate understanding this book provides of where women before her came from and what we’re still fighting for now. One of my many wishes for her is to find a partner like William Frazier who isn’t afraid of her intelligence, confidence, compassion, and worth but instead empowered and influenced by it. One who doesn’t fall into line with the constraints of “majority” society. A real understanding, patient, loving partner for whom she can feel empowered by as well. William Frazier is the male lead of this novel, he’s also a hero in his own right for a multitude of reasons both conventional and unique. My favorite part of William Frazier: he’s quite content with letting Lady Nora be her own hero too in a time in the world where men like him are very few and far between.
The setting transports you to the time period gracefully with an understanding for even the most novice history buff. It affords you the opportunity, especially as a woman, to feel down to your bones the struggles and downright misery our predecessors fought hard to overcome for our future. It reminds us of the relevancy of this fight today, to make the world a much better, safer place for our daughters. It’s the voice of an author who believes in the power and the gifts and the glory of all women from all walks of life. And who believes a partner that provides such understanding can only make us stronger and help us grow as individuals. It’s a love story for the ages because it’s an understanding of the passion for our own comprehension of self-worth despite what society tells us.
”You had to feel pain before you could overcome it.”
A hard fought battle lies within the pages of Nothing on Earth & Nothing in Heaven. In true Fanetti fashion, you don’t get redemption until you’ve truly earned the right to it. Until you’ve fought the demons and persevered. To love this author’s stories is to understand that the greatest things in life do not and have not come without struggle. Let the struggles and the glories of Lady Nora Tate and William Frazier inspire you - Susan Fanetti’s gift with words makes it so easy.
January 17, 2018
Between 3.75 stars to 4 stars.
I really like this book.
I’m sure from the blurb you knew what this book all about, so I won’t write it here again.
Sometimes you knew that you will give a book a good rating because of the quality of the writing, story and the research the author did to achieve what she wanted to write is excellent. Ms. Fanetti did that and she presented us with a wonderful story like this.
However for me personally, there is too much conflicting situation that annoys me a lot, also around the first 25% is pretty average, just like reading an ok HR books, and I wasn’t expecting that from Ms. Fanetti’s book. But the rest of the book is an excellent read, if you can put up with the conflicting situations I mentioned above which can be just my personal triggers and probably won’t annoying you, this book can be a fantastic read for you.
So, even with the Titanic in it, sigh... for me this is a good book which gave me more than just mere a historical romance but not good enough to be in my favorite book ever list!:)
Oh just I didn’t say yet, there is 14 years age difference between our H/h:)
Nora
William
Yes, I do recommend this book if you want a little punch in your Historical Romance.
I really like this book.
I’m sure from the blurb you knew what this book all about, so I won’t write it here again.
Sometimes you knew that you will give a book a good rating because of the quality of the writing, story and the research the author did to achieve what she wanted to write is excellent. Ms. Fanetti did that and she presented us with a wonderful story like this.
However for me personally, there is too much conflicting situation that annoys me a lot, also around the first 25% is pretty average, just like reading an ok HR books, and I wasn’t expecting that from Ms. Fanetti’s book. But the rest of the book is an excellent read, if you can put up with the conflicting situations I mentioned above which can be just my personal triggers and probably won’t annoying you, this book can be a fantastic read for you.
So, even with the Titanic in it, sigh... for me this is a good book which gave me more than just mere a historical romance but not good enough to be in my favorite book ever list!:)
Oh just I didn’t say yet, there is 14 years age difference between our H/h:)
Nora
William
Yes, I do recommend this book if you want a little punch in your Historical Romance.
January 14, 2018
This book is exceptionally well researched and very accurate in a historical sense. It falls into the Edwardian era of romance and the fight for enfranchisement for women.
The love story is epic and almost too good to be true in terms of the reality it is contrasted against. So not quite a five star book, but close enough that I knocked it up cause the love story was so, so great and mutually supportive. There was even the obligatory Titantic sinking trope, which is somewhat trite, but SF used that to really good effect, so I did not roll my eyes as much as I might have in another book.
This book is all about finding your voice and finding a way to live with the realities of abuse and torture when others would have your voice silenced. SF shows her rare talent to bring history to life and to make it accessible via the personal experience of a really unforgettable heroine and her really great but kinda too perfect to be real hero.
( I went with it tho, because the heroine and her growth and struggle is the real focus of this story. She deserved every ounce of happiness that could be wrung out for her and the hero was a total dream of a perfect man. She totally earned that perfect hero fantasy.)
I liked this one a lot and will happily read more of SF's historicals. They are engrossing and at the end of the day, the HEA is utterly believable and uplifting.
There is a LOT of abuse in this one tho, what the heroine goes through is truly horrifying and unfortunately, historically correct. (Forced feedings, beatings, imprisonment, drugging, and mechanical rape as a 'medical treatment'.) So let that be a warning for people. Cause I was horrified enough that I had to stop reading at a few points.
However it is worth hanging on until the heroine makes it out the other side and I was glad I finished it. The love the main couple shared was worth the horror it took to get there and this was an extremely good read.
The love story is epic and almost too good to be true in terms of the reality it is contrasted against. So not quite a five star book, but close enough that I knocked it up cause the love story was so, so great and mutually supportive. There was even the obligatory Titantic sinking trope, which is somewhat trite, but SF used that to really good effect, so I did not roll my eyes as much as I might have in another book.
This book is all about finding your voice and finding a way to live with the realities of abuse and torture when others would have your voice silenced. SF shows her rare talent to bring history to life and to make it accessible via the personal experience of a really unforgettable heroine and her really great but kinda too perfect to be real hero.
( I went with it tho, because the heroine and her growth and struggle is the real focus of this story. She deserved every ounce of happiness that could be wrung out for her and the hero was a total dream of a perfect man. She totally earned that perfect hero fantasy.)
I liked this one a lot and will happily read more of SF's historicals. They are engrossing and at the end of the day, the HEA is utterly believable and uplifting.
There is a LOT of abuse in this one tho, what the heroine goes through is truly horrifying and unfortunately, historically correct. (Forced feedings, beatings, imprisonment, drugging, and mechanical rape as a 'medical treatment'.) So let that be a warning for people. Cause I was horrified enough that I had to stop reading at a few points.
However it is worth hanging on until the heroine makes it out the other side and I was glad I finished it. The love the main couple shared was worth the horror it took to get there and this was an extremely good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2018
3.5 stars. An interesting read. Not your typical HR by any means. Yes, there is a romance running through the whole book. But it's also kinda like one of those big historical saga books. An epic read taking place over approx the years 1910-1913, in England and the US. It includes some real historical events that the protagonists are caught up in. It also sees both H and h go through some incredibly dramatic personal experiences, both separately and together.
Quite a large part of this book is about women's suffrage during that period. Women in both England and California, fighting for women's freedom and for their right to vote. It is historically interesting and dramatic. We owe so much to women like them who fought for what we today take for granted. It's hard to imagine the kind of paternalistic world they lived in back then. But Ms Fanetti has obviously done her research, and her depictions of both the horrible and the noble things that took place, have the ring of truth about them. Ms Fanetti also explores the ramifications of mental illness and its weird 'treatments' in those days. Some of it is quite terrifying!
Within this huge historical canvas, the story of William and Nora takes place. Lady Nora Tate is young, naive, and passionate about life. The daughter of an earl from an ancient English bloodline, she grew up in an enlightened household. Her father encouraged her to pursue her intellectual curiosity. Until now she is of age and is suddenly expected to do the right thing - become a 'proper lady' and marry a 'suitable' man. Suddenly her intellectual freedom is gone. She must dress, act, think like a 'lady'. And Nora hates it. Hates the constraints of her corsets, and of the mental chains around her now. She can no longer express her own opinions on anything, unless they fall within the narrow range of what is 'proper'.
William Frazier is from California. A friend of Nora's brother, he is in England on business. William's father is a wealthy, self-made entrepreneur who owns a US railway company. William's mother and aunt are independent, strong women who are both suffragettes in California, working to get their state to allow women to vote.
William and Nora are attracted to each other from the start. They fall in love, but, without wanting to give spoilers, they are forced to be separated for a period of time.
For a while we follow William and Nora's separate stories. During this section, Nora's life particularly becomes very difficult. She too becomes involved in women's suffrage (in England) and she goes through some very dramatic experiences.
Eventually the lovers are reunited, but the drama isn't over yet. They get caught up in some incredible and dramatic experiences that will mark them both for life. But, together they are stronger.
So, this isn't my usual type of read. And in fact it wasn't really what I was expecting. I have loved some of Ms Fanetti's other books, but this one isn't a going to be a fav. I'm not really a fan of the big saga style of book. The historical stuff was interesting, in fact fascinating at times. But perhaps it dominated a bit too much for my taste. Yes, the romance element was clear and went right through the book. But I felt as if Ms Fanetti's usual strong characterisation was a bit lacking. Especially in the first part of the book, William and Nora felt a little flat to me. They didn't seem like real people I wanted to know and care about. It was just, oh yeah, this happened. Oh, that happened. OK. etc.
They did feel more real as the book proceeded, and especially the later parts of the book became more gripping and involving. But on the whole I think my problem with the book is that my reactions were often more intellectual than emotional. At times I felt, ooh, that bad thing happened. Oh, that's bad. Whereas I should have been feeling OMG THAT HAPPENED OH NO!!!!!!!
I think part of the problem is that Ms Fanetti worked hard to capture the voice of the times - people of Nora's class spoke in a more formal manner than they do today. And maybe somehow the formality translated into making the characters a little too wooden. It's a fine line, but it didn't *quite* work for me.
I would read more of Ms Fanetti's HRs should she choose to write more, but hopefully future books would have more vivid characters, and perhaps a little less overwhelming historical detail.
So, 3.5 star - sitting between I *liked* and I *really liked*. It's worth a read, but not my fav Fanetti book.
Quite a large part of this book is about women's suffrage during that period. Women in both England and California, fighting for women's freedom and for their right to vote. It is historically interesting and dramatic. We owe so much to women like them who fought for what we today take for granted. It's hard to imagine the kind of paternalistic world they lived in back then. But Ms Fanetti has obviously done her research, and her depictions of both the horrible and the noble things that took place, have the ring of truth about them. Ms Fanetti also explores the ramifications of mental illness and its weird 'treatments' in those days. Some of it is quite terrifying!
Within this huge historical canvas, the story of William and Nora takes place. Lady Nora Tate is young, naive, and passionate about life. The daughter of an earl from an ancient English bloodline, she grew up in an enlightened household. Her father encouraged her to pursue her intellectual curiosity. Until now she is of age and is suddenly expected to do the right thing - become a 'proper lady' and marry a 'suitable' man. Suddenly her intellectual freedom is gone. She must dress, act, think like a 'lady'. And Nora hates it. Hates the constraints of her corsets, and of the mental chains around her now. She can no longer express her own opinions on anything, unless they fall within the narrow range of what is 'proper'.
William Frazier is from California. A friend of Nora's brother, he is in England on business. William's father is a wealthy, self-made entrepreneur who owns a US railway company. William's mother and aunt are independent, strong women who are both suffragettes in California, working to get their state to allow women to vote.
William and Nora are attracted to each other from the start. They fall in love, but, without wanting to give spoilers, they are forced to be separated for a period of time.
For a while we follow William and Nora's separate stories. During this section, Nora's life particularly becomes very difficult. She too becomes involved in women's suffrage (in England) and she goes through some very dramatic experiences.
Eventually the lovers are reunited, but the drama isn't over yet. They get caught up in some incredible and dramatic experiences that will mark them both for life. But, together they are stronger.
So, this isn't my usual type of read. And in fact it wasn't really what I was expecting. I have loved some of Ms Fanetti's other books, but this one isn't a going to be a fav. I'm not really a fan of the big saga style of book. The historical stuff was interesting, in fact fascinating at times. But perhaps it dominated a bit too much for my taste. Yes, the romance element was clear and went right through the book. But I felt as if Ms Fanetti's usual strong characterisation was a bit lacking. Especially in the first part of the book, William and Nora felt a little flat to me. They didn't seem like real people I wanted to know and care about. It was just, oh yeah, this happened. Oh, that happened. OK. etc.
They did feel more real as the book proceeded, and especially the later parts of the book became more gripping and involving. But on the whole I think my problem with the book is that my reactions were often more intellectual than emotional. At times I felt, ooh, that bad thing happened. Oh, that's bad. Whereas I should have been feeling OMG THAT HAPPENED OH NO!!!!!!!
I think part of the problem is that Ms Fanetti worked hard to capture the voice of the times - people of Nora's class spoke in a more formal manner than they do today. And maybe somehow the formality translated into making the characters a little too wooden. It's a fine line, but it didn't *quite* work for me.
I would read more of Ms Fanetti's HRs should she choose to write more, but hopefully future books would have more vivid characters, and perhaps a little less overwhelming historical detail.
So, 3.5 star - sitting between I *liked* and I *really liked*. It's worth a read, but not my fav Fanetti book.
January 15, 2018
It took me only two days to finish this book, as I couldn’t put it down. I stole moments throughout the day to just read a chapter or two. Susan is one of my favorite authors and I’ve read all of her books. But I have no words to describe the feelings this book has evoked in me. Nora, though she is fictional, exemplifies the strength I wish to possess and share with my daughter. The correlation between the women of then and the women of now is profound. May we all have or know a man like Will Frazier, who stands at our side with unwavering love.
“She’s the hero of her story”.
This book is brilliant and heart wrenching, and I highly recommend it to everyone.
“She’s the hero of her story”.
This book is brilliant and heart wrenching, and I highly recommend it to everyone.
January 18, 2018
Wow! Is there anything this woman can't write??? This book is now my favorite book of Susan's and that's saying a lot.
January 13, 2018
This is a story that is epic in scope and powerfully told. It is the tale of a woman trying to find her place in a world that doesn't understand her. In a world that wants to silence her. This is the tale of a suffragette. It is also a tale of love and loyalty, but it’s so much more than that.
Susan has truly written a masterpiece, made even more compelling by the fact that it isn't just a story comprised of completely made-up events and experiences. The things Nora went through really did happen to women back then. They really were treated in such a way, and there were times as I read that I found myself completely overcome with emotion. I was angry, but also thankful for the sacrifices made by those brave women who fought so hard for the rights we hold dear today. The rights we so often take for granted. Which is why it is a book I will give to my daughters to read when they are older. It’s history exquisitely brought to life.
It is against this backdrop that we are given the romance of Lady Nora and William Frazier. As the daughter of an earl, the American heir to a railroad fortune isn’t good enough for her in the eyes of her family. Nora and William’s love is forbidden, but they find a way to be together against truly impossible odds. Theirs is a bond that will not be broken, and while we are taken on quite a journey in the finding of it, they at last get their beautiful, sigh-worthy HEA.
Susan has truly written a masterpiece, made even more compelling by the fact that it isn't just a story comprised of completely made-up events and experiences. The things Nora went through really did happen to women back then. They really were treated in such a way, and there were times as I read that I found myself completely overcome with emotion. I was angry, but also thankful for the sacrifices made by those brave women who fought so hard for the rights we hold dear today. The rights we so often take for granted. Which is why it is a book I will give to my daughters to read when they are older. It’s history exquisitely brought to life.
It is against this backdrop that we are given the romance of Lady Nora and William Frazier. As the daughter of an earl, the American heir to a railroad fortune isn’t good enough for her in the eyes of her family. Nora and William’s love is forbidden, but they find a way to be together against truly impossible odds. Theirs is a bond that will not be broken, and while we are taken on quite a journey in the finding of it, they at last get their beautiful, sigh-worthy HEA.
January 15, 2018
"I prefer liberty with danger than peace with slavery." - Rousseau
Wow. This book. It was an emotional read for me, and I'm sure it will be for others. First of all, it is just a beautiful love story. I really can't say enough how much I enjoyed Nora and William. Nora is a young woman with a spunky spirit trying to find her place in the world despite others trying to decide that for her. I loved her fire, her bravery, her gumption, her dedication and her journey, which was wonderful at times, and at other times, very painful and heartbreaking to witness. And I adored William. He was pretty much my ideal man, mostly because of his confidence in himself, his ability to show empathy and support, his endless well of patience, how he was consistently a supportive partner in Nora's endeavors, his unwavering love and commitment to their relationship, his ability to listen and not "fix" everything, and his amazing heart.
Also, this book is one that is about the fight for equality for women, and what MANY brave women back in the early 1900s, most of them faceless and nameless women, did for all women, and how their actions led to women having the opportunities, jobs, freedoms, choices, etc., that we have today. And let me just say, that fight was not pretty - some of what they went through was very hard to read about, and I can only imagine how absolutely terrifying and horrendous it was to go through. It makes me sad to think that there are probably many women today who don't have an awareness (and/or appreciation) of those who came before us, and all of their numerous sacrifices, but I for one have always been aware and am extremely grateful for the life I'm able to live today, and this book only confirmed my respect for those women, and men, who fought the good fight for women's equality and the right to vote.
This book was one I couldn't wait to read, and it exceeded all of my expectations! Another winner from SF!
Wow. This book. It was an emotional read for me, and I'm sure it will be for others. First of all, it is just a beautiful love story. I really can't say enough how much I enjoyed Nora and William. Nora is a young woman with a spunky spirit trying to find her place in the world despite others trying to decide that for her. I loved her fire, her bravery, her gumption, her dedication and her journey, which was wonderful at times, and at other times, very painful and heartbreaking to witness. And I adored William. He was pretty much my ideal man, mostly because of his confidence in himself, his ability to show empathy and support, his endless well of patience, how he was consistently a supportive partner in Nora's endeavors, his unwavering love and commitment to their relationship, his ability to listen and not "fix" everything, and his amazing heart.
Also, this book is one that is about the fight for equality for women, and what MANY brave women back in the early 1900s, most of them faceless and nameless women, did for all women, and how their actions led to women having the opportunities, jobs, freedoms, choices, etc., that we have today. And let me just say, that fight was not pretty - some of what they went through was very hard to read about, and I can only imagine how absolutely terrifying and horrendous it was to go through. It makes me sad to think that there are probably many women today who don't have an awareness (and/or appreciation) of those who came before us, and all of their numerous sacrifices, but I for one have always been aware and am extremely grateful for the life I'm able to live today, and this book only confirmed my respect for those women, and men, who fought the good fight for women's equality and the right to vote.
This book was one I couldn't wait to read, and it exceeded all of my expectations! Another winner from SF!
January 28, 2018
Wonderfully written. Well researched. I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't stop reading Nora and William's story!
February 26, 2018
4.5 Stars :)
This was such an amazing book.
So much happened in this book - just when you think nooo nothing else can happen something else happens. 72% into the book and I wanted to scream. I don't want to give away anything, but when you get to this point you will know what I mean. You want to tell them... GET OFF / GET AWAY. You'll see what I mean... Now go on and read this book. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I've enjoyed it.
This is a very talented author and I look forward to reading more books of her.
This was such an amazing book.
So much happened in this book - just when you think nooo nothing else can happen something else happens. 72% into the book and I wanted to scream. I don't want to give away anything, but when you get to this point you will know what I mean. You want to tell them... GET OFF / GET AWAY. You'll see what I mean... Now go on and read this book. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I've enjoyed it.
This is a very talented author and I look forward to reading more books of her.
June 22, 2024
Real, raw and simply amazing! It was such a tearjerker for me.
January 18, 2018
This is truly Fanetti at her finest...but don't expect her usual fare. Motorcycle clubs are still far in the future as Lady Nora Tate and William Frazier fall in love. Fanetti has managed to take two of my favourite genres (historical fiction and romance) and merge them seamlessly and oh-so beautifully. She's taken a topic that many women of our generation take for granted - women's right to speak for themselves - and layered it onto a beautiful love story. This book made me think, truly think...about the women who went before me and the fight they had to gain the vote. I don't know if I would have had half the courage these women had... And Fanetti has done her research here...while Nora is a fictional character, many of the events and certainly the attitudes and "treatments" she encountered, were real. This book will take you through a whole range of emotions, from outrage to sadness to joy...before its very satisfying conclusion.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone.
5+stars!
I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone.
5+stars!
January 18, 2020
DNF at 60%.
This book was long, dark and depressing. I don't read romance to be bludgeoned over the head with a relentless march of historical social justice events and trauma.
As I was reading this book was I overcome with the feeling that it was more an exercise in portraying all the major social-historic events that affected women than in telling an actual romance story. In that vein, it is fine as a grim hist-fiction book, but, imo, it is just not uplifting at all as a romance.
It takes place at the turn of the century where if anything at all happened then it touched on this one family. Even though the book is set in England, the older brother just happened to be in San Francisco during the big quake of '06 and got rescued by the hero. That is how the hero meets the heroine.
The heroine is a smart girl who doesn't want to just discuss being married, she wants to talk politics, dammit! And because of this she must be 'Hysterical'. This, of course, was the time of women suffrage (she becomes a suffragette) where women marched (she did that), went on hunger strikes (she did that) were put in prison (did that) diagnosed as hysterical (yup), exposed to quack medicine (that happened), put in a asylum (that too), subjected to all the bodily indignities (these happened... in excruciating, long, close up detail). By the time the hero surprises her with a voyage on the Titanic I was done.
This book was long, dark and depressing. I don't read romance to be bludgeoned over the head with a relentless march of historical social justice events and trauma.
As I was reading this book was I overcome with the feeling that it was more an exercise in portraying all the major social-historic events that affected women than in telling an actual romance story. In that vein, it is fine as a grim hist-fiction book, but, imo, it is just not uplifting at all as a romance.
It takes place at the turn of the century where if anything at all happened then it touched on this one family. Even though the book is set in England, the older brother just happened to be in San Francisco during the big quake of '06 and got rescued by the hero. That is how the hero meets the heroine.
The heroine is a smart girl who doesn't want to just discuss being married, she wants to talk politics, dammit! And because of this she must be 'Hysterical'. This, of course, was the time of women suffrage (she becomes a suffragette) where women marched (she did that), went on hunger strikes (she did that) were put in prison (did that) diagnosed as hysterical (yup), exposed to quack medicine (that happened), put in a asylum (that too), subjected to all the bodily indignities (these happened... in excruciating, long, close up detail). By the time the hero surprises her with a voyage on the Titanic I was done.
December 23, 2020
I loved how SF wove the history of women being granted the right to vote, the fight and the horrific treatment of those who fought. A great historical romance, but I wish the last 20% had more romance between Nora and William and less history about the American national fight for women’s suffrage.
April 18, 2025
5+ Stars
A memorable story of a young woman’s determination to be herself and the battles she fought to utter the final moving words in the epilogue.
I lost count of the times I experienced goosebumps as I witnessed Nora’s struggles through her story. This is a poignant book for our times.
Review:
A memorable story of a young woman’s determination to be herself and the battles she fought in order to proudly speak the final moving words in the epilogue. I was initially swept up into the story believing I had been transported back in time to an era long gone. The depiction of life for a young woman was an eye opener. It wasn’t that I was ignorant, but the deep connection I felt with Nora made it personal.
Nora was unable to conform, no matter how hard she tried.
Born with a strong spirit and an inquiring mind, she struggled to hold her tongue to save herself. Well that was until she saw the advantages of withholding information from others. Her saving grace came through the kindred spirits she found in others, especially her brother’s friend William who was her strongest advocate.
William appreciated Nora and was sympathetic to her frustrations with being forced to conform to society’s expectations. A strong supporter of his mother’s work for the suffragettes in America he was astounded by the violent opposition like-minded women faced in England. He also had to contend with the cultural difference between England and America, knowing his country would offer starkly different opportunities for her.
Nora knew marriage would bring her freedom but it would not be on her terms. To go from being included in vibrant conversation to relegated to an obedient silent wife was a horrifying image she found abhorrent. After having met William and experienced his warmth and genuine interest in her opinion, she could not settle for anything less.
As William was not considered a suitable match for Nora, they were quickly separated to spare her being tarnished for the kind of man her father intended she marry. The differing opinion yielded by the men in her life as to what was in Nora’s best interest was mixed with good intentions and blind determination to ensure she conformed to society’s expectations for an unwed lady of her standing.
The battles Nora encountered through her unconstrained thoughts or by being in the wrong place at the wrong time was heart wrenching. During her most vulnerable moments, the men who determined her fate made her life a living hell. Doing all they could to break her will for her own good only made her more defiant.
Her feistiness and zest for life had her on par with the heroines I admire in the dark and suspenseful genres I usually read. The steamy moments were well placed and beautifully written, even incorporating a moment or two of dirty talk! The amorous moments were sparse with opportunities limited for the fated lovers effectively heightening the forbidden aspects which were reverently upheld by the respect Nora and William had for each other.
I loved the moments in history where speculation about future infrastructure and the dismissive banter bandied about with the utmost authority by the men of the time. And then there were the moments where with the mere mention of a significant moment in time it was obvious they were headed into a catastrophe. As a reader, it was like I was watching in slow motion. In no time I forgot what I knew and again fell in step with the story being told and hoped what has been documented in history would pan out differently here.
The connection I felt towards both William and Nora was tangible. This book is teaming with scenarios and varying character reactions worthy of provoking stimulating discussions among readers. That said, there was some behaviour when aired in public, regardless of the era was inhumane and unacceptable.
Goosebumps covered my skin as I lost count of the moving scenes illuminating the hope I envisaged for Nora. There were times where the glimmer of light faded but what I was left with was a story that prompted me to look within to question my stance and support of others less fortunate.
I was lured to Never on Earth & Never in Heaven by the synopsis and by being an unapologetic fan of Ms Fanetti’s MC/Biker romance series. Historical romances are not a romance genre I am drawn to read. My reward for straying out of my comfort zone was an inspirational and entertaining story which I believe will hold universal appeal for readers regardless of their stance on the suffragettes of yesterday or the women who challenge contemporary opinions now. This is a generous poignant book for our times that captured my heart.
A memorable story of a young woman’s determination to be herself and the battles she fought to utter the final moving words in the epilogue.
I lost count of the times I experienced goosebumps as I witnessed Nora’s struggles through her story. This is a poignant book for our times.
Review:
A memorable story of a young woman’s determination to be herself and the battles she fought in order to proudly speak the final moving words in the epilogue. I was initially swept up into the story believing I had been transported back in time to an era long gone. The depiction of life for a young woman was an eye opener. It wasn’t that I was ignorant, but the deep connection I felt with Nora made it personal.
Nora was unable to conform, no matter how hard she tried.
Born with a strong spirit and an inquiring mind, she struggled to hold her tongue to save herself. Well that was until she saw the advantages of withholding information from others. Her saving grace came through the kindred spirits she found in others, especially her brother’s friend William who was her strongest advocate.
William appreciated Nora and was sympathetic to her frustrations with being forced to conform to society’s expectations. A strong supporter of his mother’s work for the suffragettes in America he was astounded by the violent opposition like-minded women faced in England. He also had to contend with the cultural difference between England and America, knowing his country would offer starkly different opportunities for her.
Nora knew marriage would bring her freedom but it would not be on her terms. To go from being included in vibrant conversation to relegated to an obedient silent wife was a horrifying image she found abhorrent. After having met William and experienced his warmth and genuine interest in her opinion, she could not settle for anything less.
As William was not considered a suitable match for Nora, they were quickly separated to spare her being tarnished for the kind of man her father intended she marry. The differing opinion yielded by the men in her life as to what was in Nora’s best interest was mixed with good intentions and blind determination to ensure she conformed to society’s expectations for an unwed lady of her standing.
The battles Nora encountered through her unconstrained thoughts or by being in the wrong place at the wrong time was heart wrenching. During her most vulnerable moments, the men who determined her fate made her life a living hell. Doing all they could to break her will for her own good only made her more defiant.
Her feistiness and zest for life had her on par with the heroines I admire in the dark and suspenseful genres I usually read. The steamy moments were well placed and beautifully written, even incorporating a moment or two of dirty talk! The amorous moments were sparse with opportunities limited for the fated lovers effectively heightening the forbidden aspects which were reverently upheld by the respect Nora and William had for each other.
I loved the moments in history where speculation about future infrastructure and the dismissive banter bandied about with the utmost authority by the men of the time. And then there were the moments where with the mere mention of a significant moment in time it was obvious they were headed into a catastrophe. As a reader, it was like I was watching in slow motion. In no time I forgot what I knew and again fell in step with the story being told and hoped what has been documented in history would pan out differently here.
The connection I felt towards both William and Nora was tangible. This book is teaming with scenarios and varying character reactions worthy of provoking stimulating discussions among readers. That said, there was some behaviour when aired in public, regardless of the era was inhumane and unacceptable.
Goosebumps covered my skin as I lost count of the moving scenes illuminating the hope I envisaged for Nora. There were times where the glimmer of light faded but what I was left with was a story that prompted me to look within to question my stance and support of others less fortunate.
I was lured to Never on Earth & Never in Heaven by the synopsis and by being an unapologetic fan of Ms Fanetti’s MC/Biker romance series. Historical romances are not a romance genre I am drawn to read. My reward for straying out of my comfort zone was an inspirational and entertaining story which I believe will hold universal appeal for readers regardless of their stance on the suffragettes of yesterday or the women who challenge contemporary opinions now. This is a generous poignant book for our times that captured my heart.
September 13, 2020
For anyone who loves an historical romance this book is for you. I love this author and I don’t think she’s ever wrote something I didn’t like. This book looks at the suffragette movement and what a journey the author takes us on. I’m not going to give anything away, I think you need to just delve in and have a read.
May 14, 2018
It was refreshing to read a historical romance that didn't try to romanticize or gloss over the times and made a point to show just how shitty things were for women in this period (though it still focuses on the aristocracy and white women, with only one offhand mention of black women and even then it's about black women in America). The events of this book just infuriated me. Can we just burn the patriarchy down already? JFC.
January 17, 2018
“Why do you get to decide? If we’ll make love, when we’ll make love, if I’m ready to make love, if we’ll argue, what I’ll enjoy, what I’ll regret, how I’ll feel, what I do, what I see, what I know, where I go, who I know, what I wear, how I act, what I think, who I am—why don’t I get to decide any of it?”
I have no idea where to start. Or what to say. It's all a terrible mess. But this is what I’ve got so far:
The favorite kind
This is my favorite kind of book. What kind is that? I have no idea. Books that hold so much that they become impossible to categorize are magic. And this was pure magic.
The characters
Do you ever find yourself reading a book only to realize you're standing up in bed, making some strange sound like you're being strangled because holy shit, this can't be happening? And then having to convince yourself everything is all right because the characters are not, in fact, real? Yeah, this turned out to be one of those books.
The journey
This was a journey back to a time when so many of the rights that I as a young(ish) woman today take for granted were considered insane. This was also a journey across the world: London, Dover, across the Atlantic to New York and over to San Francisco and then back to Kent, England again, finally ending in Washington, D.C. And who doesn't love to travel?
The writer
This was the first Susan Fanetti book for me. How completely, amazingly, stupidly stupid of me to not have read anything by her until now. This was my first Susan Fanetti book, but definitely not the last.
January 13, 2018
This book is so much more than a historical romance. Susan Fanetti has written an epic novel of stunning scope and breathtaking emotion. Nothing On Earth & Nothing In Heaven is her Magnum Opus. All I can say is that this book is more. More powerful than anything I've read in ages. The quality of her writing has reached a new level of perfection, creating a story and characters full of life and vividly real. Lady Nora Tate is a hero unlike any other, with a strength of spirit and an unrelenting thirst for independence. She's a Suffragette. William Frazier is a man among men. A futurist, unintimidated by women's equality, he embodies the bold frontier of California. I loved them as a couple. Their love story brought me to tears.
Set in Edwardian England, Nothing On Earth & Nothing In Heaven opens like many historical novels. The beautiful Lady Nora Tate has debuted for her first season; her father decides it's time for her to make a spectacular match and settle into London society's married life. She meets the handsome American tycoon William Frazier, a forward-thinking man who admires her spirit and intellect. Fanetti comfortably lulls the reader into thinking she will follow the trope. (I'm inserting an evil laugh here)! When Nora fails to comply with the constraints and expectations placed on her, her father tries to "fix" her. As the story unfolds, it reads like Dystopian fiction - EXCEPT the fight of the women's suffrage movement is TRUE. What follows is Nora’s uncertain itinerary through hell. Her chilling journey pays homage to the historical figures depicted in this book. They faced the atrocities done to them with courage and resilience to make a better place for the future of all women.
William Frazier's love, understanding, and respect for Nora, his unflagging loyalty, and willingness to support her but not insist on saving her made him swoon-worthy to me. When he encounters his trauma and accepts Nora's strength to bolster his own, I fell in love. Throughout the book, their romance (and incredibly hot sex) wove predominantly and pulled all the parts of this novel together.
Susan Fanetti has only begun to plumb the depths of her writing talent. I could feel the passion she has for her subject. Her in-depth research and attention to accuracy are evident. Capturing the horror of literally having no right to your own "self." Having a man decide every facet of your life. It's history all women need to know, and as relevant now as it was in 1910. Her ability to bring her characters back from the brink of despair, better and stronger, to find and keep the love they deserve will keep me coming back for more. I encourage everyone to read this book.
The factual content of women's suffrage in Nothing On Earth & Nothing In Heaven has been a subject close to my heart since I was I was a child. Thanks to my grandmother I have never taken my right to vote and have my voice heard for granted.
Set in Edwardian England, Nothing On Earth & Nothing In Heaven opens like many historical novels. The beautiful Lady Nora Tate has debuted for her first season; her father decides it's time for her to make a spectacular match and settle into London society's married life. She meets the handsome American tycoon William Frazier, a forward-thinking man who admires her spirit and intellect. Fanetti comfortably lulls the reader into thinking she will follow the trope. (I'm inserting an evil laugh here)! When Nora fails to comply with the constraints and expectations placed on her, her father tries to "fix" her. As the story unfolds, it reads like Dystopian fiction - EXCEPT the fight of the women's suffrage movement is TRUE. What follows is Nora’s uncertain itinerary through hell. Her chilling journey pays homage to the historical figures depicted in this book. They faced the atrocities done to them with courage and resilience to make a better place for the future of all women.
William Frazier's love, understanding, and respect for Nora, his unflagging loyalty, and willingness to support her but not insist on saving her made him swoon-worthy to me. When he encounters his trauma and accepts Nora's strength to bolster his own, I fell in love. Throughout the book, their romance (and incredibly hot sex) wove predominantly and pulled all the parts of this novel together.
Susan Fanetti has only begun to plumb the depths of her writing talent. I could feel the passion she has for her subject. Her in-depth research and attention to accuracy are evident. Capturing the horror of literally having no right to your own "self." Having a man decide every facet of your life. It's history all women need to know, and as relevant now as it was in 1910. Her ability to bring her characters back from the brink of despair, better and stronger, to find and keep the love they deserve will keep me coming back for more. I encourage everyone to read this book.
The factual content of women's suffrage in Nothing On Earth & Nothing In Heaven has been a subject close to my heart since I was I was a child. Thanks to my grandmother I have never taken my right to vote and have my voice heard for granted.
January 22, 2018
.
AMAZING, AWE-INSPIRING, EPIC are just a few words that I would use to describe this book. However, to do it justice is to have you read someone else's review, LOL. Here are two of my favorites:
Here is a review by Danielle: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here is a review by Charlene: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
.
AMAZING, AWE-INSPIRING, EPIC are just a few words that I would use to describe this book. However, to do it justice is to have you read someone else's review, LOL. Here are two of my favorites:
Here is a review by Danielle: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Here is a review by Charlene: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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January 16, 2018
This was one of the best books I've read. It incorporated so much that I love; history, romance, an honest look at events, WONDERFUL characters, hope, devastation and so much more. I don't have the words to adequately review this book except to say Read It.
June 18, 2018
This book is extraordinary. I am finding myself more and more drawn to historical romance and Susan Fanetti has written by far one of the best I've ever read. Considering it is a quite lengthy book, I never felt as if I wanted to rush through the pages. Each and every word is beautifully written and anyone would be foolish to skip even just one.
From the very start, I was drawn to Lady Nora Tate and her desire to break out of the norms that plagued her in the early 1900's England. This is a free spirit, perhaps in part created by her motherless childhood but I have to think this is simply a part of her DNA. I felt her pain in the too-tight corsets she had to endure and I felt victorious right along with her when she dared to speak her mind. I couldn't even imagine living in a time where women were to be seen and not heard. And with the current atmosphere of the #MeToo movement, this book couldn't be more timely. As the Suffragettes risked life and limb in those dark days, I cringed and gasped at the way these pioneers were treated. I have huge respect for those who came before us, who paved the way for women to be seen AND heard and for us to have the freedom to vote and to make a difference.
Within all the battles Nora faces and my goodness what she goes through is almost inconceivable in the name of Suffragette cause, the glorious respite she receives at the hands of William Frazier was almost enough to soothe all the pain and suffering she goes through. Oh this man. How he saw Nora as no one else did. How he wanted all of her feisty attitude to himself before it could be unleashed on the world. All that he does to save her in mind, spirit and body is nothing less than exceptional. His patience as she starts to explore her sexuality was wildly erotic and still very tender as he made sure she was ready and willing. And he is a man who could have anyone with his wealth and fine demeanor but Nora truly is his soulmate and I couldn't wait to see both of them flourish together, despite society's penchant for wanting to hold each of them back.
There is no way to properly explain just what a love so powerful can do to both strengthen and weaken a person's psyche. What Nora and William experience is simply unbelievable. Just when I thought they were on the right track to happiness, another wrench in their long road would threaten to destroy all they they had built together. But if perseverance had a name, it would be Nora and William. These two go through more than their fair share of agony and no one was more impressed by their drive to conquer their world, than me. Seeing both sides of the Suffragette movement, from the US standpoint and that of the UK, was both enlightening and fearsome. And to know that Nora and William would do anything possible to tip the scales in their favor for all of womankind was beyond selfless.
What Susan Fanetti has created with this beautiful and harrowing saga is a book beyond the typical and I couldn't be more thankful that I found this gem. Everything about it is what I crave when wanting to get lost in a story that spans many years and is able to combine fact with fantasy seamlessly. Her attention to detail and impeccable research made this book that much more engaging.
Nothing on Earth & Nothing in Heaven conquered both my heart and my soul and I cannot recommend it highly enough. A true bright light in the oft-times routine collection of stories out there, I happily give this book a HUGE 5+++++++++++ stars. This will definitely be at the top of my list for 2018.
From the very start, I was drawn to Lady Nora Tate and her desire to break out of the norms that plagued her in the early 1900's England. This is a free spirit, perhaps in part created by her motherless childhood but I have to think this is simply a part of her DNA. I felt her pain in the too-tight corsets she had to endure and I felt victorious right along with her when she dared to speak her mind. I couldn't even imagine living in a time where women were to be seen and not heard. And with the current atmosphere of the #MeToo movement, this book couldn't be more timely. As the Suffragettes risked life and limb in those dark days, I cringed and gasped at the way these pioneers were treated. I have huge respect for those who came before us, who paved the way for women to be seen AND heard and for us to have the freedom to vote and to make a difference.
Within all the battles Nora faces and my goodness what she goes through is almost inconceivable in the name of Suffragette cause, the glorious respite she receives at the hands of William Frazier was almost enough to soothe all the pain and suffering she goes through. Oh this man. How he saw Nora as no one else did. How he wanted all of her feisty attitude to himself before it could be unleashed on the world. All that he does to save her in mind, spirit and body is nothing less than exceptional. His patience as she starts to explore her sexuality was wildly erotic and still very tender as he made sure she was ready and willing. And he is a man who could have anyone with his wealth and fine demeanor but Nora truly is his soulmate and I couldn't wait to see both of them flourish together, despite society's penchant for wanting to hold each of them back.
There is no way to properly explain just what a love so powerful can do to both strengthen and weaken a person's psyche. What Nora and William experience is simply unbelievable. Just when I thought they were on the right track to happiness, another wrench in their long road would threaten to destroy all they they had built together. But if perseverance had a name, it would be Nora and William. These two go through more than their fair share of agony and no one was more impressed by their drive to conquer their world, than me. Seeing both sides of the Suffragette movement, from the US standpoint and that of the UK, was both enlightening and fearsome. And to know that Nora and William would do anything possible to tip the scales in their favor for all of womankind was beyond selfless.
What Susan Fanetti has created with this beautiful and harrowing saga is a book beyond the typical and I couldn't be more thankful that I found this gem. Everything about it is what I crave when wanting to get lost in a story that spans many years and is able to combine fact with fantasy seamlessly. Her attention to detail and impeccable research made this book that much more engaging.
Nothing on Earth & Nothing in Heaven conquered both my heart and my soul and I cannot recommend it highly enough. A true bright light in the oft-times routine collection of stories out there, I happily give this book a HUGE 5+++++++++++ stars. This will definitely be at the top of my list for 2018.
February 26, 2018
I really really enjoyed this book and will give it a 4.15. I know - weird rating but deserved just a bit more than 4 stars. I felt this way because it was a real treat to read a story where the plot was so different than most of the regency Romances out there. The beginning wasn’t so different but as the story progressed it became more and more dynamic. I had mixed feeling about the Titanic bit. Won’t say more as I do t want to give anything away but really enjoyed this. While the historical references were there, at times it felt like it might not have been so accurate in tone sometimes. But perhaps I am wrong. Either way this was an excellent book that I would highly recommend.
Read
January 26, 2018For the mean time .. DNF
January 31, 2018
Amazing love story, horrific, heartbreaking and accurate depiction of the suffragette movement in the early part of the 20th century. Ugh, what those brave women went through to give the rest of us a voice, choices and the right to vote. Utter respect for them and I truly felt the pain reading this book. There were many tears.
For the second half, I may have rolled my eyes when a certain historical event was included in the storyline. The author however didn’t make it too cheesy. How much more could this couple go through?!
Absolutely loved and admired Nora, gutsy, brave and honest to a fault. Her journey was horrific. William was sexy American, a true gentleman but I wasn’t a fan of him at the start, I don’t enjoy my heroes sleeping with other women once they’ve met the heroine. I like them to be all in. Even though we weren’t given graphic details, it still made me uncomfortable. I also didn’t like the virgin meets worldly, sexed up, “I can’t remember how many women I’ve had” bachelor trope. Edwardian England must have been a restricting, difficult period for any woman. Besides all that, the book was amazing and unforgettable. Hats off to Susan Fanetti for the incredible research.
For the second half, I may have rolled my eyes when a certain historical event was included in the storyline. The author however didn’t make it too cheesy. How much more could this couple go through?!
Absolutely loved and admired Nora, gutsy, brave and honest to a fault. Her journey was horrific. William was sexy American, a true gentleman but I wasn’t a fan of him at the start, I don’t enjoy my heroes sleeping with other women once they’ve met the heroine. I like them to be all in. Even though we weren’t given graphic details, it still made me uncomfortable. I also didn’t like the virgin meets worldly, sexed up, “I can’t remember how many women I’ve had” bachelor trope. Edwardian England must have been a restricting, difficult period for any woman. Besides all that, the book was amazing and unforgettable. Hats off to Susan Fanetti for the incredible research.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2018
Not sure how she can top this.
Susan Fanetti can write any genre to perfection. This sweeping, engrossing historical fiction book proves it. Lady Nora is the daughter of a widowed British Earl who raises her to think for herself and speak her mind when she's a young girl. When it's time to find a husband, this becomes a problem. She meets William Frazier, her brother's American friend and they are immediately drawn to each other. This story is not your typical romance, but a heartwrenching struggle to be together. The women's suffrage movement in England and America is a large part of this story and parts are hard to read. But there are wonderfully romantic, beautiful parts as well that make it all worth the hard parts. An amazing book.
Susan Fanetti can write any genre to perfection. This sweeping, engrossing historical fiction book proves it. Lady Nora is the daughter of a widowed British Earl who raises her to think for herself and speak her mind when she's a young girl. When it's time to find a husband, this becomes a problem. She meets William Frazier, her brother's American friend and they are immediately drawn to each other. This story is not your typical romance, but a heartwrenching struggle to be together. The women's suffrage movement in England and America is a large part of this story and parts are hard to read. But there are wonderfully romantic, beautiful parts as well that make it all worth the hard parts. An amazing book.
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